When should I replace a garage door with a new one?

A. If your garage door does not operate, the door is a potential hazard. Do not try to fix on your own, instead contact a professionally trained garage door dealer. Another reason to replace a garage door is to enhance your home’s curb appeal. According to the 2010 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, garage door replacement is the #2 remodeling project in regards to return on investment. The report states that replacing your garage door will return 84% of the cost at the time of home sale. Lastly, your current garage door may be fading, sagging and just in need of a replacement. If you have a wood garage door that needs re-painting, replacing it with a new pre-painted steel garage door may be a better value. Painting a garage door adds significant weight to a door which may affect the spring and the performance of the garage door and opener.

My garage has very little space (headroom) above the door. What is the minimum headroom required to operate a sectional door?

A. Standard headroom applications require 12″ to 18″ of space between the bottom of the opening header and the unobstructed ceiling. However, A variety of special track options is available and makes it possible for many unusual garages to be fitted with doors. By using low-headroom track, it is possible to install a door with a garage door opener in an area that has as little as 9-1/2″ of headroom.
Other special track applications include:

1) Vertical lift track, for use in situations where the ceiling is extremely high and the garage door has room to lift straight up.

2) Follow-the-roofline track, which is used when the ceiling of the garage is pitched at the angle of the roof, making it desirable for the door to follow the same angle, thus providing additional overhead room.

3) Hi-lift track, which is used when the ceiling is unusually high, but the door must still retract to a horizontal position.

Do I need to have the windows at the top of the door?

A. Windows can be placed in any section of the door layout. We recommend window placement in the top or second to the top door section for the most natural lighting and security.

What type of spring is better…extension or torsion?

A. The two types of springs used on garage doors today are extension and torsion springs. Extension springs are attached on either side of the door and stretch along the horizontal track when the door is closed. Torsion springs are typically located just above the top section of the door and are mounted to the header. They are wound springs and do not expand or contract when the door is moved. Torsion springs are a better choice because they balance the weight of the door better than extension springs for smoother operation and safety

How do I know if my door is properly balanced?

A. There are several tests you can perform to tell if your door is balanced. Before testing your door, disengage you electronic opener.

1) Raise your door in 1′ increments, and the door should stay in place.

2) When you lower the door, the door lowers in a controlled manner and doesn’t slam down.

3) When you raise the door, the door rises at a controlled pace.

4) When the door is fully-raised in the open position, the bottom of the door should be aligned with the bottom of the header of the door opening.

How do I know if my garage door can be repaired with a service call or if I just need to replace the garage door?

A. The best way to determine if a garage door can be repaired through service or needs replacement is to call a professionally trained garage door dealer near you. Depending on the issues, a door may just need servicing (like a 3,000 mile car oil service), a few new parts, a new section or a door replacement. Many times, the issue is not the garage door, but the garage door opener needs replacement or servicing.

Why would my garage door need service?

A. A garage door raises and lowers with the assistance of springs. Broken and or worn springs will cause the door to be heavy and thus cause an extra load on the garage door opener. The extra load can be dangerous for reversing mechanisms and cause premature failure of the garage door opener. Having a technician check the garage door springs, rollers and garage door opener is good preventative maintenance for your garage door.

I’ve lost a remote for my garage door opener. How do I purchase a new one?

A. Contact your local garage door dealer to purchase a new remote

Can I purchase a wireless keypad entry to my existing garage door opener?

A. Depending on the type of garage door opener and the year purchased, a keypad entry should be available for your garage door opener. Contact your local garage door dealer for purchase.

Do I need to reinforce my garage door if I am installing my own electric garage door operator/opener?

A. When installing an electric garage door opener, the top section of the garage must be reinforced with a strut or angle iron spanning the length of the top section.

Selecting the Right Garage Door Company

As a consumer, you like most others want a service company you can trust to work at your home. Here are a few things that can help you in selecting a Garage Door dealer.

Experience
Of all the five check points, this is perhaps the easiest to validate. How long has the company been in business? Do they have commercial and residential experience?

Workmanship
This may be the most important checkpoint. Does the garage door company have online reviews? Can they give you copies of letters of satisfied customers? Ask if they have any customers you can call to verify their work.

Code and Regulatory Compliance
Does the company you are selecting stand behind the business code of conduct with the International Door Association? Do they display and carry signed copies of this? Do they honor city codes and permit requirements?

Insurance Coverage
It is most important that the door dealer carry proper insurance on their business and their 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 Integrity
Depending on your project it might be of interest to ask what the financial structure of the company is. Are they in debt up to their ears? Or do they live under the principal to pay as you can. Grow only when you can afford too.

Just as you want your garage door system to operate properly every time you need it, you also want it to operate safely at all times.

After all, the garage door is the largest and heaviest moving object in most homes. It can cause injury or even death if damaged or misused.

Garage Door Care wants to make sure that you and your family know how to operate and maintain your garage door system safely at all times. You are the key to garage door safety.

Here are 10 things everyone in your household should know about garage door safety. It’s a good idea to review these with everyone in your household from time to time – especially children.

1. The garage door and garage door opener are not toys. They are dangerous if misused, and can cause serious injury or even death.

2. Children should never be allowed to play with the garage door or its operating system. Children should never stand, run or play under or near any garage door, especially when the door is open or moving. Learn more about garage door safety for children.

3. Adults should not allow children access to the remote controls or push button wall controls for garage door opener systems; these should be kept out of reach of children. The push button wall control for a garage door operating system should be mounted at least five feet off the floor, out of the reach of children. Learn more about garage door safety for children.

4. Never stand or walk under a moving garage door. Never try to enter or exit the garage by racing under a moving garage door.

5. When opening or closing the garage door, always keep the door in view until the door is fully opened or fully closed. Make certain that no adults, children or animals try to enter or exit while the door is closing.

6. Keep fingers and hands away from door sections when the door is opening or closing to avoid injury.

7. Keep your garage door properly maintained to keep it operating safely. Annual maintenance by a trained service technician is recommended. There are other tests and maintenance tasks that you can perform. Learn more about garage door maintenance.

8. Remember that your garage door opener uses electricity, which can shock or kill if mishandled. Service should be performed by a trained service technician. Locate a qualified professional near you.

9. Never attempt to repair a garage door’s springs or cables. These are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury or even death. These are best repaired by a trained service technician.Locate a qualified professional near you.

10. If someone has backed into the garage door (yes, it does happen – all of us are in a hurry at one time or another), it’s a good idea to have the door inspected and/or repaired by a trained service technician. Even if the door doesn’t appear to be severely damaged, the operating system may have become misaligned and wear prematurely, creating what could be a dangerous environment.Locate a qualified professional near you.

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