Frequently Asked
Questions

What are the benefits of an insulated garage door?



A garage door opening represents a large opening in your home's thermal barrier. Aligned with the tax credit incentives to promote a healthier and more energy-efficient environment, an insulated garage door will help to reduce the amount of outside temperature that enters your garage, thus reducing the amount of energy required to cool or heat your home. Insulated doors also reduce noise from the exterior of your home.

What maintenance is suggested for my garage or overhead
door?



While we suggest a certified professional undertake any major repairs, there are some steps you can take to maintain your door. They are:

Periodically lubricate your garage or overhead door track.
Clean the frame's weather stripping with vinyl cleaner and lubricate it once every other month with an appropriate product to keep the stripping pliable.
Inspect the rollers every six months or call us to have them replaced.
If you have a painted door, periodically paint the exterior to help protect it from the elements.

What should I know about garage door durability?



Garage Door Springs

A "cycle" is one full opening and closing action. Garage door torsion springs are rated by cycle life, with 10,000 cycles as the industry standard minimum. Upgrades are available to around 100,000 cycles. The average spring breaks about every 7 to 12 years with average usage for the recommended product. If a garage door has two or more springs and one breaks, all springs should be replaced to maintain proper balance.

Garage Door Failure

The leading causes of garage door failure and/or replacement include lack of maintenance and being hit by vehicles. A proper maintenance schedule for a garage door includes lubrication of the rollers, bearings, pulleys, and springs once a year; washing painted steel surfaces several times a year; painting or refinishing wood surfaces as necessary; and making proper adjustments to the counter balance system as necessary to maintain door balance. A properly balanced garage door should be able to be stopped mid-travel without drifting down or up when operated manually.

What should I know about garage door safety?



(Provided by International Door Association)

DO NOT let children (or adults) play "beat the door." It is dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. Adults should set a good example. Know how to use the emergency release, in case someone is pinned by the door.

DO NOT let children play with or use the transmitters or remote controls. Always place and store them out of the reach of children.

The pushbutton wall control should be out of the reach of children (at least 5 feet from the floor) and away from all moving parts. Mount and use the button where you can clearly see the moving garage door.

What is ANSI/UL 325 2010 Regulatory Compliance?



Standard for Safety Door, Drapery, Gate, Louver, and Window Operators and Systems

To protect your family, pets, visitors and property, we use only UL 325-compliant products and follow the installation safety standards set forth in the Underwriters Laboratories 325 2010.

My garage door starts to close and then goes back up. What should I do?



It's possible that the sensors need to be cleaned, or the alignment is off. If this is the case, or if there is something in the way of the sensors, the garage door will start down and go back up if it thinks there is someone in the way. Check to make sure the sensors are clean, aligned, and there is nothing obstructing the sensor's view, such as garbage cans or items in the garage or driveway.