Victoria Custom Gates

Victoria Custom Gates –  Service Area

Where does Victoria Custom Gates operate?

We serve Greater Victoria through the Cowichan Valley and up to Nanaimo, BC. Remote site visits on the Island available by request.

Do you offer free on‑site quotes?

Yes. We provide free on‑site assessments in Victoria, Saanich, Langford/Westshore, Duncan/Cowichan, Ladysmith, and Nanaimo to size your gate and discuss options.

What types of gates do you build and service?

Driveway gates (manual and automated), pedestrian gates, acreage/livestock gates, plus custom metal railings and CNC‑cut metal panels/inserts.

How long does a typical project take from quote to install?

Most standard driveway gates take 3–6 weeks depending on design, powder‑coat lead time, and opener availability. Repairs are usually same‑day or next‑day.

Are your gates built for coastal weather?

Yes—Island‑ready construction with galvanized or aluminum frames, sealed welds, powder coat finishes, and stainless hardware for salt‑air durability.

Driveway Gates – Design & Build (All Types)

Which is better for my driveway: swing or sliding?

Sliding or cantilever gates suit short/steep or windy driveways; swing gates work well on level approaches with room to open. We’ll recommend the best fit on site.

What gate materials do you offer?

Powder‑coated aluminum (light, corrosion‑proof), steel (heavy‑duty), and hybrid designs like cedar‑clad aluminum for a warm West Coast look.

How wide should a residential driveway gate be?

Many homes on the Island choose 12–14 ft clear opening for vehicle access. Rural/boat/RV access may need 14–16 ft. We’ll confirm during the site survey.

Do you fabricate custom designs?

Absolutely. We CNC‑cut patterns, house numbers, or logos and can match architectural styles, slopes, and existing fences or pillars.

What’s the typical cost of a driveway gate on Vancouver Island?

Manual gates often start in the low $4–6k range installed; automated systems typically start around $8–12k+ depending on size, finish, and opener package. We’ll provide a written quote.

Can you install between existing stone or wood posts?

Yes—if posts are plumb and structurally sound. Otherwise we can set new steel posts or sleeves to handle the weight and automation forces.

Automated Driveway Gates – Openers & Access

Which opener brands do you service and install?

LiftMaster, FAAC, and HySecurity are our primary systems for Island conditions. We also service many other common brands.

Do automated gates work during power outages?

Yes—most packages include battery backup for several cycles. You can also add a manual release and optional solar assist on suitable sites.

Can I control my gate from my phone?

Yes—Wi‑Fi/app controls, geofencing, temporary visitor codes, and activity logs are available. We’ll connect it to your home network during commissioning.

What safety features are included?

Photo‑eyes, safety edges, soft‑start/stop, obstruction sensing, and proper signage. We follow recognized automated gate safety standards (e.g., UL 325/CSA guidelines).

Do you install intercoms and cameras at the gate?

Yes—audio/video intercoms, keypads, RFID, and license‑plate/vehicle loop options. We coordinate low‑voltage wiring and trenching as needed.

Is solar power an option for my automatic gate?

Often yes on sunny, unobstructed sites with light daily usage. We’ll size panels/batteries based on cycles per day and Island winter daylight.

How do automated gates handle wind and storms?

We spec wind‑rated hinges, bracing, and appropriate opener torque. Sliding/cantilever designs reduce wind sail for exposed waterfront lots.

Can an existing manual gate be automated later?

Usually—if the frame and posts are strong and square. We may reinforce hinges, add stops, and route wiring before installing the operator.

What maintenance do openers require?

Annual service: check hinges/rollers, chain/belt tension, limits, battery health, and safety devices. Coastal sites may benefit from semi‑annual checks.

What warranties do you provide?

Manufacturer warranties on motors/control boards plus our workmanship warranty. We’ll detail coverage and maintenance requirements on your quote.

Manual Driveway Gates

Why choose a manual gate instead of automation?

Manual gates are budget‑friendly, simple, and great for low‑traffic or off‑grid sites. You can pre‑wire and upgrade to automation when ready.

What latch and lock options are available?

Heavy‑duty latches, keypad/mechanical locks, mag locks (with power), and pedestrian‑friendly latch sets. We’ll suggest coastal‑safe hardware.

Will a manual swing gate work on my sloped driveway?

Yes with design tweaks—raked frames, rising hinges, or opting for sliding/cantilever. We’ll measure slope and recommend the best approach.

Can you build double‑swing or single‑leaf gates?

We fabricate both. Double‑swing suits wider openings; single‑leaf works for narrower or space‑limited driveways.

Pedestrian Gates

Do you build pedestrian and garden gates to match my fence?

Yes—matching styles and finishes, including cedar‑clad aluminum for low maintenance and a seamless look with your fence or railing.

Are self‑closing hinges and locks available?

Yes—self‑closing hinges and child‑safe latches are common, especially for pool or backyard access. We’ll recommend hardware suited to your use.

Can pedestrian gates be integrated with intercoms or keypads?

Absolutely—wired/wireless keypads, card readers, or video intercoms can control both pedestrian and driveway entries.

What finishes work best near the ocean?

Powder‑coated aluminum or galvanized steel with marine‑grade hardware performs best against salt spray and wind.

Acreage / Livestock Gates

What styles of ranch or field gates do you offer?

Tube, mesh, or board‑style gates with heavy posts and long‑life hinges—built for tractors, trailers, and livestock handling.

How wide should a farm gate be?

14–16 ft is common for equipment access; 12 ft for smaller lanes. We’ll size openings for your vehicles and stock flow.

Do you offer deer or wildlife‑friendly designs?

Yes—taller frames, closer picket spacing, and mesh infill options to deter deer while protecting livestock.

Can acreage gates be automated?

Yes—solar‑ready openers, long‑range remotes, keypads, and vehicle loops are popular for rural Island properties.

Security Gates (Residential & Commercial)

What is a security gate vs a standard driveway gate?

A security gate prioritizes access control and intrusion resistance—stronger frames, anti‑climb designs, and integrated electronics (keypads, intercoms, cameras).

Which security gate styles do you offer?

Sliding and cantilever (best for high security and wind), double‑swing with heavy posts, and vertical‑lift/bi‑fold options for tight spaces.

What anti‑climb or privacy options are available?

Vertical pickets, tight spacing, topper spears, smooth‑top anti‑grip rails, and solid/CNC privacy panels. We match perimeter fencing for a continuous barrier.

How is access controlled for residents, staff, or deliveries?

Keypads, fobs/cards, vehicle loops, long‑range remotes, app control, time schedules, and temporary PINs for guests or trades.

Can the gate integrate with cameras or an alarm system?

Yes—video intercoms, CCTV at the entrance, and dry‑contact outputs to trigger NVRs/alarms. We coordinate with your security vendor when required.

What’s the difference between fail‑safe and fail‑secure?

Fail‑safe unlocks on power loss (common for life‑safety egress). Fail‑secure stays locked without power. We’ll recommend per use case and advise confirming code requirements with your authority having jurisdiction.

Do you provide emergency services access (e.g., Knox/lock boxes)?

Yes—local fire/EMS access options like Knox key switches or coded entry can be added. We’ll help you choose the right device for your municipality.

What safety features are required on security gates?

Photo‑eyes, safety edges, proper guards, signage, and obstruction sensing. We follow recognized automated gate safety practices (e.g., UL 325/CSA guidelines) and recommend you confirm any site‑specific code requirements.

How do you handle high traffic or commercial duty cycles?

We spec continuous‑duty operators, heavier rollers/rails, steel posts, and access controllers rated for frequent cycles with battery backup.

Can security gates be integrated with pedestrian turnstiles or man‑gates?

Yes—separate egress‑compliant pedestrian gates with door closers, mag‑locks or strikes, and panic hardware can be tied into the same access control.

Do you install bollards or barrier arms with security gates?

We can add fixed or removable bollards and pair a barrier arm for pre‑screening vehicles at busy entrances.

What maintenance schedule do you recommend for security gates?

Quarterly to semi‑annual service depending on traffic and environment: check hardware, rollers, chains, control boards, batteries, and all safety devices.

What about permitting or approvals for a secured entry?

Rules vary by municipality and site type (residential, strata, commercial). We’ll provide typical guidance and recommend you confirm with local planning/fire.

Metal Railings (Residential & Light Commercial)

What types of railings do you fabricate?

Deck, stair, balcony, and guard railings in aluminum or steel with powder‑coat finishes; custom patterns via CNC as desired.

Do you follow safety requirements for railing height and spacing?

We build to typical residential/commercial best practices and your plans. Always verify final specifications with your designer and local building authority.

Can you match existing railings or a design reference?

Yes—bring photos or plans. We can replicate profiles, posts, caps, and colours for a consistent look.

CNC Plasma Cutting – Panels & Inserts

What can you make with CNC plasma cutting?

Custom gate inserts, address/house numbers, privacy screens, signage, brackets, and decorative panels in steel or aluminum.

How thick can you cut and what sizes are possible?

We cut common sheet sizes and thicknesses used in gates/railings; large panels can be tiled. Share your design and we’ll confirm dimensions.

What finishes are available for CNC parts?

Raw steel, galvanized, or powder‑coated in durable colours. We recommend powder coat for coastal performance.

Repair, Service & Maintenance

Do you offer emergency gate repair in Victoria and Nanaimo?

Yes—priority service for stuck or partially open gates, opener faults, broken hinges, and safety device issues. Call for fastest response.

What are common automatic gate issues you fix?

Dead batteries, misaligned photo‑eyes, limit switch errors, worn rollers/hinges, chain/belt tension, and storm/wind damage.

How often should my gate be serviced?

Residential: annually; waterfront or high‑use: every 6 months. Maintenance keeps warranties valid and prevents costly breakdowns.

What should I check before calling for repair?

Confirm power/breakers, clear debris/ice from tracks, check photo‑eyes for dirt, and test the manual release. If issues persist, call us.

Permits & Site Considerations (General Info)

Do I need a permit for a driveway or automatic gate?

Requirements vary by municipality (Victoria, Saanich, Nanaimo, etc.). We’ll share typical setbacks/heights during your quote, and we recommend you confirm with your local building/planning office.

Are there rules for placing gates near the road?

Many municipalities and strata guidelines require gates to be set back from the property line and not obstruct sidewalks or sightlines. We’ll help you plan a compliant layout—please confirm final rules locally.

What about underground services when trenching for power?

We coordinate safe trenching routes and recommend contacting BC One Call to mark utilities before digging.

Process & Pricing

What’s included in your quote?

Site measurements, design specifications, materials/finish, opener package (if applicable), concrete/posts, wiring scope, timelines, and warranty details—no surprises.

What payment options do you accept?

E‑transfer, major cards, or cheque. Deposits are typical for custom fabrication; the balance is due at substantial completion.

Do you remove and dispose of old gates?

Yes—we can remove and recycle your old gate/fence materials as part of the project scope.

Need help deciding?

Book a free on‑site quote. We’ll bring photos, samples, and opener options suited to Vancouver Island’s coastal climate.

This page provides general information for BC homeowners and strata managers. Always confirm local requirements with your municipality or a qualified professional.