Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right garage door company is crucial. Here’s a simple guide to help you make an informed decision:

Experience Counts:
First things first, look into the company’s history. How long have they been fixing and installing garage doors? If they're new, do they bring a wealth of prior experience in the industry?

Quality of Work:
This is where the rubber meets the road. Are their customers happy? Check out their customers’ reviews for glowing recommendations and a consistently positive track record.

Adherence to Codes:
To avoid any liability, confirm the company has the right insurance for their business and staff. A reputable company will have no issue sharing their certificate of insurance with you.

Insurance is Key:
It is important that the door dealer carry proper insurance on their business and employees. One checkpoint is to ask for a copy of the company's certificate of insurance. If they don't have one or hesitate to comply with your request, it could be a negative signal.

Financial Transparency:
Trustworthy companies are open about their financial stability. It’s okay to ask about it, especially if it gives you peace of mind.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

1. Avoid companies that sound too good to be true, lack a solid history, or have a questionable track record.
2. Steer clear of businesses that operate under multiple names.
3. Be cautious of companies not affiliated with established organizations like the Better Business Bureau or the International Door Association.
4. Subcontracting work can be a sign of inconsistency and lack of accountability, so it’s best to choose companies that employ their own skilled technicians.
5. Ensure they have proper liability and workers' compensation insurance.
6. A refusal to provide a free, written estimate is a cause for concern.
7. Professionalism extends to their fleet; unmarked vehicles are a red flag.

Choosing a steel garage door offers several advantages that make it a standout option:

• Pre-Painted Perfection: Steel doors arrive looking great straight out of the box, thanks to their factory-applied paint.
• Superior Warranties: Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with longer, more comprehensive warranties for steel doors.
• Ease of Upkeep: Steel doors demand less maintenance, freeing you from the hassle of frequent upkeep.
• Insulation Options: With the ability to insulate steel doors, you enhance energy efficiency, keeping your garage warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Even if your garage itself isn’t insulated, opting for an insulated door can still be a smart choice.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Insulated doors often have a more finished interior look, enhancing the inside appearance of your garage.
• Extended Warranties: They typically come with longer warranties, offering better protection for your investment.
• Enhanced Durability: The added insulation gives the door extra strength, making it less prone to dents and damage.
• Quieter Operation: Insulation can significantly reduce noise, both from the door’s operation and external sounds, making for a quieter garage environment.

R-value is a standardized measurement of thermal efficiency. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating properties.

Yes, in the world of steel, a lower gauge number means thicker material. So, 24-gauge steel is indeed thicker than 25-gauge.

Absolutely, we take care of removing and disposing of your old garage door when we install a new one for you, as part of our residential service.

While it's generally recommended to install a new door with a new track for optimal performance and safety, there are cases where your existing track can be reused. We can assess this during our free consultation.

Before our technicians arrive, please clear any clutter and make sure all vehicles are moved out of the garage. This ensures we have the necessary space to work efficiently and safely.

While DIY projects can be rewarding, the complexities of garage door installation and repair, especially dealing with torsion springs, require professional expertise. These components are under high tension and can lead to serious injuries or even fatal accidents if mishandled. Professionals are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure a safe, efficient job, saving you from potential risks and frustrations.

Garage doors typically use one of two types of springs: extension or torsion. Extension springs stretch along the track on either side of the door to lift it and are commonly found on single-car garage doors. For safety, these springs should always be used with safety cables. Torsion springs, mounted on a shaft above the door, are more durable and balance the door more evenly, making them suitable for double garage doors. Each type requires specific tools and knowledge for installation or repair.

Standard garage door sizes are usually measured in width (8', 9', 10', 12', 15', 16', 18') and height (6'6”, 7', 7'6”, 8'). However, not all sizes are readily available in stock, and other dimensions can be accommodated to fit your specific needs.

Yes, if the standard garage door sizes don't meet your requirements, we can provide custom-sized doors. Please reach out to discuss your unique dimensions and options.

An in-home estimate allows us to precisely evaluate your garage space, including the size of the opening, the condition of the surrounding framework, and any other factors that might affect the installation, like headroom and side clearance. This thorough assessment ensures we can provide an accurate quote. Phone estimates can offer a ballpark figure, but for precision and to account for any fluctuations in costs, an in-person visit is invaluable.

Absolutely, if the specific section of your garage door that needs replacement is identifiable and still available from the manufacturer, there's no need to replace the entire door. Replacing just the damaged or worn section(s) is definitely an option.

Yes, to ensure your garage door operates smoothly and has a long life, regular maintenance is crucial. We advise an annual service to check safety features, lubricate moving parts, and inspect for wear and tear on elements like cables, pulleys, and rollers. While maintenance helps in prolonging the door's life, it's important to note that it doesn't guarantee unforeseen issues like spring breaks.

Certainly! Painting your steel garage door to match or refresh your home's aesthetic is entirely possible and can be a great way to enhance curb appeal.

Modern garage door openers serve as a lock, making traditional locks unnecessary and potentially hazardous if used improperly. However, for added security or in cases where a garage door opener isn't installed, installing a lock is advisable, whether it’s a keyed lock for outside access or an interior side lock for manual operation.

When planning a new garage, the finished opening for the garage door should match the size of the door being installed. This ensures a proper fit and smooth operation once the door is installed.

The decision between chain, belt, and screw drive garage door openers depends on your specific needs. Chain drives, known for their longevity and reliability, are the go-to choice for most homeowners. Belt drives offer a whisper-quiet operation, making them ideal for garages attached to living spaces. On the other hand, screw drives provide a slightly slower motion, perfect for single-piece doors, ensuring a smooth operation.

Selecting the appropriate horsepower for your garage door opener ensures efficient and reliable operation. Available in 1/3, 1/2, and 3/4 horsepower models, the right choice typically depends on the size and weight of your garage door. For most residential doors, a 1/2 horsepower opener provides ample power, accommodating the needs of a well-balanced door with ease.

Regular testing of your garage door opener's safety reversing system is crucial for ensuring optimal functionality and safety. It's recommended to perform this test monthly. Begin by referring to the specific testing procedure outlined in your garage door opener's owner's manual. Generally, the procedure involves starting with the door in the up position and then initiating the closing process. As the door descends, apply moderate upward pressure approximately halfway down. The door should immediately reverse its direction. If it fails to do so, the force setting may need adjustment, or there could be an issue with the opener that requires repair or replacement. Additionally, you can perform a secondary test by placing a flat 2”x 4” piece of wood in the door's path while closing it. The door should reverse upon making contact with the wood. If it doesn't, prompt attention is necessary to address any potential safety concerns.

Most modern electric garage door openers function as self-locking mechanisms, rendering manual locks unnecessary. However, it's essential to ensure that any existing manual locks are disabled, particularly if they can be operated from outside the garage. This precaution prevents accidental engagement of the manual lock while the opener is in operation, minimizing the risk of damage or injury.

To switch your garage door from automatic to manual operation, follow these steps:

• Ensure the garage door is fully closed.
• Locate the red release cord attached to the garage door opener.
• Pull the red release cord down and away from the door. This action disengages the opener from the door mechanism.
• With the release cord pulled, the door can now be operated manually.
• Exercise caution when operating the door manually, especially if it has broken springs or cables.

Warning: Never pull the release cord while the door is in the up position, as this could cause the door to slam down unexpectedly, posing a risk of damage, injury, or even death.

Programming your car's Homelink system enables you to synchronize it with your garage door opener for seamless operation. Follow these steps to program your car's Homelink:

1. Prepare for Programming:

• Ensure your vehicle is parked outside the garage.
• Make sure no other remotes have been previously programmed to your Homelink system.

2. Initiate Programming Mode:

• Locate the built-in three-button Homelink remote in your vehicle.
• Press and hold the two outer buttons simultaneously. The red indicator light will begin flashing slowly.

3. Pair with Garage Door Remote:

• With the garage door closed, press and hold the button on the remote of the garage door opener you wish to program.
• While holding the remote button, press and hold the corresponding Homelink button in your car.
• Keep both buttons pressed until the Homelink indicator light starts flashing rapidly (this may take up to a minute), then release both buttons.
• Note: If your garage door opener utilizes rolling code technology, proceed to step four.

4. Sync with Garage Door Opener:

• Locate the "smart" button on the garage door opener power head, typically found in the garage.
• Press the "smart" button once. This action activates the garage door opener's programming mode.
• Quickly return to your vehicle within approximately 20 seconds.
• Press the Homelink button you just programmed in your car. Some openers may require multiple button presses for programming.

5. Refer to Vehicle Manual:

• For specific instructions tailored to your vehicle model, consult the owner's manual.
• Note that newer vehicles may have variations in the programming process.

By following these steps, you can successfully program your car's Homelink system to operate your garage door opener with ease and convenience.