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Garage Door Maintenance provided by Garage Doors of Indianapolis

Repairing or replacing broken garage door sections

Maybe you’ve been playing with your family and a stray baseball or hockey puck causes damage to a section of your garage door. Maybe a tree limb falls against the door in a storm. Maybe you’re parked in your driveway and accidentally put your car into drive instead of reverse when you’re intending to back up. No matter how much or how little damage is done to your garage door, a mishap or malfunction that leads to damage can be unsightly and can damage the curb appeal of your home. Worse, it can mean that your garage door is inoperable and needs to be replaced. 

Incidents that leave your garage door in bad shape and mean you need to address the problem can be frustrating. Depending on what the issue you’re facing is, you’ll need to decide what you should be able to repair, and what needs to be totally replaced. 

Repairing Garage Door Panels 

If the panels on your garage door have been damaged, these are luckily easy to refurbish and replace in a cost-effective way. It’s easy to get replacement panels from a manufacturer and replace a damaged one for a quick and easy repair. Garage Doors of Indianapolis has decades of experience working with manufacturers and getting the most reliable and trustworthy brands. We have an extensive collection, and it’s likely that we’ll have just the panels you need to repair damaged sections of your garage door. 

If your garage door is older, however, it’s more difficult to get panels that are an exact match. We’re able to find panels that correspond with shape and style, and it’s possible that the broken or damaged panels on these will need to be replaced with newer ones. If you believe the damage goes beyond several panels and is impacting your garage door more seriously, it might need to be replaced. 

When to Replace a Garage Door 

There’s a spectrum of damage to a garage door where, at a certain point, it’s actually more cost-efficient to replace a garage door than it would be to repair all of the damaged panels. If your garage door is severely damaged, it might be time to install a new door system. 

If multiple panels are severely damaged from something like a car or storm, then you might want to seriously consider replacing your door. First, if your door has heavy damage to multiple panels, your repair costs would naturally go up with each panel that needs to be replaced. Secondly, if something hit with enough force to destroy your door, it’s likely that the opening mechanism will have heavy damage as well. This is the mechanism with your springs and motor, by which you’re able to control the door remotely, and damage to this can make your door inefficient and slow at best, and hazardous at worst. 

With the largest variety of garage doors in stock in Central Indiana, and decades of experience, Garage Doors of Indianapolis will be able to consult with you and work out when it’s best for your budget to repair, and when it’s best for your home’s long-term value and functionality to replace. Contact us 24/7, and we’ll be able to give you the answers you’ll need.

Garage Door Maintenance

Top 10 Preventive Maintenance Tips for Garage Door Owners

Best Ways to Do Maintenance on Your Garage Doors

Your garage door is an important part of your home and your commute, and it’s easy to take it for granted. Every homeowner is used to simply pressing a button and having this large piece of equipment do its job with no hassle and no fuss, as it should work. However, like any piece of equipment, it will need maintenance from time to time in order to continue working as well as possible. Your garage door contains multiple large, moving parts, and each of these represents an element that needs to be attended to if you want a garage door that continues to do its job. Repairing a broken door can be a costly hassle, but with the right preventive maintenance tips done by the right crew, you can avoid the breakdowns and keep your garage door (and your commute) running smoothly.

So, what are the top 10 maintenance tips for garage door owners to follow?

1. Check your door for unusual sights and sounds.
It’s easy to get used to the way your garage door operates. After all, when you’re leaving the house you likely have other things on your mind. Next time you’re using your garage door, keep an eye and ear out for any unusual sights or sounds like slow rising, visible straining/jerking, or squeaks and scrapes. These could be signs that there’s an issue, and if it’s not taken care of, this could lead to a major repair.

2. Inspect your door’s balance.
Your garage door works on the principle of proper counterbalancing to allow your opener to easily operate. Test your balance by pulling your garage door opener’s release handle and opening the door halfway up. If it moves, your springs aren’t balancing properly and may need to be tightened by a professional crew.

3. Make sure nuts and bolts are tightened.
This sounds obvious, but with so much movement constantly going on with garage door parts, nuts and bolts can become less tight and lead to less safety for your door. Inspect your door’s nuts and bolts, tightening where necessary to ensure everything stays in shape.

4. Lubricate the moving parts.
In garage doors, the biggest element that leads to problems is friction. Luckily, lubrication is quick and easy, and it also adds years of operation to your system. Your opener’s chain or screw and the overhead springs are the best places to lubricate, perhaps as little as only once per year with products including white lithium grease.

5. Review your door’s rollers.
Your garage door rollers are the tools which allow your door to move easily and smoothly and cracked or warped rollers lead to more vibration, friction, and strain on the system. You’ll be amazed at the difference a few new rollers can make. If you need help replacing your cracked rollers, contact the crew at Garage Doors of Indianapolis.

6. Clear your tracks of debris.
Your rollers run on a track, and if anything happens to be in that track, it can damage the rollers and also strain your garage door opener. Simply check by hand or with a tool to make sure that there isn’t any loose debris on the track and you can avoid a much more costly problem in the future.

7. Review your lift cables
The high-tension cables in your garage door allow the system to work properly, but if they wear down enough to the point where they snap, this could lead to serious injury. Review your lift cables, and if they seem to be worn down, get a professional crew in to replace them. It’s a quick and easy job that can avoid hassle down the line.

8. Test your safety features.
Garage doors rely on mechanical and photocell safety features to avoid crushing anything in their path. First, make sure with a brick that your garage door will bump into it and reverse instead of continuing to put pressure on, and then run your leg against the strip that detects movement to be sure the door will reverse. If your door is old enough that it doesn’t have these safety features, it’s time to get a new unit.

9. Keep moisture out with weather-stripping.
Keeping moisture out can lead to a better, drier garage in general, as well as make sure your parts don’t rust. Check your weather stripping for cracks or missing parts, and if it’s not up to snuff, replace them for more comfort and longer lasting garage door components.

10. Keep your door looking good.
Whether it’s water damage, warping, rust or more, groom your door and take care of these minor issues before they affect its structural integrity and need to be replaced.

Your garage door takes up a major part of the front of your home and allows you to come and go every day without a hassle. Follow these simple preventive maintenance tips for your garage door, and contact Garage Doors of Indianapolis to meet your every garage door need!

Should I Repair My Garage Door Spring?

Is It Safe for Me to Repair My Own Garage Door Spring?

DIY Garage Door Spring Replacement

It’s an unmistakable sound – the snap of a spring or the crash of a door. It’s the sound you least want to hear as you get ready to leave the house. If you haven’t heard it, consider yourself lucky.

No, it’s not a cheap horror movie trick. It’s a metal garage door spring snapping under tension. You’ll know it’s broken completely when you go to open your door and find that it’s struggling to lift itself up.

You may think you can repair this yourself. It’s a spring. How hard can it be? It turns out that replacing a garage door spring on your own can be extremely dangerous. It could even end up costing you more in the long run. There are several things to consider before attempting to fix a broken garage door.

Types of Springs

Regardless of style or design, there are only two types of springs in modern overhead doors. Knowing what type of spring you have is the first step for anyone attempting to repair a broken spring.

Torsion Springs are responsible for the getting your garage door up when you open it. This single spring is mounted at the top of a garage door and covered in a tube. The tube is there to prevent further damage to your door or spring system if a break should occur. When these fail, you will hear a loud bang that sounds like a firecracker and see an immediate failure to open the garage door. This spring twists itself in order to gain enough power to lift the door. This spring will be relatively thick and directly above your door opening.

Extension Springs are found in an extension spring system. They essentially do the same thing as tension springs, but the process to get your garage door opened and closed is slightly different. Extension springs stretch or elongate in order to gain enough power to lift the door. These two springs will be relatively thin and run parallel to each door track.

Both of these types of springs build up tension when your garage door is closed. The energy stored up should then allow the garage door to open with ease. This isn’t the case when a spring breaks. Instead of building up energy, a snapped spring loses all of the stored energy it needs to lift the heavy door. Both springs still have a level of tension that could be potentially dangerous if worked on by someone unfamiliar with spring systems and garage door repair.

How Often Do Springs Break?

Extension and torsion springs can only be used for a limited number of open/close cycles. The cycles range anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 opens (up to 10 years with proper maintenance) depending on the quality of your door.

Because of how long they last, it’s unlikely that a DIY homeowner has any experience with spring repair or replacement in residential garage doors. Luckily, we have plenty of experience!

How Dangerous Can It Be?

When an inexperienced person tries to work with loaded springs and a weighted door, chances are that they haven’t considered everything that could go wrong. If the springs have any tension left in them and are handled improperly, they could snap and cause bodily harm.

In addition to the possible physical injuries, improper handling of springs could lead to further property damage or permanent damage to your garage door and its spring system.

Extension springs are considered to be slightly safer to work with because you don’t actually have to deal with the spring tension. However, this doesn’t mean the problems cannot still happen. It’s best to call a certified technician when working with extension springs to make sure there are no issues with the repair.

Torsion springs are extremely dangerous to work with if you don’t have much experience with them. There are many steps to replace a torsion spring, meaning that there are many opportunities for issues to come up. We recommend that you always call for professional service if you have torsion springs because of how tough they are to work with.

If you aren’t sure what type of spring you have, we can help you figure it out!

Should I Open My Door Manually or Use a Garage Door Opener When a Spring is Broken?

In short, we recommend that you do not open your door at all when a spring breaks. This prevents any damage to the door, you or anything else.

However, we know that leaving your car or other possessions in a garage door that won’t open isn’t ideal. It won’t work for everyone. If you must open it, carefully open your door manually and make sure that it is secure at the top of your garage before pulling out. You will then have to slowly close the door manually from the outside – this is the most dangerous part, and we do not recommend it. Unless you know for certain that the safety cable is still in working order, you should not try this.

In these cases, we recommend you call us for emergency service to get your garage in working order on the same day. This guarantees that you get a certified and qualified technician from Garage Doors of Indianapolis and prevents any harm to you or your property.

Your security is our priority. The longer your garage door remains stuck or out of your control due to broken springs, the more you are inconvenienced. We want to make sure you get all of your garage door issues solved in a timely manner.

We are available 24 hours a day for emergency commercial and residential service whenever anything malfunctions with your garage door.

Can I Prevent My Springs Breaking?

You absolutely can! The best way to prevent your spring system from breaking is to schedule regular garage door service and maintenance with the certified technicians at Garage Doors of Indianapolis.

Regular maintenance ensures that your springs are always inspected and replaced before they break.

How Often Should I Have My Garage Door Checked?

You should have your garage door checked at least once a year, ideally before the cold weather hits. This is a technical job that should be conducted by experts who have the tools and training to do the job safely. That’s where we come in!

At Garage Doors of Indianapolis, we work to not only extend the life of your garage door but also ensure that you are always able to enter and exit freely at all times.

No one wants to be ready to leave the house and hear the unmistakable sound of a spring snapping and breaking. Call today to have a technician come to check your spring system before it becomes an inconvenience at 317-316-0423.

White Garage Door Snowy Evening

How Regular Garage Door Servicing Saves You Hassle In the Future

Do you know the last time your garage door was serviced? When you open and close your garage door every day, do you think about all of the common problems that could occur without regular service from a garage door professional? Smart homeowners know that getting their garage door serviced regularly ensures a door that works properly and safely at all times throughout the year.

Because of all of the moving parts in your garage door, there are many opportunities for common problems to occur with everyday use. From stressed torsion springs to properly applying white lithium grease to high-tension issues, any of a wide number of problems can grind your morning routine to a stop and force you to deal with sometimes-costly repairs. Don’t wait until your garage door breaks down to give it the attention it needs to run properly. When maintaining your garage door before you need to make repairs, there is nothing that a service call to Garage Doors of Indianapolis can’t resolve quickly and effectively.

Common Problems that Regular Service Can Mitigate

Tension Springs & Cables

All garage doors have tension springs and cables that control the safe and slow opening and closing of the garage door at all times. If these tension springs and cables are under a great amount of stress, they can break. The most noticeable sign of a broken or stressed tension spring is the door opening and closing extremely fast with a loud bang. While faster opening and closing may sound like a good thing on paper, broken tension springs and cables can cause significant damage because there is nothing preventing the door from smashing anything beneath it. Regular garage door service will allow for your garage door professional to spot any instances of high tension before significant damage occurs to your door or property.

Torsion Springs

Similar to tension springs, torsion springs are responsible for the heavy lifting, getting your garage door up when you open it. When these fail, you will hear a loud bang that sounds like a firecracker and an immediate failure to open the garage door. Torsion springs can only be used for a limited number of open/close cycles and, given enough time, they will break. For this reason, regular garage door maintenance will allow for your service technician to appraise the state of your torsion springs and replace them before they break.

Noisy Opening and Closing

The creaking and clanging of your garage door when opening and closing may seem like just a minor inconvenience; however, noisy steel doors could mean that there are improperly lubricated moving parts of the garage door. Proper lubrication with white lithium grease is essential for maintaining your garage door health and preventing problems in the future. Luckily, regular service calls can ensure proper lubrication on all moving parts in the garage door and prevent noisy garage doors throughout the entire year.

Failure of Garage Door Auto Reversal

Garage door reversal is one of the most important features a garage door has at its disposal. Essentially, garage door auto reversal prevents your door from closing if there is an obstruction in its path. Obstructions could be anything from pets to dropped grocery items to rocks. With any obstruction, there is a very real chance of damage to the door or damage to the object or thing in its path if auto reversal fails. As a basic modern safety feature, all doors should be able to reverse automatically if an obstruction is present. Just because it should reverse does not mean that failure cannot occur. A call to your local garage door professional will allow for regular auto reversal checks and prevent any opportunity for reversal failure.

Failing Safety Features

Garage doors are designed with your safety in mind. Most safety features come standard and are required by the federal government at installation, but a lack of regular garage door maintenance can allow for safety features like an auto reversal, motion detection and manual control to fail. Your safety when operating a garage door is a priority at every stage of the door’s lifecycle. It is essential to schedule regular service if only to ensure that all safety features of the door are working properly. Common garage door repairs and regular maintenance can prevent major damage to you and your property.

How much does Garage Door Service Cost?

While the cost of regular maintenance may be a concern for many garage door owners, smart homeowners know that by scheduling regular maintenance, they are preventing major issues and damage to the garage door in the future. Savvy homeowners know that problems can occur with so many moving parts and understand that making a regular service call with a garage door professional is essential in prolonging a properly functioning garage door.

Expert maintenance on a regular basis makes certain that you get the best value out of your garage door investment. Instead of paying for the costly major repair, plan ahead and schedule regular service to prevent any issues with garage door functionality.

You should have your garage door checked at least once a year, ideally before the cold weather hits. Multiple tune-ups throughout the year allow you to have a properly working garage door at all times of the year without interference. While you may think you’ll be able to tell if something is wrong with your garage door, this is a technical job that should be conducted by experts who have the tools and training to do the job safely and effectively.

A regular maintenance schedule will not only extend the life of your garage door but also ensure that you are always able to enter and exit freely and safely throughout the year.

Call your local garage door expert at Garage Doors of Indianapolis today to schedule your next regular service call.

Garage Door Maintenance

6 Signs Your Garage Door Needs Maintenance or Repair

Garage doors are an essential part of the home. They can keep the cars and the home safe while improving the curb appeal. We use our garage doors every day, but we rarely take the time to examine and inspect their condition and performance. We only take a look at it when something goes terribly wrong. It’s essential that homeowners understand garage doors also require regular inspection and maintenance. Below we share some common signs that indicate potential damage to your garage door.

The Door Doesn’t Open or Close

Obviously, if your garage door refuses to open or close using the control buttons, it needs to be repaired. There are various reasons for such an occurrence, such as a bad connection between the door and the control panel, or due to door malfunction. To test your garage door again, you must make sure that nothing is blocking it from closing. Try the controllers to make sure that the door isn’t moving at all before you call a professional.

Slow Response Time

You have to observe how long it takes for your door to respond to your commands. Typically, it should begin to open or close within a second or two after you have pressed the opener. It must then open or close smoothly without any hitching or delay. If you observe any delay in operation, it may indicate that something is wrong with your door or with the opener. It is advisable to have it inspected by a professional.

Sagging Garage Door Sections

It is recommended to check and test the balance of your garage door at least once a year. This involves disconnecting the opener from the door and manually operating it. When you bring the door at about midway and leave it there, it must not continue to rise or fall. If it does, there must be something wrong with the tension spring or other parts of your door. Do not try to check or repair the components on your own, especially if you have no prior experience.

The Door Makes a Lot of Noise

Most old garage doors make a lot of noise when operated; however, if the creaking or straining is excessive there may be a problem with your spring, the opener backer or the opener itself.

The Door is off the Tracks

The garage door must be operated within the tracks that are placed on the sides of the door. There may be times when it comes off the tracks. This usually happens when the door is not in good condition or has been damaged. A professional can inspect the problem and replace the key parts if necessary to ensure that it will operate properly.

Increasing Energy Bills

If you want to improve the energy efficiency of your home, you may consider swapping your old door for a new one. Newer models are made to be more energy efficient. By upgrading your door, you will be able to save more money on your energy bills in the long run.

A garage door is a big investment and you want it to operate efficiently and last for years to come. To avoid garage door issues, we recommend to always schedule regular maintenance, at least once a year and before the cold weather begins. If you are due to have your garage door inspected and serviced, call us today for a free, no-obligation quote.

A 2 car garage with a white colored wooden door

What’s Wrong With My Garage Door?

Here are the common reasons why your garage door might be acting up

We have served Central Indiana since 1979, and that means we’ve seen pretty much every garage door issue you can imagine. After years of experience, we have started to see the common threads when customers report garage door issues.

If you’re having problems with your garage door, it could be one of the following:

1. Transmitter Batteries

If your transmitter batteries are dead or not working, you won’t be able to send a signal to the door. First, test the transmitter on the wall in the garage. If it works, then the transmitter in your car probably needs a new battery. Changing the battery should be a simple fix if that’s the issue. Once it’s in place test your transmitters in the garage and in your car to confirm they’re working properly.

2. Photo-Eye Alignment

The photo eyes are located on the sides of the doors and send a signal to each other and detect motion between them. If you see your garage door opening correctly but it won’t close, you need to check the photo eyes. It could be dirty or not aligning correctly.

If you clean the eye and you’re still having problems, it’s time to call the professionals. Our team of experts specializes in garage door repair.

3. Transmitter Issues

The issue may be with the transmitters themselves. The most common thing we see in this area is people not within the range of the door. You simply might be too far away for it to receive the signal. Wait until you turn into your driveway or get closer to your door, and try opening it then. If it still won’t work, something may be blocking your antenna or it may be damaged.

4. Get Your Track On Track

Having a garage door that isn’t aligned on its track can be a serious – and costly – issue. You can try and fix this on your own by realigning the track to the rollers. First, loosen the screws and then use a rubber mallet to tap it back into position. Once alignment is correct on both sides, tighten the screws to make sure the track won’t move.

5. Broken Springs

If the transmitters are working properly and the door still won’t go up, it could be your springs. If you heard a loud ‘bang’ in the garage, that also may tell you it’s the springs. Most garage doors have one or two springs, and if either is broken, your garage door may not be able to support the weight. If you have a broken spring, it’s best to call a professional immediately.

If it isn’t one of these common issues, there simply could be something blocking the path of the door, antenna or sensors.

Have Your Garage Door Fixed Right The First Time

Free yourself from frustrating garage door issues by calling Garage Doors of Indianapolis. We have served Central Indiana’s garage door and gutter needs since 1979. Locally owned and operated, we give careful attention to each and every customer.

Contact our team of garage experts today to get your garage door issues taken care of on time and within your budget.

Garage Door Opener

6 Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Garage Door Opener

Modern garage door systems feature complex parts and systems designed for ease of use and safety. So, it can be quite disruptive to your business or home when they suddenly stop working properly. Before that happens, pay attention to these critical signs that indicate that there may be trouble ahead. Since your garage door opener is central to the function of the garage, it’s a good place to start.

Take a look at these 6 warning signs that your garage door opener, and quite possibly entire garage door system, is having trouble.

1. Inconsistent operation. If your garage door opener works only some of the time, don’t ignore this warning sign that something is off. While it could simply be an indicator that it’s time to replace the batteries, it could also indicate that there is a problem with the wiring. Replace the battery first. If the problem continues, contact a professional garage door technician to inspect your system.

2. Garage door opens and close on its own. When this happens, you may second-guess yourself. Did you accidentally hit the garage door opener? Did someone else? After ruling out human error, take the next step by having the garage door and garage door opener inspected. It may be necessary to have a malfunctioning part repaired or replaced.

3. Door doesn’t open at all. Of course, this is an obvious sign that something is not working. If a battery replacement doesn’t solve the problem, don’t try to fix it yourself. A garage door is a heavy, complex unit that could cause serious injuries if it fails.

4. Garage door starts to close then re-opens. This may not be a sign that your garage door opener is malfunctioning. Instead, it’s likely that the garage door sensors detect an obstruction. Modern garage doors are designed to prevent injury by detecting when a person may be underneath the door as it closes. Check to see if something is in the way of the photo safety eyes – which are typically located on either side of the garage door system near the bottom. It can be as simple as a leaf or other debris.

5. Door fails to close completely. Perhaps your garage door reaches a certain spot and then freezes before closing all the way. This may be a signal that the tracks or rollers on your garage door system are bent, distorted or broken. Fasteners may also be complicating the operation of the garage door system. Contact a professional technician to inspect the garage door.

6. Unusual noises. Another sign that your garage door opener may be in need of repairs or replacement is the presence of unusual noises or sticking in the keypad or remote. These all could be signs that your garage door opener is aging and that you may need to have it replaced.

While it’s important to take note of these 6 warning signs with your garage door system, you also should maintain a regular maintenance schedule to ensure that all parts are operating correctly and safely. Contact a certified garage door technician to regularly inspect your garage door system.

A man servicing the inside of a garage door

Garage Door Maintenance Checklist

Here is a List for Homeowners to Keep a Garage Door Running Correctly

A functioning garage door isn’t something you think about often but is absolutely necessary. It’s used multiple times every day and when you push the button or enter your code, it’s expected to work. But what if it doesn’t and needs some work? Here is a checklist for you to go over in case your garage door starts acting up:

Are You Doing a Visual Inspection?
Before you do anything, close your garage door and inspect while standing on the inside of the garage. Look over the rollers, cables, springs and all of the other components and look for signs up wear and tear or fraying. If something doesn’t look right, make a note of it and contact a garage door professional immediately.

Start with Lubrication
One of the most important things you can do in garage door maintenance is make sure all of the components are properly lubricated. Every 6 months or so it is recommended you apply a small amount of spray lubricant on your door’s rollers, tracks, and hinges.

Test Your Photo Eyes
In 1993, federal safety laws mandated that garage doors be equipped with a reverse mechanism and a photo eye sensor. To run a test, open the door and push the button to close it. While it’s closing, stick an object in front of the photo eye to see if the door reverses as it should.

Reversing Mechanism Test
If your door is having trouble opening and closing correctly, place an item such as a wooden board on the ground under the center of the door. Push the button to close the door. When the door closes on the wooden board, it should reverse. If it doesn’t, immediately call a garage door technician.

Check for Rust
While many quality garage doors are treated to prevent rust from forming, it’s still possible. You can use a simple piece of steel wool to rub out the rust and then use cleaning supplies to wipe the area clean.

Door Balance Test
Disconnect your automatic opener system (assuming your door has one). Now, lift the door manually and confirm that it lifts smooth and with little resistance. Be sure that the door is able to remain fully open. If it’s not opening smoothly or doesn’t remain open, the door is out of balance and needs service.

How’s Your Weather Stripping?
Weather stripping is important because it keeps your garage sealed from outside elements. Be sure to check your weather stripping and replace it if it’s looking worn or is missing altogether.

How About Your Torsion Springs?
A torsion spring is a coiled spring that controls the door’s lift. Essentially, it works to allow the door to be light enough for you to lift it by yourself or for the opener to raise it easily. Don’t try replacing a spring is on your own – be sure to contact a professional so the job is done right.

Test the Force Setting
The force setting is basically what tells the garage door to stop if something is in the way. To test this setting, you can place a board on the ground under the middle of the door. The door should slightly strain (leaving no marks or dents) when it touches the board. Adjust the setting if needed so the pressure is correct.

Once you’ve looked into these options, hopefully, your door is as good as new. However, that might not be the case. So, call a professional to take care of it so you don’t have to worry about your garage door.

Contact our team of experts or call us at 317-745-2982 to get your garage door issues diagnosed and fixed today!

An updated garage door design can keep your home safer and add to your curb appeal.

Four Reasons to Replace Your Garage Door

Replacing your garage door can be a significant undertaking. Researching styles, construction, installation, and more can be overwhelming. You shouldn’t let those hurdles intimidate you or keep you from completing a needed replacement. Do not wait until the door is falling apart to being researching replacement options. Here are some other reasons you should consider replacing your garage door.

Safety Features Outdated

Do the safety sensors on your garage door opener work properly? Does the emergency stop on the door itself hold properly during manual operation? Risks to your family’s lives and health due to outdated or malfunctioning safety features should not be tolerated. Malfunctioning safety eyes, exposed sharp edges, failing rollback protection, and similar risks should motivate you to look into replacement options.

New Function Needed

Are you remodeling your garage to turn it into a den, apartment, or other living space? If so, you should update it to fit the changes to your area. Different designs serve different functions and can offer benefits such as improved insulation, noise reduction, improved security, and more. Adding options such as windows can make the space feel more like a home and less like a converted garage. Take time to review your replacement options and select something designed to meet your functional needs.

Security at Risk

Does your garage door have deadbolts? Do you use them? Does an automatic lack fail on occasion? If your home and family’s security is at risk due to an outdated garage door, you should look into replacements or other solutions. New garage doors and openers offer improved locks, smart technology, and other features to help keep your home and family safer.

Design Needs to Be Updated

When you look at your home from the curb does your garage door add to its aesthetic? Garage doors can often stand out like a sore thumb from other home facade updates. In fact, your garage door can make up as much as 30% of your home’s curb-facing design. Updating your home’s look with a new design for your garage door can improve your curb appeal and add to your home’s value while improving functions. Numerous styles are available to fit your desired look.

Need assistance exploring your garage door options? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Tightly Coiled Springs

What to do if Your Garage Door Springs Break

Depending on construction quality, the average garage door lifespan is typically 15 to 30 years. However, it’s possible that your garage door may not be ready for a total replacement before something problematic occurs — like a broken garage door spring. What should you do if that happens? We’ve outlined steps to take below.

A torsion spring system, or extension springs, keep your garage door functioning properly. With doors weighing as much as 250 to 400 pounds, a malfunctioning spring is not just a security risk–it’s a safety risk as well.

Steps for Garage Door Spring Recovery

Recognize the signs of breakage

Your first clue is a non-functioning garage door, but there are other indicators:

  • The door only goes up halfway or moves slowly when opening
  • The garage door jerks as it’s going up or down, indicating that it’s unbalanced
  • A loud snapping sound
  • The garage door falls down too quickly

When any of these symptoms occur or a broken spring is visible, call your service technician for repair. It’s not advisable to DIY this type of repair because the door weight can cause serious personal injury and property damage.

A professional garage door specialist will determine which spring replacement systems fit your door design. Depending on your system, you may need extension springs, which are mounted on the side of the garage, or torsion springs, which are mounted above the garage door opening.

Invest in longer-life torsion springs

Whether you’re installing a new garage door or investing in repairs, ask the installers about longer life torsion springs — an upgrade that could be worth the expense. Most garage door torsion springs are made to last at least 10,000 to 15,000 cycles, considered the minimum by industry standards. With an upgrade, you could increase the life of your garage door springs to more than 100,000 cycles.

Regular Maintenance

Wear and rust are two of the main reasons garage door springs fail. While there’s not a lot you can do about wear, besides not using the garage door, you can minimize rust by applying a garage door lubricant on the spring coils once a quarter.

Early detection will help you stay ahead of trouble, so make sure to have your garage door inspected by a professional on a regular basis, especially if you frequently use the opener.

Need to schedule a garage door spring inspection? Garage Door of Indianapolis is at your service. Contact us today!

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