Do I Have a Broken Garage Door Spring?

Do I Have a Broken Garage Door Spring?

A garage door relies on a complex system of numerous parts. Its springs are long, coiled mechanisms that are crucial for raising and lowering the door. Torsion springs are centered above the door, while extension springs are located on each side at the top of the track. 

A broken spring is a common garage door repair issue requiring immediate attention. Without service, it could prevent you from opening and closing the door and pose a significant safety issue. 

6 Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring

You may have damaged garage door springs if you notice:

1. Visual Damage

You can tell if a spring has already snapped just by looking at it. It likely will no longer be attached to the garage wall’s frame and the cable drums at either end of the garage door. Rust and excessive stretching are other visible signs of damage. 

2. Unusual Sounds

You’ll know when a spring snaps by the loud noise it creates. Distinct squealing, groaning or popping noises when operating the door also indicate potential spring issues. These sounds come from the additional pressure springs experience as they wear out. 

3. Failure to Open

Springs store mechanical energy that controls the garage door’s motion. As the springs weaken due to age, they lose their ability to store energy and may no longer be able to raise the door on command. 

4. Crooked Opening

Does your garage have an extension spring setup with a spring on either side of the door? If one of them fails, the imbalance makes your door appear crooked when partially opened. You’ll typically need to replace both springs to ensure smooth, consistent door operation. 

5. Gaps

A torsion spring often snaps in the middle. When this occurs, you’ll notice a substantial gap caused by the separation of the spring’s sides that can be several inches wide. 

6. Loose Cables

When a torsion spring weakens or breaks, it can longer provide the appropriate tension for the cables, causing them to loosen, unwind and eventually slip out of place. 

Contact Marvin’s Garage Doors for Your Spring Repair Needs

If you live in or near North Carolina Piedmont Triad cities like Winston-Salem or Wilkesboro, trust the experienced professionals at Marvin’s Garage Doors for prompt, reliable garage door spring repairs and replacements. Contact us to request an estimate or schedule a convenient service appointment today.

What to Do if You Back Into a Garage Door

Backing into a garage door can be a frustrating and unexpected situation, but it’s important to know what to do in this scenario to prevent further damage and ensure everyone’s safety. Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to address the situation and minimize the accident’s impact.

By following these steps, you can quickly resolve the issue and get your garage door and vehicle back in order.

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1. Turn off the Engine and Check That Everyone Is Safe

As soon as you’ve backed your vehicle into your garage door, put the vehicle in park and engage the emergency brake. Turn off the headlights if necessary, close all windows, and then turn off the engine to prevent accidental acceleration or damage to the engine. Ensure everyone inside the car is safe.

2. Check for Any Damage

After shutting off the engine and ensuring everyone is OK, get out of your car and take a moment to inspect it for any signs of damage that may have occurred. Look for dents, scratches or any other issues that require attention. Take photos of the damage.

Then, inspect the garage door. Check for broken panels or damage to the springs. Don’t try and open the garage door. If the door has gone off the track or is no longer aligned, it might get damaged further. Instead, note the damage so you can have a professional check it properly.

3. Check for Any Leaks

Take a quick look underneath the car for any signs of leaks. Leaks could include oil, coolant or transmission fluid. If you notice any leaks, have them addressed by a mechanic as soon as possible.

4. Call a Professional

If your car backed into your garage door and has any kind of damage, you should contact your car insurance provider immediately. Note that because you caused the damage, it’s unlikely that your insurance will cover the damage, but you may want to contact them anyway. However, your homeowners’ insurance might cover the damage to your garage door, so contact them, too.

From there, you’ll know whether you need to contact a mechanic to tow your car or simply assess the damage. You should also get in touch with a garage door repair company at this point to ensure your garage door is repaired as quickly as possible.

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Common Issues Caused by Backing Into a Garage Door

Tens of thousands of accidents occur in parking lots and garages annually. Occasionally, this leads to minor or major accidents. Here are some common issues caused by backing into your garage door and parking in your garage incorrectly:

  • Scratches and dents: One of the most common issues caused by backing into your garage incorrectly is scratches and dents on your car’s body. These issues can occur if you misjudge the distance between your vehicle and the garage walls.
  • Damage to garage doors and walls: Backing into your garage without paying attention can also cause damage to your garage doors and walls.
  • Damage to car’s headlights and taillights: Headlights and taillights are more fragile than the metal of your car. In a collision with your garage door, they’ll likely break first.
  • Mechanical issues: Accidentally backing into your garage door can also cause mechanical problems in your vehicle. Damaged parts include transmission or suspension systems and damage to your tires.
  • Damaged garage door track: The jolt of your car can cause the garage door to misalign or damage the track. A garage door professional can assess the situation and fix it safely.
  • Broken panels: If you reverse into your garage door, your car could damage the sectional panels. A professional can replace the garage door panels depending on the extent of the damage.

You can lower your risk of accidents by taking your time when backing into your garage. Always ensure your garage door is fully open before parking inside your garage or pulling out of it. Make sure to correctly judge the distance between your vehicle and the walls and park your car in the right gear. By following these precautions, you can avoid causing any damage or safety hazards when backing into your garage.

FAQs About Fixing a Damaged Garage Door

If you have a damaged garage door, getting it fixed as soon as possible is essential to ensure your safety and home security. Here are some frequently asked questions about fixing a damaged garage door:

How Do You Know if Your Garage Door Needs Repair?

If you reverse your car into your garage door, it’s best to contact a professional. A professional can assess the damage and determine whether you need repairs. If your door has a dent in it, you could need a total garage door replacement, depending on the extent of the damage.

How Long Does It Take to Repair a Garage Door?

The time it takes to repair a garage door will depend on the damage’s extent and the required parts’ availability. A professional can repair a garage door within a few hours to a full day if parts are available.

Does Insurance Cover You Hitting Your Garage Door?

While many homeowners’ insurance companies will cover the damage to your garage door, it’s best to contact your provider directly and ask about your individual policy. They may ask for photos and quotations on the damage.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Bent Garage Door?

Again, it depends on the extent of the damage. If the damage is extensive, installing a new garage door might be better. A professional will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

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Importance of Seeking Professional Garage Door Services

Whenever your garage door becomes damaged, it’s essential to seek the help of a professional. Attempting to fix the problem can worsen the situation, resulting in more expensive repairs. It can also be highly dangerous to attempt to repair your garage door by yourself.

professional garage door repair company has the knowledge, tools and experience to safely and effectively repair any damage caused by backing into your garage door. They can also provide valuable advice on preventing similar accidents in the future.

Call Marvin’s Garage Doors to Fix Your Garage Door

It’s always best to trust the professionals to handle the garage door repairs. Martin’s Garage Doors is here to help you assess the damage to your garage door and advise you on how to proceed. Whether you need a simple repair or a complete replacement, our professional team will help you figure out the best option for your needs and budget.

To learn more about our garage door repair services, complete our online contact form. If you need emergency garage door assistance, call 336-813-2601 to speak with one of our team members immediately.

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Do I Need a Storm Door?

Are you considering adding a storm door to your home? You may already know a storm door helps protect your primary door from any nasty weather, but do you know all of its benefits? 

From insulation to visibility, a storm door offers several valuable benefits. While you may be questioning whether a storm door is necessary, if you think your home could use one, it probably could. Our guide to storm doors will help you decide if a storm door is right for you and how you can find the best storm door provider in the Boone and Winston-Salem areas. 

What Is a Storm Door?

A storm door, also called a screen door, is an additional outer door that protects your current door from harsh weather. These doors come in various materials, styles and sizes to best fit your style and functional needs. For example, you might choose an all-glass design that protects your beautiful primary door while still allowing it to be visible. 

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What Are the Benefits of a Storm Door?

Residents will find that exterior storm doors in North Carolina are a great investment, protecting their doors from the region’s unpredictable and sometimes intense weather. 

Along with its protective properties, a storm door can add additional value to your home. North Carolina residents will find that installing a storm door can also:

  • Increase visibility: Storm doors are made of windows or screen panels, which means you can see through these doors. Open your solid door and look through your storm door to keep an eye on kids or pets playing outside from the comfort of your home. 
  • Provide additional light: As storm doors consist of windows or screens, they make it easier to let natural light into your home.
  • Improve airflow: The screens on a storm door let you add ventilation to your home during the warmer months without the risk of a fully open door. 
  • Keep bugs out: Storm doors let you invite a summer breeze and sunshine into your home while keeping bugs out. The screen panels on storm doors will prevent those pesky North Carolina bugs from entering your home. 
  • Help with insulation: By adding a storm door, you are also increasing your insulation. Storm doors minimize air leaks, helping you keep cool air in during the summer and out during the winter. 

Can I Customize My Storm Door?

When you add a feature to your home, you want to be sure it will fit the design and style you’ve worked hard to create. Luckily, storm doors come in various styles, and some storm door providers even offer customization options, so you can get exactly the look you want. 

Options available when it comes to storm doors include:

  • Glass: Glass storm doors generally come in three styles. A full-view storm door consists of a metal frame around a single pane of glass for maximum visibility. Mid-view storm doors only have 75% glass and high-view storm doors only include glass in the uppermost part of the door. 
  • Screens: During North Carolina’s warmer months, you may want to open your windows to enjoy the beautiful weather. A screen door lets you increase ventilation by opening your primary door and keeping your screen door closed. You’ll be able to let the breeze in while still keeping the bugs out. Some screen doors are multifunctional and allow you to easily change from screens to glass in the winter and back to screens in the summer. 
  • Locks: Adding a storm door with locks can help keep it in place while protecting your family. During intense weather, locking your storm door will keep it from blowing open in high winds. You can also utilize the lock during the day to prevent young kids and pets from running outside.
  • Handles: You can add even more of your personal design style by choosing the look of the storm door handle. Match the handle to the color of the door or choose a bronze or antique brass finish. You can also find handles in different designs, allowing you to get as creative as you’d like. 
  • Color: Adding protection and additional functionality to your home can still be stylish. Choose a color that compliments your primary door or home exterior, and your storm door will fit right in.
  • Blinds: Storm doors may also come with blinds. Blinds may be the perfect addition if you’re looking to protect your beautiful entry door while still enjoying privacy. 
  • Size: Even if your primary door is an unconventional size, you can still add a storm door with custom sizing from a professional door installation company
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Should I Add a Storm Door to My North Carolina Home?

North Carolina experiences a wide range of weather conditions, from hurricanes to snow and ice. Adding a storm door is a great way to protect your expensive entry door. 
A range of weather conditions also brings a wide variety of temperatures. A storm door can still be extremely beneficial even if you already have a roof or awning to protect your primary door from the elements. The extra insulation from a storm door will help keep your home at your desired temperature, keeping your air conditioning and heating bills down.

If your primary door receives a lot of direct sunlight, you will want to consider installing a premium storm door. Premium storm doors like these models from Marvin’s Garage Doors use low emissivity (LoE) glass. LoE glass blocks infrared and ultraviolet light to better protect your primary door, hardware, interior flooring and furniture from fading due to solar radiation. 

Quality storm doors also have a long life span making them a worthwhile investment to improve your home. Storm door installation is quick and easy when you hire a team of pros to install your new door seamlessly. 

Find Quality Storm Doors Near You

Could your home benefit from a storm door addition? If you’re ready to enjoy all the perks of a storm door, you will want a team with decades of experience and a wide selection of quality doors. 

At Marvin’s Garage Doors, we’ve been serving the Piedmont area of North Carolina since 1970. With a great selection of standard and premium doors plus opportunities for customization, Marvin’s Garage Doors is your premier choice for storm doors in and around Winston-Salem and Boone, North Carolina. 

You can check out our Piedmont area showrooms in Winston-Salem and East Bend or visit our Wilkesboro showroom for storm doors for sale near Boone. Want to keep things digital? Visit our virtual showrooms or fill out our online form to request a free estimate!

How Do You Maintain a Commercial Garage Door?

Many commercial industries use garage doors in their facilities. These doors protect vehicles and serve as storage spaces, among other uses. It’s crucial to use proper maintenance techniques for your commercial garage door to extend the life span of your garage door and ensure safety for users. By learning about these techniques, you can make sure your next maintenance inspection proceeds correctly.

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Why Do Garage Doors Need Regular Maintenance?

Regularly inspecting and performing maintenance on your commercial garage door is important for many reasons. Here are a few examples:

  • Security: Garage doors are extremely heavy, making them potentially dangerous if not in the right shape. Features like sensors and springs hold the garage door up and make sure it only moves when instructed. With regular maintenance procedures, you can check the security features and ensure they’re working properly. In turn, you can keep your employees, customers and other users safe during use.
  • Lower cost: Regular maintenance can also lower your overall costs. By conducting regular inspections, you can resolve small issues before they grow into larger ones. For instance, you could notice the early signs of a panel about to fall off during a maintenance inspection. Then, you could reconnect the panel before it becomes detached instead of having to purchase an entirely new panel. Beyond simple fixes like these, you could notice potential issues with sensors or the overall system. Then, you could solve these problems before they grow into major replacements.
  • Enhanced appearance: As a commercial business employee, you want your properties to be attractive and engaging for potential customers. Even your garage door can impact someone’s impression of your business, so it’s important to maintain a well-composed appearance. Regular maintenance can prevent rust or other growth from forming on your door, allowing you to keep a well-maintained appearance.

4 Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Garage door maintenance is important both for safety and company success. It’s essential to follow the right procedures during maintenance. Following a commercial garage door maintenance checklist can help you make sure that you follow all the necessary steps.

1. Lubricate the Springs

The springs are essential for the proper functioning of a garage door. Torsion springs and extension springs help hold and lift the door. Because torsion springs use torque to pull the door up and down, they rub against one another and cause friction. If you don’t treat them properly, they could start squeaking or produce rust.

To keep torsion springs in working order, you should add lubricants. You can spray lubricant intended for garage doors around once or twice a year. If you hear squeaks while using the garage door, spray lubricant as soon as possible.

If you’ve never lubricated your springs before and aren’t sure where to start, contact a trusted service provider. Professionals can inspect your garage door and apply lubricant safely to ensure everything goes as planned.

2. Inspect the Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping consists of sealing openings around your garage door to protect against weather, reduce noise and save energy. It enhances insulation by stabilizing the temperature indoors and preventing outside temperatures from settling in. You typically place weatherstrips on the garage’s exterior and by the door connecting the garage to the building.

You should inspect the weatherstripping seal during commercial garage door maintenance. Regularly check the seal for cracks or damages. If you find any damages, you should replace the stripping to ensure your garage stays protected from the weather. A garage door service provider can help you complete a thorough weatherstripping replacement.

The seal could also build up dirt or grime during use. During maintenance, be sure to clean the seal. You can use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the material and prevent any problems.

3. Examine the Door and Track Alignment

Door and track alignment examinations are also important to check during maintenance. To inspect these, you can stand outside and watch your garage door move up and down. Listen for any unusual sounds, like squeaks. You should also watch the door’s movements and make sure it doesn’t get caught anywhere. If you hear or see anything abnormal, inspect these components more closely.

garage door professional can provide a thorough door and track alignment examination. They can use their expertise to notice motions or sounds others might miss. If something does appear wrong with your door, a service expert can advise you on the best approach for repairs and complete them properly and safely.

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4. Test the Safety Features

It’s always crucial to test the garage door’s safety features during maintenance. You should regularly test and examine these tools to make sure they work correctly. As mentioned, a garage door service professional can help you test your safety features and give you an expert opinion.

These are a few examples of safety features you should inspect:

  • Emergency release feature: Most garage doors come equipped with an emergency release function. The tool allows you to quickly turn off the engine. Usually, the emergency release is a ripcord with a red handle you can pull. During maintenance, you should test the emergency release. Make sure you and other employees know how to use it and the cord works properly.
  • Photo-eyes: Photo-eyes are small cameras that face opposite one another in your garage. Once activated when the garage door is “asked” to close, one camera sends a laser beam to the other. The beam scans the surrounding area for movement or obstructions as the garage door closes. If it detects anything in the path of the door, it stops the door’s movement or reverses it. Photo-eyes are crucial for the safe use of your garage door. Regularly test them and ensure they can stop the door safely.

Contact Marvin’s Garage Doors Today

Regular garage door maintenance is essential to keep your employees and customers safe and prevent costly repairs. At Marvin’s Garage Doors, we understand the importance of preventative maintenance for commercial garage doors and are here to help you maintain a safe and operational business environment.

We provide high-quality commercial garage door maintenance and repair services for North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Our technicians can ensure your door works correctly and provide expert repairs if needed. We also offer 24/7 emergency services for Winston-Salem, Wilkesboro and East Bend.

To get started with Marvin’s Garage Doors, contact us today.

How to Manually Open and Close Your Electric Garage Door

As you pull up to your house, your headlights reflect off your garage door. It’s been a long day at work, and all you want to do is make dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening. You reach up and push a button on your garage remote, but nothing happens. Your garage door won’t open.

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Electric garage doors save us money, time and energy — we can quickly and easily open, close or adjust the height of our doors with the push of a button. Sometimes, however, you click your remote, and the door remains closed. How do you manually open a garage door that won’t open? Garage doors that stay closed are frustrating incidents, no matter whether the cause is due to external factors like a power outage, or internal factors like broken springs. It may be as simple as hitting the override, or it may be so complicated you need assistance to fix it.

At Marvin’s Garage Doors, we understand a stubborn garage door is often confusing and always inconvenient. We’ve created this guide to give you practical ways to get in and out of a closed garage — the next time your garage door acts up, you’ll know what to do.

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How Do You Manually Open and Close Your Electric Garage Door

How to manually open and close your electric garage door.

When your garage door doesn’t open, you’re either locked in or out of your garage. If your garage connects to your home through an interior door, you’re in luck — manually opening a garage door from the inside is easier than opening it from the outside. However, if your garage door is the only way to access your garage, you may need to contact a professional to open your garage door.

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A garage door repair service will be able to access the emergency latch from the outside of the garage to override the electric mechanism safely. Opening a garage door from the outside can be tricky, so it is best to call a professional to avoid harming yourself or damaging your garage door. If you can access the interior of your garage, follow these steps for manually opening your garage door from the inside.

1. Closing and Opening Your Garage Door Manually From the Inside

Sometimes, the problem isn’t about being locked out — your garage door could malfunction while you and your vehicles are still inside your garage. If you can’t open your garage door from the outside, but you still have access to your garage through your home, don’t panic — it is typically much easier to open a garage door from the inside than from the outside. Many electronic garage doors come with a bypass switch, allowing you to override the system and manually lift it open when needed.

To locate the bypass switch, look for a red rope hanging down from your garage mechanisms. This emergency release cord will be attached to the trolley in the center of the garage door. When the cord is pulled, the automated opener carriage that normally opens and closes the door is released from the trolley. This feature allows the door to slide freely on the trolley without the help of an electric mechanism.

Before pulling the release rope, make sure the garage door is fully closed. If your garage door is stuck partially open and the spring inside the door is broken, the garage door will fall when the cord is released. Unexpected movement could damage the garage door and anything that may be underneath the door. If your garage door is stuck open, contact a repair service to fix the door safely.

To disconnect the opener, pull the rope down and towards the door. Many garage door release cords come prepared with a handle for easy gripping. Depending on the length of the cord and the height of your garage, you may need a ladder to safely reach the rope.

When you’ve successfully disengaged the mechanism, you will hear a “pop” which means the motor is no longer connected to the door. You should then be able to lift the garage door easily. Using both hands, grip and raise the door from the bottom.

If you feel any resistance when trying to lift your garage door, stop and contact a professional. If your garage door does not open smoothly after pulling the release cord, this could mean the door is off of its track or the springs are broken. In either case, trying to force the door open will only cause more damage.

Keep lifting the garage door until it is fully overhead. Without the automated lifting mechanism, the door can slide back down if it is not open entirely. When closing the garage door, lower it slowly and manually lock it by sliding the lock bar.

2. Resetting the Garage Door Opener After A Power Outage

When you manually open your garage door, it will remain in manual mode until you reengage the door opener. As soon as you can fix the underlying issue or your home’s power comes back on, you will have to reset the door back to its automatic mode.

Fortunately, reengaging a garage door opener is simple, although the exact method depends on the model of your door. One common method has three quick steps — first, while the door is in a manual setting, raise it fully overhead. Next, pull straight down on the red emergency release cord to connect the trolley to the carriage. For some garage doors, you may need to pull the cord down and towards the garage door. When the trolley is successfully reconnected to the opener carriage, you should hear a loud click. Finally, push the control button on either the wall panel or the remote to operate the door.

If your garage door shuts off because of a power outage, it may not start working automatically when the electricity comes back on, and you may need to use another method. To allow the system to reset, try unplugging your opener. Let the system rest for 30 seconds, then plug the opener back into the socket. If your door still doesn’t work, a power surge might have damaged the motorhead. Contact a garage door repair company for a thorough examination.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR MANUALLY OPENING YOUR GARAGE DOOR

While manually opening your garage door is a relatively low-risk process, take a few safety precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones and your valuables:

  • Avoid muscle strains: Your garage door may weigh too much for you to open. If you are having difficulty lifting the door, avoid straining your back, knees or shoulders by contacting a garage door repair company to help you open your door.
  • Prevent electrical shock: If you are planning to work on the carriage assembly or the motor head while the electricity is out, unplug the unit before you begin. This precaution will prevent injury if the power unexpectedly turns on as you’re working.
  • Keep the door closed: Before pulling the release cord, make sure the door is in the closed position. While closed, your garage door experiences the least amount of pressure. Additionally, a closed garage door cannot move, reducing the chance that it will fall and injure anyone or anything underneath.
  • Unplug your automatic door opener: Disconnecting your automatic garage door opener as you operate your door manually can prevent injury and damage. Even if you lose power, you’ll want to protect yourself in case the power comes back on unexpectedly.
  • Call a professional when necessary: An expert garage door technician knows how to repair your garage door safely. Contact a professional to inspect your door if you notice any signs of damage, especially to the springs or automatic opener.
  • If the door is open, avoid using the emergency release: During a power outage, you may want to try to close your open garage door with the emergency release. Instead, it’s best to wait until the power comes back on to prevent the door from forcefully hitting the floor.
  • Steer clear of the doorway if it’s stuck open: After you’ve disengaged the automatic garage door during a power outage, the door is vulnerable to closing unexpectedly from a forceful wind or other factors. Keep your family and valuables out of the pathway of your garage door until the power is back on to prevent damage or injury.
  • Use the manual lock: During a power outage, the automatic garage door lock won’t work. Guard your property against theft by sliding the metal manual lock next to the garage door.
  • Watch for irregular movement: After you’ve restored power to your garage door, call a professional technician if you notice uneven movement or shaking.

If you have trouble resetting your garage door, contact a professional garage door repair service to examine your door. They’ll make sure to reset it properly to prevent damage and avoid any future problems with your garage door.

Why Would I Need to Open My Garage Door Manually?

If you have never gotten locked in or out of your garage, you might not think this is a relevant issue — why would you ever need to manually open your garage door? An unmoving garage door is actually more common than many people think. Below are four situations where you’d need to know how to open a garage door manually.

1. How to Open Your Garage Door Without Power

We rely on electricity to power almost every facet of our lives. Power failures lead to a long list of issues, ranging from minor inconveniences to more severe problems.

On the other hand, when the power goes out, life doesn’t necessarily grind to a halt. Most likely, your workplace will still expect you to show up on time, and you’ll still have errands to run and supplies to purchase. These require a vehicle, which means you have to access your garage. But when the power goes out, the garage door shuts down, and you’ll need to find a new solution for accessing your car.

Even though power outages are rare, you may encounter one every once in a while from storms or nearby construction. Taking the time to make sure you and your family know how to manually open your garage door without power reduces the disruption of electricity failures.

2. Checking to See If Your Garage Door Is Broken

If your power is still on but your door stops working, you might be dealing with a more serious issue, such as a broken garage door. One of the most common garage door problems is broken or faulty torsion or extension springs. Torsion and extension springs allow the opener to easily lift the heavy garage door, reducing the amount of stress on the mechanism.

Trying to manually open your garage door is one of the best ways to troubleshoot your problem. Attempt to open your closed garage door — make sure to disconnect the automatic opener, then use the steps above to operate your door by hand.

If your springs are in good condition, the door should lift easily with little resistance, and it should stay up when you’ve raised it all the way. You may have an issue with your garage door’s springs if your door is impossible or difficult to lift or if it slides down once you’ve lifted it overhead.

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3. When Your Electronic Remote Gets Lost

As you run around from one errand to the next, you may lose track of some important items, especially if they’re small. A garage door remote is both small and essential, but it’s easy to misplace. An electronic remote is important when you’re running late to work and need to access your car from the garage. In situations like this, you probably need to leave the house as soon as possible instead of running an extensive search of your car, garage and house or cross-examining your family about the last time they saw the remote.

If you know how to manually operate your garage door, you can quickly jump out of your car, open the door and be on your way. You can search for your remote or order a new one when you get home, and in the meantime, a little missing box won’t disrupt your schedule.

4. In Case of an Emergency

Knowing how to manually open your garage door can be crucial during an emergency. Many natural disasters cause electrical surges and failures, including floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires and heavy snow and ice storms. In any of these events, an untimely power outage could deactivate your garage door and prevent you from accessing your vehicles.

If your house or property catches fire, your garage door might be the only safe exit. Other doors could be too damaged or too close to the flames. On the other hand, if the fire has affected your home’s power, your garage door might not open. In immediate danger situations, knowing how to open and close your garage door manually is vital for you and your home’s safety.

Knowing how to manually operate your garage door does more than help you avoid inconveniences — it allows you to safely and quickly navigate emergencies and gives you peace of mind when you need it most.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR GARAGE’S EMERGENCY RELEASE CORD BREAKS

You can only operate your garage door manually if the emergency release cord is functional. Be sure to maintain it and check for damage, which might include:

  • A cracked handle. 
  • Rust or corrosion. 
  • Fraying on the cord. 

If the emergency release cord is not usable, you’ll have to replace it. You can call in a professional to perform the replacement, or you can do it yourself by following these steps: 

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  1. Cut off or untie the broken cord to detach it from the lever. 
  2. Thread the new cord through the handle. 
  3. Tie the cord in a knot to secure it. 
  4. Thread the other end through the mechanism. 
  5. Trim any excess cord. 
  6. Prevent fraying by heating the end of the cord with a lighter. 

Contact Marvin’s Garage Doors If You Need Help Manually Opening Your Garage Door

Once you learn how to manually open and close your garage door, you’re prepared for a wide range of situations ranging from a power outage to a lost remote. But operating your door yourself is only a temporary solution — to fix the underlying issue affecting your garage door, you need professional service.

Contact Us at Marvin’s Garage Doors Today

At Marvin’s Garage Doors, we’re committed to providing efficient work and expert service. Our team of highly qualified professionals is standing by to assist you in any garage door-related repairs you need — we offer 24-hour emergency service, so we’re available to help at any hour of the day.

We service all models of residential and commercial garage doors, and we include opener, spring and panel repair. Family-owned and -operated, Marvin’s Garage Doors has been a trusted provider of garage door service in the northwestern North Carolina area since 1970, and we’ve worked hard to earn a reputation of excellence.

Contact Marvin’s Garage Doors to schedule your garage door repair today.

How to Prepare Your Garage Door for the Winter

The air is finally cooling down, leaves are collecting on the sidewalk, college football is on TV and chili is in the crockpot. Yes, fall is here, and after a hot, humid summer, it’s time to enjoy this beautiful season.

Along with all the fun things about fall, it’s also an important time of year for homeowners. Not only is it a time to finish up projects that were started over the summer, but it’s also the time to look ahead to prepare your home for winter. Maybe you cover your flower beds and vulnerable shrubs. Maybe you clean out gutters and trim trees. Maybe you have your fireplace serviced and wood stacked near the back door. The list is long and, depending on where you live, it can be rather involved.

There is one winter preparation project that many homeowners overlook, even though it can be costly to do so.

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Have you winterized your garage door?

You likely use your garage door several times a day, but you probably haven’t given much thought to the impact that cold weather can have on this vital entry and exit point on your home. The truth is that your garage door — like other exterior features of your home — is subject to a lot of wear and tear because it’s exposed to the elements. Not only that, but most people raise and lower their garage doors several times a day, so it’s getting a lot of daily use.

While you don’t have to wait for cooler weather to start paying attention to your garage door, the pending arrival of winter is a good time for garage door maintenance.

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How Does the Colder Weather Affect Garage Doors?

You can have a variety of garage door problems during cold weather. Cold temperatures can cause the metal parts of your garage door to shrink, especially springs and screws. When they shrink, this can cause problems with your door’s ability to open and close, as well as impact its overall quality and durability. Tracks are more likely to warp and springs more likely to break in cold weather. With either of these problems, you should call a professional garage door repair company to fix it.

Making sure the metal parts of your door are in good working order will go a long way in keeping your door functioning when the cold weather hits. If your door hasn’t been winterized, you might find yourself unable to open or close it during a snowstorm or deep freeze. And no one wants to leave their garage door hanging open when it’s below freezing outside.

Garage doors also serve as the first line of defense for your home to block the cold air from getting into your living space. When your door isn’t sealed or insulated properly, it can allow cold air to get into other areas of your house, wreaking havoc with your energy bills and leaving you chilled over the winter months. While some people find that an insulated door can be one way to minimize this issue, an insulated door isn’t for everyone — as we’ll discuss later.

Preventing Damage to Your Garage Doors

Colder temperatures can be rough on your garage door, but there are plenty of ways that a homeowner can protect their doors from damage. Some of these are not unique to the winter season, but if you haven’t done them recently, the upcoming change of seasons can provide a good reminder to you. Yes, this seems like something that would be easy to put off. But, trust us — you don’t want to wait to call a garage door repair professional to fix your door when the snow is falling and the wind is blowing.

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Taking a proactive approach to maintaining your door and anticipating potential problems can save you a lot of hassle down the road, but, if December rolls around and you haven’t made time for your garage door, don’t tell yourself it’s too late and write it off. As long as it’s warm enough to safely work outside, it’s never too late to take care of your garage door.

  1. Inspect the Door and Its Tracks

     Start by simply standing outside and watching your door go up and down a few times. Listen for any sounds it makes. Watch its movement and note any places where the door seems to get caught. Watching for any unusual movement or listening for unusual sounds is important because it can be the first sign that something isn’t working as it should. Make note of the location where you see or hear anything unusual so you can investigate further.

    It’s relatively simple for any homeowner to observe and inspect their garage door, however, this can also be a good time to call a professional to inspect your door. If your door is older or you suspect a problem, a professional can advise you on the best way to repair and take care of your door to keep it working as it should.

  2. Lubricate the Door’s Moving Parts

    This one is simple and can be done by just about any homeowner. Apply a spray lubricant to any of the garage door’s moving parts, including its springs, bearings and hinges. Alternatively, you can use a few drops of standard engine oil. Either way, a careful and thorough application can protect all of your door’s moving parts and keep it going up and down with ease. Never use grease — it’s too thick and will only make the tracks sticky and collect dust and hair.

  3. Make Sure the Door Seals Correctly

     The easiest way to detect problems with your garage door’s seal is to stand in your driveway after dark and look directly at the closed door. If you can see cracks of light coming through anywhere, then you likely have a problem with the seal around the door. There’s enough space for heat to escape and for cold air to get into your house anywhere you see light, so you should replace any damaged or missing sections of the seal.

    The seal around the door can also build up dirt and grime, which can prevent it from sealing correctly. Spending a few minutes cleaning the seal around your garage door can save you a headache later. Using a standard household all-purpose cleaner, wipe down the weather stripping and make sure it’s free from anything that could cause a problem once it gets cold.

  4. Organize Your Garage

    Let’s be honest. After a summer of pool visits, barbecues and bike rides, your garage is probably not looking its best. Items like snow shovels, de-icer and even snow blowers are most likely hidden behind garden tools and sports equipment. As you’re inspecting your garage door, take this time to also give your garage a once-over. Straighten up and bring all of your winter must-haves out of the shadows, and put them in places where they will be easily accessible when you need them. This is especially important if you live someplace where snow piles up because there may be times when you can’t get your garage door open to dig for these items.

Winter Garage Door Maintenance Tips

When it comes to maintenance, winter isn’t the only time you should pay attention to your garage door. It is, however, an optimal time to make sure your garage door is operating at its best. Besides maintaining the weather stripping and lubricating it each year, there are a few things you can do to ensure your garage door is fully operational during the winter months.

  1. Test the Door’s Balance

    A garage door that isn’t balanced can put undue strain on your garage door opener, which means it may not function like it should or last nearly as long as you want it to.

    To check your door’s balance, disconnect it from your opener and manually run it up and down a few times to make sure there’s nothing obstructing the track. Then, push it halfway up and watch what happens. If it only moves back and forth a little bit, then it’s most likely balanced. If it falls down quickly or rolls up, that may be a sign that it isn’t balanced. Unbalanced doors commonly fall due to a loss of tension in the springs.

    While you can try to rebalance your garage door yourself, we strongly recommend that you call a professional garage door repair company to address the issue. Adjusting torsion springs can be very dangerous so it’s best to have a skilled technician make any changes. Also, an unbalanced door could be a sign of a more serious underlying problem.

  2. Clean and Inspect the Surface of the Door Regularly

    When dirt builds up on the surface of your garage door, it can damage the door. Damage to the door will lead to problems with its ability to open and close as you need it to. Not only that but allowing dirt and grime to build up may decrease the lifespan of your door.

    As you’re cleaning out your garage and inspecting the door, grab a brush and some soap, and start scrubbing. While you clean, also make note of any chips or cracks that may be appearing, particularly in wooden garage doors. If you have a steel or wooden garage door, it may be time to sand and repaint as well. Fall can be a great time to do this because a fresh coat of paint or stain will be even more effective in protecting your door against winter’s strongest weather.

  3. Keep the Sensors Clean and Free From Debris

    Today’s garage doors are designed with safety features to keep them from closing on objects underneath them. This is a great way to prevent injuries to small children or damage to a car. However, these safety features don’t operate effectively if the sensors are dirty or blocked. Even things like piles of leaves can potentially prevent your sensors from functioning properly. Be vigilant about keeping dust and dirt away from the lenses of the photocell sensors, as well as keeping leaves, snow and other debris away from the base of your door.

    We strongly recommend investing in a new garage door if your garage door is older and does not have these safety features. It might seem like a big expense, but it’s vital to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers a heavy garage door can pose if a child or car gets stuck underneath it.

Check Out Our Other Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Insulated Garage Doors

When a garage is attached to a home, it shares at least one common wall, which means that it can have a big impact on a home’s heating and cooling. So, does it help to purchase an insulated garage door or add insulation to an existing door?

The truth is that it depends on where you live and how you use your garage door. If your garage serves as your primary entrance and exit for your home — meaning it is opening and closing several times a day — it may be more beneficial to invest in better insulation for the shared wall that separates your garage from the rest of your home. Since it’s inevitable that cold air will come into the garage any time the door opens, creating a better barrier between your garage and the rest of your home can have a bigger impact than insulating the door itself.

However, if your garage is detached from your house or the door is rarely used, there may be some benefit to upgrading to an insulated door. The best rule of thumb when it comes to insulation and garage doors is to work closely with a professional garage door installation and repair company to determine which type of door will be best for you.

Contact Marvin’s Garage Doors for Services and Repairs

You don’t have to wait until the temperatures start to drop, but fall is a great time to give your garage door some TLC. By devoting a few hours to some basic maintenance and repair, you can keep your door functioning at optimal quality throughout the entire winter — no matter how brutal the weather gets.

Sometimes maintaining your garage door is going to require more than a little bit of oil or a quick adjustment. When you need an experienced garage door service and repair company, give Marvin’s Garage Doors a call. Family-owned and operated and serving Northwestern North Carolina since 1970, Marvin’s strives to provide high-quality, knowledgeable service with every call — no matter how big or small the issue.

As a Clopay Master Authorized Dealer, Marvin’s is also proud to offer a wide selection of high-quality garage doors for our customers who find that maintaining their older garage doors is no longer a viable option. Before the winter weather gets the better of your garage door, let Marvin’s get involved. Give us a call to request an estimate or request service.

Energy-Efficient Garage Doors

While many of us strive to make our homes more energy-efficient, few of us give much thought to energy-efficient garage doors. A good eco-friendly garage door, however, can make our lives as homeowners easier: It will help maintain a comfortable temperature and lower our energy bills. That is because — assuming your garage is part of your house — a poorly insulated garage door can cause your heated or cooled air to escape. For this reason, it is essential to invest in an energy-efficient garage door with proper insulation.

If your garage doubles as a workshop, and you regularly use a heater or air conditioner, insulating this area is even more critical. If your regional climate features extreme hot and cold temperatures, a garage with good insulation will keep your car cool during hot months and warm during cold months, cutting down the energy needed to keep the space a comfortable temperature.

What Is an Energy-Efficient Garage Door?

Eco-friendly garage doors minimize their impact on the environment, both during their construction and throughout their lifetimes. Below are some factors that can determine whether a garage door is energy-efficient:

  • What materials are used to construct it
  • How well the door can withstand strong winds, which helps protect the envelope of the house
  • The efficiency of garage door construction, including the use of recycled materials
  • How energy-efficient the garage door is after installation
  • How long the door lasts

Efficient garage doors with these features are sustainable and have a smaller impact on our environment. Eco-friendly garage doors help protect the environment in several ways.

1. They use recycled or sustainable building materials. Some environmentally friendly garage doors use recycled materials such as steel.

Wood garage doors can also be environmentally friendly, but you must verify that it came from a supplier that obeys the environmental rules regarding wood harvesting. Eco-friendly wood suppliers adhere to various techniques and practices to ensure sustainability in the long term, which includes replanting trees in place of the harvested timber.

2. They have high-quality parts to improve the lifespan of the door. Eco-friendly garage doors should not only use environmentally sound materials — these materials should also be sturdy and durable. Regardless of whether the door is wood or metal, it should be able to survive exposure to the elements, such as rain, wind and snow, for long periods. It should also continue to function after considerable wear and tear.

Durable doors are more environmentally friendly because, if they don’t need replacement as often, fewer will get thrown away and take up space in a landfill. With more durable doors, we conserve more natural resources.

3. They feature weatherproofing and insulation as ways to improve the garage’s energy efficiency. Garage doors are the largest opening in homes, which means they can potentially allow in lots of unwanted cold or hot air, driving up your energy bills as a result. Installing a door that is well-insulated and weatherproofed will not only decrease your environmental footprint — it’ll lower your utility costs.

If you would like a garage door with windows, make sure these windows are also energy-efficient. To make sure your garage door is green, you’ll also need to do some perimeter weather-stripping.

4. Their manufacturer was efficient. With eco-friendly, sustainable garage doors, it’s not just the final product that should be environmentally friendly, but also every step of the manufacturing process, including the sourcing, manufacturing and delivery of the materials. Eco-friendly manufacturers are always aware of how much of each material they consume during the production process. They also follow certain procedures to make sure they are recycling any woods, plastics or scrap metals.

The process should also be efficient in the following ways.

  • The product packaging uses a few choice resources carefully. Packaging, which takes many resources and much energy to produce, can be very environmentally unfriendly. Although it is possible to recycle some of the packaging, it’s best to use as little packaging as possible.
  • The product is well-protected. It is also essential to package products properly to avoid damage during transportation. If a product does get damaged, sometimes the product has to be disposed of — which creates waste — or may require other resources to repair it.
  • The product gets transported efficiently. Transporting the product by a fuel-efficient means of transport is another excellent way to be eco-friendly.

Benefits of Insulated, Energy-Efficient Garage Doors

Green garage doors provide many benefits for your home. Here are some of the essential ones.

1. Energy savings: If your garage can prevent heated and cooled air from escaping, your heater and A/C won’t have to work as hard to maintain your desired temperature. These savings in energy also mean lower energy bills — so you’ll be saving money.

2. Less costly replacement, repair and maintenance expenses: Eco-friendly garage doors use sturdy building materials, which means they will have a longer lifespan than non-eco-friendly doors. Over time, an owner of an eco-friendly door will end up saving a lot in money and resources.

3. They have more curb appeal: Environmentally friendly doors come in a wide variety of styles. Also, a home with an eco-friendly garage may boost the resale value of your home and might be a particular draw for eco-friendly buyers who care for energy-efficient garage doors.

4. Good soundproofing: An insulated, energy-efficient garage door may help keep outside sounds from flooding in and vice versa.

Our Eco-Friendly Garage Door Materials

Our garages include the following environmentally friendly materials.

  • Steel: This is the most popular material for garage doors. It’s durable, and although steel by itself is not a great insulator, a thicker low-gauge steel is better at insulating than thin, high-gauge steel. Multi-layer steel doors that have insulation between the layers can also be dent-resistant, energy-efficient and even more durable.
  • Composite wood: Composite wood is a material that has recently been gaining popularity. It’s durable, requires little maintenance and is a great alternative to real wood. It is commonly found together with a steel interior and a fake wood composite overlay, giving the door the look of wood and the insulation properties of steel.
  • Polystyrene: If you want more garage door insulation, polystyrene is an excellent option. The thicker the foam, the higher the R-value, which is the measure of a material’s ability to prevent the transfer of heat. For example, polystyrene foam 1 and 3/8 inches thick has an R-value of 6.5, and foam with a thickness of 1 and 5/16 inches has a 6.3 R-value.
  • Polyurethane: This material is an even better insulator than polystyrene and is not as thick. It typically gets sprayed as a foam on the inside of the door, which allows it to get into all the small spaces and insulate more effectively. To compare the two, consider 2-inch polyurethane has an R-value ranging from 18.4 to 20.4, whereas 1 and 3/8-inch polyurethane has an R-value of 12.9.

Insulation Options for Garage Doors

In addition to preventing the escape of cooled and heated air, insulation provides several other benefits: It makes the door stronger, it makes it more able to withstand accidental damage and helps soundproof the garage.

When looking around for an eco-friendly garage door, you will find three different options for insulation.

  1. Single-layer doors: These doors offer no insulation. This option is best for garages that are detached from your house and have no climate control at all.
  2. Double-layer doors: These doors feature polystyrene insulation in the middle.
  3. Triple-layer doors: These doors include the thicker polyurethane insulation. They are the best at insulating.

Look out for Air Leakage

Even if your garage door has a high R-value, this will mean nothing if there are large gaps between your garage door and wall. To reduce energy loss through air escaping through gaps, it’s best to find hardware that is high-quality, well-fitting and includes weather-stripping and seals. Having your door installed by a professional is also a good idea.

Another aspect to be aware of is the windows on your garage door. Although they’re an attractive addition, they are also another potential source of air leakage. To avoid this transference of heat, choose windows with low-emissivity coatings that are double- or triple-glazed.

Contact Us for an Energy-Efficient Insulated Garage Door

Do you live in or near Winston-Salem, N.C., and are looking for an energy-efficient garage door to enhance your home? If so, you’re at the right place. At Marvin’s Garage Doors, we serve both residential and commercial clients with all things garage door-related.

Our family-owned business has been proudly serving North Carolina’s Piedmont region since 1970. We are an authorized dealer of Clopay garage doors, which have a reputation for their aesthetic appeal, sturdiness and energy efficiency.

Energy-Efficient Garage Doors We Offer

We sell a wide variety of base models for Clopay garage doors, each with a subset of design features. We are confident that you will be able to find a garage door that works well for your home. Below are some examples of what we offer.

  • Reserve Collection Custom SeriesThese insulated garage doors blend the traditional and modern, offer unlimited custom designs and have energy-efficient insulation.
  • Canyon Ridge Collection Ultra-GrainThe overlay material on this door is so ornate, you’d assume it’s real wood. This door features four layers in its construction: steel, insulation, ultra-grain steel and an overlay. It appears to have swing-out doors, but conveniently opens upward.
  • Coachman Collection: Combining the strength of modern materials with the classic look of a carriage-house door, this collection blends beauty and practicality. There are more than 100 style combinations, and four factory finish colors. Its R-values range from 6.5 to 18.4.
  • Gallery Collection: This door opens upward, but appears to swing out. It features the classic raised panel steel design, but also has some vintage elements like grooved panels and wrought-iron hardware with a variety of color options. Two insulation options are available for this door: polystyrene or Intellicore®, both of which have great R-values.
  • Classic Wood Collection: If your goal is to maintain a traditional look, this may be the collection for you. The doors are handcrafted, and the panels come in three options: traditional raised, recessed and flush. This collection includes options with and without windows.
  • Value Plus Series: These doors have a simple, no-frills appearance, but feature a strong energy-efficient barrier. You can choose between two insulation thickness options and five colors.
  • Avante Collection: This door combines glass paneling and a sturdy frame reinforced with steel. This collection will give your home a distinct look. You can enjoy the natural light of your garage during the day, and at night, you can return to a warm glow.
  • Reserve Wood Collection Semi-Custom Series: This door is made of cedar, redwood or hemlock and comes in six base designs. It is constructed in two layers. It’s a great way to give your home historical character and a unique look that will make your home stand out in your neighborhood.
  • Canyon Ridge Collection Limited Edition Series: This door has the appearance of wood and the strength of modern materials. The overlay and cladding are molded from genuine pieces of wood to imitate the texture and grains of certain wood species. It comes in composites of pecky cypress, mahogany and clear cypress. Its construction is in five layers: steel, insulation, steel, full cladding and overlay. This door has an R-value of 20.4.
  • Premium SeriesThis door has three layers and offers two insulation options. It’s particularly strong and is good at protecting your home and belongings — even during the most violent storms. Steel, which is galvanized and pre-painted, is molded and bonded to polyurethane foam or Intellicore, making it exceptionally strong, energy-efficient and quiet in operation. Its R-values range from 6.5 to 18.4.
  • Modern Steel: Doors from this collection are sleek and go well with contemporary designs. You can choose between flush or grooved designs.
  • Value Series: This door features one-layer construction and has a frame of steel. It also offers two-panel designs and an option of windows. If you live in a hurricane-prone area and would like your door to be resistant to hurricane-force winds, this door has a Windcode rating.
  • Reserve Collection Limited Edition Series: This door features four- or five-layer construction and comes in fir, redwood, cedar and meranti varieties.
  • Classic Wood Collection: This door is available with and without windows and features natural handcrafted wood, which is a great way to give a traditional look to your home.

Get in Touch With the Pros at Marvin’s Garage Doors

In addition to installing garage doors, we also repair them. If your door becomes damaged or stops working, give us a call, and we’ll repair it quickly — at any hour of the day.

If you have any questions about our products or services, give us a call at 336-830-8468 or contact us via our online form.

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Cost to Install a New Garage Door

Most homeowners use their garage doors more often than their front doors to enter their homes. That means installing a new garage door can improve your home’s overall efficiency, make daily living simpler and more convenient, add home value and modernize your home’s exteriors. Installing a new garage door is one of the wisest home upgrade investments you can make — on average, most homeowners receive at least an 85 percent return on investment from a new garage door installation.

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But with this home improvement project, how much can you expect to spend on a new single garage door installation? Depending on several factors, the cost to install an overhead garage door is in the range of $1,000 to over $10,000, with averages landing in the middle at just over $2,000. These numbers not only include the actual purchase of the overhead garage door, but also necessary hardware including tracks, adhesives, connectors and fasteners. The cost to install a garage door can vary widely based on garage door materials and features, installation costs and home and owner needs.

Most homeowners see an 85% return on initial garage door investment

Garage Door Installation Cost Factors

When hiring a professional to install your new garage door, there are several factors that contribute to the overall costs. A major one is the type of garage door you are hoping to install. There are four main types of garage doors professionals can install on your home, including two types of roll-up garage doors, and each one requires different tools and expertise that affect installation costs:

  • Single roll-up (sectional): This model is likely what you’re most familiar with. It is a bit costlier, ranging from $1,000 and up.
  • Solid wood custom: Wood custom doors are attractive, but require more installation tools, upping installation costs from $4,000 and up.

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In addition to the garage door model you select for your home, there are several other garage door installation costs included in an estimate — including any electrical rewiring needs, proper garage door removal and disposal and the actual installation labor that can add 20 percent to overall costs. Be sure to ask your installation experts what is included in your breakdown, because many factors can contribute to how much a garage door installation costs. Other garage door installation charges may include resizing the garage opening, replacing hardware and reframing your home’s exterior.

The characteristics of your garage door can also add significant costs to your garage door installation:

Learn More About Choosing The Right Garage Door

  • Garage door materials: When choosing a new garage door, you’ll be able to select from a large catalog of styles, materials, sizes and shapes that all vary in costs. Common garage door materials are wood, steel, aluminum and vinyl, with steel and wood featuring added style and security and vinyl being more cost-effective. You’ll also have the opportunity to select custom colors and hardware, which can also increase door pricing.
  • Insulation: If your garage is connected to your home, you should consider a garage door featuring added insulation. With this added insulation, your home can experience 15 to 20 percent increased energy efficiency, but your door will be more expensive overall.
  • Garage door opener installation: Today’s technology has allowed even garage door openers to become more advanced, convenient and efficient. Installing a new garage door opener for your home will cost around $150 to $300.

common garage door materials

Choose Marvin’s Garage Door for Your Garage Door Installation Services

Since 1970, Marvin’s Garage Door has been the premier and most trusted garage door installation and service company throughout Winston-Salem, East Bend, Boone and the surrounding communities. We’re committed to providing North Carolina residents with high-quality, dependable and attractive garage door solutions that improve your daily life, add visual appeal and fit your budget. We offer a wide selection of the finest-crafted Clopay® garage doors and are proud to be distinguished as a Master Authorized Clopay dealer. We invite all local residents to visit one of our showrooms located in Winston-Salem or Wilkesboro to find the right door for your needs, style and budget.

Request an Estimate Today!

To learn more about our garage door installation services, including labor costs, complete our online contact form or call 336-830-8468 to speak to one of our team members. Or, you can receive a free quote for your garage door installation by filling out our online estimate form.

LED Warning Lights Systems

What Are LED Warning Lights

Businesses and organizations that rely on commercial garage doors often use large commercial vehicles that are difficult to navigate. For that reason, additional safety measures are helpful in getting these large vehicles in and out of garages without damage to the vehicles or to commercial garage doors.

What you see in this video are LED lights that serve as part of a newly installed safety system at a fire station in Lewisville, NC. As you’ll note when watching the video, these lights make it far easier (and safer) to navigate into and out of the large ports for fire trucks.

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How Do These Lights Act Like Stoplights?

Imagine sitting in the driver’s seat of an enormous fire truck. You’re expected to reverse the vehicle out of a large garage without damaging the vehicle or the door. These safety lights make your job much easier.

The LED lights are solid red while the garage doors are fully closed. When the garage door is being raised, the lights flash red so that it’s clear the door is in operation. Then, once the garage doors are fully open, the lights become solid green.

The safety feature works the same way while the doors are closing. The lights flash red while the doors are shutting or even if they are left partially closed. And then, when the doors are fully shut, the lights become fully red again.

This makes it clear to anyone operating vehicles when it is safe to move out of the garage and when it is not. Not only does this system help keep vehicles and garage doors free from damage, but it also helps fire station personnel move more efficiently while responding to emergency situations. Even if a vehicle is backed into its port, having warning lights for a garage still make it easier and more efficient to get out.

Garage Door Safety Features in Winston-Salem

At Marvin’s Garage Doors, we are proud to support fire stations in Ashe County, Watauga County and the surrounding areas with safety features like these LED lights for garage doors. We understand how important your work is to the community and we know just how important commercial garage doors and their safe operation are to your important job. These warning lights for garage doors you see at this fire station in Lewisville can be added to your facility, too, keeping your equipment safer and helping you do your job more efficiently.

Commercial garage door installation, repair and maintenance in Winston-Salem, Wilkesboro and throughout the Piedmont Triad are what we specialize in. Not only do we install, repair and maintain commercial garage doors, but we also install, repair and maintain commercial garage door accessories like openers and safety lights.

When you have commercial garage door needs or questions, Marvin’s Garage Door has answers and solutions — as well as outstanding customer service and a desire to go above and beyond. Contact us today about warning lights for your garage door.

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10 Questions to Ask When Your Garage Door Spring Breaks

A smoothly functioning garage door is crucial to the overall upkeep of your house. It’s something you use every day. You might park your car in the garage, or you might keep power tools, a lawnmower or bicycles in it. To get all of these items in and out of the garage safely and efficiently, you need access to a properly functioning garage door.

If the garage door is broken or damaged, it can affect the feeling of the entire house. It’s an inconvenience, and it can also make your entire house feel less sophisticated and less functional. If you happen to be trying to sell your house, this can seem like a major detraction. Even if you’re only having guests over, you may feel as though you’re doing less than putting your best foot forward by having a broken garage door.

Call 336-813-2601 Now For Repair Services

There are lots of ways your garage door can suffer damage. The tracking might be rusted or broken, the weatherstripping might need to be replaced or the door itself might actually be broken or have a hole in it. After all, garage doors are sturdy but not unbreakable. One component of your garage door in particular that will likely need replacing every so often is the spring.

This small component is crucial to your door’s operation since it does all the heavy lifting of bringing up and putting down your garage door. Your garage door needs springs to function, so if the spring breaks, your door will not operate. Even if you’re not having problems with your garage door spring, it’s a good idea to get it replaced every so often to ensure the continued well-being and smooth operation of your garage door.

Jump to Section:

  1. What is a Garage Door Spring?
  2. Is Your Garage Door Spring Broken?
  3. What Causes a Garage Door Spring to Break?
  4. Why Do Garage Door Springs Break in the Winter?
  5. How Often Should You Replace Your Garage Door Springs?
  6. How Do You Choose a Garage Door Spring?
  7. How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Spring?
  8. How to Maintain Garage Door Springs to Extend Their Lifespan?
  9. Should You Replace the Spring By Yourself?
  10. Who Can You Contact to Repair or Replace Your Garage Door Springs?

1. What Is a Garage Door Spring?

A garage door spring is a tiny but critical part of your door’s opening mechanism. It takes the torque of the garage door and makes it easier to lift and open. Without this spring, the door would be much harder — sometimes even impossible — to lift. Garage doors can’t work well without it.

lifting garage door

Even though most of us are likely used to seeing this small spring in place on our garage door, we don’t often think too much about it — until it stops working. We simply count on it working when we need it to. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. It’s best to be proactive and notice when it begins to look worn down before it actually breaks. Otherwise, you may find yourself trying to open the garage door to drive to work one morning, only to find that the door won’t open because the spring is broken.

2. Is My Garage Door Spring Broken?

So your garage door is acting up, but you aren’t sure what the problem is. Maybe the door spring is one possible culprit, but you’re not sure if that’s actually the problem or if it’s something else. In this quick list, we’ll go through the most common ways to tell if your garage door spring is broken. If your garage door is exhibiting one or a few of the following symptoms, there’s a good chance the spring is broken and needs replacing:

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Door Cables Seem to Be Broken

This is one of the first things most homeowners notice about a broken spring — the door cables will become disconnected and fly every which way if the spring is no longer working. The cables themselves are fine. They just need a working spring to be able to function properly. Does your garage door seem to open just fine for a few inches, but then it stops and refuses to go any farther? This is a safety feature of many garage doors. It prevents the door from being opened when the springs are broken.

You Hear a Loud Noise in the Garage

Homeowners might hear a loud sound in their garage and think someone is trying to break in. But they look in the garage and find no one there. In reality, the sound was most likely made by the door spring unwinding and creating a crashing sound in the door mechanism.

There’s a Gap in Your Torsion Spring

Knowing what a broken garage spring looks like is important to determining what’s wrong with your garage. Look for a gap of a few inches in the middle of your torsion spring.

The Top of the Garage Door Is Bent

Some types of garage doors will bend at the top if you try to open them with a broken spring. This is due to the immense weight the mechanism is now trying to lift without the aid of the spring.

The Garage Door Falls Fast When Shutting

As we mentioned, the garage door is a huge amount of weight. With the broken spring unable to carry the load, it’s difficult for the mechanism to let the door down gently. Instead, it will just drop the door in place with a very sudden and jarring motion.

The Garage Door Can’t Be Lifted With the Emergency Rope

Your garage door should have a red emergency rope hanging from the opening mechanism. If you pull on this and the door fails to open, your spring is most likely broken.

red emergency rope garage

The Garage Door Movements Are Jerky

If this happens, you might have only one spring broken in a two-spring system. This means the mechanism is still strong enough to lift the door but not strong enough to do it smoothly.

The Garage Door Is Crooked When It Moves

If the spring on one side of the garage door is broken, this might cause the door to become crooked as it moves up and down on its track.

The Cable Is Hanging Down

When the spring breaks, the entire system is thrown out of sync. The pulleys and cables might become loose and be left hanging down from the ceiling.

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3. What Causes a Garage Door Spring to Break?

As you can tell, even though you might not always see a broken spring, the symptoms of it are clear and distinct as long as you know what to look for. But why do garage door springs break in the first place? Is a broken spring a rare occasion, caused only by a specific incident, or is it a common occurrence that happens gradually over time?

As you might guess, it can be both. Let’s go over a few common causes of broken garage door springs now.

Rust

Garage door springs are made of metal, meaning they’re susceptible to rust. If any rust develops in the spring, its lifespan can be cut short by years. Rust weakens the coiled spring and also increases the amount of friction, causing it to wear faster.

Fortunately, there’s an easy fix to this problem. Spray the spring with some WD-40 a few times every year to prevent rust from gaining a foothold on the spring.

Poor Maintenance

Garage door springs don’t require extensive care and maintenance. However, they also can’t be left entirely to their own devices. Spraying the springs with WD-40 is a good place to start. It’s also a good idea to check the balance of the garage door every year. To do this, simply lift the garage door up about halfway and let go. If the springs are in good working condition, the door should remain still. If the springs are beginning to weaken, the door might sag or fall. By taking these basic steps, you can preserve your door springs for longer.

Garage Door Preventive Maintenance Services

garage-door-balance

“Cost-Saving” Schemes

Everyone wants to save money. Unfortunately, there are some areas you just can’t skimp on. This includes garage door springs. As much as it might be tempting to buy smaller or cheaper springs, or maybe to buy one spring where two are needed, these attempts to save money will only end up costing more money in the end. 

When you buy the proper springs, they’ll last for years. When you cut corners to save money, the springs will wear out faster, meaning they’ll need to be replaced much sooner.

Regular Wear

While it would be wonderful if door springs lasted forever, the reality is that the simple act of opening and shutting the door multiple times every day isn’t easy. It’s hard on the springs, even though they’re built to do it. Most springs will last for a while, but they won’t last forever. The regular wear and tear of endlessly opening and shutting the door breaks them down, and eventually, they’ll need to be replaced. 

One way to counteract this is making an effort to use your garage door less often. For instance, if a friend is dropping you off or your car doesn’t fit in the garage, use a house key to get into your home instead of opening and closing the garage door. 

4. Why Do Garage Door Springs Break in the Winter?

Although garage door springs can break during any season and at any time, they most commonly break during the winter. This has to do with the temperature change. When the temperature sinks below a specific threshold, the metal will contract. This means it’s extremely possible for your door springs to shrink slightly during the winter months. Shrinking is hard on the springs and makes them more likely to break. 

A garage door might also break more frequently in the wintertime if the outdoor temperature drops very quickly. And if your springs are already worn out, the chances of them breaking in the winter becomes higher. 

spring-shrinkage-for-garage-during-winter

While it isn’t possible to prevent your garage door springs from breaking in the wintertime, it is possible to lessen the problem by applying plenty of oil to the springs.

5. How Often Should You Replace Your Garage Door Springs?

The simplest answer to how often to replace your garage door springs is as often as they need it. Even if your door continues to open and shut with a broken spring, it’s highly inadvisable to continue operating the door this way. It’s best to just replace the springs and save yourself potential headaches later on.

It’s difficult to say how often garage door springs break because it’s different for everyone. It depends on how often you use your garage door, how cold and long your winters are, how well you maintain your springs and many other factors. 

For instance, if you’re using your garage door every day, multiple times a day, the springs will wear faster than if you only use it a few times every week. The best rule of thumb is to check your springs regularly for signs of wear and damage and to replace them when they begin to appear tired. You can even have a garage door professional inspect your door yearly to catch any issues that you might miss yourself and perform “tune-ups.”

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6. How Do You Choose a Garage Door Spring?

There are two primary types of garage door springs — extension and torsion. Both are reliable, excellent designs, but they’re designed for different types of garages. By understanding what type of garage you have and what type of spring is best suited to this type of garage, you can ensure the best success with your new spring.

Extension Spring

A few general characteristics of the extensions spring are:

  • They attach to the sides of the door and extend horizontally across the door.
  • They’re easily installable.
  • They’re best for the standard overhead garage door or a single-car garage.

Torsion Spring

A few general characteristics of the torsion spring are:

  • They are wound springs that attach to the top of the door.
  • They don’t expand and contract as the door moves.
  • They offer smoother movement and can lift heavier weights.
  • They’re difficult to install.
  • They’re common in two-car garages.

When you decide it’s time to replace your garage door spring, you will almost certainly replace it with one of these two options. If you’re uncertain of which type is right for your garage, first consider what kind of garage you have.

If you have a single-car garage, an extension spring is the better choice. If you’re looking for a smoother motion and an ability to lift heavier doors, you may be better off selecting the torsion spring option. And if you have a two-car garage, your door will likely be too heavy for an extension spring. In this case, the torsion spring is the better choice.

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7. How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Spring on a Garage Door?

What is the cost to replace a garage door spring? This is likely one of the first questions you’ll ask yourself after you realize you need to replace your door spring. The answer is that it depends. Extension springs and torsion springs are priced differently, so the cost to replace a garage door spring depends on which type of spring you’re interested in buying.

Extension springs tend to be less expensive. This makes them a great option if you only have a single car garage and you’re operating on a tight budget. A typical garage door extension spring can cost anywhere between $25 and $45. Replacing them costs between $95 and $150. Extension springs usually last 7-12 years, or between 8,000 to 15,000 cycles. Even if only one of your springs breaks, it’s recommended to replace both of them at the same time, both to maintain balance and because if one goes, the other is likely to follow. 

Torsion springs will cost slightly more than extension springs. And while this greater price tag may look intimidating at first, it will pay off as you enjoy the smooth action and impressive strength of this model for years to come, as their life expectancy is about 8-15 years — roughly 10,000-20,000 cycles! 

A good torsion spring will typically cost somewhere between $105 and $350, and replacing garage door torsion springs can cost between $95 and $150. Due to the additional weight and increased size, double door springs might cost $15 to $30 more per spring. Maybe you’re looking to convert your existing extension springs to torsion, which costs anywhere from $400 to $800.  

As we mentioned earlier, it can be a good idea to have a professional perform a “tune-up” on your garage yearly. Annual tune-ups can save you a lot of money in the long run, and they generally cost between $50 and $150.

No matter how tight your budget is, these garage door spring prices are worth it. The risks associated with continuing to use your garage door when the spring is faulty are numerous. These risks range from life-threatening danger if the door fails when someone is standing under it to being annoying when you can’t get the car out of the garage and you’re supposed to be somewhere in 10 minutes.

8. How Can I Maintain My Garage Door Springs to Extend Their Lifespan?

While getting replacement garage door springs is inevitable, there are certain steps you can take that will extend your springs’ life expectancy. We’ve already mentioned a few of these techniques, but we’ll list them all here for your convenience.

Twice-Yearly Cleaning

Your garage door springs should be cleaned at least twice every year. While you can certainly clean them more than this if you want, you shouldn’t clean them any less than this. This doesn’t have to be an extensive process. A simple cleaning and lubricating are all it takes to keep your springs working well and slow the eventual wear and tear.

cleaning-and-lubricating-garage-door-springs

To clean your garage door springs, look for significant buildup of dirt or debris to dust away using a soft-bristle brush. A bit of dust is fine to leave, as the springs are durable enough to withstand that. To lubricate your garage springs, coat them with a silicone spray or white lithium grease, but be careful not to let any drip onto your car or onto the garage floor. 

Rust Prevention

We’ve discussed the way rust can shorten a spring’s lifespan. A rusty spring will have months and even years shaved off its life simply because of the way the rust eats away at the metal. It’s easy enough to stave off the rust, however, by giving your springs a quick spray with WD-40.

Balance Checking

One of the best ways to care for your springs is to check them over for wear. You can certainly look at them for damage, but sometimes the damage isn’t something that’s visible. In these cases, try lifting the garage door up from the ground. About halfway up, let go. If the door stays, the springs are still working perfectly. If the door sags or drops at all, this could be a sign that your springs are beginning to weaken and will need replacing soon.

9. Should I Replace My Garage Door Spring by Myself?

This is a very important question. When it comes to replacing parts in machines or around the house, many people want to try to do it themselves. They like the idea of saving money, and they like the industrious feeling of accomplishing things with their own two hands.

However, we strongly recommend against doing this. Replacing garage door springs is a dangerous and difficult job. It’s not the kind of job where you can read a few instructions, gather a few tools and knock it out in an hour. It takes trained professionals to do this job correctly.

Replacing garage springs is a job for professionals because it’s:

  • Dangerous:Because you’re working with a heavy garage door, there’s a high level of risk involved and the potential that you and anyone who happens to be working with you will be injured. These injuries could range from being hurt by a falling door to having your fingers crushed in a tightly coiled metal spring.
  • Difficult:In addition to the bodily risk involved, it’s simply not an easy task. There’s the possibility that you will not install it correctly. At worst, this creates the risk that the mechanism will fail at the wrong time and injure you or someone in your family. At best, this means it will malfunction, and you’ll have to call professionals to fix it. It will save time, money and potential heartache to simply call a professional to install your new door springs correctly the first time.
  • Annoying:Many jobs around the house are fairly easy fixes. It’s relatively easy to clean out your fireplace, clean the leaves from the gutters or repaint a wall. It’s a different thing to replace your garage door spring. It’s careful work that is almost impossible to do correctly the first time if you don’t know what you’re doing. Garage door professionals spend a great deal of time learning how to do it properly, and even the most detailed instructions won’t make you an expert in the span of a few hours. It can be almost infuriatingly annoying at times and is simply better left to professionals.
three-big-reasons-for-professionals

10. Who Can I Contact to Get My Garage Door Springs Repaired or Replaced?

There’s never a convenient time for your garage door springs to break. When this crucial component gives out, you need a repair job or replacement as soon as possible. That’s why Marvin’s Garage Doors is available 24/7 for emergency service. When an emergency arises, or you’re stuck in your garage and are unable to get out to get to work, give us a call on our emergency line at 336-813-2601.

At Marvin’s Garage Doors, we have years of experience in fixing and replacing broken garage door springs. We know how to get the job done in a timely, efficient and safe manner so you can get back to your regular routine with as little headache as possible.

Our services aren’t just limited to garage door springs, either. We offer a full range of services including garage door purchaseinstallation and repairsContact us online anytime to request a particular service or check out our showrooms in Wilkesboro and Winston-Salem.

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