How quickly can you fix my broken springs?

In most cases, we can repair or replace broken garage door springs the same day you call. Our technicians arrive with fully stocked trucks carrying springs for all major garage door brands and sizes. For emergency situations, we offer same-hour arrival throughout the Triangle area. A typical spring replacement takes 45 minutes to an hour once we're on site. We always inspect both springs even if only one is broken, as they typically wear at the same rate. This prevents you from having another breakdown shortly after the first repair.

What causes broken springs in garage doors?

Garage door springs break primarily due to normal wear and tear. Most springs are rated for approximately 10,000 cycles (one cycle = opening and closing the door once). For an average household, this translates to 7-10 years of use. Other factors that can cause premature spring failure include: rust and corrosion from humidity, extreme temperature fluctuations that cause metal fatigue, lack of regular maintenance and lubrication, and springs that were improperly sized for the door's weight. Regular maintenance can extend spring life significantly, and we recommend having your springs inspected annually as part of a tune-up service.

Do you offer financing for new industrial door installations?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options to help make your new garage door installation affordable. We work with several financing partners to offer plans that fit various budgets, including 0% interest options for qualified buyers. During your free in-home consultation, we'll discuss all available financing options and help you find the best solution for your needs. We believe every homeowner deserves a quality garage door, and financing shouldn't be a barrier. Contact us to learn more about current promotions and financing availability.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard residential garage door installation typically takes 3-5 hours from start to finish. This includes removing the old door, installing the new door, setting up the opener, and testing everything for proper operation. More complex installations, such as doors with custom features or those requiring structural modifications, may take longer. We always provide a time estimate before beginning work, and our technicians work efficiently while never compromising on quality.

What brands of garage doors do you install and repair?

We install and repair all major garage door brands including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, and more. Our technicians are trained and certified to work on any brand, and we stock parts for all common makes and models. If you have a specific brand preference for a new installation, we can help you explore all available options and find the perfect door for your home.

Do you offer warranties on your work?

Absolutely! We stand behind every job with our comprehensive 5-Year warranty. This covers both parts and labor for repairs and installations. Many of the doors and openers we install also come with manufacturer warranties that extend even longer. We're confident in our work, and our warranty ensures you have peace of mind long after we leave your home.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally serviced at least once a year. During a maintenance visit, we'll inspect all components, lubricate moving parts, test safety features, adjust spring tension if needed, and identify any potential issues before they become major problems. Regular maintenance extends the life of your garage door system and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Can you add windows to my existing garage door?

In many cases, yes! We can often retrofit windows into existing garage doors, depending on the door's construction and current panel design. Windows can dramatically improve your garage's appearance and bring natural light inside. During a free consultation, we'll assess your current door and discuss the options available for adding windows or other decorative elements.

Child Safety Features: Protecting Your Family

2023-12-28 6 min read

For families with children, garage door safety isn't just important.it's essential. Garage doors are the largest and heaviest moving objects in most homes, and without proper safety features and practices, they can pose serious risks. The good news is that modern garage doors include multiple safety systems, and with proper education and maintenance, you can keep your family safe.

The Dangers Children Face

Understanding the risks helps us appreciate the importance of safety features. Garage door hazards include:

Crush injuries: A closing door can exert hundreds of pounds of force. Without proper safety features, this can cause serious injuries or worse.

Entrapment: Children can become trapped between door sections or between the door and frame.

Finger pinch points: The spaces between door panels can trap small fingers during operation.

Remote control dangers: Curious children may treat remotes as toys, causing unexpected door operation.

Essential Safety Features

Photo Eye Sensors

Installed on both sides of the door opening about six inches from the floor, these sensors create an invisible beam. If anything.a child, pet, bicycle, or toy.breaks this beam while the door is closing, the door immediately reverses. These sensors have been required on all new garage door openers since 1993.

Maintenance tip: Keep sensors clean and aligned. Dust, spider webs, or being knocked out of position can prevent them from working properly.

Auto-Reverse Mechanism

Even if something gets past the photo eyes, the mechanical auto-reverse provides a second line of defense. When the door encounters an obstruction, it automatically reverses direction. This feature is built into the opener and uses force-sensing technology.

Testing: Place a 2x4 flat on the ground under the door. When the door touches the board while closing, it should reverse. Test monthly.

Manual Release

In case of power outages or emergencies, the manual release allows you to operate the door by hand. Teach older children how to use this feature safely, but keep younger children away from the mechanism.

Pinch-Resistant Panels

Modern garage doors often feature panel designs that minimize the gap between sections as the door operates. This reduces the risk of finger injuries.

Teaching Children Garage Door Safety

Education is as important as safety features. Teach your children:

1. Never play with remotes: Store remotes out of reach of small children 2. Stay clear of a moving door: Wait until it's completely stopped before walking under 3. Never race the door: This dangerous game can lead to serious injuries 4. Don't touch springs and cables: These are under extreme tension 5. Report problems immediately: Unusual sounds or behavior should be told to an adult

Safety Practices for Parents

Mount wall controls high: The wall-mounted button should be at least five feet high, out of reach of small children.

Lock the door when away: Many openers have a vacation lock feature that prevents remote operation.

Secure the emergency release: Keep the manual release cord out of children's reach, and consider a cover that makes accidental activation less likely.

Regular maintenance: Keep your door and opener in top condition with annual professional tune-ups.

When to Upgrade

If your garage door opener was manufactured before 1993, it likely lacks modern safety features. Upgrading to a new opener with current safety technology is one of the best investments you can make for your family's safety. At Garner Garage Doors, we can assess your current system and recommend upgrades that will give you peace of mind.

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