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.

Safety Reversal Testing: A Complete Guide for Homeowners

2024-01-15 6 min read

Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home, weighing anywhere from 150 to 400 pounds depending on its size and materials. With something this heavy moving up and down multiple times a day, safety features aren't just nice to have.they're absolutely essential for protecting your family.

Understanding the Safety Reversal System

Since 1993, federal law has required all garage door openers sold in the United States to include an automatic reversal system. This life-saving feature causes the door to immediately reverse direction if it encounters an obstruction while closing. There are two primary components to this safety system: the mechanical auto-reverse and the photoelectric sensors.

The Mechanical Auto-Reverse

The mechanical auto-reverse is built into the opener itself. When the door encounters resistance while closing.whether from a person, pet, bicycle, or any other object.the opener senses the increased force and immediately reverses the door's direction. This feature relies on proper force adjustment settings within the opener.

Photoelectric Safety Sensors

Also known as "photo eyes," these sensors are mounted near the floor on either side of the garage door opening. They create an invisible beam across the doorway. If anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, the door automatically reverses. These sensors are your first line of defense, stopping the door before it ever makes contact with an obstruction.

How to Test Your Safety Features

Testing your garage door's safety features should be part of your regular home maintenance routine. We recommend performing these tests monthly. Here's how:

Testing the Photo Eye Sensors

1. Open your garage door completely 2. Place an object (like a cardboard box) in the door's path, breaking the sensor beam 3. Press your remote or wall button to close the door 4. The door should immediately reverse upon detecting the obstruction 5. If the door doesn't reverse, do not use it until the sensors are repaired

Testing the Mechanical Auto-Reverse

1. Open your garage door completely 2. Place a 2x4 piece of lumber flat on the ground in the center of the door opening 3. Close the door using your remote or wall button 4. When the door contacts the 2x4, it should immediately reverse 5. If the door doesn't reverse or reverses too slowly, the force settings need adjustment

What to Do If Tests Fail

If your garage door fails either of these safety tests, stop using the automatic opener immediately. You can still operate the door manually by disengaging the opener (usually by pulling a red emergency release cord). However, you should call a professional technician as soon as possible to diagnose and repair the issue.

Common causes of safety system failures include misaligned sensors, dirty sensor lenses, damaged wiring, or improper force adjustment settings. While some issues like dirty lenses can be cleaned by homeowners, most repairs should be handled by trained professionals to ensure proper operation.

The Importance of Regular Testing

Many homeowners install their garage door opener and never think about the safety features again. Unfortunately, these systems can fail gradually over time due to vibration, temperature changes, or simple wear and tear. Regular testing catches these issues before they become dangerous.

At Garner Garage Doors, we include comprehensive safety testing as part of every service call. If you're unsure about your door's safety systems or if your tests reveal any problems, don't hesitate to contact us. Your family's safety is worth the peace of mind.

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