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.

Safety Reversal Testing: A Complete Guide for Homeowners

2024-01-15 8 min read

Your garage door is one of the largest moving objects in your home, weighing anywhere from 150 to 400 pounds or more. With this weight comes significant safety concerns, which is why modern garage doors are equipped with safety reversal systems. Understanding how to test these systems is crucial for every homeowner.

What is a Safety Reversal System?

A safety reversal system is a federally mandated feature on all garage door openers manufactured after 1993. This system includes two primary components: mechanical auto-reverse and photoelectric sensors. Together, they prevent the door from closing on people, pets, or objects.

The Mechanical Auto-Reverse Test

The mechanical auto-reverse feature causes the door to reverse direction if it encounters an obstruction while closing. Here's how to test it:

1. Gather a 2x4 board - Place it flat on the ground in the center of the door's path 2. Activate the door - Use your remote or wall button to close the door 3. Observe the response - When the door touches the 2x4, it should immediately reverse 4. Repeat the test - Perform this test monthly for consistent safety

If your door doesn't reverse, the force settings may need adjustment. This is a job for a professional technician, as improper adjustment can create safety hazards.

Testing the Photoelectric Sensors

The photoelectric sensors (also called safety eyes) create an invisible beam across the door opening. If this beam is broken while the door is closing, it should reverse immediately.

1. Locate the sensors - They're mounted 4-6 inches above the floor on both sides 2. Check the indicator lights - Most sensors have LED lights that glow when properly aligned 3. Test the beam - While closing the door, wave an object (like a broom) through the sensor beam 4. Verify reversal - The door should stop and reverse immediately

When to Call a Professional

While testing is something every homeowner can do, repairs should be left to licensed technicians. Call us if:

- The door doesn't reverse during either test, Sensor lights are blinking or not illuminated, The door reverses without obstruction, You notice unusual sounds or movements

Regular testing takes just a few minutes but could prevent serious injuries. We recommend testing your safety systems monthly and scheduling professional maintenance annually.

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