How quickly can you fix my broken springs?

We offer immediate dispatch for spring repairs. In most cases, we can have a licensed technician at your location within 1-2 hours. Same-day repairs are our specialty, and we stock common spring sizes on our service vehicles to ensure fast completion. Our technicians are available 24/7 for emergency spring repairs because we understand a broken spring means your car is stuck.

What causes broken springs in garage doors?

Garage door springs typically break due to several factors: 1) Normal wear from cycle life—springs are rated for 10,000-15,000 cycles, which translates to 7-12 years for most families. 2) Temperature fluctuations cause metal fatigue, especially in our Washington climate with significant seasonal changes. 3) Rust and corrosion from lack of proper lubrication weakens the metal over time. 4) Improper spring sizing from poor initial installation. Warning signs include loud squeaking, uneven door movement, visible gaps in the spring coils, or the door feeling heavier than usual.

Do you offer financing for new custom door installations?

Yes! We understand that a new garage door is a significant investment in your home. We offer flexible financing options including 0% interest for 12 months on approved credit, low monthly payment plans that fit your budget, and we always provide free, no-obligation estimates so you can make an informed decision. A new garage door can increase your home's value by up to 4%, making it one of the best home improvement investments.

What is included in your maintenance service?

Our comprehensive 25-point maintenance service includes: lubrication of all moving parts (hinges, rollers, springs, tracks), spring tension inspection and adjustment, balance testing, safety reversal system testing, hardware tightening, weather stripping inspection, opener function check, and visual inspection of all components for wear. Regular maintenance extends the life of your door by years and helps prevent expensive emergency repairs.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours from start to finish. This includes removing the old door, installing the new door and hardware, setting up the opener if included, programming remotes, and testing all safety features. More complex installations (custom sizes, insulated doors, smart openers) may take a full day. We always clean up after ourselves and walk you through the operation of your new door.

Do you service all garage door brands?

Yes, our technicians are trained to service all major garage door brands including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, Raynor, and many others. We also service all opener brands like LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, and Craftsman. If your door or opener is from a lesser-known manufacturer, we can still help—our experience covers virtually every type of residential garage door system.

What warranty do you offer?

We provide a comprehensive 10-Year Warranty on all our work, covering both parts and labor. This warranty applies to new installations, repairs, and maintenance services. Manufacturer warranties on new doors typically range from 1 year to lifetime depending on the component. We stand behind our work because we're confident in the quality of our installations and repairs.

Is it safe to repair a garage door myself?

While some minor maintenance tasks like lubrication can be done by homeowners, we strongly advise against DIY repairs for springs, cables, or major components. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if mishandled. Even seemingly simple repairs can lead to injury if proper safety procedures aren't followed. Our licensed technicians have the training, tools, and experience to complete repairs safely.

Fire Safety Compliance: Protecting Your Family

2023-12-28 6 min read

When a garage is attached to your home, fire safety becomes a critical consideration. The door between your garage and living space is a key fire barrier, and many homeowners don't realize there are specific requirements for this door.

Understanding Fire-Rated Doors

Fire-rated doors are designed to resist fire and smoke for a specified period, giving occupants time to escape and firefighters time to respond. These ratings are measured in minutes:

- 20-minute rating: Minimum requirement for most residential applications - 45-minute rating: Required in some jurisdictions - 90-minute rating: Typically for commercial applications

Building Code Requirements

Most building codes require the door between an attached garage and the home to be:

1. Self-closing: The door must close automatically (no propping open!) 2. Fire-rated: Minimum 20-minute fire resistance 3. Solid core: Hollow-core doors don't provide adequate protection 4. Properly sealed: Weatherstripping helps contain smoke

The Garage Door Itself

While the interior entry door gets most attention, your actual garage door also plays a role in fire safety:

Material Matters: Steel and aluminum doors resist fire better than wood. Some modern composite materials also offer improved fire resistance.

Insulation: Insulated doors can slow the spread of fire and heat.

Gaps and Seals: Properly sealed doors help contain fires within the garage.

Common Fire Hazards in Garages

Understanding risks helps prevent fires:

- Flammable liquids: Store gasoline, paint, and solvents in approved containers away from ignition sources - Electrical issues: Overloaded circuits and damaged wiring are major fire starters - Hot vehicles: Park cars only after they've cooled down - Clutter: Keep combustible materials away from water heaters, furnaces, and electrical panels

Carbon Monoxide Concerns

Never run a vehicle or gas-powered equipment in a closed garage. Carbon monoxide is deadly and can seep into living spaces even with the garage door closed.

Our Fire Safety Recommendations

1. Install a smoke detector in your garage 2. Keep a fire extinguisher accessible 3. Never block the entry door 4. Schedule regular door maintenance 5. Consider upgrading to a fire-rated garage door

Protecting your family starts with understanding these requirements and taking proactive steps.

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