Garages are a great amenity to homes and businesses. You can open and close a large door with a touch of a button. Garages help protect our vehicles and other valuables against weather conditions, theft, and more. Garage door openers are used just about everyday for those who have them. While garage doors are generally pretty durable, after consistent use over time, they are bound to malfunction. When garage door openers malfunction, they usually are ineffective and operate improperly. Whether your garage door won’t open or close, the remote won’t work, or another common garage door problem, it is essential to know what is the issue. Leaving a garage door unrepaired can increase the chances of damage and injury.

The good news, though, is that when garage door openers  stop working, spending some time troubleshooting the opener will usually solve the problem. To help you find the source that caused your garage door opener to stop working, we’ve put together a list of troubleshooting tips. If trying these tips doesn’t solve the issue, you will want to call a professional garage door repair company.

Check The Power

Believe it or not, one of the most common reasons garage doors stop working is due to the power source. Before you break out the tools, be sure to ensure all power sources are properly positioned. Check to make sure the operator is plugged in properly, and that its socket has electricity — sometimes the issue is a blown fuse. If your garage door opener works from the internal remote, you may need to check and replace the batteries of the garage door opener remote or wireless keypad. You’d be surprised how many times a simple change of batteries solves homeowners garage door issues.

Don’t Forget About The Sensors

Sensors were created to help prevent accidents and injuries. These sensors, or photo eyes, employ an infrared signal that will ensure that if anything is in the way of the door, it will automatically reverse before causing potential damage or injury. That means if anything is interfering with the signal between the two sensors, the garage door will not work.

To troubleshoot, make sure that the two sensors are level with each other. It wouldn’t hurt to ensure the sensors are tightly fixated to the door frame. Check to make sure common garage items like trash bags, brooms, and even debris is away from the sensors. Interference with sensors is also a common problem, so be sure to make them one of the first things you check. In addition, it may be beneficial to periodically clean the lens of the garage door sensors, since dust, snow, and debris can interfere with the signal.

Resetting The Garage Door Opener Remote

Speaking of the garage door opener remote, you may need to reset it to get it working properly. Depending on the system your home or business has, it is possible that the remote will need to be reset after changing the batteries or reprogramming the operator. A power outage may even cause your remote to need resetting.

Check The Wall Control Unit

Many homeowners get frustrated after spending hours trying to troubleshoot their garage door opener problems, only to find that it is a quick and easy fix. The wall control unit is often an overlooked piece of the garage door system. We know you can use it to open and close garage doors internally, but what else? It is shocking how many people don’t notice the lock button on their control unit. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to accidently pushing the lock button when attempting to close or open the door. Before you begin troubleshooting the more complex parts, be sure that the lock feature is not active. If you can’t figure out or find the lock feature, be sure to check the manual.

Inspect The Operator

If none of the quick fixes above solve the issue, it is time to move forward with more technical troubleshooting. To start, you should inspect the operator. The operator is the heart of the garage door system. A small issue with the operator, like overheating, defective wires, or broken buttons can cause the whole system to operate improperly. A common issue with operators is overheating. If you constantly use your garage door opener and think overheating may be the issue, give the system about 30 minutes to cool down before attempting to use it again.

Garage Door Doctor Tip: If the operator is only opening the door six to eight inches at a time, its most likely a issue with the RPM sensor. These sensors detect motor speed. Each brand of operators are different, but generally, if the operator lights blink five to six times when attempting to use it, it may be an indicator for circuit issues. Fixing these problems are a bit more complex, so unless you’re knowledgeable on garage door repair, you should consider calling a professional repair service.

Check the Track and Trolley

It is not uncommon for garage doors to occasionally get stuck due to the track or inner trolley being bent, loose, or broken. The alignment of the track plays a huge role in the functionality of a garage door. In some cases, the problem can be fixed by minor tweaking. However, if the misalignment is more severe, you’ll want to contact a professional garage door company, you may need a new track or trolley installed. At Garage Door Doctor, we specialize in Indianapolis garage door installation. Whether you need an inspection or a replacement, we can help homes and businesses throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding areas!

Grease the Door

This troubleshooting method requires getting your hands dirty, but that’s much better than having a garage door that does not work. IF your garage door is getting stuck, it may need lubrication. Grease the moving parts of a garage door, like the bearings and hinges.

Garage Door Doctor Tip: Choose a dry lubricant so it will not attract debris and cause issues in the future.

Troubleshooting Not Working?

Sometimes problems with garage door openers are beyond troubleshooting and require hiring a professional garage door repair service. And, if you’re having problems with your garage door opener in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, there’s no better choice than Garage Door Doctor! At Garage Door Doctor, we specialize in garage door repair and replacement. We also have years of professional experience in garage door installation. To receive a free garage door estimate, schedule a garage door service for your home, or to receive more information, contact the garage door experts at Garage Door Doctor!

Whether you’re planning your new home or are making additions to your current one, there is a lot to consider. From architecture style to design and layout, it seems like there are endless decisions to make. If it’s included in your project plans, there may be some difficult choices to make that involve your garage. Garages play an important role in a home. Not only do they provide vehicle protection, but they are one of the main focal points of your home. That said, homeowners should want their garages to feature trending design and modern technology. However, one decision you may be faced with is deciding between a single or a double garage door.

With a two-car garage being a standard norm for most homes, homeowners started opting for the unique, stylish, and functional two-door design. However, choosing between a two-door design and a large, single door is still a difficult choice to make. If you’re stuck deciding between the two styles of garage doors, check out our ideas and suggestions on how to choose the door that is right for you and your home. By following these tips you can ensure that the garage door you choose meets your home’s basic architectural needs while providing you with a modern and trending design you’ve always wanted. And, when you’re ready to add a new garage door to your home in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, contact Garage Door Doctor!

Measure the size

There are a lot of considerations when it comes to deciding between a single or double garage door. Factors like, whether your garage is attached or detached from your double home, and how many cars are kept inside can influence the design of a new garage door. Consider the size of the vehicle or vehicles that will be parked inside the garage as well. Homeowners generally use garages for extra storage space, so you will want to factor that in as well. If you want two single doors, you’ll want to make sure they can fit within the garage.

Be Prepared

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just pick whatever style of garage door we wanted and be done with it? Unfortunately, it is not that simple. There are many other factors to consider as well. Before you invest your hard earned money into a single or double garage door, it is beneficial to consider the practicalities and risks that come with a garage.

• Garage door malfunctions. Garage doors are not perfect. After years of use, parts of your garage door, like springs, will begin to wear.  If you have one large, double-size garage door that has a break in the torsion spring, you may have trouble trying to get the door open. With two single doors, however, if one is inoperable at least you will still have another door that will give you access to your home and vehicles.

• Changing temperatures and humidity. If you live in a colder climate, having two garage doors can reduce the amount of cold air that enters your garage. If you’re someone who heats their garage, this will significantly reduce your heating bill, especially during this upcoming winter! The same goes for those who live in a hot, humid climate; only two single doors can help reduce the amount of humidity that enters your garage, which in turn will reduce your air conditioning costs.
• Multiple car family. Does your family have more than two cars? As we mentioned earlier, most garages can fit two vehicles. However, if you want your garage to be able to store more than the norm, you may want to try a large double door and a single door for the best functionality. Having three single garage doors can make it difficult to maneuver and is typically unfeasible.

Consider the appearance

A professional garage door installation company should be able to give you an idea of what looks good and what doesn’t. Depending on the style of the house, sometimes a single door design can complement the exterior of the house, as well as the landscape, better than a double door would. With so many different garage door styles to choose from, it may be hard to decide which is right for your home. Consider what is trending in your neighborhood, as this can really help add value to your home. From our professional experience, we have noticed that double door system is recommended to gain buyer interest.

Pricing

Generally speaking, the cost is nearly the same when it comes to two single doors and large double garage doors. The biggest expense will come from adding a second garage door opener. Of course, there will be additional costs for the construction of two single doors. In addition, a double garage door will most likely need a stronger garage door opener to bear the weight, but this is an expense that is worth it as it will make your garage door much safer. It doesn’t matter which style of door you choose, as long as you invest in a well-balanced counterweight system for easy access to your garage.

Ready For Your New Garage Door Installation?

When you’re considering getting a new garage door, be sure to contact the experts at Garage Door Doctor, LLC. Our garage door professionals can help guide you in choosing the best option and style of garage doors for your home and needs. Offering quick installation, friendly service, and competitive prices, there is no better option for garage door services. Contact Garage Door Doctor to schedule a free garage door estimate!

Garage doors are something that people tend to give little thought to. That is, until something happens to go wrong with their door. Having a garage door that won’t open or close can leave you stuck without your car or it can leave the items in your garage vulnerable to theft. Instead of finding yourself in one of these inconvenient scenarios, it’s important to think about your garage door so you can schedule the garage door services you need for your Indianapolis home. Scheduling regular maintenance will ensure that your door functions properly for as long as possible. If you’re wondering just how long your garage door will last, we’d like to go over some important information with you today in regards to that question, so keep reading!

The Average Lifespan Of A Garage Door

While garage doors may vary from type and design, the average door is generally created with a standard spring mechanism that is capable of 20,000 cycles. With this number of cycles, it is estimated that the garage door will last around 30 years depending on use, the climate, and the upkeep with regular maintenance. If your garage door happens to use tension springs instead of standard springs, you may only get about 5,000 to 10,000 cycles out of your garage, which would result in about 15 years of use. One garage door cycle is counted as opening and closing the door.

Why Maintenance Is So Important

You may be lucky enough to get 15 or 30 years of use out of your garage door without any maintenance, however, it’s not likely. If you regularly maintain your garage door, it is likely that not only will you prolong the life of your door, but you could also avoid repairs that are costly, such as issues with the springs, track issues, noise problems, and broken cables, just to name a few. Don’t ignore your garage door and expect it to work perfectly forever.

What You Can Do To Help

While we recommend that you have a professional come to inspect your garage for any problems on an annual basis, there are things you can do to help maintain the functionality of your garage. About every six months, use mild detergent and water to clean the garage door itself. This will help to protect the door from the damage that daily use and weather can cause. If your door has sensors that keep it from closing if there are objects or persons in the way, it’s important to clean the sensors with a cloth every few months, and keep the area clean near the sensors. Remove any cobwebs or debris that may have built up. You’ll also want to lubricate the garage door track and wheels every three to six months. You can either use a general-use penetrating oil or a graphite compound that you can spray.

In order to keep your garage door running efficiently for as long as possible, you’ll need to take care of the needs of your door. If you are in need of garage door services for your home in Indianapolis, don’t hesitate to call us here at Garage Door Doctor. We also offer our services for the surrounding areas of Whiteland, Plainfield, Lebanon, and Franklin. We look forward to your call.

If you’ve ever had trouble with your garage door, you know how frustrating it can be to try and figure out what is wrong. With so many different moving parts, You may not even know where to start when it comes to finding the problem that has caused your garage door not to work. Luckily, the professionals at Garage Door Doctor know how to find and repair or replace any garage door problem. If you need help determining what’s wrong with your garage door, call us today to learn more about the garage door services we offer in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. We’re also going to cover some of the most common reasons as to why your garage door may not be working in our post today, so keep reading!

Two Main Reasons Your Garage Door Isn’t Working

The Garage Door’s Photo Eye Is Not In Alignment

You may have been able to run and duck under your garage door as it was closing as a kid, but in 1993, garage doors began being installed with a photo eye on either side of the garage door which transmits a beam that is invisible between each other and works to detect anything in the path of the garage door as it’s closing. While this is an excellent safety feature to prevent a garage door from closing on something or someone, it can make it so your garage door won’t close if the photo eyes are not in alignment. To check the alignment, measure how far each eye is off the ground and ensure they’re at the same height, also check to make sure that they are pointing in exactly the same direction. You can also check to make sure the lenses aren’t too dirty, which can also cause the photo eyes to malfunction.

The Garage Door Track Is Not In Alignment

Your garage door is a heavy piece of machinery, which can cause certain parts to wear down or break over time. Your garage door runs on a metal track, and it is important that this track stay in alignment, otherwise, it can become unsafe for your garage door to operate. When you hear a rubbing noise as the garage door passes certain spots, you’ll know that the door is misaligned. The door may even slow down as it passes certain points. In addition to these problems, when you see gaps between the garage door rollers and the rails, or if the rails are bent, you are likely going to be dealing with a problem. For a misaligned garage door track, it’s best to call a professional who will know how to safely repair the track.

With so many different problems that can cause your garage door not to work, if you can’t spot an obvious problem with your garage door, don’t hesitate to call a professional who will know what to inspect and how to fix the problem. When you need a garage door professional, call Garage Door Doctor. We offer garage door services in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.

Let’s be honest, most of us use our garages for much more than just our cars. If we’re really honest, most of us probably don’t even use our garages for our cars at all. Because garages are extensions of our home, it can be easy to want to extend the living or storage space of your home into your garage. It’s possible that a problem with your garage door or garage door opener also led to the inability to get your car into your garage, so you changed your garage’s purpose. Here at Garage Door Doctor, we want your garage door and garage door opener to be working perfectly, regardless of what you want to use your garage for. To learn some of the top ways that people use their garages, that have nothing to do with storing a car, keep reading!

What Are People Using Their Garages For?

Storage

It’s true, people rarely use their garages to store their cars. In fact, one in four Americans have reported that their garage is too cluttered to even begin to think about getting a car inside. This brings us to one of the top uses for garages: Storage. Everything from old appliances to old furniture and all things inbetween often end up making their way to the garage in an attempt to get the items out of sight until something else can be done with them. However, we all know it can be years before the items actually make their way out of the garage and either to the dump or a donation center.

Workshop

If you love to do woodworking, DIY projects, or even arts and crafts, you may find that your garage has been turned into some kind of workshop. With limited space inside of the home for a room to be creative in, the garage is often the next best option for creating a space for a workshop.

Gym

Again, it can be hard to designate a room in your home for extra activities, this is why a lot of people choose to use their garage as space for other activities such as an at-home gym. It really does make perfect sense, wouldn’t you want to skip the gym membership fees in order to workout in (or at least sort of in) your very own home?

Office Space

If you are able to insulate your garage, you may be surprised to find that it can actually make a great office. A lot of people who work from home or are starting their own business often choose to utilize their garages for extra office space.

If you’re perfectly happy leaving your car outside in order to use your garage for a use that works better for you, we’re glad you have the space to do so. However, if you’re not able to use your garage for the purpose you’d like due to a broken garage door or garage door opener, please, don’t hesitate to call us here at Garage Door Doctor for the garage door services you need for your Indianapolis home.

Here at Garage Door Doctor, we care about your garage, and we want to help you protect and prepare your garage for the many different situations you may face as a homeowner. Should you encounter any problems that require garage door services, we would love to come to your home in or around the Indianapolis area to get you the help that is needed. Today, we’d like to go over some of the ways in which you can prevent flooding in your garage. To learn more, keep reading!

Prevent Floods From Ruining Your Garage

Even if you live in an area that rarely floods or you don’t think flooding is something you need to particularly worry about, you never know when Mother Nature is going to do something unexpected or a pipe is going to burst, and you may be left with quite the mess in your garage if it’s not properly prepared for flooding. That’s why we’ve decided to cover some of the most important steps you can take as a homeowner to prepare your garage in case of an unexpected flood.

Maintain The Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping around your garage is vital in order to keep water from getting in. You can use self-adhesive tape and vinyl or rubber stripping in order to protect the bottom part of your garage door. This should be able to keep water from getting in if a minor flood were to occur. Weatherstripping does wear off after a few years, so be sure to replace your weatherstripping as needed. If your weatherstripping has any signs of wear such as cracks, it’s not a bad idea to replace the stripping at the time.

Check For Cracks Or Damage In The Foundation

If there are any cracks or damage in the foundation in or around your garage, these create the perfect opportunity for water to make its way into your garage. Any noticeable cracks should be sealed with either a waterproof paint or some kind of vinyl concrete adhesive. If your foundation has cracks that could lead to structural problems for your home, it’s best to call for the help of a professional contractor.

Improve The Drainage Around Your Home

It is important to check that your property has the ability to properly drain excess water. If your property does not have drains in the grass or along the sides of your home, you can help improve drainage on your property by installing French drains. French drains can be completed by digging a trench near your driveway, adding rock or gravel, as well as a perforated pipe that will help to redirect water away from your home.

Be Prepared To Take Extra Measures

While you may not have to take this extra precaution at all times, it’s a good idea to have sandbags on hand that you can place around your garage in case of flooding. The sandbags will act as dams to keep water from entering your garage. It’s also not a bad idea to install metal shelving in your garage that you can move stored items to the top shelves when flooding may occur.

You never know when unexpected flooding could affect your garage. The precautions above are to help protect the inside of your garage, however, should your garage door be damaged during a flood, call Garage Door Doctor for the garage door services you’ll need for your Indianapolis home. If your garage door has previously been damaged either due to flooding, normal wear and tear, or another cause, we are happy to help with all of your garage door needs, so please don’t hesitate to call us today.

Most garage doors will have one problem or another over the course of their lifespans. Common garage door problems generally require a quick fix by the homeowner or a professional garage door technician. In a previous blog, we began to discuss common problems you may experience with your garage door, and how you can address the issues. To continue learning about how to handle common garage door problems, keep reading! And If you’re in need of any garage door services in Indianapolis, be sure to call our experts at Garage Door Doctor.

Common Problems With Garage Doors Continued

#6. Your garage door is completely stuck in one spot.

If your garage door has been experiencing problems over time and they haven’t been addressed, you may go to use your garage door one day and experience the door getting completely stuck in one spot. This problem is generally caused by a bent track that has gotten to the point where the garage door wheels can no longer get past the bend. The other factor that could contribute to this problem is your door’s cable or extension spring pulley has completely broken. When you start to notice that your garage door is not opening and closing smoothly, it’s important to have your door inspected for problems before you’re left with a non-functioning garage door.

#7. Your garage door makes loud noises when it is opening and closing.

If your garage door is making loud noises, such as squealing, screeching, or grinding, when it’s opening and closing, it’s likely due to dirt and debris in the door’s track. Another factor that may cause your garage door to make unwanted noises is a lack of lubrication on the door’s track. You should regularly check your garage door’s track to ensure that it’s clean and properly lubricated.

#8. Your garage door will not open with the use of the remote control or the wall switch.

When your garage door opener works with the wall switch but not the remote, it’s likely due to an issue with the remote’s battery, which can be easily fixed. However, if both the remote and the wall switch are not working, the problem probably lies in a disruption of power between the garage opener and its electrical connection. Check that your garage opener is properly plugged in and that the outlet is functioning. If that has not solved the problem, you will want to check your circuit breaker to reset the connection.

#9. The garage opener’s motor does not stop running after the door has opened or closed.

If your garage door opens and closes without problem, but the opener’s motor does not stop running after the garage door has completely reached the open or closed position, it may be due to the door’s limit switch being too close to the opener’s motor. You should also check to ensure that the limit switch can handle the opener’s motor current.

#10. Your garage door lowers to the ground too quickly.

If your garage door is closing at a faster rate than normal, your garage door likely has an overly loose cable or a broken spring. This can be a dangerous problem due to the heaviness of your garage door and the possibly injuries or damage a falling garage door could cause. Replacing springs and cables can be dangerous, and the job should only be done by a professional garage door technician.

Aside from the fact that a garage door that is not working properly can be annoying, it can also be dangerous if it’s left uncared for. When you begin to experience problems with your garage door, inspect the problem to see if you can find a solution or if you need to call a professional. When you need garage door services for your Indianapolis home, call Garage Door Doctor.

When you have a garage, you typically rely on it to be able to safely store your cars, as well as to get into and out of your home. If your garage door suddenly won’t open or close properly, it could be quite the hindrance to your daily routine. Here at Garage Door Doctor, we’ve come up with a list of some of the most common problems when it comes to your garage door, and when it may be time to call in some help from professional garage door technicians. Garage Door Doctor proudly offers garage door services in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. Continue reading to learn how common problems with your garage door can be properly addressed.

Common Problems With Garage Doors

#1. One side of your garage door will not close all the way to the ground.

If you’re trying to close your garage door and you find that one side touches the ground and the other side does not, you may be dealing with a frayed cable. Another possibility is that your extension spring cable pulleys are worn. In both instances, it would be best to have a professional inspect your garage door in order to determine whether or not either the cables or pulleys need to be replaced.

#2. Your garage door seems to “stick” when you’re trying to open or close it.

• If your garage door seems to be sticking in place as you try to open or close it, the cause could be a few different things. The first thing you can check is your remote garage opener to see if the batteries need replacing. Then, move on to check the garage opener sensor and switches to ensure that they are working properly. You will also want to check the electrical connection to your garage opener to see if the problem lies there.
• Another common factor when garage doors stick is that the track is not properly lubricated. You can check your garage door track and apply lubrication as needed.
• Finally, for a sticking garage door, you will want to ensure that the door is hanging evenly. You can check that the door’s cables and springs to see if they are all at an even length. If your cables or springs need to be adjusted, it is best to call a professional.

#3. Your garage door will close and touch the ground, but then it reverses immediately.

If your garage door closes all of the way and even touches the ground, but then goes back up immediately, this is typically a problem with the close limit switch. This problem can be remedied with a simple adjustment to the close limit switch.

#4. Your garage door will only close part of the way and then it reverses.

If you’re trying to close your garage door and it does not even hit the floor before it reverses, there are many factors that could affect this. The problem will likely come down to a broken cable, misalignment, worn extension spring pulleys, or the track is bent. All of these problems can be best handled by a professional garage door technician.

#5. Your garage door seems to shimmy or move unevenly from side to side.

Garage doors that tend to shimmy or move unevenly when they’re being opened or closed are likely being affected by dirt and debris that is stuck in the door’s track. Clean the door’s track and apply some lubrication to see if that solves the problem. If you are still experiencing the same problem, it may be caused by the door’s springs. If your garage door is in need of spring replacement, this job is best left to professionals.

Here at Garage Door Doctor, we are used to dealing with a wide variety of common garage door problems. When you’re having a problem with your garage door and you’re not sure how to troubleshoot or fix the problem, our professional garage door technicians can help. We offer garage door services in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. If your garage door is in need of maintenance or repair, call Garage Door Doctor today. And be sure to stay tuned for our next blog, where we will continue our list of common problems with garage doors.