
Replacing a Failed Gate System with a Custom Designed Steel Driveway Gate & Automated Entry Solution
Custom Built Driveway Metal Gate Installation in Elizabeth, CO: Security, Convenience & Reliability
At First Rate Fence & Access Control, we recently completed a custom residential driveway gate installation for a homeowner in Elizabeth, Colorado who was frustrated with an unreliable gate system that had ultimately failed.
The property’s existing gate operator was a cheap, lower-quality unit that not only stopped working but actually damaged the gate itself during the failure process. The homeowner wanted a solution that would provide long-term reliability, improved security, and modern remote access capabilities.
Our team designed, fabricated, and installed a custom-built 16-foot steel driveway gate paired with a solar powered premium automated gate operator and smartphone-based access control system.

Custom Fabricated 16-Foot Steel Driveway Gate – Solar Powered
Every property is different, which is why we custom fabricate our driveway gates to fit the specific needs of each customer.
For this rural Elizabeth, CO home owner, we built a heavy-duty 16-foot steel swing gate designed to withstand Colorado’s challenging weather conditions while enhancing the property’s curb appeal and security.
The gate fabrication process took approximately two weeks and included:
Precision steel fabrication
Custom sizing and fitment
Heavy-duty structural reinforcement
Professional powder-coated finish
Once fabrication was complete, the gate was professionally finished using our premium four-step coating process.
Superior Steel Powder Coating Process for Maximum Durability
Many metal gates begin rusting or fading because cutting corners to shave off costs during the metal finishing process. At First Rate Fence & Access Control, we don’t cut corners…we do things right! We take extra steps to ensure long-lasting performance.
Our four-step finishing process includes:
1. Sandblasting
The entire gate is sandblasted to remove grease, dirt, grime, and contaminants.
2. Priming
A professional-grade primer is applied to create maximum adhesion.
3. Powder Coating
The gate receives a durable powder-coated finish designed to resist chipping, fading, and corrosion.
4. Kiln Baking
The gate is kiln-baked to create a stronger bond between the steel and coating, resulting in a tougher, longer-lasting finish.
The result is a beautiful, durable gate that will continue looking great for years with minimal maintenance.
Premium Maintenance-Free Gate Hinges
One of the most overlooked components of any automated gate system is the hinge hardware.
Many competitors use inexpensive greaseable hinges that require ongoing maintenance and can eventually wear out or bind.
For our steel gates and this installation, we utilized premium internally sealed gate hinges that offer:
No maintenance required
Exceptional durability
Smooth gate operation
Long-term reliability
Protection from dirt, moisture, and debris
These heavy-duty hinges help ensure the gate continues operating smoothly year after year.
Solar-Powered Gate Automation
To provide reliable operation without the need for extensive electrical trenching, this project utilized a solar-powered gate automation system.
The gate is powered by a high-performance Lift Master Harmonic Swing Gate Operator, one of the strongest and most dependable residential gate operators available.
Benefits include:
Solar-powered operation
Reliable performance during power outages
Reduced utility costs
Heavy-duty lifting power
Smooth and quiet operation
Designed for long-term durability
The gate can be opened and closed with traditional remote controls as well as through a smartphone app.
Smart Phone App Access Control
Our remote-controlled smartphone app makes opening and closing your gate as easy as using a garage door opener.
This advanced system allows homeowners to control and monitor their driveway gate directly from their smartphone.
The app functions similarly to a garage door opener app but offers additional security and convenience features:
- Remote Gate Control
Open or close your gate from virtually anywhere. - Gate Status Monitoring
Instantly see whether your gate is currently open or closed. - Activity Tracking
Review how long the gate has remained open or closed. - Real-Time Notifications
Receive alerts whenever the gate opens or closes. - Visitor Access
Remotely grant access to family members, guests, contractors, or deliveries.
Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or simply inside the house, you’ll always know the status of your property’s entrance.
Professional Metal Gate Installation in Elizabeth, Colorado
Once the gate fabrication was complete, our installation team completed the project in approximately two days.
The final result provides the homeowner with:
Improved security
Convenient remote access
Reliable solar-powered operation
Smart phone controls and notifications
Low-maintenance hardware
Enhanced property value
Attractive, heavy-duty custom steel construction
Most importantly, the homeowner now has a dependable automated gate system built to last—without the frustrations caused by the previous operator failure.
Looking for an Automated Driveway Gate or Fence in Elizabeth, CO?
If you’re considering a custom driveway gate, gate automation system, or access control solution for your property, First Rate Fence & Access Control can help.
We design, fabricate, and install custom steel gates, solar-powered gate operators, access control systems, and automated entry solutions throughout Elizabeth, Castle Rock, Parker, Kiowa, and the Colorado Front Range.
Request a FREE Estimate!
Whether you’re replacing an existing driveway gate or building a new automated entry system from scratch, our experienced team can design a solution tailored to your property, security needs, and budget. AND don’t forget…we offer professional fencing of all types too!
Call First Rate Fence & Access Control today at (720) 458-4127 to schedule your free consultation.





















