How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, extends the life of your door and opener, and ensures all safety features are working properly. Between professional visits, you can perform basic maintenance like lubricating moving parts every 3-6 months and conducting monthly visual inspections of springs, cables, and hardware.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 3-4 hours for a single door and 5-6 hours for a double door. This includes removing your old door, installing the new door and tracks, setting up the opener, and testing all safety features. Custom installations or doors requiring additional modifications may take longer. We always schedule enough time to complete the job properly and ensure everything is working perfectly before we leave.

What should I do if my garage door won't open or close?

First, check the obvious: ensure the opener is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Next, inspect the photo-eye sensors at the bottom of the door tracks – they should be aligned and have clean lenses. If the opener's light is flashing, consult your owner's manual for error codes. Try operating the door manually by pulling the emergency release cord. If the door is extremely heavy or won't stay open, you may have a broken spring – in this case, do not attempt to use the door and call us immediately for repair.

How much does a garage door repair cost?

Garage door repair costs vary depending on the issue. Minor repairs like sensor adjustments or lubrication typically cost $75-$150. Spring replacement ranges from $150-$350 for extension springs and $200-$450 for torsion springs. Cable repairs usually cost $150-$250. We provide free estimates and transparent pricing before any work begins, so you'll know exactly what to expect.

Do you offer emergency garage door repair services?

Yes! We offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair services throughout and surrounding areas. We understand that a broken garage door can be a security risk and major inconvenience. Our technicians are available around the clock to handle urgent repairs including broken springs, off-track doors, and opener malfunctions.

What brands of garage doors and openers do you install?

We work with all major garage door and opener brands including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, and more for doors. For openers, we install and service LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, and other leading brands. We can help you choose the best option based on your needs, preferences, and budget.

How long do garage door springs last?

Garage door springs have a limited lifespan measured in cycles (one open and close equals one cycle). Standard springs last approximately 10,000 cycles, which translates to about 7-10 years for the average household. High-cycle springs can last 25,000-50,000 cycles. Factors like climate, maintenance, and usage frequency affect spring lifespan. We recommend inspecting springs annually and replacing them proactively before they break.

Can I replace just one garage door panel?

In many cases, yes – individual garage door panels can be replaced rather than the entire door. This is often more cost-effective when damage is limited to one or two sections. However, panel availability depends on your door's age and manufacturer. Older doors may have discontinued panels. We'll assess your door and provide honest recommendations about whether panel replacement or a new door makes more sense for your situation.

Garage Door Safety Tips Every Family Should Know

2025-12-20 5 min read Mike Thompson

Garage doors are the largest moving object in most homes, weighing anywhere from 150 to 400 pounds or more. While modern garage doors include numerous safety features, they can still pose risks if not used and maintained properly. This guide covers essential safety practices every family should follow.

Understanding the Risks

Each year in the United States: - Approximately 30,000 injuries are caused by garage doors, Most injuries involve fingers and hands, Children are particularly vulnerable, Many accidents are preventable with proper awareness

Essential Safety Features

Photo-Eye Sensors

Installed 6 inches above the ground on either side of the door, photo-eye sensors create an invisible beam. If anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, it automatically reverses. Required on all openers manufactured after 1993.

Monthly Test: 1. Close the garage door 2. Place a 2x4 board flat on the ground in the door's path 3. Press the close button 4. The door should reverse upon touching the board

Auto-Reverse Mechanism

A second safety feature that reverses the door if it meets resistance during closing.

Monthly Test: 1. Hold a roll of paper towels at arm's length in the door's path 2. Press the close button 3. When the door contacts the roll, it should immediately reverse

If either test fails, stop using your garage door and call a professional immediately.

Manual Release Handle

The red emergency release rope allows you to disconnect the door from the opener for manual operation. Know where it is and how to use it:

1. Only use when the door is fully closed (if possible) 2. Pull straight down on the handle 3. The door can now be lifted manually 4. To reconnect, pull the rope toward the door or cycle the opener

Teaching Children About Garage Door Safety

Rules for Kids

Establish and enforce these rules:

1. Never play under or near a moving garage door 2. Keep fingers away from door sections and hinges 3. Never try to race under a closing door 4. Don't hang on the door handles or bottom 5. Tell an adult if something seems wrong with the door

Wall Button Placement

Mount the wall button at least 5 feet high, out of reach of small children. This prevents them from operating the door unsupervised.

Remote Control Safety, Keep car remotes out of children's reach, Don't let children play with remotes, Consider keychain remotes that stay with you

Regular Maintenance for Safety

Monthly Visual Inspection

Walk through this checklist monthly:

- [ ] Springs appear intact with no gaps - [ ] Cables show no fraying or wear - [ ] Rollers move smoothly in tracks - [ ] Tracks are free of debris - [ ] Weather stripping is intact - [ ] Panels show no damage or warping - [ ] Photo-eye lenses are clean - [ ] Hardware is tight

Listen for Warning Signs

During operation, listen for: - Grinding or scraping noises, Unusual clicking or popping, Straining sounds from the opener, Any sound that's new or different

Professional Annual Inspection

A trained technician should inspect your door annually to: - Test all safety features, Check spring tension and balance, Lubricate moving parts, Tighten hardware, Identify potential problems

Emergency Situations

If the Door Won't Open

1. Check if power is on 2. Ensure nothing is blocking the photo-eyes 3. Look for a flashing light on the opener indicating an error 4. Use the manual release to open the door by hand 5. Call a professional if you can't identify the problem

If a Spring Breaks

If you hear a loud bang and the door won't open or is very heavy: 1. Do not attempt to operate the door 2. Keep everyone away from the door 3. Call a professional immediately 4. Never attempt to remove or repair springs yourself

If Someone is Trapped

If a person or pet is caught under the door: 1. Try the wall button or remote first, the door should reverse 2. If it doesn't reverse, pull the emergency release 3. Lift the door manually (get help if needed) 4. If the victim is injured, call 911

Carbon Monoxide Safety

If your garage is attached to your home: - Never let a car idle in the garage, Install carbon monoxide detectors, Never use charcoal grills or generators in the garage, Ensure proper ventilation

Security Considerations

While on Vacation, Disconnect the opener by unplugging it, Lock the door with the manual lock, Don't leave the remote visible in your car

Preventing Break-ins, Keep the door closed, even when home, Cover windows to prevent viewing inside, Consider a smart opener for monitoring, Use a timer to close the door automatically

Protecting Your Remote, Don't leave the remote in your car, Consider a keychain remote that stays with you, If a car remote is stolen, reprogram your opener

When to Call a Professional

Contact a garage door professional immediately if: - Any safety test fails, You notice damaged springs or cables, The door is significantly off-balance, You hear unusual noises, The door has been damaged by impact, Any components appear worn or broken

Creating a Family Safety Plan

1. Post safety rules where everyone can see them 2. Assign a monthly "tester" to check safety features 3. Practice the emergency release so everyone knows how to use it 4. Schedule annual inspections and keep records 5. Update your plan as children grow older

Conclusion

Your garage door provides security and convenience, but it requires respect and proper maintenance to remain safe. By following these guidelines, testing safety features regularly, and educating your family about potential hazards, you can enjoy the benefits of your garage door while minimizing risks.

At Garage Door Company Larkspur, safety is our top priority. We offer comprehensive safety inspections and can upgrade older doors with modern safety features. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your garage door is protecting your family.

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