If you’re looking for a new garage door, there are dozens of styles and options to explore. Consider choosing a carriage house style for your garage door for a classic, stylish design. Carriage house overhead doors come in several color, construction and hardware options so you can select a door that complements your home.

With so many options, carriage doors are perfect for almost any home or budget. Start looking at different garage styles today with this guide to our popular carriage house garage doors.

What Is a Carriage Style Garage Door?

Carriage house garage doors offer a timeless style that combines vintage aesthetics with modern engineering. Carriage doors are designed to mimic old carriage houses, which were home to horses, carriages and servants before cars were the standard form of transportation. Once cars became the main form of transit, garages became the new vehicle housing and the carriage style was transferred to garage doors.

You can recognize carriage house-style garage doors mainly by their bold hardware and vintage, barn-style design. Hardware for carriage doors is typically decorative since the doors open upwards but have handles that evoke older carriage house doors, which opened outward. Carriage doors often have handles and hinges in vintage styles to reflect their old roots. Other modern garage door styles don’t generally have this hardware, giving carriage doors a unique feature that elevates the design of any garage.

Carriage doors are usually made with a wood or wood finish inspired by the original carriage houses. They might have some windows for styling and natural light. Carriage doors also often have overlays in horizontal, vertical and diagonal patterns to create attractive, subtle shapes on the door. Overlays are another feature of carriage doors that mimic the rustic, natural feel of older entries for a vintage flair. These and other features are customized to create a door that looks antique without sacrificing durability or innovation.

How to Pick the Perfect Carriage Style Garage Door for Your Home

If you’re exploring new garage door options, we offer a range of carriage-style doors to complement your home. Each style comes with its own color, design and feature options to ensure you get the best door for your garage. Finding a garage door that fits your home’s theme while remaining durable will give you the best, most cost-effective option.

Whether you’re a seasoned garage door purchaser or picking your first garage door, there are many variables to consider. Choose from various colors, hardware, styles and features to discover the door that’s right for you.

Color

Color is an essential aspect of any garage door. Your garage door color can be seen from the street and can make or break a first impression. For mid-century and modern homes, wood or wood grain finishes are ideal. The deep, rich tones of wood and its natural look give your home a warm, welcoming appearance.

For country-style homes, consider a white garage door. White is a classic, timeless color that provides and home exterior with a fresh, classic look. If you’re looking for a statement garage door, darker colors can give your home a bold contrast, providing a modern twist on a vintage garage style.

Hardware

Customizing your hardware will help you achieve the vintage look for which carriage house doors are famous. Step plates, metal hinges and lift handles bring an authentic feel to any carriage door, adding the perfect finishing touch to the design.

Style

Along with hardware, overlay patterns and glass styles will help tie your door in with your home’s overall aesthetic. Styles like COACHMAN® garage doors offer several overlay options, so you can use clean, subtle lines for a more understated look or a diagonal pattern to mimic barn door designs.

Insulation

You’ll also want to consider insulation when picking a garage door. Insulation keeps your garage from leaking air, helping to reduce your energy costs, maintain a consistent temperature in your home and protect your garage interior. Our carriage-style doors come with several insulation options made from polystyrene or Intellicore® polyurethane. Insulation is essential to any quality garage door, helping to increase durability and providing you with year-round protection from energy loss.

How Much Do Carriage Style Garage Doors Cost?

The exact cost of your overhead door will depend on the style, material, size, features and construction. You’ll also want to consider regular maintenance costs associated with the door. Wood doors need more frequent maintenance to keep them in top condition, so you’ll pay more for yearly upkeep.

Insulation type will also affect the total price of the door, along with customizations and material. However, the higher quality your door construction, the longer it will last and the lower your maintenance costs will be. Simply put, higher upfront prices can end up being more cost-effective long term.

Smaller garage doors can range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 on average, while larger, 2- or 3-car garage doors can cost $3,000 to $6,000. You’ll want to balance your garage door budget with your unique needs and home style to help you get the best quality door for the right price. Work with a reputable overhead door dealer to ensure you find the right garage door for your home.

Carriage Style Garage Door Options

If you’re interested in checking out different garage door styles, the carriage house door is a classic, attractive option for any home. Carriage-style doors come in a range of options, allowing you to select the door that perfectly meets your style. Explore these Clopay® carriage doors and find a durable, stylish garage door for your home:

• COACHMAN®: For a blend of strength and style, consider choosing doors from the Coachman collection. Coachman doors are constructed from robust and low-maintenance steel with wood grain overlay, giving you the look of natural wood and the durability of steel.
• CANYON RIDGE®: Charming and energy-efficient, the Canyon Ridge Limited Edition and Ultra-Grain series are perfect for bringing a vintage touch to any home. Choose from a 4- or 5-layer construction for a sturdy, high-quality door.
• GALLERY®: The Gallery collection elevates the carriage house door with wrought-iron details and stylish color options. Add a grooved panel design for added depth and dimension.
• BRIDGEPORT STEEL: For a sleek, more modern take on the carriage house garage, choose Bridgeport Steel doors. Recessed panel designs mimic the carriage door while keeping the contemporary look for the best of both styles. Multi-layer steel door construction provides long-term durability and efficiency for an excellent value.
• RESERVE® WOOD LIMITED EDITION: The Reserve Wood Limited Edition collection gives any home an authentic, historic feel. With multiple wood species to choose from and eight designs, you can find the ideal vintage door to complement your home.
• RESERVE® WOOD CUSTOM: For a one-of-a-kind carriage door, choose a Reserve Wood Custom garage. Construct the perfect carriage-style overhead door with our custom series. Working from a sketch or a few ideas, Clopay can build you your dream door. With unlimited wood species and door designs, you can craft your garage door from the ground up.

Explore Carriage Style Garage Doors With Door Pro

With so many options to discover, choosing the right overhead door style can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable garage door for your home, trust the experts at Door Pros to help you find the right one.

We offer top-of-the-line Clopay garage doors to ensure you receive the best product for your home. Our experienced staff will help you explore various design options from our extensive inventory for a stress-free experience.

To get started with your garage door installation, request an estimate and find your perfect garage door today!

The post Guide to Carriage House Style Garage Doors appeared first on Door Pros.

You rely on your garage to store your belongings and access your home daily, so you want to keep your investment in tip-top shape. Performing regular maintenance on your garage door will keep it working longer and can prevent costly repairs down the road. Use these garage door maintenance tips to keep your overhead doors working smoothly for years to come.

1. Observe Door

The first step in garage door maintenance is essential for identifying more apparent issues with the door. Open and close your garage door automatically and then manually. Look and listen to the door — is it running smoothly with minimal noise? Listen for unusual banging sounds and loud noises when the door is moving. Check to make sure the door isn’t catching or jerky. While opening the door manually, does it feel heavier than usual? Notice any visual or auditory signs that the door isn’t working correctly. If you find anything, you can begin correcting the issue.

2. Clear Tracks

Keeping the tracks clear is a simple way to maintain your overhead door. Over time, dirt and debris can collect on the tracks, creating blockages and malfunctions with the door. Gently brush debris from the tracks, then use a damp rag to wipe dirt and grime from the surface. While you can safely and efficiently clean your garage door tracks, you should leave any significant adjustments or repairs to professionals to ensure the tracks are safely and correctly repaired.

3. Tighten Hardware

You likely open your garage door multiple times a day, every day. If you open your garage door three to four times daily, that’s 1,000 to 1,400 cycles every year. This repeated use creates vibration, causing nuts and bolts to loosen over time. Using a socket wrench and a screwdriver, you can quickly tighten nuts, bolts and roller brackets yourself. Be careful not to overtighten hardware — this can lead to damage and faster wear on the components.

Avoid tightening red-painted hardware or hardware located on the bottom roller fixture. Tightening or adjusting these components can damage your door or compromise safety, so always leave these to professionals.

4. Check Cables

Visually inspect cables for frays, tears and other damage. Damaged cables can cause strain on the door parts and present a safety hazard to anyone using the garage door. Avoid adjusting or repairing the cables yourself. Cables are under high tension and help your door operate. However, they are dangerous to handle without proper training and can be unpredictable. If you see frayed or broken cables, contact a technician. Park your car outside your house and use other entrances while waiting for cable repair to protect yourself from harm.

5. Inspect Rollers

Garage door rollers allow the door to open and close smoothly, guiding it along the track. Damaged rollers can cause issues with the track and door operation, so inspect them for problems. Examine the rollers for cracks, chips and wear. You can replace damaged rollers, as long as they’re not directly attached to the cables or cable systems. Keep rollers clear of debris along with the tracks for the best operation.

6. Lubricate Hardware

Moving garage parts need regular lubrication to help with friction and wear. Lubrication is a quick and easy maintenance task you can perform without stress to keep your garage door working for years. Opening slowly is a common garage door problem that lubrication can easily fix. Use garage-door-specific lubricant to treat the springs, hinges, rollers, tracks and opener’s chain. Proper lubrication will keep your overhead door components moving smoothly and correctly.

While some garage door rollers need lubrication, nylon rollers do not. If your overhead door has nylon rollers, they will work their entire life span without needing lubricant. If you have steel or other material rollers, they’ll need lubricating about twice a year, maybe more if they see more frequent use.

7. Test Balance

An imbalance in your garage door puts extra stress on the other components. Over time, this additional stress will cause your garage door to wear out faster, potentially leading to severe damage and extensive repairs. To test your door’s balance, close the door completely. After closing the door, disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle — typically a red cord. Then lift the door manually until it sits halfway open and let go. If your door is correctly balanced, it will stay in the half-open position.

If your door fails to stay in place, you might have a cable or spring problem. These components are under high tension, so avoid working with them yourself. Leave rebalancing garage doors to professionals, so contact a technician for assistance if your door is improperly balanced.

8. Replace Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is the rubber seal at the bottom of your overhead door that helps block off your garage interior from water damage and the elements. Replacing a cracked or brittle weatherstrip can help protect your garage from the rainy season and keep the outside from getting in. Weather seals also keep air from flowing between your garage and outside, saving you money on energy costs and maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the space. Because weatherstripping prevents elements from coming indoors, always check it during season changes for the best energy efficiency.

9. Test Safety Features

When performing regular maintenance, always check the safety features. The photoelectric sensor and mechanical auto-reverse features prevent your garage from closing on objects and causing safety problems. You can quickly test these features at home with a few household objects.

For checking the photosensor, wave a broom under the door as it’s automatically closing. To test the mechanical auto-reverse, place a wood plank or brick under the door. Start the door closing — when the door touches the object, it should reverse. If either of these features fails to reverse, contact a professional to look at your safety features.

If your door is older, it may not have these safety measures. If this is the case, you should get your garage door and opener replaced. These features help protect people and objects from garage door injury or damage. Installing a door and opener with modern safety measures will keep your family safe while using the garage door.

10. Clean Door

Finally, always inspect the garage door itself for wear and tear. Overhead doors are constantly exposed to grime, dirt, debris and harsh weather. Steel doors can form rust spots, which you’ll need to sand and repaint. Wood doors can warp when exposed to water damage, so look for bending in the door. Wood also needs regular repainting or restaining to protect the wood.

You want your garage door to look clean and new, so wash it to prevent dirt. Use a mild soap and a wet cloth to remove all grime and debris on both sides of the door.

Protect Your Garage Door With Door Pros

Preventative maintenance can protect your garage door from regular wear and tear damage. If you find problems with your garage door while maintaining it, call a service you trust to fix your door. At Door Pros, our experienced team will examine your garage door and perform any necessary repairs to give you full use of your garage again. If you’re experiencing an issue with your garage door, schedule a service with us today!

The post Garage Door Maintenance Tips appeared first on Door Pros.

Choosing a garage door is a big decision. Your garage makes up a large part of your home, and it’s often the first thing people see when they look at your house. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a new garage door for your home, from your budget and preferences to your area’s climate.

We’ve put together this guide to help you choose a door perfect for your home. Learn some steps to selecting a new garage door and how to match color and style to your house.

How to Choose a Garage Door

A new garage door has the potential to change the entire appearance of your home and raise its curb appeal. Before you start thinking about your design wishes for your garage door, you’ll want to consider some logistics. These steps provide a good starting point:

1. Analyze Your Area’s Climate

One of the first things to consider when choosing a garage door is your location. The weather affects what you use your garage for. If you live in a cold or snowy climate, you might want to use your garage to protect your car. In addition to protecting your car from elements like rain and snow, you’ll likely need a garage door rated for wind in some regions. Garages without wind protection leave your home susceptible to roof collapse.

2. Understand Your Budget

Another important consideration is how much money you’re willing to spend on a new garage door. Setting a budget is a good next step after determining which type of door will work best for your climate and area. Your budget will depend on several factors, including material, number of doors, style and whether the garage door is insulated.

3. Think About Your Garage Door Usage

People open and close their garage doors multiple times every day. The number of times you open and close your garage door might affect what type of door you choose. If you find you open and close your doors a lot throughout the day, a door on an overhead track might be quicker and more efficient than doors that open outward.

4. Decide How Much Maintenance You’re Willing to Do

Different garage doors require different maintenance levels. Wood doors require regular maintenance and upkeep, especially as they age. You’ll need to repaint or stain them every couple of years. If you don’t have time or aren’t interested in the upkeep necessary for a wood door, consider one made from aluminum or steel. You can paint these doors to look like wood if you want the look without the upkeep.

How Will You Use Your Garage?

Choosing a garage door for your home depends on how you plan to use it. People use their garages for the following purposes:

• Car protection: It isn’t surprising that car storage is one of the most popular uses for a garage. Many people choose a double garage or two-car garage even if they only need room for one car. You can use the extra space for storage or as a workspace.
• Storage: People often use their garages to store items like bicycles, shoes, seasonal decorations and equipment like lawnmowers.
• Home gym: Home gyms have grown in popularity in recent years, and some people have found their garage to be the perfect place for a home gym setup.
• Workshop: People who work at home or do a lot of construction work around the house might find their garage a good place for a workshop.

How to Match a New Garage Door to Your Home

A new garage door can enhance your home’s aesthetics if you choose the right style. Start by analyzing your home’s style:

• Rustic: Rustic homes are casual and natural. They often feature elements like wood and stone.
• Traditional: Traditional homes mix classic with contemporary. They are one of the most popular styles in the U.S.
• Modern: Modern homes were built between the 1930s and 1970s in the U.S. and are stylistically minimal without many over-the-top details.
• Contemporary: Contemporary homes generally feature styles that are currently popular. The styles can vary greatly.

You can also customize some elements of your new garage door to add a unique twist to your home. Some features of garage doors that can make your home stand out include:

• Windows: Windows work well with many garage styles. If you’re using your garage for a nontraditional purpose — such as a home gym — windows let natural sunlight into the space.
• Material: Garage doors are often made from steel, wood, aluminum or glass.
• Finish: You can use paint, stone, brick or staining methods to finish and perfect your new garage door.
• Color: Color is an excellent way to customize your new garage door. You may choose a black garage door for a modern, sleek look or a red garage door to complement your home’s other colors.

What Style Garage Door Should I Choose?

Check out the following garage door styles and our recommendations for home styles they complement:

• Modern Steel: The Modern Steel garage doors pair well with contemporary and midcentury modern homes. There are 13 finish options available for this style.
• Classic Steel: Classic Steel garage doors are available in various colors. This style stands the test of time and complements every style of home.
• Reserve^® Wood Custom: Wood garage doors pair well with rustic homes. With Reserve^® Wood Custom handcrafted doors, you can choose between wood like Knotty Alder, Spanish Cedar, White Oak or African Mahogany. Options are only limited by your imagination!
• Canyon Ridge^® Carriage House: Get the look of swing-out doors with the functionality of upward operation with Canyon Ridge^® Carriage House garage doors. These doors are constructed with four layers — steel, insulation, steel and a composite overlay.

Your personal style is the most important thing to consider when choosing a garage door. Since you’ll be the one opening and closing it every day, choose something you love to look at and use!

Find a New Garage Door With Door Pros

At Door Pros, we’re committed to providing the best customer service and workmanship. No matter what garage door styles you’re interested in, we have something to fit your lifestyle. We have locations across California, including San Mateo, San Rafael, Sacramento, San Francisco, Carmel and surrounding areas. We also work in Monteray and Denver, Colorado.

Our experienced technicians are ready to help you pick a new garage door. Browse our garage door gallery and request an estimate for your new garage door today!

The post How to Choose the Perfect Garage Door for Your Home appeared first on Door Pros.

As a homeowner, you always want to make sure your home stays protected in case of unexpected damages. Homeowners insurance can give you peace of mind, although you may be wondering if that coverage protects your garage door. When damage does occur, you could be left wondering whether you’re fully covered.

In those instances, it’s important to understand the intricacies of homeowners insurance — such as when you should file a claim, what damages are covered and how that coverage differs when it comes to attached vs. detached garages.

Is It Worth It to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim for Garage Door Repair?

Depending on your policy, it may be worth it to file a homeowners insurance claim for garage door repairs. In some cases, it may be beneficial to file the claim as early as possible and for as much as possible.

Some insurance companies may include deductibles that outweigh the actual cost of repairs. In these cases, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and see what would be most beneficial for your situation.

What Damages Are Typically Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

As you dig into the world of homeowners insurance, you’ll start to see that damage is a very broad term and can allude to many different types of scenarios. It’s important to understand what damages are covered by your insurance policy and which ones you may not be protected from.

Each homeowners insurance policy will differ based on the type you have. In general, these are the types of damages you can expect to be covered by homeowners insurance:

Vehicle Damage

Though it may be embarrassing, accidents involving garage doors and vehicles happen. It can be easy to accidentally back into your garage door while rushing somewhere else. Especially in harsh weather conditions like snow, your visibility could be impacted, or the driveway may be icy, leading to an accident. In many instances, your insurance will cover those damages to your garage door.

If someone who doesn’t live in your home hits your garage, their auto insurance should cover the damages.

Natural Disasters

Damages caused by lightning and severe weather will usually be covered by homeowners insurance. However, the coverages for individual natural disasters differ — while you may be protected from wind and lightning, flooding might not be a part of the policy. Make sure you read those details to see what you’re covered for.

Fire Damage

Homeowners insurance will also usually cover housefires, which can be scary and severely damaging to your home. If the worst does happen, you can at least have confidence knowing you won’t be stuck paying the entire bill.

Vandalism and Break-Ins

Your garage is an extension of your home, which means homeowners insurance will usually cover things like graffiti and even break-in damages. In some cases, it may also cover the items stolen from your garage. If you plan to store valuable items in your garage, you may want to increase your coverage for stolen property.

What Damages Are Not Typically Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Knowing what your homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover will impact how you invest in your home. For example, if your homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover wind damage, you may want to look into getting a more robust, insulated garage door that can stand up to the elements. Here are some damages that are commonly not covered by homeowners insurance.

Floods, Earthquakes and Wildfires

While some natural disasters — such as lightning strikes and hailstorms — may be covered by your homeowners’ insurance, others may not be. You may have to pay for damages caused by flooding, earthquakes and wildfires. If you live in an area that sees these types of natural disasters, you may want to look for a policy that will cover you fully.

Intentional Damage

Any intentional damage you do to your garage door will not be covered by homeowners insurance. In most cases, you’ll need proof to show that the damage was caused by something outside of your control. Likewise, minor damage will usually fall out of the realm of homeowners insurance.

General Wear and Tear

Over time, your roof will become impacted by old age, whether in the form of curling shingles or more frequent repairs. Usually, this general wear and tear will not be covered by your insurance policy.

If your roof is brand new, you’ll probably have an easier time getting coverage for damages. If your roof is in the last years of its life, you’ll probably be better off investing in a new roof rather than paying high deductibles for damages.

Homeowners Insurance for Attached vs. Detached Garages

Policies become more complicated if you have a detached garage. With an attached garage, your garage door is considered a part of your home and is usually covered by the details outlined in your homeowners’ insurance policy. Detached garages are completely separate from your home. This creates some gray areas between what is and is not covered in your policy.

Usually, an “other structures” policy extends coverage to buildings separate from your home. Other structures could include sheds, fences, pools and detached garages. These policies will cover damages for detached garages but usually at a lower percentage than those that are actually a part of your home.

If you have or are considering building a detached garage, that insurance coverage is something to think about.

Contact Door Pros for Information on Garage Door Repairs

Each insurance policy differs slightly, so some damages may be covered while others may not. Trying to decide which coverages are good for your situation can be challenging because many of these factors — like natural disasters and break-ins — may seem out of your control. It’s important to focus on the aspects you can control, like investing in a quality garage door that will hold up well to the elements.

Door Pros offers comprehensive garage door services, including repairs, maintenance and installation. If you do need repairs done or if you’re looking to install a new quality garage door, the professional experts at Door Pros are here to help.

Providing superior customer service is our top priority — we’ll answer any questions you may have and can service any make or model of garage door. We’re dedicated to making your experience as easy and thorough as possible.

Work with our talented team of garage door experts to find repair solutions that fit your budget or browse our collection of elegant, quality garage doors. Request an estimate today!

The post Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Garage Door Repairs? appeared first on Door Pros.

When you’re dealing with a loud garage door, you’re also dealing with the issue causing the noise. Your garage door should make your life easier and more pleasant, so it’s important to address any unusual sounds as quickly as possible to keep your door in top working condition.

We’ve laid out some common problems and solutions to help you figure out what causes your garage door to make noise.

1. Improper Installation

If you hear loud grinding, rattling or squealing when you open and close your garage door, it may be improperly installed. Slapping sounds can indicate a loose chain, while vibrating, rumbling and rattling may mean that the nuts or bolts are loose.

Improper installation can cause several other garage door issues. The door might open slowly and springs or other parts may already be damaged.

Common Causes

Response delays and alignment issues can indicate that the pulley system or other parts are installed incorrectly. Issues with improper installation often result from:

• Using improper equipment.
• Using lower-quality springs or system parts.
• Human error.

Solutions:

If your previous installers installed your garage door incorrectly, you will need it reinstalled to fix the issues. Request an installation service from Door Pros for a reliable experience with a high-quality door.

2. Worn Rollers

As the rollers wear, they can cause your door to move out of alignment or slip off of the tracks, causing a squeaking, screeching or vibrating sound. Depending on the type of rollers you have, you may need to lubricate or replace them:

• Plastic: You need to replace plastic rollers about every two years, as they work without ball bearings and tend to wear down quickly.
• Steel: Steel rollers last longer than plastic ones, though they are more susceptible to rust and corrosion.
• Nylon: Nylon rollers last just as long as steel rollers and make less noise.

Common Causes

Depending on how long you’ve had your rollers, they may be reaching the end of their life. Your rollers experience wear and tear every time you open and close your garage door — the more you use the door, the sooner your rollers will wear down.

Solutions

The number of ball bearings in your rollers will affect how long they last. In some cases, you will need to replace your rollers to ensure your door stays aligned. However, you can try to fix your rollers first by lubricating them.

If there’s any rust build-up, lubrication will help remove it. It’s best to lubricate steel or nylon rollers about twice a year. If your rollers use unsealed ball bearings, apply the lubrication directly on the bearings.

If you find that you do need to replace your rollers, we recommend contacting a professional at Door Pros to ensure proper installation and maintain your door’s alignment.

3. Poor Lubrication

Ensuring that all parts are adequately lubricated will keep your garage door running smoothly. Lubrication helps prevent rust and corrosion that can lead to squeaking, grinding, clinking and rattling sounds.

Common Causes

The sounds of an improperly lubricated garage door usually indicate that you need to lubricate more often or that some areas were only partially covered. If you can rule out both of those possibilities, you may want to switch to a different lubricant. Using a higher-quality brand or a different kind of spray or grease may help your lubrication last longer.

Solutions

It’s best to lubricate your door with a silicone spray or white lithium grease every six months to ensure your door stays up and running. Be sure to turn off the power supply, then vacuum and wipe down the tracks — a clean surface will help the lubricant spread evenly.

Areas to lubricate include:

• The rollers and hinges.
• Springs and bearing plates.
• The armbar and top rail.
• The door’s lock.

Open your door after lubricating to help ensure all moving parts are covered. While this squeaky garage door fix could answer all your problems, you should contact a professional at Door Pros if you notice any parts that need repair.

4. Off-Balance Door

It can be easy to tell when your door is off-balance. Scraping sounds indicate that your door is scraping against your house. Banging noises mean the door is off the track and popping sounds indicate snapped springs.

Other common signs of an off-balance door include:

• An uneven appearance.
• Closing after being manually opened.
• Not opening at all.
• A slow response time.

Common Causes

There are many reasons a garage door can become off balance.

• Springs: Loose or aging springs can cause one side of the door to move slower than the other, disrupting its balance. Broken torsion springs can cause a garage door to fall quickly and off-track.
• Drive: Depending on your system, your belt drive or chain drive may also be causing the problem. Chain drives can lift doors shakily and belt drives sometimes slip in extreme temperatures.
• Weight: If you’ve added weight to your door after installing it, the door may now be too heavy and off-balance.
• Impact: If you’ve accidentally backed into your door, there is a good chance the impact disrupted its balance.

Solutions

You can test an off-balance door at home by cutting the power supply, lifting the door and slowly releasing it. If your door slips from its position or slams shut, you need to call a professional.

An off-balance door can cause serious injury. Snapped extension or torsion springs can result in shooting projectiles or your door slamming shut. For professional spring replacement or another form of door repair, you can trust Door Pros to deliver quick and safe results.

5. Opener

Your garage door opener is one of the most essential parts of your system. A quick and reliable opener will help you stick to your schedule and safely enter or exit your home. Openers can last upwards of 10 to 15 years and we can sometimes forget how convenient they make our lives.

Sounds of straining, grinding or buzzing can indicate that your opener is failing.

Common Causes

Noises from your garage door opener are most often signals that its motor is dying. The motor could be overheating or simply too old to respond promptly. You will likely encounter these issues more frequently if you have an older opener.

Common indications that you need a new opener include:

• Failing to open the door.
• Excessive noise.
• Slow movement.

Solutions

Upgrading your technology can quickly fix your opener issues. Newer models now offer remote operation, keypads, backup batteries and additional security. Door Pros has multiple garage door opener options available to give you a long-lasting and safe experience.

Get Same Day Service With Door Pros

At Door Pros, we’re committed to going above and beyond in customer service. Our highly qualified team members always hold a positive attitude that will make fixing your door a happy and easy experience.

Our locations serving San Mateo, San Rafael, Sacramento, San Francisco, Carmel and surrounding areas are ready to help with whatever needs you may have. Our around-the-clock availability and same-day service make us a great team you can count on. If you want to know why your garage door is noisy and how to fix it, request an estimate with us.

The post Common Causes of a Noisy Garage Door (and How to Fix Them) appeared first on Door Pros.

We’ve all experienced common garage door problems. If you’ve noticed your garage is making a lot of noise, looking uneven or performing at a slower rate than usual, there’s probably a thing or two you can do to fix it.

If you’re experiencing garage door issues, we’ve laid out some standard solutions and highlighted when you should contact a professional for further assistance.

1. Trouble Opening or Closing

Your garage should make your life easier, and nothing is worse than being stuck behind the door. If you’re experiencing this issue, there are a couple of DIY garage fixes you can try.

Test It Out

Your door may not be functioning because it is off balance. Turn off the power supply and manually lift the door to test the balance. If it stays in place, it is balanced and on track. If it doesn’t, you may have an underlying issue.

The problem could also be with the fuse. If you have checked all batteries and your door isn’t moving, you might have a fuse down. However, if other lights in your home are still working, there may be a larger issue with the door opener.

If you’ve tried these quick tests and your door still isn’t opening or closing, contact a professional to do garage door repair.

2. Blocked Sensors

If you’re having difficulty opening or closing your door, it could be because some sensors are covered or obscured.

Fix Signals

To ensure your remote and door work on-demand, you’ll need to check for places where obstacles might be blocking signals.

When using your remote, make sure no branches or plants block the sensor.

You’ll also want to check the antenna for any dirt or build-up that could be blocking the signal. Sometimes the antenna can also become unaligned — a quick fix is to readjust it.

3. Broken Springs

When extension or torsion springs snap, your garage door can drop quickly.

Get New Springs

The springs in your system will tap out after performing so many cycles, causing them to snap. Keep your springs’ lifespan in mind, and contact a professional to replace them when necessary. If your springs snap while in use, your door can slam down and cause damage to your vehicle or harm another person.

If you hear your springs snap when not in use, do not try to open your garage because the system can fire the springs off as projectiles and cause injury.

4. Roller Issues

The rollers in your system will last for different periods depending on whether they are plastic, steel or nylon.

Refresh or Replace

Old or rusted rollers can cause problems with opening your door. The first thing you’ll want to do is lubricate them. If they are still causing issues, you may need to replace them.

Rollers will typically only work until they reach their max cycle limit. Keep track of when your rollers are coming up on the end of their limitation to ensure you can replace your rollers seamlessly.

5. Dying Opener

Your garage door opener allows you to utilize your garage efficiently every time you need it. If your opener is 20 years old or more, it’s likely outlived its lifespan.

Update and Replace

Do some garage door opener troubleshooting by checking the batteries, getting within proximity of the garage and clearing the path of your antenna.

If you’re still experiencing issues with your opener, the likely culprit is a dying motor. If your motor is old or overheating, it won’t respond the way it should.

You should always hire a professional to install a garage door opener to ensure you don’t harm yourself or others or damage your door.

6. Unusual Noises

Hearing a series of unusual noises is a huge indicator you have an underlying issue. Some may be minor, while others require immediate and professional attention.

Snap, Crackle, Pop

Your door may make a variety of noises depending on the issue. Some issues and noises they might produce include:

• Loose chains: slapping
• Loose rollers: grinding, squeaking and squealing
• Loose nuts and bolts: vibrating and rattling
• Rust: clinking
• Broken springs: popping and rumbling
• Alignment: banging, straining, scraping and rubbing

If you’re unsure about the sound you’re hearing or where it’s coming from, it is best to contact a professional to conduct garage door troubleshooting.

7. Uneven Door

Sometimes you’ll notice that your door is looking odd or moving unevenly. In this case, there are a few areas to check.

Fix Alignment

Sometimes an uneven door is caused by something blocking the way, so make sure you’ve removed all obstacles from the door’s path.

Rust can cause one side of your door to move faster than another. A good wipe-down can sometimes fix this issue.

You can also check your manual to ensure you’ve all of your limits on the appropriate settings, which will help to make sure the door fully closes and doesn’t malfunction.

If the problem lies in the spring system, be sure to contact a professional and limit your door use. Snapped springs can be hazardous and cause serious injury.

8. Slow Opening

Slowly opening doors can easily be a source of frustration, and there are a few reasons it might be happening.

Clean and Lubricate

You want to examine your rollers to ensure they aren’t dried out. You’ll also want to evaluate the condition of your tracks. If you notice a lot of dirt, you’ll need to clean them off.

Keeping your tracks and rollers well lubricated will ensure they continue to move smoothly. These parts are more susceptible to drying out faster in places where the weather gets extremely hot or cold.

As a general rule of thumb, plan to give your system regular maintenance at least twice a year.

9. Transmitter Problems

Your remote control should be able to open your garage door effortlessly, but sometimes this doesn’t always happen.

Replace Batteries

Fixing your transmitter problems is a quick fix that typically involves a simple battery change.

First, you’ll want to test the transmitter inside your garage to know where your problem lies. If the door doesn’t open, you have an underlying problem. However, if it does open, your batteries are probably dead.

Changing the batteries usually involves removing the back of the remote (in some cases with a screwdriver). You always want to ensure the batteries face the correct direction to avoid thinking a problem lies elsewhere when the remote doesn’t work.

10. Keypad Not Synced

A garage keypad offers security and comfort for many homeowners. If your door isn’t opening when you type in your code, it’s likely not synced.

Refer to the Manual

Syncing your keypad is a simple fix that you can do in minutes.

First, you should check the batteries. There’s a chance they’ve died, meaning you need a quick change.

Next, you’ll need to refer to the user manual to know what steps to take to sync the keypad and remote properly. If you have persisting issues, you can call your manufacturer for more information.

Reliable Repairs With Door Pros

Door Pros offers more than excellent service. We provide top-tier door brands and workmanship. Using the highest quality doors, you can be sure your garage will serve you promptly and safely. You can read testimonials describing our exceptional service from people in the surrounding areas of San Francisco, Carmel and more.

Our technicians are happy to show up fully prepared with all the equipment they need to complete repairs on your garage. Request a service with Door Pros and receive same-day service!

The post 10 Common Garage Door Problems (And How to Fix Them) appeared first on Door Pros.

Many homeowners enjoy spending time in their garages working on home improvement projects or exercising in a home gym. A garage is an excellent place for various activities and uses, but when the interior gets overwhelmingly hot, you’d likely rather be any other place than inside. The high temperatures can turn your garage into an underutilized storage space rather than an environment where you want to spend time.

The good news is that there are ways to improve the temperature inside your garage and make it a comfortable space to work in. Continue reading for tips on how to cool a garage and make it a livable space.

1. Open the Garage Door

It may seem simple, but the best way to cool a garage is by opening the door. A breeze can flow through once the door is open, replacing the hot, stuffy air with cooler air. If you have windows in your garage, you should open these simultaneously to create a cross breeze. The increased airflow will allow hot air to escape, making the interior more comfortable to work inside.

When you open your garage door and windows, stay nearby. If you’re working inside your garage with the door open, close the door once you go back inside or leave your home. This way, you can ensure all of your belongings stay safe.

2. Declutter Your Garage

Many people don’t consider how the items they store in their garage can contribute to the temperature inside. A garage full of boxes and other items can increase the temperature by retaining heat and preventing airflow. The more items you have inside, the warmer it’ll feel and the worse the air quality will be.

Even when you open the door or open your windows, air can have difficulty escaping with all of the boxes, bins and other items in the way. This is especially true if you’ve piled your belongings in front of windows or doors.

You can prevent this by taking an afternoon to declutter your garage. Consider what items you genuinely need and dedicate a space for them in your garage. If you don’t need these items in your garage, you can move them to an attic, basement or storage facility.

Once you’ve decided what will stay, add storage spaces for these items. You can install shelving units and overhead storage to get boxes off the floors and tools on the wall. The dedicated storage spaces will help keep the floor clean and tidy, allowing air to flow through and cool your garage.

3. Install a Ceiling Fan

When working in your garage, you don’t want to be trapped inside a hot and stuffy space. Installing a ceiling fan can be a cost-effective and straightforward solution to help move air around the room. It’ll help keep you cool while working inside.

If you choose to install a ceiling fan, you’ll want to pick one that’s industrial strength. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that you can only install ceiling fans in garages that are 8 feet in height. The blade will work best when they’re 7-9 feet off the ground, providing the best potential for cooling.

If you can’t install a ceiling fan, you can look into a portable air conditioner or an oscillating fan. If you have windows in your garage, you can use a window fan to draw air from outside into your garage and expel the hot air from inside. Sometimes, a hot garage can be caused by high humidity — combat this by purchasing a dehumidifier, which will help maintain climate control and make it easier for the temperature to drop.

Regardless of which option you choose, the important thing is that you’re circulating air in your garage. A consistent airflow will help decrease the temperature and make the space more comfortable.

4. Utilize and Improve Insulation

Insulation plays a big part in your home’s temperature control, and your garage is no exception. Properly installed insulation will prevent heat from building up in the first place and keep cool air from escaping. Check the insulation in exterior walls, as these are most likely to be exposed to the most heat, heating the air inside more quickly.

If your exterior walls are already complete and have drywall in place, you can use blow insulation to fill in any potential gaps. Otherwise, you can look into your preferred form or insulation. You can also replace your garage door with an insulated garage door to better keep heat from seeping in and cool air from escaping. If you have windows or doors leading outside, you can use weather stripping or caulk to seal any air gaps that let warm air inside.

Properly installed insulation and an insulated garage door can help keep your garage warm and comfortable. Insulation will also lower your energy bills and improve your home’s resale value.

5. Park Vehicles Outside

Did you know that parking your garage in your garage as soon as you get home could be contributing to the level of heat inside your garage? While it may be tempting to pull straight into your garage and park your car, it’s best to wait until the heat coming from your vehicle has cooled, especially if you plan on using your garage as soon as you get home.

Once you’ve given your car adequate time to cool off, you can park your car in your garage for your safety and convenience. Parking your car in the shade is the best way to cool your vehicle, and you’ll be able to park your car in your garage within an hour or two.

However, if your driveway gets a lot of sunlight and there’s no place for you to park in the shade, your best bet will be to park in the garage and leave the garage door open until the car is cooled off.

Let Door Pros Help Cool Your Garage

When you invest in a home, you want to be able to use every room in the house, including your garage. However, heat buildup can prevent you from wanting to spend any time in there, making your garage a glorified storage container. Door Pros is here to help residents in California make their garage a livable environment again.

We offer some of the best garage doors that can help you insulate the inside of your garage while providing high-quality customer service with around-the-clock availability. We have a wide variety of residential garage door services, including installation and repairs.

Request an estimate from Door Pros today to learn how we can help you make the most of your garage space.

The post How to Keep Your Garage Cool in the Summer appeared first on Door Pros.

Many people use their garage as a home gym or a workspace, but the space can quickly get cluttered, making it challenging to use the area as desired. As spring rolls around, it’s the perfect time to clear out your garage and organize, utilizing various storage materials to make the most of the space.

This article provides garage storage tips and a garage cleaning checklist to help you learn how to organize a garage and prepare for the spring season.

Create a Game Plan

Before you jump in and start organizing your belongings in your garage, you’ll want to come up with a plan to tackle the clutter. First, take a look at your floor plan to determine how much space is available inside your garage. Take measurements so you don’t buy something that won’t fit within the dimensions. Decide what you want to keep and what you might want to throw out or put away in an attic or storage facility.

When creating your plan, try to set aside an entire day for the organization if you can. When you spend a whole day dedicated to organizing your garage, you’ll find that the time goes by quickly, especially when you’ve got a plan.

Categorize Your Items

Everything inside your garage can fit into a category, and it will be easier to store and find items if you sort them by category before putting them away. You can sort your belongings into categories such as:

• Tools
• Recycling
• Sports equipment
• Camping gear
• Decor

Other items, such as paint or luggage, are better stored elsewhere, especially if your garage doesn’t have temperature control. After you have everything sorted into categories, it will be easier to organize the items in that category into a designated space. Organizing your belongings by category will make it easier to find the items you need rather than trying to dig through a pile of stuff.

Gather Organization Materials

Once you’ve sorted everything into specific categories, you’ll want to find the appropriate storage and organization materials for each category. Here are a few organizational materials you should consider:

• Stackable bins: You can store just about anything in large bins, from recreational equipment to recyclables. Stacking these bins on top of each other will open up more space in your garage.
• Clear jars: You can use clear jars to store pens, small tools and other items. You can see everything inside to find what you’re looking for with ease.
• Lockable cabinet: A cabinet with a lock is an excellent way to store lawn chemicals and other materials you don’t want your children to get a hold of.
• Label maker: Once you’ve got everything in bins, it can be challenging figuring out what’s inside if the container isn’t clear or labeled. Use a label maker to make your items easier to find.

Coat the Floor in Epoxy

When you’ve cleared away all your belongings, you may notice that the concrete slab floor looks bland. Unless your home is brand new, you might see scuffs or stains from projects in the past. Covering your garage floor in an epoxy coating makes it resistant to oil stains and as easy to clean as your kitchen counters. No matter what work you plan on doing inside your garage, you can clean up messes or spills will ease.

An epoxy coating will also improve the appearance of your garage floor, making it feel more homey and comfortable.

Seal Gaps and Air Leaks

Rainwater, insects, pests and leaves can find their way inside your garage if a gap exists between your garage door and the floor. You can seal this gap by attaching a rubberized strip on your floor where the garage door closes. By sealing this gap, you’re protecting the interior of your garage and your projects from damage.

You’ll also want to seal any air leaks between your home and the garage. These leaks often appear in the walls or ceiling, and hot or cold air can seep through, making it difficult to maintain humidity control. When humidity increases in your garage or home, it can damage your home and belongings.

Install Vertical Shelving Units

Vertical shelves are widely available and simple to install on your own. Various systems are available based on how much weight the unit will need to bear. One of the main benefits of vertical shelving units and wall mounts is that they utilize the maximum space, allowing you to use more of your garage for projects or additional storage.

Vertical shelves and racks can store bins, tools, sports gear and other items. You’ll have easy access to each of these items, so you can quickly find what you’re looking for when you need something.

Utilize Cabinets and Overhead Storage

Storage cabinets are an excellent way to store supplies for your next home improvement or gardening project. You can often lock these cabinets, keeping your children from dangerous tools.

A significant amount of space that goes unused in your garage is over your head. You can install overhead storage to store items you don’t use as often, such as a ladder or seasonal items. When installing overhead storage, ensure you have enough room for your garage door to open and close as it should and clearance for your car if you prefer not to park in your driveway.

Build a Workbench

If you plan on using your garage for home improvement or creative projects, you’ll want to have a place dedicated to your work. Building a workbench is an excellent way to create a designated space for your projects.

You can make your workbench portable by adding wheels if you want to be able to roll it around or move it out of the way when you’re not using it. You can also add shelving and hooks to store or hang your tools and projects currently in progress. The last step is to find a comfortable stool you can keep under your workbench.

Invest in a Garage Door and Window Locks

Thieves often target garages as a way to break into your home, and keeping the door open or not securing your garage door can leave you vulnerable to a break-in. Once you’ve spent considerable time organizing and sorting through your belongings, you want to keep them safe.

Invest in a high-quality garage door with the proper security measures. You can also buy a smart garage door opener that will automatically lock your door when it closes and allow you to monitor when the door is opened or closed from your smartphone.

If you have any windows leading into your garage, you’ll want to get window locks so burglars can’t pry open the window to get into your garage. Remember to lock the door connecting your garage to your home and consider using a deadbolt as an extra layer of protection.

Plan Ahead

When you’re organizing your garage, you’ll want to plan for future storage needs. If you’re buying more seasonal decorations or using garage space in the winter to store outdoor furniture, you’ll need to dedicate some space for these items. If you live in a colder climate, you may also store outdoor furniture or toys during the summer.

You can dedicate space by purchasing storage containers ahead of time and placing them in their dedicated area, even if they’re currently unused. Once the seasons change, you’ll have the space you need for storage.

Invest in a Garage Door at Door Pros

Garage doors are the line of defense between your belongings and thieves. Ensure that your organizational efforts don’t go to waste by investing in a quality door and improving your security. Door Pros offers high-quality garage doors from Clopay® to ensure your belongings are kept safe from prying eyes.

Our experienced technicians can help you with all your garage door needs, whether you need assistance with installation or repairs. We can provide around-the-clock availability and same-day service to our residential clients. Request an estimate from us today to get started.

The post Spring Cleaning: How to Organize Your Garage appeared first on Door Pros.

There are many unique ways to utilize your garage, from setting up a home gym to building a workshop for creative projects. As a homeowner, you want to do everything you can to ensure the safety of your belongings inside your garage and your home. Burglars have found creative ways to get your home through your garage door that you may not have considered.

Below, we’ll go through ten garage door security tips and how to lock a garage door to prevent burglars from breaking in, protecting your belongings and your family’s safety.

1. Remember to Close the Door

It may seem like a no-brainer, but forgetting to close the garage door is more common than you think. Just take a drive through any residential community, and you’re bound to see an open garage with no one in sight. Many people forget to close their garage door after they arrive home or finish work inside their garage.

If this sounds like something you might do, you can always consider using a garage door monitor. The monitor will come with a sensor that will alert you when your door is open.

2. Keep the Clicker Inside

An automatic garage door opener is convenient, and many people clip them to the visor in their car to easily open the garage door once they return home. However, thieves know that these devices are a simple way inside your home. If they can find the clicker inside your car, they’ll use it to gain access.

Instead of leaving the garage door opener inside your car, use a keyring that you can attach to your car keys. You’ll still be able to use the clicker to open your door when you come and go, but the device will stay inside with you where burglars can’t get to it.

3. Use Motion-Activated Lights

Burglars tend to prey on homes cast in the shadows so they can sneak around. If you turn your outdoor lights off at night to save on energy bills or you have a detached garage, you may be vulnerable to a break-in. Consider installing motion-activated lights by the door and garage door windows, dissuading burglars from choosing your home as a target.

Choose lights that can detect movement from a significant distance so a person can’t even make it up your driveway before being bathed in light.

4. Shield Your Lock

Thanks to tutorials posted online, a person can unlock your garage door in minutes using a coat hanger. While some people recommend using a zip tie to secure the garage door lock or cutting the emergency release cord, these methods can reduce your garage door’s safety.

Instead, consider using a garage door shield to cover the emergency release cord. The shield will make it impossible for burglars to use the cord to open your garage door and break into your home. A garage door shield is an inexpensive method of protecting your home and leaves the emergency cord available to you if you need to use it.

5. Use a Smart Garage Door Opener

A regular garage door opener has some safety measures, including automatically locking the door when it’s closed. However, a thief can force the door open with pure force or hack the code.

A smart garage door opener has many built-in security features, such as a monitor, self-closing and locking system, lighting controls and smartphone connection. Even if someone can force your garage door open, you’ll get an alert on your phone, allowing you to contact the authorities immediately.

6. Consider Using Security Cameras

Many homeowners are starting to use doorbell cameras to monitor their front door and receive notifications each time someone approaches the door. Some of these cameras even allow you to use your smartphone to speak with the person outside. You can use similar security cameras with motion sensors for your garage door.

These cameras will allow you to spot a burglar when they approach your property, giving you a notification on your smartphone. You’ll be able to monitor their activity, call the police if necessary and check in on your property when you’re away from home. You can use the footage from your security camera as evidence to give to law enforcement if a burglar attempts to break in or trespasses.

7. Lock the Track

While you can unplug the garage door opener, a determined thief can force the door open if they want inside. You can prevent this from happening by locking the track from the inside. All garage doors run on a track, which you can lock using an existing latch or drilling one yourself.

You’ll secure a padlock just above the roller, preventing the garage door from opening. It will be impossible for a burglar to open the door without unlocking the padlock, which they could only do if they were already inside. Even if they were to gain access to your attached garage from inside your home, locking the track will make their job more time-consuming and challenging, giving you time to react and call the police if you’ve spotted the theft on your security cameras.

8. Block the View of Your Stuff

Thieves will often scope out a place before choosing to break in, deciding whether or not they’ll find any valuables inside your home or garage. If they don’t think you have anything worthwhile, they’ll move on somewhere else. You can shield the view inside your garage by using blinds or curtains.

If you think you might forget to close the blinds or curtains at the end of each day but still want to maintain natural light inside your garage, you can use a translucent window film. The film will allow light to come through but will heavily distort the view of your belongings, making it impossible for thieves to make out what’s inside your garage.

9. Consider Your Landscaping

Whether it’s the middle of the day or late a night, a burglar will take advantage of your landscaping by hiding behind a tree or hedge. Consider getting rid of large shrubs or trees that might block the view of entry points from the street. Burglars might not try to break in if your neighbors can see each entry point into your garage from the road or their homes.

Additionally, you can plant thorny bushes or shrubs in front of windows, making thieves think twice about using them as a way to break into your garage.

10. Secure the Door Into Your Home

If your garage door is attached to your home, there will be a door leading inside, and you’ll want to ensure that it’s locked when you’re not using it. On the off chance someone can break into your garage after applying multiple safety measures, you’ll want that extra layer of protection to keep you and your family safe. Consider installing a deadbolt as an added method of protection.

Some garages will have an additional service or side door that leads outside. You’ll want to secure this door the same way you’d secure a door leading into your home. Protecting this door ensures burglars can’t break it down or pick the lock to access your garage.

Keep Your Garage Door Secure With Door Pros

Many people store valuable items inside their garage or use it as a space to get creative with home renovation projects. The right garage door and appropriate security measures can reduce the risk of potential break-ins and keep your belongings and your family safe.

Door Pros is here to help, offering some of the industry’s best garage door brands. Our customer service can’t be beaten, with around-the-clock availability and same-day service, giving you peace of mind that your garage door is secure. We can assist with installation and repairs, ensuring your garage door operates at peak performance and keeps your home safe. Request an estimate from Door Pros today to get started.

The post How to Secure Your Garage Door appeared first on Door Pros.

You pull into your driveway after a long day of work only to discover your garage door remote is not working. When you’re unfamiliar with how your remote works or the common problems that can arise due to regular use, it might be tricky to get your garage door open again.

A range of functionality problems might be at play, so you’ll want to consider a few before attempting to fix your remote. We’ll discuss the most common reasons garage door remotes stop working and offer solutions to ensure your remote control functions properly.

How Garage Door Remotes Work 

Before diagnosing and solving any problems concerning your garage door remote’s functionality, it helps to understand how these opener transmitters work in the first place.

The secret to your remote’s functionality is a radio signal that can be set from 350 to 390 megahertz (MHz). The button on your garage door remote transmits this radio signal frequency and is encoded with a unique binary number so that the door receiver responds to your specific remote.

Sometimes the transmitter can be interrupted, or your signal might malfunction due to a circuit board issue. To help you troubleshoot this issue, we’ll describe these specific predicaments below and outline a few DIY fixes. We’ll also offer some tips that might require a professional inspection to get your remote working again.

Common Problems and Solutions for When Your Garage Door Remote Stops Working

To get to the bottom of a non-functioning garage door remote, you’ll want to inspect it for a few key things before calling a professional. There are six common reasons your remote might have stopped working and some troubleshooting tips you may want to apply.

Problem: Drained Batteries

One of the leading causes of a non-functional remote is depleted batteries. To diagnose this specific dilemma, try your garage’s wall-mounted control panel. If your garage door responds to the control panel, drained batteries are often the root cause of a non-functional remote.

Solution: Luckily, the answer to depleted remote batteries is quite simple. Typically, garage door remote batteries will last two years. If your remote stops signaling to the receiver, you’ll want to replace the old batteries with new ones and test the remote to ensure it’s working again. Always remember to use fresh batteries that match the kind previously used in your remote for the best results.

Problem: Physical Damage

If your remote was dropped or stepped on, this can be why it’s no longer functioning. If the exterior seems intact, you might not even realize it’s damaged. Additionally, take note of weather conditions such as rain or snow that could have impacted your remote’s functionality.

Solution: If you determine your remote was physically damaged, the only solution is to replace it. Remember to keep your newly replaced remote inside and away from rain, cold and other weather conditions that could affect it.

Problem: Disrupted Signal

Another common problem that might be causing a non-functioning remote is a disrupted signal. If you replace the batteries and your garage door won’t respond to the remote signal, the remote and door sensor signal might be interrupted by an obstruction. Other causes of a disrupted signal might be clicking the remote while out of range or having a broken antenna.

Solution: To solve a disrupted signal, make sure you are within 20 feet of the garage door before attempting to open it with your remote. Any farther away, and the signal might not detect your remote. If you’re close enough but the door opener still won’t respond to your remote, remove any objects that might be blocking the signal.

Also, check the antenna to ensure it’s pointing toward your door and that there’s no debris building on it. If you notice your antenna is broken, contact repair professionals to inspect and fix it right away.

Problem: Engaged Lock Button 

Ensure you haven’t accidentally pressed the lock button on your garage door’s control panel. If the lock is engaged, your remote will seem non-functioning since your garage door won’t move or respond to controls.

Solution: To disengage the lock on your garage door opener, press the lock button on your control panel. If the remote signals the door to move up or down, you’ve solved the issue. Also, make sure your wall control panel is still working by pressing it after disengaging the lock.

Problem: Remote Needs Reset 

With regular use, your remote can sometimes disengage from the opener machine signal. In this case, reprograming the remote is an easy DIY solution to guarantee the remote signals to your door correctly.

Solution: To learn how to reset your garage door remote, first locate your door opener’s Learn button on the control panel and press it for 30 seconds. After releasing the button, find the same button on your remote control and hold it for three seconds. At this point, you might notice the garage door opener blink or its LED light flash. To determine a successful reset, try your remote again to ensure the garage door opens.

Problem: Door Wiring Malfunction

If you’ve tried all our solutions so far and your garage door is still not opening after pressing the button on your remote, the opener’s circuit board might be malfunctioning. A malfunctioning opener might result from a power surge and should be inspected by a garage door repair professional.

Solution: If a circuit board malfunction occurs, a professional will inspect the opener to diagnose and solve the issue. They’ll test the quality of the wiring on your opener’s receiver board by disconnecting the wires on the motor and control panel, reconnecting the machine and clearing its memory. Next, they’ll reprogram your remote, reconnect the wiring and test the door to guarantee a working system.

Trust Door Pros to Fix Your Garage Door Remote Problems 

When there’s an issue with your garage door remote, you’ll want to diagnose and treat it so that you can safely access your garage when needed. Since we typically use our garage door remotes every day, it’s essential to know how they work to mitigate any future problems. To get the total value of your garage door opener, you’ll want to follow our tips to properly inspect and repair your remote.

Suppose you run into a problem with your remote control that you can’t treat on your own — trust Door Pros for answers and a fast repair. We offer garage door services in San Mateo, San Rafael, Sacramento, San Francisco, Carmel and surrounding areas.

Request garage door service today to get your door back in working order. If you have more immediate concerns, call us at 415-717-7015 today!

The post What to Do If Your Garage Door Remote Isn’t Working appeared first on Door Pros.