Investing in the Safety and Longevity of Your Garage Door

As a homeowner devoted to keeping your home safe, private, and protected from the elements, you have a lot to think about. But how much thought do you give to your garage door? When you notice a strange sound or an operating glitch, do you address the problem immediately, or do you tend to put off repairs until the issue becomes inescapable?

There are so many reasons why homeowners should think of their garage doors as seriously as they think about their front doors. Your front door is the entrance to your home. Chances are, you keep it locked and wired up to a security system at all times to guard against intrusion. Your garage door shouldn’t be any different. When something goes wrong, don't wait for it to become a large-scale problem. Keeping your garage door functioning at a high level will ensure the safety of your home, your cars, and your family. Garage door upkeep will also help to increase the curb appeal of your home, should you ever choose to put it on the market. Caring for your garage door is an investment in the future of your home. That's why we at DoReMi Door, take our work seriously.

Garage Door Types

If you're experiencing a problem with your door, the first thing to do is try to identify exactly what's going wrong. In order to do that, you'll need to know something about how your door works.

There are four types of doors that are most commonly used across the U.S: These are roll-up doors, swing out doors, swing up doors, and sliding doors. Most doors are made from steel, wood, fiberglass, vinyl, or aluminum, and operate on a chain, belt, or screw system.

The first step to addressing a problem with your door is to figure out the basics of your door type's operating system. For instance, if your door opens on a belt system, fixing it may be a simple matter of putting the door's rollers back on track or replacing a small part. If you're working with an older, screw-driven system, you may require professional assistance.

Most new garage doors use multiple panels to slide up and tuck neatly into the ceiling of your garage. Older doors often use a single sheet or carriage door system, which involves one or two sliding doors that are easier to move manually from side to side. Whatever type of door you're working with, you can be sure that DoReMi Door, has had extensive experience with replacements and repairs for any and every model.

Common Issues

From common problems like rusting, chipping, or denting, to more complex issues like belt malfunctions and broken rollers, DoReMi Door, is here to help. If you're experiencing any of the following problems, give us a call to arrange an appointment.

• Your door is making a squeaking or grinding sound
• Your door is closing too quickly or slamming on impact
• Denting or warping has impaired your door's ability to open and close
• Your door is off track
• A part of your door has broken and you're not sure how to replace it
• Your door only responds to the wall switch
• A panel on your door has been damaged or has fallen off
• Your garage lights have stopped working
• Your door's torsion spring has malfunctioned
• Your door has an extension spring and you'd like to switch to a torsion spring

Troubleshooting

If you're experiencing a problem that you'd like to try fixing yourself, use the following as a guide for some of the more common garage door issues we see come up.

Your door is having trouble on the track

If you're experiencing issues with your door's basic opening and closing functions, take a look at the basic structure. If your door hasn't jumped the track, and if you can't identify any missing parts or broken pieces, it could be a simple issue of an over-dry track. Always remember to keep your track properly lubricated in order to keep the entire system healthy. Also, be on the lookout for dirt and grime buildup along the track, as this could also be the cause of issues down the line.

Your remote isn't responding

Your remote could be out of power, your camera could be out of alignment, or there could be something more technically complex going on. Run a few simple tests to make sure your sensor is not the problem. If your sensor is still not working by the end, you may need to call in the professionals.

A part of your door has broken off

Many garage door parts can be purchased online or at a local hardware store for a relatively low cost. Spare parts like garage door rollers, chains, or springs can be purchased easily as long as you know what you're looking for. Before making a purchase, always be sure to get the exact make and model of your door and the parts themselves. In the case of a broken spring or panel, always make sure you get the correct measurements before re-ordering.

You need to replace a panel

If you live in a harsher climate, chances are your door's bottom panel has come in contact with a lot of grit and grime over the years. As a result, the panel could begin to show signs of damage over the years, such as rusting, denting, or even crumpling. In the case of a damaged panel, it's important to know how to assess the damage before seeking a solution. Many panel types can be repaired easily without having to be replaced, especially if the damage is minimal. However, if your panel has experienced severe damage, finding a replacement could require a bit of work. That's why we suggest seeking professional advice before putting in an order for a new part.

Your springs are broken

Replacing a broken spring isn't as simple as it might seem. With torsion springs, which are used by most current garage door models and use a high-tension system to open and close your door, trying to repair the system yourself could result in injury. Many garage door springs are only equipped for a certain number of open and close commands, after which they can either break or stop responding altogether. To avoid the risk of damaging your vehicle or putting yourself in harm's way, always get professional help when dealing with a broken torsion spring.

You can't decide whether to insulate your door or not

Deciding whether or not to insulate your door is a personal decision. Only you can know what your garage actually needs, how harsh the climate is where you live, and how much you stand to gain from getting that added layer of protection against the elements. If you have a garage door that's attached to your home, chances are that by leaving your garage door un-insulated, you're letting a great deal of cold air into your home and compromising its temperature. However, if your garage is a separate structure altogether, you might be less inclined to worry about the temperature of the space. If you're someone who stores a lot of sensitive material in your garage, that's one more reason to think about protecting your space against harsh, damp winters and summertime humidity.

You want to pick the best material for your door

Again, figuring out the best type of style and material for your door is a highly personal decision. Each door type has its own benefits and pitfalls. For instance, if you're looking for a resistant material that will stand up to the toughest elements, you might want to consider a double steel door. However, if you're looking for a sturdy door with a classic style, you might want to invest in more costly wood paneling. There are many elements to consider before choosing a new garage door, including style, climate, functionality, and your home's curb appeal.

Replacement vs. Repair

Many times, when you run up against a performance issue with your garage door, your first instinct will be to replace the part and assess the rest of the damage. However, one of the greatest benefits of bringing in a professional opinion is that you'll be able to know whether your door needs to be fully replaced, or if it's a simple matter of replacing a part and repairing the rest. If you're someone who always keeps the big picture in mind, sometimes a simple replacement can actually be the better decision. However, for homeowners who are in the market for a brand new door, there are many different aspects to the decision that DoReMi Door, can help with. By meeting one-on-one with each client and assessing their specific needs, we can help each homeowner select a door model that caters to all their needs. If you're uncertain about whether your door needs a touch-up, a repair, a part replacement or a full replacement, give us a call to arrange a consultation.

Why Your Garage Door's Performance Matters to Us

We know how stressful it can be for homeowners to deal with the frustrating problems that come up day after day. When you've invested in a home, it can be hard to deal with issues of safety and security that come up unexpectedly. That's why we're committed to making your garage door replacement or repair as painless as possible. At DoReMi, we bring an unparalleled amount of experience to the table. No matter the problem, we can guarantee that we have faced have faced and overcome your safe issue before. You shouldn't have to be the one to stress over confusing and frustrating technical issues. When it comes to the safety, longevity, and high-performance guarantee of your garage door, leave it to the professionals.

Our Guarantee

At DoReMi Door, we service most garage door brands on the market. We bring our vast expertise to every job, and because of our commitment to service, we make ourselves available on nights and weekends in addition to weekdays. We are available for consultations, repairs, replacements, and any other garage door needs or questions you may have. Our work involves a $25 service fee, which is waived on each order that comes in over $100. Each job comes with a warranty for your guaranteed satisfaction, and we offer same day service on many repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

-How long will my repair take?

Each job is different, and while we do offer same day service for most repairs, it's always best to contact us beforehand to get an estimate. Let us know if you have a specific timeframe you need the work done by, and we will try our best to accommodate you.

-How much will my repair cost?

Each repair assessment factors in the cost of parts, labor, and time needed in which to complete the job. For a quick, accurate quote, give one of our technicians a call and describe your problem in detail.

-How can I contact you?

We can be found in several locations around California. We are also active on Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, and other social media platforms.

-How can I take better care of my garage door?

When it comes to caring for your garage door, many of the same standard house rules apply. Always be sure to keep your door and its track clean, and pay attention to any irregularities, such as strange sounds or jerky movements, before they become a full-blown problem. Remember to keep your door track well lubricated, and check your door regularly for any signs of external damage, denting, rusting, or anything else that could interfere with your door's performance.

-I'm looking to replace my garage door. What should I be thinking about?

When it comes to replacing your garage door, there are many factors to keep in mind. Thinking about your budget, your preferred materials, and whether or not you'd like your door insulated are great starting points. If you have additional questions about choosing the right garage door for your home, feel free to contact us at any time.