Frequently Asked Questions
Garage Doors
Why won’t my garage door close when I push the button?
The safety sensors may not be properly aligned. Check the alignment by seeing if the sensor lights are on. If that doesn’t work, contact us for service.
Why do I have to hold the button down for my garage door to close?
The safety sensors may not be properly aligned. Check to make sure they aren’t misaligned.
Why does my garage door reverse and open when I try to close it?
This is most likely caused by an obstruction in the path of the door. Check for and clear any obstruction that is present. If there is no obstruction and the problem persists, see if the sensor light is blinking. If it is, ensure that the lenses are mounted 6” from the floor on either side of the garage door opening. If the lenses appear to be mounted properly, refer to the troubleshooting section of your owner’s manual to learn about other possible causes and solutions. For further assistance, contact us.
Why won’t my garage door close evenly?
The lift cables may be broken. Contact us to help you troubleshoot the problem.
Why won’t my garage door open?
A spring may be broken or there may be issues with the electric operator.
What is the difference between a chain drive, screw drive and belt drive?
Each drive has its own advantages and can be effective.
- Chain drive openers are the oldest style but continue to be very popular and provide good value. One downside is that they can be noisy, which isn’t ideal if there’s a room above or adjacent to the garage where quiet is appreciated. However, some people appreciate the noise of the garage door opening because it gives them a warning that someone is about to enter the house.
- Screw drive openers feature a solid steel direct drive, which provides increased strength and reliability. There are no belts, chains or gears to wear out. The simple design of the motor shaft connected to the drive screw with a coupler enables power to be transmitted in a straight line. This maximizes the motor efficiency and minimizes torque or power loss.
- Belt driver openers are identical to chain drive openers with the exception that they operate with a rubber belt instead of a chain. This makes them very quiet since there is no metal-on-metal contact.
The electric operator runs but the chain doesn’t move. Does that mean it’s broken?
The drive gear may be stripped or the sprocket may be broken.
The chain on the electric operator moves, but my garage door won’t open. Why?
Check to see if the trolley is engaged. If you need help, please contact us.
How do I disconnect or reconnect the electric operator?
To disconnect the electric operator, pull the red manual release handle down and then lift the garage door. To reconnect the electric operator, just push the wall button in your garage to re-engage it.
How do I program my remote, keyless entry and/or car to open the garage door?
Every unit is different. For information, consult the owner’s manual. If you don’t have the manual, search for it on the brand’s website.
Garage Door Openers
If my garage door is making funny noises, does that mean it’s about to break?
Noises made by the garage door or electric operator can be warnings that something isn’t right. Resolving this issue may be as simple as lubricating the rollers and hinges. You can also call for service to get your entire system checked out.
How long should garage door springs last?
The expected lifespan of the typical garage door torsion spring is 10,000 cycles. A cycle consists of one opening and closing of the garage door.
How can I tell if my garage door spring is balanced properly?
First, pull the red manual release handle down to disconnect the electric operator. Then, lift the garage door halfway up and let it go. The door should stay in the same spot or move just slightly. If the door wants to drop or if it opens the rest of the way on its own, a spring adjustment is needed. The adjustment should only be performed by a trained and experienced garage door service technician. For assistance, contact us.
How often should my garage door be serviced?
Getting your garage door and operator serviced every year is important to ensure everything is in good condition and working properly. The overhead garage door is the largest piece of moving equipment in your home, and many people use their garage door more than their front door. Regular service will help identify any potential issues and get them resolved before they become bigger, more costly problems.
If my garage isn’t insulated, why should I choose an insulated garage door?
The opening for a garage door is very large. Even if the rest of your garage isn’t insulated, an insulated door will help reduce the transfer of hot or cold air into your garage. This is important for many reasons:
- If you have an attached garage, air from the garage can travel through the doorway and into your home. The closer the temperature of the garage is to the temperature of the home, the less your heating or cooling bill will be impacted.
- If there is a room above your garage, air can travel through the ceiling of the garage into the floor of the room above.
- If you use your garage as a workshop, it will be a more comfortable working environment.
An insulated garage door is also typically quieter and stronger and it has a more attractive interior than a non-insulated door.
Which R-value is best for my insulated garage door?
The R-value represents how much insulation a garage door provides (its resistance to heat flow). The R-value of your garage door should be consistent with your local climate and lifestyle. To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- Does my garage have climate control? – Insulation is very important if you heat or cool your garage. A well-insulated garage will reduce heat flow through the door, which will keep your heating and cooling costs down.
- What is my local climate? – A garage door with a high R-value is important in climates that get extremely hot or extremely cold. Even if you live in a location with a mild climate, an insulated door can affect the temperature in your garage and provide additional benefits.
- Is my garage attached to my house? – In homes with attached garages, the R-value affects both structures. The R-value of your home’s walls affects heat transfer from your home to your garage, and the R-value of your garage door affects heat transfer from your garage to outside. A well-insulated garage will not only reduce heating and cooling costs but also reduce the noise level of the garage door when it opens and closes.
- Do I spend a lot of time in my garage? – The more time you spend in your garage, the more important it is to have a well-insulated garage door to keep the temperature comfortable.
- Are there any rooms above or adjacent to my garage? – If so, the R-value will play a role in climate control and noise level in those spaces.
