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Tag: Garage Repair

Most Common Causes of Garage Door Replacement

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Replacement Indianapolis.

The life expectancy of a garage door can be anywhere from 15-30 years. Variables that affect its lifespan can include: the quality of the door and hardware as well as the amount of use that the door gets. There are several common causes of why you might want to replace your garage door rather than repair it, and we are going to cover the most popular of these causes in this blog. If you would like a free consultation from the Garage Door Doctors, Contact us today!

Hitting the Garage Door with Your Car

We all occasionally space out while doing common, everyday tasks. Sometimes we do things like forget where we put our keys or absent-mindedly leave our phone at home. And once in a while we make one of those mistakes that ends up costing us a lot of money. We do something like forget to open the garage door before we back out. Unfortunately, this is a common enough occurrence that it made this list, so if this has happened to you, know that you are not alone.

If you just gently bump your garage door, you might be able to get away with a few simple repairs, but chances are if you’ve hit your door with a vehicle, it is damaged beyond repair and needs to be replaced. Give the Garage Door Doctors a call today to have your garage door repaired or replaced!

Hardware Being Replaced Frequently

If you have replaced your springs, cables, hinges, and other hardware and they just continue to break and cause problems; you are probably better off just replacing everything. This is especially true if you have an older garage door that is near the end of its life expectancy. There’s no reason to continue to put money into repair after repair, when you could just invest one-time, and have a new working garage door for years to come.

Excessive Noise

Older garage doors, and older garage door opening systems can make an excessive amount of noise. This is typically because they are no longer functioning properly. Hearing noises such as grinding, squeaking, and banging coming from a garage door usually signals to the owner that it needs to be replaced.

New Technology

If you park your vehicle in your garage, then your garage door is something that you use every, single day. If you’ve had your garage for years or it’s so old you don’t even know when it was installed, chances are that technology has made some strides in garage doors since yours was put in place. One of the most common causes of garage door replacement is because people want the most updated technology in their lives, and this includes in their garage door.

Security and Safety

As technology creates new and exciting options for garage door owners, it can also help protect us. Older garage doors might have malfunctioning or easy to pick locks. Updating your garage door can allow you to ensure the security of you and your family.

In addition to security, there can also be physical safety concerns with older garage doors. Doors are heavy and if they aren’t functioning correctly they could potentially hurt you or a loved one. If the sensors that don’t allow your garage door to close when there is something or someone below it aren’t working properly, imagine the possible results. This is when it is best to invest in a new garage door rather than taking chances.

If Your Garage Door Needs to be Replaced, Contact the Garage Door Doctor Today!

If you’re concerned about the age of your garage door, you find yourself spending more and more money on repairs, or your concerned for the safety and security of your family, it may be time to replace your garage door. The Garage Door Doctor can repair or replace your garage door. Contact us today for a free .

Tips To Fix A Loud Garage Door

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Repair Indianapolis.

An automatic garage door is a complex piece of machinery that involves a lot of working components, so when you are dealing with a loud or noisy garage door opener you may not know where to turn. All garage door systems make noise when opening and closing, but it should not be loud enough to wake the neighbors.

Tips To Fix A Loud Garage Door System

If you are dealing with a loud garage door, you are in luck. In this blog, we are going to share some tips to help you find a solution.

Lubricate Metal Parts

If you live in the Midwest, it is important for homeowners to prepare their garage door system for different seasons. Metal parts of garage doors, such as rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks need to be lubricated in order to function properly and reduce the noise of a loud garage door. A good rule of thumb is to lubricate these parts every six months — before winter and summer. When these parts are regularly lubricated, you will not only increase the functionality of your door, but you will aid in noise reduction and extend the life of your garage door system.

Tighten Up Nuts and Bolts

As the seasons’ change and the temperatures fluctuate, parts of your garage door will expand or contract which can loosen nuts and bolts. Your garage door system has a variety of different nuts, screws, fasteners, and bolts. Even using your garage door every day can cause these pieces to loosen, which leads to more noise when opening and closing your door. If you have a loud garage door, check all the hardware, tightening any loose nuts, bolts, or screws that you come across.  A loose screw can be an easy fix to your load and distributive garage door.

Check Garage Door Rollers

If loose pieces or unlubricated parts are not the culprit of the noise, turn to the garage door rollers. Standard garage doors typically have five to six rollers on each side of the tracks. When rollers are worn and damaged they will not function properly. Of course, these are supposed to roll and not slide when opening and closing. When they slide, they will make a terribly disruptive sound. If it is because the rollers are damaged, they will require repair or replacement.

Inspect the Garage Door Tracks

Speaking of garage door tracks, they could be another reason why your garage door is making so much noise. If debris or other objects are in the track, they can lead to a disruptive noise when the rollers move along the track. To avoid this, be sure to inspect the track and clear any visible debris and objects that could get caught on the rollers.

Make Sure Your Opener Is Working Right

If you have lubricated the moving parts and inspected the other areas mentioned above and your garage door is still loud, the issue could be your garage door opener. Garage door openers generally last 10-15 years depending on how well they are maintained. When the motors in these openers become noisy, it may be time to replace your garage door opener. To determine if you need a garage door opener replacement to fix a loud garage door, contact the experienced technicians at Garage Door Doctor.

How Our Garage Door Contractors Can Help

When you have exhausted all of the possible solutions and remedies for your noisy or loud garage door, it’s time to call Garage Door Doctor to diagnose the issue. Garage door repair experts can service or replace the following:

  • Garage door rollers
  • Garage door hinges
  • Torsion springs
  • Garage door opener motors
  • Garage door panels
  • Damaged or bent garage door tracks
  • And so much more!

At Garage Door Doctor, we are proud to provide professional garage door services in Indianapolis and throughout the surrounding area. Our experts always recommend professional installation and repair of your existing garage door to ensure your safety and the integrity of your door. If you have a loud garage door and can’t figure out the cause, our garage door technicians can come out and take a look. To request residential garage door service and eliminate your loud garage door, contact Garage Door Doctor!

Consider These Questions Before Replacing Your Garage Door

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Replacement Indianapolis.

Durable garage doors will typically last 15 to 30 years, and even longer with the proper care and maintenance. Because garage doors are a long-lasting investment, when the time comes that you need to install a new one, it is important to make sure that you choose the right one for your home.

At Garage Door Doctor, we specialize in garage door replacement and installation services. We carry a wide selection of garage doors in different materials and styles. With all of the available choices, trying to select the right one for your home can certainly become overwhelming. Fortunately, our Indianapolis garage door contractors are here to help you! Before you opt for garage door replacement, ask yourself the following questions to ensure that the new garage door you are installing is the right one.

Why Are Replacing Your Garage Door?

Before you choose your new garage door, first think about your motivation behind a garage door replacement. Maybe you noticed one of the signs that indicate the need for a garage door replacement, such as an outdated design, loud and persistent noise, or repeated garage door repairs. Knowing what caused your existing garage door to require replacement can help you find a door that will not experience the same issues.

What Do You Want In Your New Garage Door?

To make finding the right garage door easier, try basing your choice off of the following criteria: function, aesthetics, and budget. The function of garage doors can vary depending on its durability, how insulated it is, how weather-resistant it is, and how it opens and closes. The aesthetics of your garage door depends on the material you choose for your door as well as how it fits in with the architectural style of your home. Lastly, the budget for your garage door will vary from homeowner to homeowner. Luckily, if you have a tight budget, there are many ways to find an affordable garage door solution. Let’s further expand upon these criteria:

What Type of Material Do You Want?

When it comes to installing a new garage door, one decision you will have to make is the type of material you need. The most popular materials for garage doors include metal, aluminum, and wood. If a natural appearance is something you want your garage door to have, wood is the way to go. Keep in mind, wooden garage doors will require more care and maintenance, especially weather-sealing so it can withstand the elements. Metal and aluminum garage doors offer durability and a more modern look, plus they will not require as much care compared to wooden garage doors.

What Will Be Your Garage’s Main Function

Do you use your garage space for something other than storing vehicles? Garage uses extend far beyond vehicle storage. Maybe you want to turn it into a home office or a gym. Or maybe you want to convert your garage into a comfortable living space. Know the main function of your garage can help you determine whether or not your door needs special features, such as insulation.

Is Appearance Important?

If you are looking to boost the curb appeal of your home, the aesthetics of your new garage door is an important consideration. Your garage door is one of the first things that people see when driving by your home, and a good-looking garage door can improve the value of your home through curb appeal. To get the most curb appeal, your new garage door should match the style, color, and trim to your front door and perhaps the siding of any windows. Choose a material such as wood that has a charming natural look.

Considering these three criteria should make choosing the right residential garage door much easier.

Are You Using The Right Garage Door Company

If you search Google for ‘garage door replacement near me’ you are going to find a lot of options. Keep in mind, you should not just choose the first garage door contractor you find. You want to make sure that the garage door company you choose offers garage door replacement and installs products from the leading garage door manufacturers. If you follow our tips for hiring the best garage door service company, you can ensure that your garage door replacement goes smoothly and is covered by a solid warranty.

Contact Us For Garage Door Replacement

Whether your door is old and outdated or you just want an upgrade in security, safety, and technology, if you are in the need for a garage door replacement, you can rely on the experts at Garage Door Doctor. We have years of experience providing customers with garage door replacements as well as our other garage door services. To schedule a free estimate or to learn more about replacing your garage door, contact the team at Garage Door Doctor today!

Essential Questions To Consider Before Garage Door Installation

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Installation, Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

Whether you are building a new home or garage and are installing your first garage door or you are having your old and worn garage door replaced, garage door installation requires a lot of thought and consideration.

Before having a new garage door installed, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:

Did I Choose The Right Garage Door Installation Company?

Choosing a reputable, trustworthy company to install your garage door is, without a doubt, the most important part of the process. Before hiring a garage door contractor, be sure to do your research and read online reviews to get an idea of what kind of experiences other people have had with some of the local garage door companies in your area.

What Is The Best Garage Door Material For My Home?

There are a variety of garage door materials to choose from, all of them serving different purposes. The most commonly used garage door materials include steel, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood. Before choosing a material, first consider factors for each such as affordability and durability — this will make it easier to narrow down the choices and eventually choose the material that is the best fit for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

What Garage Door Style Should I Choose?

Just like materials, there are a variety of garage door styles to choose from, and selecting the right one can make all the difference to not only your garage but your home and it’s curb appeal as well. There are many different garage door styles, some that are designed to enhance your home’s curb appeal, create a focal point, or add the perfect finishing touch. Some of the most popular garage door styles include:

  • Raised Panel – This offers a classy, elegant look, typically featuring a pattern of raised square or rectangular panels. Windows are often added to the door as a simple decorative feature.
  • Recessed Panel – Closely resembling raised panel garage doors, recessed panel doors are classic and strikingly stylish, but instead of the panels being elevated, they are sunken for a contemporary flair.
  • Carriage House Overlay – Highly traditional in its design and beautiful in its appearance, an overlay carriage garage door will add character and warmth to the exterior of your home.
  • Carriage House Stamped – Adding classical charm to the exterior of your home, this style of garage door has the conventional carriage design stamped into the surface of the door.
  • Flush Panel – Flush panel garage doors are sleek and modern, often featuring clean lines and simple designs that create an effortless exterior appearance.
  • Accent Planks –  Elegant and eye-catching, accent plank style garage doors are a true asset to modern and traditional properties thanks to its beautiful wood-tone accenting.

If you want your garage door to have a more classic look, the classic carriage house style or the popular traditional raised-panel style door may be the best options to fit your needs. If you want your garage door to have more personality, you may want to choose a contemporary style or design the entire door to your liking with a custom style.

How Can My Garage Door Be Personalized?

Did you know that most garage door styles and materials can be customized to reflect your personality and match your home’s overall look and feel? When you work with the right garage door installation company, you will have the option to choose from different colors, finishes, and glazing options, or the choice to add windows to enhance the door’s appearance. Additionally, you can choose to embellish it with decorative hardware such as handles and hinges.

What Other Elements Can Be Added?

There are other elements for your garage door that you may want to consider. For example, insulation is one of the most important elements to look for when you are purchasing a new garage door. Many garage doors already come insulated, so it may be worth investing in a door with a higher R-value now so it is something you do not have to worry about in the future. Other elements to consider include the type of garage door opener you choose and any exterior design features to add.

What Warranties Are Available?

Most garage doors that are installed by a professional company will come with a warranty, or at least the option to purchase one. The contractors you work should be able to explain the available warranties, answering any questions you may have.

How Will I Keep My Garage Door Maintained?

Most garage doors follow a similar maintenance plan. Once installed, the garage door installation company should also offer routine maintenance services to make sure that everything is always in working order. Opting for routine garage door maintenance will help extend the life of your garage door while also preventing injuries and damages within your garage. The International Door Association suggests having your garage door system inspected by a professional garage door company at least once a year.

Asking yourself these questions before purchasing a new garage door will help ensure that you choose the right one for your home.

Need A Garage Door Installation Company In Indianapolis?

If you are in need of a new garage door, you can rely on the team at Garage Door Doctor to help you choose the best choice for your home. We have years of experiencing installing garage doors throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. To receive a hassle-free estimate, contact our professional garage door contractors!

Tips For Hiring The Best Garage Door Service Company

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

When it comes to your home, you likely already understand the importance of maintenance. However, if you are like many homeowners, one area of your home that you may overlook when it comes to maintenance is your garage door. Until something goes wrong with it, that is. A garage door that isn’t operating properly is not only a major inconvenience, it is also a safety concern.

Garages house one of your most costly and reliant possessions — your vehicle. Throughout the day, your garage door opens and closes numerous times as you travel back and forth to work and run errands. If something goes wrong with its operation, it is important to have a reliable garage door company that will be able to repair the issue in a timely manner.

Tips For Hiring The Best Garage Door Service Company

Whether you are dealing with a broken garage door or are thinking about purchasing a new garage door, one of the most important parts of the process is finding a garage door company you can trust. Here are five tips that can be used to choose a garage door company and ensure quality, dependable service.

Understand Your Needs

First things first; before you begin searching for nearby garage door companies, first determine what exactly your needs are. Are you looking to replace your old garage door with a new one? Is your garage door broken or not operating properly? Or are you just looking to have your garage door system professionally inspected?

Whatever the reasoning behind your search for professional garage door services, it will help determine how the rest of your search goes. While most garage door companies will offer complete services, some contractors choose to only focus on specific services, such as repairs.

Ask Friends and Family For Recommendations

No matter what your garage door service needs are, a great way to find a trustworthy garage door repair company is by asking friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors for their recommendations. Chances are fairly high that there is someone you know who has had work done in the past. A positive referral or warning can help you in your search for a reputable company. You may hear the same garage door company’s name come up when asking for recommendations, a sign that the said company is worth checking out.

Search For The Best Garage Door Contractors Online

A simple online search will make it easier to find nearby garage door companies. The best way to find local garage door contractors is to make your online search as specific as possible. Using your preferred search engine, search for terms like, ‘garage door companies near me’ or ‘nearby garage door repair’. Or, be specific to the area in which you live by naming the county, city, or borough. For example, homeowners in Fishers, Indiana may search, “Fishers garage door company,” to find the best contractors in their area. Searching for companies this way doesn’t just enable you to find the best garage companies, but also the companies that are within your community. This can be extremely beneficial for time-sensitive repairs or replacements.

Check The Critical Information

Once you have a few garage door companies in mind, always do your due diligence to ensure they are the best choice. This means seeking out and verifying critical information. At the very least, check the following with each company.

  • Experience. Experience is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a garage door contractor. Look for companies that have been in business for a while and have years of experience servicing garage doors.
  • Licensed and Insured. To avoid fly-by-night companies, seek out a garage door company that is licensed to practice in the area. You’ll also want to verify that they have a certificate of insurance, which covers any damages incurred during installation or repair work.
  • BBB Rating. There are many different ratings and certifications a company can receive, but the gold standard in the industry is a rating from the Better Business Bureau. Before considering a company, go to each company’s BBB page to review their ratings. Ratings scale from F to A+ and you can sift through reviews and complaints. You’ll want to think twice about working with companies that aren’t accredited or have poor ratings.
  • Website. In today’s technology-driven world, almost every reliable company will have a website. While you shouldn’t fault a company for having a poor website, you should definitely be skeptical if you are unable to find a site at all.

All of this information combined should give you a better idea of whether the company is genuine and how they’re viewed in the industry.

Ask For Estimates

Once you have a couple of companies in mind, reach out to them and ask for an estimate. Receiving estimates is beneficial for a variety of reasons. Not only will you get a first impression of the garage door company, but you will get to receive and compare quotes from each contractor. Although companies may have similar prices displayed on their websites, at the end of the day, every garage door repair or installation project is different. Take some time to review the estimates and consider your project budget.

Make Your Decision

After you have done your due diligence and requested estimates from a few contractors, you now can choose the company that you find best for the job. Remember, your decision shouldn’t revolve on cost or time alone. While these are critical factors, the value of the work holds the most importance. It may be worth paying a little extra or waiting a bit longer for a project to begin if you can trust that it’s going to be worth the quality workmanship.

Once you decide on a garage door company, give them a call and schedule a date for the work to begin!

Looking For The Best Garage Door Company Near Indianapolis?

If you are searching for a garage door company in Indianapolis, Franklin, or the surrounding areas, make sure to follow the tips above. Chances are you will likely come across Garage Door Doctor in your searches, and for good reason. Garage Door Doctor has been servicing homeowners with quality, reliable, and affordable garage door services. Whatever your needs are, trust that our team of experienced garage door contractors will be able to help! To receive a free estimate, click here.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Try DIY Garage Door Installation

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

t is no secret that we have become self-sufficient thanks to the ease with which everything is available on the internet. With how-to videos for just about every task out there, people are more enabled to accomplish things right at home without needed to pay for a service. For the committed DIY crowd, garage door installation can potentially seem like a project that could be taken on without the help of a professional. Only a licensed, insured, and experienced garage door company should perform garage door installations.

If you are a homeowner considering attempting a garage door installation on your own, reviewing the following reasons will help you to see why it is best to leave this type of job to a trained garage door technician.

Complicated Job

Although you may be handy when it comes to performing minor repairs around the house, a garage door installation can be difficult and overwhelming for anyone who does not possess the proper expertise. Garage door systems are complex, to say the least. They have numerous parts involved, and this can make it easy to spend a lot of time on the job if you do not entirely understand what needs to be done.

Risk of Injury

The risk of injury is high when you attempt garage door installation without the proper training and experience. It’s important to remember that the installation process is physically strenuous and can be dangerous due to the parts that are involved. Garage doors are extremely heavy, typically weighing 700 pounds. Plus, handling the garage door springs improperly can potentially lead to serious injury. Garage door installation is by no means a do-it-yourself job, you need a professional to handle the work to prevent any injuries.

Garage Door Installation Requires Special Tools

In order to properly install a garage door, you need certain tools and equipment. And trust us when we say that you likely do not have the tools needed sitting around in your toolbox, and before you get any ideas, they can also be expensive to buy. The use of these tools also requires a great deal of mechanical ability, as it is not an easy, intuitive process. For example, most garage door installations require the use of a counterbalance spring system, which is needed to lift the garage door.

Creates a Safety Hazard

There is a very good reason why garage door installation is a job that requires intense training, education, and experience. If a garage door is not properly installed, it creates a serious safety hazard for members of your household and anyone who visits your home. If a garage door opener is faulty, it can cause the door to close on someone or fail to reverse, causing injury or death. Similarly, if the garage door is not installed correctly on the track, it can fall down without warning.

While you may feel that DIY garage door installation is a task you can achieve, it simply is not worth the risk and damages. Your garage door needs to be installed right the first time, which is why you should hire a professional garage door company to handle the work.

Helpful Tips to Prevent Winter Damages for Your Garage

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Repair Indianapolis.

Midwest winters are pretty unpredictable. It can seem to be warming up one day, then the next day we are hit with a blanket of snow. During the winter season, we take the extra precautions to rid our driveways, sidewalks, and vehicles of snow and ice, but what about our garage doors?

When the temperatures fall and the snow starts to fall, it can have an adverse effect on your garage door as its operation. At Garage Door Doctor, we have seen many cases where snow and ice lead to costly garage door repairs. Don’t let the winter conditions affect the convenience and operation of your garage door, follow the tips below to avoid garage door repairs.

How Does Snow and Ice Damage Garage Doors?

Protecting your garage from snow and ice is important, especially in Indiana, where winters are often cold and windy, as both can cause issues for your garage door system. Letting snow and ice accumulate around your garage, the following issues are more likely to happen.

  • Garage door tracks can bend and become misaligned
  • The weight of your garage door can shift and become imbalanced
  • Wooden garage doors absorb moisture
  • Rubber and vinyl may harden and crack
  • The garage door opener is forced to lift a heavier load

Tips to Avoid Winter Damages For Your Garage

There are some simple things you can do to help ensure that your garage is operating safely through the winter season. Consider trying the following this winter:

  • Avoid piling snow. Try to keep snow from piling up on your garage doors threshold. Too much snow piled up against your garage door can cause it to dent or have difficulty opening. Plus, the debris in snow can damage the integrity of your garage door threshold, which can mean a lapse in energy efficiency the risk of potential damage to the door.
  • Remove ice. Ice can cause a serious problem for a garage door. Ice often forms along the threshold of your garage door. When ice accumulates on the threshold, your garage door opener has to work extra hard to pull the door away from the ice. This can cause damage to your door or your opener, so clear away the ice first.
  • Clear before closing.  If your garage door has been opened long enough for snow or ice to develop along the threshold, clear it away before closing. If you close your door on snow and ice, the automatic reverse mechanism may kick in. Or worse, your garage door may close and be stuck.
  • Get a weather-resistant garage door. Weather-resistant garage doors can withstand the harsh winter conditions. These doors perform better over the long term and help homeowners avoid expensive repairs that come with cheaper alternatives.
  • Plow carefully. Make sure your plowing service knows to leave some space in front of your garage door. While plowing services are doing their best to do a good job, they aren’t always mindful about the fact that their work and their snow plows could damage your garage door.

Following the above tips will help you avoid garage door damage from ice and snow this winter. Keep in mind, when you need help repairing or maintaining your existing garage door, or choosing a new garage door that can withstand the harsh Midwest winters, contact Garage Door Doctor and our team of experienced technicians.

Tips to Avoid Emergency Garage Door Repairs

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Repair Indianapolis.

If you’re like most homeowners, you would rather avoid garage door problems altogether. Unfortunately, garage door systems involve numerous moving parts and components, making them at risk of wear, damage, and other problems that can cause your garage door system to not operate properly and lead to not only inconvenient but also unsafe, situations.

Luckily, if you are faced with an emergency garage door situation, you can rely on Garage Door Doctor to provide a working solution. Garage Door Doctor is always available, offering emergency garage door repair in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. While you can gain peace of mind in knowing that our 24-hour garage door services are always available, it’s still in your best interest to not have to deal with an emergency garage door problem. The best way to reduce the risk of these inconvenient problems occurring is to ensure that your garage door is in the prime condition.

Tips to Avoid Emergency Garage Door Repairs

To help you avoid these stressful issues with your garage door, we put together a list of tips that will help you avoid emergency garage door repairs.

Call a Garage Door Company

As soon as you notice an issue with your garage door or garage door opener, it is important to call a garage door company if you are unable to make the adjustments or repairs yourself. Prolonging repairs could potentially cause the problem to get worse and cost more in repairs. At Garage Door Doctor, our professional technicians will be able to fix the problem quickly to ensure your garage door will operate reliably.

Keep Up with Garage Door Maintenance

Keeping up with regular garage door maintenance is essential if you want to keep your garage door system running efficiently. Regular maintenance will help you detect potential problems before they become too sophisticated or too expensive to fix.

For professional garage door preventative maintenance, contact Garage Door Doctor today!

Clean and Lubricate Components

Garage door systems involve a lot of parts and components, many of which need to be properly cleaned a lubricated. Cleaning and lubricating the essential parts, such as the garage door tracks, rollers, and hinges, is one of the simplest yet most effective steps in garage door maintenance.

Adjust the Garage Door Sensors

Is your garage door not closing all the way? The issue could be caused by out-of-alignment photo-eye sensors. The purpose of these sensors is to keep your door from closing at unsafe or inconvenient moments, however, when the sensors are not properly aligned, this safety feature can become a burden. To prevent major issues from occurring, move the sensors back into their right position with the lenses lined up with each other if they are to come out of place.

The tips above are just a few things you can do to avoid the risk of emergency garage door repairs, which can save you time and money as well as your sanity. However, it is important to remember that emergencies do happen, and when you are faced with a garage door problem that requires urgent repairs, you can count on Garage Door Doctor for 24 hour garage door repairs. If you are in need of emergency garage door repairs, contact our technicians today!

Common Winter Garage Door Problems

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Repair Indianapolis.

As we all know, Midwest winters can be harsh. It won’t be long before the snow begins piling up. With the frigid temperatures and snow, it can be easy to forget the effect they can have on your garage door. It is estimated that 71 percent of homeowners use their garages to enter and exit their house, making garage door problems a huge inconvenience.

Before the winter reaches its prime, it is important to be aware of some of the most common garage door problems that occur this time of year so that you can get ahead of them and keep your door running smoothly. Let’s review some of the most common winter garage door problems.

Contracting Metal and Damaged Components

In order for your garage door to be properly functioning, every single part needs to be in the best shape. When one component is damaged or faulty, it can cause the entire system to shut down. This is a serious issue, especially with the cold temperatures make metal contract. A garage door has many metal components. The screws, springs, railing, and other parts can break or cause your garage door to get jammed due to contracting.

Broken garage door springs are one of the most common garage door issues that happen during the winter. And since garage door springs keep the weight of your door balanced, they are essential to a fully operating system.

The metal components of your garage door system should be lubricated throughout the entire year as a part of regular garage door maintenance, but it’s especially essential during the winter months to avoid contracting metal and a malfunctioning door.

Garage Door Frozen To The Ground

One of the most annoying problems that can happen this winter is when a garage door sticks in cold weather. If water accumulates at the bottom of the gate, it can seal and freeze the garage door shut. Does your garage door stick when cold? The best way to avoid this problem is to sweep puddles and snow away from the base of your door right away, not allowing it to accumulate.

Damaged Garage Door Sensors

Believe it or not, the remote sensors can become cracked when the temperatures are harsh. While this is a rare occurrence, if you have cracked garage door sensors you’ll need to call a professional garage door company to find out what’s happening with the sensor and either fix the issue by offering garage door sensor repair or replacement. Before you call anyone, check for simple issues like dead batteries or something interfering with the photo eye sensors.

Damaged Weather Stripping

Garage door weather stripping is a great way to keep the cold air out and the warm air inside your garage during the winter. It also can improve energy efficiency. However, sometimes during the winter, water can freeze around the base of your garage door and trap the weather stripping between the ice and the ground. When you try to open your garage door, it can tear the weather stripping off. Furthermore, as time passes, the stripping wears and tends to harden and crack, eliminating the seal and allowing the cold air to enter inside. With such a large door, losing the weather stripping seal can create your overall heating costs to rise. Again, a good way to avoid this issue is to sweep snow and water away from the base of your door before it has the chance to freeze. Inspect your weather stripping regularly to make sure it hasn’t become too worn or damaged to keep your garage and home warm.

Contact Garage Door Doctor For Garage Door Repair In The Winter

Not only is fixing your garage door in the winter difficult and dangerous to do without the proper knowledge and equipment, but the cold temperatures make it a task you don’t want to have to deal with. By taking the necessary precautions, you can prevent these common winter garage door problems. If you find yourself in need of garage door repair this winter season, you can rely on the expert garage door contractors at Garage Door Doctor! Our team can diagnose whatever problem your garage door system is having, getting it back up and properly functioning as it should. To receive a free estimate, contact our garage door company today!

Helpful Tips For Fall Garage Door Maintenance

Written by jsanford on . Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

The Midwest is known to have some brutal cold winters, and one of the last things you will want to do when the temperatures drop and the snow starts falling is clean or fix your garage door. That’s why the fall is a great time to finish up any remaining preventive maintenance so you’re not stuck with a faulty garage door system in the winter.

Luckily, we put together four fall garage door maintenance tips to ensure be worry-free as Old Man Winter approaches.

Tip #1: Clean Up

While there is still some sunshine and temperatures are still up in the fifties, make sure to give your garage a good exterior and interior cleaning.

  • Use a power washes to get rid of any dirt, dust, and debris
  • Wash the garage floor with soap and water to get rid of any fluids, dirt and debris from the road, or stains that may be building up.

Extra Tip: Make sure that the lenses of your garage door photo eye sensors are clear, free of any dirt, dust, and debris.

Tip #2: Lubricate Moving Parts

As intricate systems of metal moving parts, garage doors need lubrication to work smoothly. The owner’s manual of garage door system should contain detailed lubrication information.

  • Make sure that the tracks and rollers operate without any issues.
  • Ensure that the torsion spring above the door is well lubricated.
  • Spray all moving parts with a lubricant to help create a quiet, reliable operation.

Tip #3: Check Seals and Weather Stripping

The corners, bottom, and sides of your garage door are most likely to let cold air in during the winter, causing your heating bills to spike when left unattended.

  • Double check to ensure that your weather stripping and seals are in-tack, not worn out, and show no signs of weathering or cracking.
  • Consider adding or replacing insulation to your garage door if it’s not already insulated — some new garage doors even come insulated.

Tip #4: Inspect The Track For Dents

It is common for garage door tracks to be damaged over time, especially after repetitive use. Before the winter season, do your due diligence to make sure that the track is in good condition.

  • Thoroughly inspect the track in search of nicks, dents, and other damages.
  • Ensure that the rack is clear and that the door is running smoothly along the rails as it should.

Get Professional Garage Door Preventive Maintenance

The tips above are just a few ways to ensure your garage door is ready for the upcoming weather, however, you cannot go wrong with professional maintenance from the experts at Garage Door Doctor. Contact us to learn more.