Free on-site gate assessment - hinges, posts, and your LiftMaster or Nice gate operator checked before anything is quoted
The assessment is free and the quote is the invoice.
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AfterWeld & Rust Repair in Arlington, TX
Our Gate Repair services for weld and rust issues on residential gates in Arlington typically cost between $150 and $450, depending on the severity of the structural damage and the amount of metal that needs to be replaced. We can usually complete these repairs on-site, meaning we fix the gate right in your driveway without the hassle of hauling it off to a shop. If your gate is dragging on the concrete, the hinges are pulling away from the post, or the frame has rusted through, call us at (817) 241-4067. We offer upfront pricing and a free second opinion on any written estimate you have received.
I am Hal Gatewood, and at Gatewood Fence & Gate, we believe that most gates are built to last a lifetime if they are maintained properly. Many companies in the Arlington area will look at a rusted hinge or a cracked weld and immediately tell you that you need a brand-new gate. That is almost never the truth. Since 2001, I have been fixing what other companies want to replace. We specialize in bringing life back to existing iron and steel gates by addressing the root cause of the failure, not just putting a bandage on it. Whether you are dealing with a sagging entry gate in Dalworthington Gardens or a rusted-out latch assembly in Pantego, we have the tools and the experience to handle it. You can learn more about our full range of services on our main Gate Repair in Arlington page.
When You Need Weld & Rust Repair
Rust and weld failure are not just visual problems; they are structural issues that affect the safety and security of your home. In North Texas, the humidity levels and the constant cycle of heat expansion and contraction put significant stress on metal joints. Here are the common signs that you need a professional repair:
- The Gate is Dragging: If the bottom of your gate is scraping against the driveway, it usually means the hinge post has shifted or the welds holding the hinges have failed. This puts immense strain on your gate motor-like a FAAC or Viking system-which will eventually burn out if the gate is not moving freely.
- Visible Flaking Rust: Surface rust is one thing, but if you can poke a screwdriver through the metal or if the rust is “bubbling” underneath the paint, the structural integrity of the steel is compromised.
- Loose or Rattling Pickets: If individual pickets are loose or have fallen off, the gate is no longer secure. We can weld these back in place properly so they do not rattle every time the wind blows.
- Hinge Separation: When you see a gap between the hinge plate and the post, the weld has likely snapped. This is dangerous, as the entire weight of the gate is now relying on the remaining, stressed welds.
- The “Clunk” Sound: If you hear a loud metallic clunk when the gate starts or stops, it is a sign of play in the hinges or a broken mount. That sound is the metal telling you it is about to break.
If you see any of these signs, do not wait for the gate to fall. A heavy iron gate can cause serious injury if it comes off its hinges. Because of the weight involved, these are not projects for a weekend DIY attempt. I always recommend calling a professional welder who understands how to balance and hang a gate. If you are not sure what you are looking at, call us at (817) 241-4067, and I will be happy to talk you through it.
Our Weld & Rust Repair Process
We do not believe in temporary fixes. When I show up to your property, my goal is to make the repair stronger than it was when the gate was new. We follow a strict process to ensure the work lasts, which is why we back every job with our 90-Day Done Right Promise. If it is not fixed right, we make it right.
- Assessment: I first inspect the gate to see if the rust is surface-level or if the metal has thinned to the point where it needs a patch or a full replacement section. We check the gate alignment and the condition of the hinges and posts.
- Surface Preparation: You cannot weld to rust. We use high-speed grinders to remove all paint, debris, and corrosion until we reach clean, bare steel. This is the step most “handyman” services skip, leading to welds that pop off after a few months.
- Structural Welding: Using professional-grade welding equipment, we fuse the joint or patch the hole. We ensure the penetration is deep enough to hold the weight of the gate, especially for heavy ornamental iron designs.
- Reinforcement: If we find that the original design was weak, we add bracing or gussets to distribute the weight better. This is standard practice when we work on brands like BFT or Linear, where the motor relies on a rigid gate frame to operate smoothly.
- Protection: Once the weld is cool, we clean the area and apply a high-quality primer and paint to seal the metal from the Texas weather. This prevents the rust from coming back immediately.
My name is on the shop, and I have been doing this work since 2001. When you call us, you are not getting a dispatch queue or a call center. You are getting a live person who knows the difference between a quick tack weld and a structural repair. We take pride in the fact that our repairs stay fixed.
Weld & Rust Repair Pricing in Arlington
We believe in upfront pricing. You should never be surprised by a bill when the work is finished. While every gate is different, we have provided a general guide below to help you understand what to expect. Please note that we offer a permanent 10% discount for seniors and veterans, and we take $40 off any repair over $200.
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small Picket or Latch Weld | $150 – $250 |
| Hinge Re-welding & Alignment | $200 – $350 |
| Structural Frame/Post Patching | $300 – $450+ |
If you have an existing written estimate from another company, I will give you a free second opinion. Often, I find that other companies are quoting for a full gate replacement when a simple $250 weld repair would solve the problem. There is no trip charge for jobs inside the county. Call (817) 241-4067 to get an honest assessment and an exact price for your specific gate.
FAQs - Weld & Rust Repair
Can you fix my gate on-site?
Yes, we perform nearly all weld and rust repairs right in your driveway. We carry portable welding equipment specifically for this purpose, so you do not have to worry about the security risk of leaving your property open or paying to have the gate hauled away and re-installed.
How do I know if the gate is too far gone to repair?
If more than 50% of the structural frame is pitted with deep, flaking rust or if the main support posts have rotted out at the base, it is usually more cost-effective to replace the gate. However, I am honest about this; if I can fix it safely and make it last, I will tell you. We are not interested in selling you a new gate if yours still has years of life left in it.
Why is my gate sagging even though it looks okay?
The issue is almost always in the hinge post or the weld connecting the hinge to the frame. Even a tiny amount of movement at the top hinge translates into inches of sag at the latch end. We specialize in Gate Realignment and reinforcing the hinges so they swing true again.
Do you work on all gate brands?
We are certified for Automatic Gate Repair on nine major brands, including LiftMaster, FAAC, BFT, Linear, Viking, Ghost Controls, DoorKing, Elite, and Mighty Mule. Regardless of the brand, the steel frame is what we are welding, and we have the experience to ensure the repair does not interfere with the sensors or the motor operation.
If your gate is struggling, do not wait until the motor breaks or the gate falls over. A quick repair now saves you from a major replacement bill later. I am Hal Gatewood, and I stand behind every weld we make with my 90-Day Done Right Promise. Call us today at (817) 241-4067 for a free estimate, or visit our home page to see how we handle everything from motor service to complete gate maintenance.
Written by Hal Gatewood, Owner at Gatewood Fence & Gate, serving Arlington.