Common Garage Door Issues

It happens to someone every day. They jump into their vehicle and hit their garage door opener to leave for the day and…silence. Or the door opens halfway, then stops. Garage door problems can be frustrating and very inconvenient. Knowing the common garage door issues and what needs to be done to resolve them can help get you on your way faster the next time it happens to you.

No Response

If you garage door does not respond at all, it is probably a problem with your opener. Try to use your wall unit to open the door. If it works, you may need a new battery for your remote or something is wrong with your smartphone app. If the wall unit does not work, make sure it is plugged in and getting power. Still no response? Call your garage door repair service.

Door Only Opens Partially

If the door doesn’t open completely or closes again, there may be a problem with your safety sensors. Make sure nothing is below the door, triggering the safety auto-stop mechanism. It may need the lasers aligned – check instructions in your garage door opener manual.

Door Won’t Open

Do you hear the garage opener working, but the door isn’t opening? It could be a broken spring or other hardware problem. Try opening the garage door manually. If it is difficult to move, do not force it. Call your garage door repair service.

You cannot prevent all garage door problems, but regular maintenance can alert you to issues that need repair before they leave you stuck in your garage. Schedule a tune-up and replace hardware, springs and other components as advised by your repair technician to prevent many garage door issues.

Posted on behalf of:
Habpro
The Garage Door Specialists
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Is Your Garage Door Beyond Repair?

When can you call for a garage door repair and when is it time to think about replacement? Both your garage door and opener are designed to last for many years – a quality garage door and opener can last ten or twenty years when well-maintained. However, there is a point where repairing the door or opener may be not be the best option. Here are some tips on how to decide whether your garage door is beyond repair or if you should fix the latest problem.

  • How old is your door? First off, is your garage door or opener only a few years old? If so, then it is usually worth repairing, unless the damage is too great or too expensive to repair. If you have an old door or opener, 10-15 years is old, it is best to replace it with a newer model then repair it.
  • Is only part of your door damaged? If you just have one panel that has a dent or hole, you may be able to replace the panel, depending on the type of door. Talk to your garage door repair tech about replacing the damage part.
  • Is it still functioning correctly? If you just need a spring, cable or a panel replaced, but the door still works great, then it may be best to get it repaired.
  • How does it look? If you are not happy with the style of your garage door or it is starting to look worn, why spend money to fix it? Get a beautiful new door that is stylish instead of spending money on a door that doesn’t improve the look of your home.

Often it comes down to whether it is worth it to spend $100-$300 on a repair, or just put the money towards a new door or garage opener. Talk to your garage door service company to find out which is the best option for your situation.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Do’s and Dont’s of Garage Door Repairs

If you prefer to do many home repairs yourself, you can save a sizable amount of money if you are mechanically inclined or have some handyman skills. When it comes to garage door maintenance and repairs, you can do some tasks yourself to help save on repair costs and keep your garage door and opener maintained. However, there are some repairs that should not done attempted on your own. Here are some do’s and don’ts of garage door repairs to help extend the life of your garage door and opener, while reducing risks of damage and injury.

Garage Door Repairs and Maintenance that You Should Do

Garage door and automatic opening systems need regular maintenance, safety checks and repairs, many that you can do on your own. Some of these include:

  • Lubrication of moving metal parts, chains and hardware
  • Inspection of garage door, hardware and components for damage and wear
  • Cleaning debris, mildew and dirt from tracks and garage door surfaces
  • Doing safety checks on the auto reverse feature on the garage door
  • Tightening screws and bolts on hardware

Garage Door Repair Don’ts

While some maintenance and inspections can be done by homeowners, it is not recommended that major repairs be done on your own. Garage doors are heavy, awkward and may require special equipment or training to perform some repairs, such as:

  • Replacing garage door springs
  • Replacing rollers, cables, hardware or complete garage doors
  • Repairing a garage door that is off the tracks
  • Installing a new garage door opener

There can be risky safety hazards when repairing garage door issues. Know when to call a professional to reduce the chance of injury to yourself.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Interesting Facts About Garage Door Openers

You may not think about your garage door opener often, but it is an important component in most homes. This device is used almost every day and plays a crucial part in the safety and security of your home. Before you dismiss your garage door opener as just a “convenience” you may want to consider these interesting facts about these important devices.

  • Garage doors are the largest and heaviest moving objects in most homes. The garage door opening system controls a few hundred pounds with a simple push of a button, day in and day out.
  • It is estimated that 70% of people use the garage door to enter their home. This means the security of this door is extremely important.
  • The first electric garage door opener was made in 1926; there has been almost 100 years of technology and advancements made on this device.
  • Since 1993, garage door openers have been required to have an auto-reversal feature to stop them from closing on people or objects. These sensors are a crucial element, but need to be kept aligned and maintained to be functional.
  • Garage door openers have become “smart.” You can purchase openers with wi-fi that will notify you if they are used and you can control the functions through your smartphone for advanced security and convenience.

While garage door openers are a vital part of many people’s everyday life, they often get neglected. Ongoing service and maintenance can ensure that the safety and security features are working correctly. Make sure to schedule annual tune-ups for your garage door opener to keep your home and family safe while extending the life of your garage door opener.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

4 Reasons to Invest in a Smart Garage Door Opener

Are you still using a remote or control panel to operate your garage door? It is time to upgrade to a smart garage door opener for improved security, safety and convenience. Smart garage door openers are linked to your mobile device and can be operated straight through your cell phone or tablet. Here are four reasons these smart garage door openers are a wise investment for your home.

  1. No more remote. Remotes were a wonderful option when they first became available for garage doors but are now a known security risk. Anyone who has access to your remote also has access to your home. If your vehicle is stolen or broken into, someone can steal your remote and be in your home without any problems.
  2. Always have access to your garage door. You may not always have a remote on you when you need to open your garage door, but most people always have their cell phone. When you have a smart system, you can open your garage door whenever needed, even when you are not home.
  3. Security alerts. A smart garage door opener can alert you when someone has entered your home through the garage door without authorization or if the door was left open accidentally, helping keep your family and home safe.
  4. Air safety alerts. Your garage door opener can alert you when there is a safety issue in your garage or home. Smart openers can be connected to carbon monoxide, smoke and temperature sensors to alert you when there is a problem.

These are just a few of the reasons to invest in a smart garage door opener. They can also be connected to your home automation system and have other cool features that make life easier. Contact your local garage door service to learn more about the options available and to make the move to a smart opener device.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Garage Door Safety Sensor 101

Since 1992, all garage door openers have been required to have a safety sensor that stops garage doors from closing when anything is blocking the doorway. This electronic eye ensures that you do not accidently close your garage door on your vehicle, or worse, a person. However, this safety sensor can cause problems if it is not aligned correctly. Here are a few basic tips to ensuring your safety sensor on your garage door is working correctly.

  • How your sensor works. The safety sensor works by having two sensors, one on each side of the garage door, near the bottom. One sensor sends a laser beam across the garage door opening into the second sensor. A disruption in the laser sends a code to the opener to stop the door from closing.  If your garage door won’t close, it often can be due to the sensors not aligning,
  • Safety test. To see if your safety sensor is doing its job, try putting a large cardboard box under your garage door. Close the door using your garage door opener. The door should stop closing if the sensor is working correctly. If the door crushes the cardboard box, your sensor needs repair or alignment.
  • Aligning the sensor. If your sensor is not working, check the alignment of the two sensors. Make sure the emitting sensor and receiving sensor are pointed at each other. After realigning, try the safety test again. If the door still closes on the cardboard box, you may need to have your sensors replaced.

The safety sensors on your garage door are crucial to avoid damage to your vehicles and prevent injuries. If they are not working, call your local garage door service company to have them repaired or replaced.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA
770-985-3355

Benefits of Using a Smartphone Application for Your Garage Door Opener

Many new garage door openers can be operated through smartphone applications, making them easy and convenient to use. But is it really necessary to opt for this service when a traditional garage door opener can provide you easy access to your garage? You may be surprised that there are more reasons to consider using these applications than just convenience. Smartphone or tablet applications to monitor and use your garage door opener can enhance the safety of your home and give you access to your home whenever you need it.

Safety and Security

One of the main benefits of using a smartphone application instead of a traditional garage door opener is safety and security. Consider the danger of having your garage door opener stolen. If someone breaks into your vehicle and steals your garage door opener, they now have access to your home. What is worse is that there is most likely a vehicle registration or other paperwork in your vehicle with your address on it. Now thieves have an easy way to get into your home and know where you live. By the time you realize what has happened, you may already have been robbed.

Smartphone applications offer higher security by keeping access to your garage inside your phone, which most people keep with them at all time. Plus, even if your phone is stolen, it should have security features to keep it locked. You can use a passcode with your garage door application so that no one but you can access your system, increasing the security.

Another benefit of having a smartphone application for your garage door is to allow access when you are away from home. You can open the door to let trusted people into your home, right from your phone or tablet.

Talk to your local garage door opener service company to learn more about smartphone applications for your garage door opener.

Garage Door Opener Basics

Are you considering buying a new garage door opener, yet are clueless on what options are available? If your knowledge of openers for your garage door openers is minimal, you may be surprised how many choices you have when choosing a new system. To help you in your search, here are a few a basics that you should know about garage door openers.

Types of Garage Door Opener Systems

There are three main types of garage door opens systems: chain, screw and belt drive systems. Choosing the type will be the first decision you should make before you move on to features and other options.

  • Chain Drive. Many of the older systems that you may have used are chain systems. Due to metal-on-metal contact, these systems can be very loud, although some of the newer models have reduced noise.
  • Screw Drive. The screw drive options have the fewest moving parts of garage door opener systems, making them durable and quieter than most chain drive systems.
  • Belt Drive. Belt drives use a reinforced steel belt to drive the system. These are one of the quietest systems available.

On top of choosing the drive system, you will want to consider all the different options for safety, security and convenience. Many people prefer the outdoor keypads that allow entrance into the garage with the use of a code along with their remote. There are also many secure remote control options that use newer technology, including smartphone applications.

To learn more about all the options available in garage door opener systems, talk to your local garage door service company. They can give you an overview of all the different systems and features that will fit your needs and budget.

Is it Time to Replace Your Garage Door Opener?

If you’re like most people, when your garage door opener is working, you have no plans to replace it. However, unlike a television or toaster, your garage door can actually cause safety issues and incredible inconvenience when it eventually breaks. Most garage doors openers can last 10 years or more if maintained, but if you’re starting to experience any of these signs, it may be time to consider replacing your garage door opener.

  • Loud operation. If your garage door opener has gotten louder over the last year, it may be starting to wear out or be in need service. Often, loud operation is a sign you need your system lubricated; however, it can also be the sound of your motor dying.
  • Hesitation. Does your garage door jerk or hesitate as it opens or closes? These can be signs of issues with your opener, your hardware or an unbalanced garage door.
  • Intermittent slow response. Has your garage door refused to open or close when you use your remote? The battery could be going out on your remote, or there may be problems in the signal receiver.
  • Safety features not working. Does your garage door stop if there’s an object underneath it? If not, the safety mechanism may be broken or the lasers are not aligned.

If any of these issues sound familiar, it’s time to have your garage door and opener serviced and inspected. It’s worth the investment to have these problems repaired, or your opener replaced, before they cause the system to become non-operational. There are many new options available in garage door openers with features for added convenience to homeowners; don’t put off a preemptive replacement if it’s time to replace your garage door opener.

Posted on behalf of Habpro
Dacula, GA 30019
(770) 985-3355

Does Your Car Have An Installed Garage Door Opener?

Many new vehicles are being manufactured with built-in garage door openers designed to remove the need for a separate remote control to open your garage door or automatic gate. With an easy-to-use remote built in to your vehicle, you can enjoy the convenience of an automatic opener with fewer security risks. This technology is similar in theory to a universal remote you might use to control your home entertainment devices, only for garage doors. 

Types Of Vehicle Installed Remotes

The two most commonly installed remote controls for your garage door opener are Homelink and Car2U. These devices often come factory installed in newer model vehicles, similar other upgrade options like satellite radio and OnStar. Most of these remotes can be programmed to open three different gates or garage doors. 

Is Your Garage Door Opener Compatible?

While these installed remotes can be convenient, they are not compatible with all garage door openers. Some older model garage door openers without the rolling code feature may not work with these remotes. If you have one of these remotes yet are not able to program it open your garage door, you have two options: 

  • Replace your garage door opener. If your opener does not include a rolling code feature, it will not work with these new remotes and may pose a security issue. Talk to your garage door service company about installing a newer opener which has rolling codes for you and your family’s protection. A new opener should be easily programmable to your car’s remote.
     
  • Install a conversion kit. For some openers which are not compatible with the new technology, there are conversion kits that will allow you to use Homelink or Car2U devices with your current opener. Your garage door opener company should be able to help you get the right conversion kit installed for your opener.

Posted on behalf of Habpro