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Common Garage Door Questions Answered by Experts
Garage doors play a key role in keeping your home safe, maintaining your unique style, and working efficiently. Still, many people take them for granted, and quickly scramble to get them fixed when something goes wrong. From loud openers to stuck doors, this guide answers the most common garage door questions with expert tips and helpful solutions.
Common Garage Door Questions Answered by Experts
Why Won’t My Garage Door Open or Close?
If your garage door won’t open or close, the issue could range from something simple to a more complex mechanical failure. Dirty or misaligned safety sensors or a disrupted power supply can cause the problem.
Sometimes, the motor or track system is the cause of the problem. Check for anything blocking the door or a power issue before calling a professional. The opener and spring systems are separate; however, they work together to ensure the ease of use and safety of your garage door.
A common & more serious issue is broken springs. Torsion springs raise and lower the weight of the door. Torsion springs work as a pair; if one is broken, it’s ideal to replace both. If the springs are broken, we highly recommend not using the door until they’re replaced, as it’s extremely dangerous and could cause more issues with your door & motor.
What Causes Broken Springs?
One of the most frequent service calls involves broken springs. These critical components lift and lower the door using heavy tension. Over time, they weaken and eventually snap, making it impossible for the door to move.
Never attempt to fix this yourself. Broken or faulty garage door springs can be extremely dangerous without proper tools and experience.
When Should You Repair Your Garage Doors?
If your system makes unusual noises, jerks when operating, or fails to respond, it may be time for a garage door repair. Small issues, if left unchecked, can lead to serious long-term damage.
Call Empire Garage Doors to give you a free consultation or repair your garage doors at the first sign of trouble. Whether it’s a misaligned track or damaged rollers, timely intervention helps prevent major repairs later. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to the largest opening of your home.
Repairs or Replacements: How Do I Decide?
One of the most common garage door dilemmas is whether to fix a faulty door or invest in a new one. If you’re experiencing recurring problems or dealing with older equipment, full replacement is far more cost-effective and may lower insurance costs due to updated windloads.
However, if the issue is isolated, such as a dead opener or springs, a targeted repair may be enough. Always weigh cost, safety, and the age of your door system before deciding between repairs and replacements. Garage Doors & motors typically last about 20 years, in the Florida heat and humidity, they could break down even quicker.
What Are the Types of Garage Door Systems?
There are several types of garage door systems used in residential applications. Each dis esigned for different needs and style preferences.
Material choices, color, and panel aesthetics also vary. Wood offers a highly unique appeal, however requires constant, costly maintenance, especially in SWFL. While aluminum and steel provide great looks, durability, and lower maintenance needs.
What’s the Difference Between Chain Drive and Belt Drive?
Chain drive openers use a one-piece steel chain to lift the door and are valued for their affordability, strength, and DC quiet motors.
Belt drives use a rubber belt for a quieter, smoother experience and possess more features. It’s ideal for homes with bedrooms near the garage and offers a quiet and smooth operation overall.
How Often Should I Perform Regular Maintenance?
Routine care is important to extend the lifespan of your garage door. Regular maintenance is recommended every 6 months; this helps keep the system working smoothly and prevents costly repairs down the road.
- Lubricate all moving parts, such as rollers, hinges, and tracks
- Inspect cables and springs for signs of wear
- Test safety features and sensors
- Tighten loose bolts and brackets
Why Is My Remote Not Working?
If your remote controls stop working, first check the batteries. If that doesn’t fix the issue, the problem may lie in the signal or the receiver unit. Probably time for a new one. Typically, in the tropical Florida climate, the electric boards in remotes & keypads last up to 7 years.
Why Buy a High-Quality Garage Door?
A high-quality door should be built with durable materials, proper insulation, and feature modern safety mechanisms. Your garage door can affect your home’s overall energy efficiency, especially if it’s attached to the house. Insulated doors help control indoor temperatures and reduce energy bills. American manufacturers like Amarr & Haas offer tremendous options.
Look for doors with durable hardware, corrosion-resistant finishes, and secure locking systems for both performance and peace of mind.
When Should I Contact a Professional?
It’s important to contact a professional if your door makes alarming sounds, moves unevenly, or won’t move at all. These symptoms can signal hidden damage or safety hazards. Ultimately, it might need to be replaced.
In particular, torsion spring issues should always be handled by trained specialists. Looking above the top panel and seeing a spring in multiple pieces means a broken spring; replacing springs is extremely unsafe. Empire Garage Doors can diagnose problems quickly and ensure safe, lasting repairs.
Need Help? Contact an Expert to Answer Your Common Garage Door Questions
Whether you’re unsure about your opener or facing a sudden, unusual malfunction, addressing common garage door issues early helps maintain safety and convenience.
Don’t wait until a minor issue turns into a major repair. Reach out to Empire Garage Doors to assess, fix, and maintain your garage door system for the long term.
Empire Garage Doors of Naples
Don’t let garage door issues disrupt your daily life. Contact us to restore your garage door’s functionality and enhance your home’s curb appeal and security.
Empire Garage Doors offers a wide range of hurricane-impact-rated garage doors to meet every customer’s needs. Our doors are built with the highest quality standards, exceptional style, and are made right here in the USA. Being a local family-run company with our expert technical knowledge and exceptional customer service, you can trust Empire Garage Doors to deliver superior products and service.
