Garage Door FAQs

Repairing or replacing your garage door is a large undertaking, and we understand that a number of questions can arise even before you choose a style. We have tried to amass some of the most popular questions that our customers have had before, during, and after their garage door projects.

1. What should I do if my garage door is stuck?

The Internet has a lot of advice about what to do if your garage door gets stuck, but much of it involves actions that could damage to the door or another part of the garage. Your best bet is to contact the company that installed the door, or to call another reputable garage door repair company that does service and repair for garage doors.

2. Why won’t my garage door open when it’s cold?

There are several reasons why your garage door won’t open in the cold weather. For one, the metal may have contracted, leading the springs on the door to seize up.

Grease can also cause garage door issues. If lubrication gets on the door’s tracks, it can cause the wheels to become misaligned. In cold weather, grease can also harden and prevent the door from closing.

Another reason may be that your rollers have simply worn down. Acquiring replacement rollers is an easy remedy to this particular problem.

Of course, if there’s been a lot of precipitation lately, the problem is likely that your garage door has frozen shut.
What do I Do if my Garage Door Freezes?

From the inside, pull the emergency release to allow the door to be operated manually. This is important to do when the garage door freezes because running the motor when the door is iced shut may cause the motor to burn out. Try to pull the door up. If it is really stuck, scrape what ice you can from the bottom of the door on the outside. It may be helpful to run a heat gun or blow dryer over the bottom, although this may take some time. In a pinch, you may pour hot water across the bottom edge of the garage door, but be careful in case it freezes quickly and creates a slippery surface.

To prevent this problem from recurring, you should apply a weather seal to your garage door.

3. Do I need my garage door repaired or replaced?

While it can be alarming if your garage door suddenly stops working, this often means that the problem is relatively easy to repair. Other problems, such as a door that seems too heavy when you try to lift it, may indicate that there is not enough tension in the mechanism – which is also usually a simple fix. In the case of physical damage or wear, garage door repair may be as simple as replacing a single
panel.

Garage door replacement may be necessary when a door is rusted, heavily scratched, cracked, or warped. Heavy damage may compromise the opener, track, springs, or other parts of the mechanism. It is not always obvious when a door is stressed enough to pose a safety hazard. A professional garage door inspection can help assess whether the door is damaged or worn enough that it requires replacement.

4. How do I pick a garage door?

There are many different garage door styles, and you should choose a type that blends with the design of your home. You will also need to make several other aesthetic decisions, such as selecting the door’s color and the appropriate type of windows.

Insulation is another important deciding factor. A poorly insulated door can contribute to increased energy costs, so you should always select a garage door that has a high level of energy efficiency.

Finally, you must consider garage door safety before making a purchase. The door must be able to protect your home and prevent user injury, so it should be outfitted with all of the
necessary protective equipment.

5. What garage door styles are available?

We have many different garage door styles for you to choose from. Some of the most popular designs include steel, wood, and carriage house garage doors. The style you choose will depend on the features you want, the look you’re going for, and other factors.

Steel Doors

Steel garage doors are perfect for improving home security. They are incredibly sturdy and will not yield to people who attempt to force their way into your home. These doors are also capable of improving the overall value of your home.
Another benefit is that a steel garage door generally requires less maintenance. It
arrives pre-painted with a durable factory coating. Steel doors benefit from a periodic washing with warm water and a household cleaner but need little more to look good.

Wood Doors

A wood garage door can give your home a unique, rustic
appearance. It will, however, need to be primed and painted or stained. The finish should be inspected regularly for signs that a touch up may be necessary.

Carriage House Doors

Popular at the turn of the century, carriage houses were designed to accommodate people’s horses and buggies. Side-hinged, double doors served as the entryways to these
structures. Many garage door manufacturers have appropriated this style in order to create the modern carriage house garage door. These doors are available in a variety of colors and designs, and they are a popular choice for those looking to install a new garage door.

These are just a few of the door styles that we offer. Each door style has its own set of benefits, and we can help you find the right one for your home.

6. When should I replace my garage door?

As your garage door gets older, sections of it can begin to sag or bend, making it difficult to close the door. There are also many pieces of equipment on the door that can degrade over time. When these devices are compromised, additional stress is placed on your door, which causes breakdowns to occur. You should consider replacing a garage door if it becomes difficult to close or begins to malfunction.

7. What is the safest garage door type?

A steel garage door has several protective features and some formidable strength, so it provides your family with increased security. It’s great for not only keeping out intruders but also for keeping fingers and limbs from being pinched or crushed by the garage door and its mechanisms. As long as you operate it safely, a steel garage door can offer you many different forms of security and protection.

8. How do I measure for a garage door?

In order to properly measure for a garage door and prepare for an effective installation, you will need to focus on several different areas of your garage’s entryway. Measure the width of the opening or the distance between the left and right sides of your garage. Next, measure the height of the entryway as well as the area between the top of the door and the ceiling. The final measurement you must record is the distance from the entryway to the rear of the garage. All of this information will be useful when the time comes to install a new door.

If you have a custom-built garage, don’t worry; we can install a custom door that fits on your garage, even if the opening is not a standard size.

9. Do I need a lock on my garage door?

Whether or not you need a lock on the garage door depends on the type of garage door opener you have installed. A lock is not necessary if you have an electric garage door opener, as it would be nearly impossible for a criminal to manually open the door. Some older openers, though, still allow the door to be lifted from the outside. If you have this kind of opener, then a lock should be installed to help you maintain garage door security.

10. What is the minimum headroom required to operate a sectional door?

Most garages require a headroom of around 12 to 18 inches between the opening header and the ceiling. However, we can customize your garage door and install a track that is tailored to your garage. A low-headroom track, for example, can be installed on a sectional garage door and operate in an area that only has about nine inches of headroom. There are several other track options available that could be appropriate for the particular style of your garage door.

11. What routine maintenance does a garage door need?

Garage door maintenance may not be a high priority for most homeowners, but regular care will go a long way to ensuring that your garage door performs reliably. You should inspect your door at least once a year, but preferably every three months. Check for dents, cracks, and other physical damage or wear. If you have a wood garage door, make sure that its stain or paint is holding up.

Next, clean the door track with a damp cloth. Add a silicone-based spray or white lithium grease lubricant to whatever parts of the mechanism need it. Realign sensors, if necessary, simply by moving them back into their proper position. If the door is having trouble closing all the way, reset the opener. To do so, you should unplug the opener from the power source, wait 10 seconds, and power it up again. Lastly, close the door completely and wash the exterior with a mild detergent and water.

12. What lubrication should I use on my garage door?

Not all garage door lubricants are effective. While some sources advise using a light machine oil, oily substances can attract dirt and debris, causing parts to function below peak. WD-40 is not a good choice either because it actually functions to clean parts, not lubricate them.

White lithium grease is a durable, non-staining, spray-on lubricant that effectively reduces friction between both similar and dissimilar materials. It does not run, freeze, gum up, or cake. Another good option is a silicone-based spray lubricant.

It should be noted that no lubricant is recommended for plastic parts or for garage door tracks.

13. How do I know if my door is properly balanced?

You can perform a simple DIY garage door balance test if you’re worried about your door’s balance. First, close the door and detach the automatic opener. From the middle of the door, lift it halfway up and let it go. Be prepared to catch the door if it falls too swiftly. If it does, the tension is too weak. If the door rises when you release it, then the tension is too great. You will know if your garage door is balanced if it stays put when you let go.

14. What type of spring is better – extension or torsion?

The better type of garage door spring is always a torsion spring. This is because:

A torsion spring balances the weight of the door better than an extension spring does. Torsion springs are sturdier and last longer than extension springs. Though they may cost more money to
install, these devices will last anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 cycles. Extension springs, on the other hand,
will only last for about 10,000 cycles. Extension springs can be quite dangerous if you have a malfunctioning garage door. People have reported occurrences of extension springs breaking and flying through windows and windshields. Torsion springs do not malfunction in this way.

15. What are the quietest garage doors?

Any garage door that is properly installed and maintained will not make noise itself. Openers, on the other hand, may vary. In general, the quietest garage door opener will be one that operates on a belt-drive. A belt-driven opener produces far less noise than a chain-driven mechanism, although recent advancements in opener technology have improved noise levels across the board.

16. What’s the best garage door opener?

If you need a replacement garage door opener, you must carefully consider your wants and needs. Your first choice is whether to get a heavy duty, standard duty, or light duty opener. Heavy duty openers are primarily for people who frequently open their garages, standard duty models are for people who raise their garages on a less frequent basis, and light-duty openers are for those who open their garages only sporadically. To find the right opener for you, simply consider how often you use the garage door over the course of a year.

Next, you need to choose what type you want. There are five basic types of garage door openers:

Chain-drive openers utilize a chain wrapped around a rail. They are dependable but can be a bit noisy.

Belt-drive openers function in a similar way, but they have a metal-reinforced rubber, polyurethane, or
fiberglass belt instead of a chain. These types are quieter and usually somewhat more expensive.

Screw drive openers work with a trolley that rides on a threaded steel rod. Traditionally, these economic
openers have functioned best in climates with no dramatic shifts from hot to cold.

Direct-drive openers refer to a range of openers, but the term generally means that the chain remains
stationary while the motor moves.

Jackshaft openers are side-mounted openers that are useful in situations where the ceiling cannot support an overhead fixture.

17. What garage door automation options are available?

There are now a wide variety of options for applying the latest remote technology to your garage door. Mobile phone applications allow a homeowner to open, close, and monitor the garage door from a smartphone. You can also set the door on a timer, set an alarm, turn lights off and on, and be notified in the event of any unauthorized motion. Remote operations may be enabled through Bluetooth or with the help of the Ethernet. Smart garage doors may also stay powered-up when the electricity goes out with the use of battery back-ups.

18. How do I clean a steel garage door?

To clean a steel garage door, simply dilute one cup of cleaner in five gallons of water and scrub the steel door, then rinse off with a hose or pressure washer. Use the same techniques to clean the inside of the door. If the inside of the door is fairly clean already, you can simply use a broom to clear away dust or cobwebs instead of completely washing.

19. Can I paint my steel garage door?

You can paint your garage door if you want to, but you don’t have to. As long as the enamel finish is intact, you don’t really need to add another coating. However, some people get tired of having their door remain the same color all the time, and if you get new siding or roofing, you might want to repaint the steel door to match. In addition, you should repaint if the door has any bare metal showing. If you do choose to paint it, you’ll have clean the garage door regularly to maintain the color and prevent rust.

20. How do I clean a wood garage door?

First, make sure that there are no cracks or chips in your paint or varnish. If there are, then water can seep through and damage the wood. Wood garage doors can be cleaned with a solution of water and simple household detergent; mix one cup of detergent in five gallons of water and wash the door with a cloth or soft brush. You should rinse with plain water after washing. Some people choose to use power washers, which blast away any trace of dirt or grime, but caution should be used since pressure washers can damage softer woods. Your garden hose is almost always sufficient. Let the door dry for a day or two before painting or varnishing the wood.

In Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding Texas cities, call 972-254-4040 or 817-633-3119.
In Austin TX area cities, call 512-447-3667.
In Houston and surrounding communities, call 713-222-1500 | 281-752-7100.

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