Philadelphia, PA Residents: Check Out Our Garage Door Repair Services

Approved Garage Door Spring Repair Practices in Philadelphia

Unanticipated events are a common part of being a homeowner, and they tend to arise at the most inopportune times. One such event is finding your car locked inside the garage, especially shortly after a garage door repair. That's when Philadelphia Garage Door Repair takes action, abiding by the best practices in the industry to offer top-quality advice to homeowners each time we set foot in a garage. These practices contribute to long-term savings in both time and money, and customer satisfaction remains our primary focus.

Preferred Method #1 - Double Spring Replacement

Garage doors usually contain a pair of springs that are fitted together. If one spring gives out, the other spring is likely close to the end of its service life. To circumvent potential problems, hazards, and damage to the garage door opener, Philadelphia Garage Door Repair typically advises updating both springs. Just as you would take care of high-value possessions like cars by replacing both tires when one is damaged, it's vital to preserve garage doors by changing both garage door springs.

Preferred Method #2 - Picking the Right Springs

A range of weights and sizes for garage doors necessitates the use of appropriate springs to achieve the correct balance. If the wrong spring is installed, it can damage the garage door system and cause undue stress on the opener. This can lead to premature opener failures and additional repair appointments. For this reason, DIY spring replacements can also be dangerous. Our Philadelphia, PA technicians focus on installing the right springs based on the door's weight and perform a balance test to confirm their work.

Preferred Method #3 - Undertaking a Safety Examination

For every spring repair, Philadelphia Garage Door Repair offers a complimentary safety inspection, ensuring all hardware and moving components on your door are in good working order and meet safety requirements. Since the hardware was likely installed alongside the springs, it's possible that some worn mechanical parts on your door are in an unsafe condition. A malfunctioning spring could be indicative of a more significant issue with your door. This is why providing a free safety inspection and maintaining a safe environment for our customers is a Philadelphia Garage Door Repair best practice.

Given that we carry a wide variety of springs to cater to the diverse types of garage doors, we recommend having a professionally trained technician take accurate measurements before providing an exact price quote. Reach out to Philadelphia Garage Door Repair today to have an expert technician give you an estimate for garage door spring repair!

Comparing Different Types of Garage Door Openers: Which is Best for You?

Jackshaft Openers

Jackshaft openers are wall-mounted units installed next to the garage door and connected to the torsion spring above it. They're an ideal option if your garage has high ceilings or if you simply want to free up ceiling space. Jackshaft openers come at a slightly higher cost than ceiling-mounted openers.

Chain Driven Openers

Popular in Philadelphia, chain-operated openers are a reliable option that use a metal chain to move the garage door along its track. These openers are somewhat cheaper than belt drives. However, they are also noisy, which can be problematic if your garage is positioned below or next to your home's main living areas. We generally advise against chain-operated openers because the small cost savings and lack of a lifetime warranty offered by LiftMaster® for belt drives outweigh the benefits.

Belt Driven Openers

Belt driven openers are considered the industry gold standard. Combining the reliability of chain driven openers with near-silent operation, these openers run on a steel-reinforced belt and are slightly more expensive than chain and screw driven models. If your garage is attached to your home and close to bedrooms, a belt driven opener installed by Philadelphia Garage Door Repair ensures you won't be disturbed by garage door noise. Many customers are thrilled with their belt driven openers and can't imagine returning to a noisier chain driven model.

Screw Driven Openers

Using a lifting device that operates on a threaded steel rod instead of a chain or rubber belt, screw-powered openers are ideal for locations with stable weather and temperatures year-round. However, for Philadelphia residents experiencing fluctuating weather conditions, a screw-powered opener may not be the most appropriate choice. These openers are the slowest, loudest, and most affordable of the three types. If you value a fast and quiet opener, a screw-powered opener might not be the ideal option for you.

10 Persuasive Reasons to Make Philadelphia Garage Door Repair Your Top Choice

1. Proven Experience: Boasting a solid track record and a large base of pleased clients, our industry-leading specialists cater to your garage door needs with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
2. Variety of Products and Services: Philadelphia Garage Door Repair offers a variety of products and services to suit your particular needs. We can provide everything from custom-made doors to repair and installation services. No matter what type of door or product you require, they will have the right solution.
3. Professionalism and Knowledgeable Staff: Our staff members are both experienced and professional. They understand the significance of top-notch customer service and work tirelessly to ensure your time with them is enjoyable. From addressing your inquiries about garage doors to offering insights on overhead door maintenance, they're ready to help.
4. Unrivaled Materials: By using only the finest materials, we guarantee your garage door will be long-lasting and visually stunning. With our company in Philadelphia, you can rest assured that you're investing in a high-quality and valuable product.
5. Safety Assurance: Our company is committed to ensuring the correct and safe installation of your overhead door. This means you can trust that the installation and upkeep of your garage door meet the strictest guidelines, resulting in a secure setting for you and your family.
6. Wallet-Friendly Solutions: Philadelphia Garage Door Repair delivers numerous cost-saving options for your doors and gates needs. You can identify a solution that matches your financial constraints, covering installation, repairs, and custom creations.
7. Expedited Support: When dealing with overhead door repairs or installations, time matters. A reputable Philadelphia firm will ensure your needs are handled swiftly and proficiently.
8. Assurance of Quality: Our services and products come with a quality assurance, ensuring that any garage door repairs or installations meet the highest standards. This gives you peace of mind, knowing your investment is secure.
9. Warranty Coverage: We offer an additional layer of protection for your investment through warranty coverage. This coverage includes protection against malfunction or accidental damage to your door, helping to alleviate any stress or financial burden associated with a faulty door.
10. Guaranteed Exceptional Service: At Philadelphia Garage Door Repair, we guarantee exceptional service and complete satisfaction with our garage doors and other products. Our team is committed to meeting and exceeding your expectations.

Common Overhead Door Repair Problems That We Typically Encounter

Broken Springs: The high tension in garage door springs makes them vulnerable to breaking. Examining their condition should be one of your first steps if you're having problems with your garage door.

Worn-out Rollers: The rollers that aid in opening and closing your garage door can become worn out over time. This can lead to a noisy or stuck door.

Panel Repair: When your garage door panels are damaged, it can be due to weather or regular wear and tear. Heavy impacts from vehicles or objects can also cause significant damage.

Misaligned tracks: Troubleshooting misaligned tracks is essential when your garage door is malfunctioning. Check the tracks to ensure that they're in the proper position.

Faulty Opener: If your garage door is not opening or closing correctly, a faulty opener could be the cause. Contact a professional to diagnose and repair any issues with the opener.

Sensor Alignment: The safety sensor is a critical component of your garage door's operation. If it gets hit or knocked out of alignment, the door won't close correctly. Check the sensor alignment regularly to avoid this issue.

The Top Overhead Door Issues That Require Repair

Installation: The improper installation of a garage door can cause many problems. It can be dangerous and unstable, requiring swift attention.

Rusting: Exposure to moisture or humidity can lead to rust, a common issue. If you reside in a humid area, it's crucial to monitor your overhead door for rust indications.

Sagging: The weight of a wooden gate is the primary cause of sagging. To prevent this issue, it's essential to use heavy-duty hardware and properly secure the gate posts.

Pests: Termites and carpenter bees are also potential threats to wooden gates. A periodic inspection is necessary to detect any signs of intrusion.

Rollers: Properly functioning rollers are crucial for the smooth operation of your overhead door. Damaged or worn out rollers can make opening and closing the door difficult. Fortunately, replacing rollers is typically a straightforward repair.

Frames: Damaged or bent garage door frames can cause instability in the entire structure, creating a serious safety risk. It's crucial to repair or replace these frames without delay.

Rotting: The lack of proper treatment or sealing of wooden gates can cause them to rot over time, resulting in the gate's weakening and eventual collapse.

Hinges: A malfunctioning overhead door could be caused by hinges that are damaged or misaligned. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple repair that can be done by a professional.

Warping: Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause warping, which can misshape your gate due to weather conditions.

Fading: Over time, weather conditions and prolonged sun exposure can cause the color of your gate to fade. To keep it looking fresh, you may need to repaint it every few years.

Is it Time to Replace Your Philadelphia Garage Door? Here's Why You Should Consider It

Replacing your garage doors may be a no-brainer from a sales perspective, but that's not the only reason for Philadelphia residents to consider. Here are some other factors to keep in mind:

Home Energy Efficiency

Insulated overhead doors can help reduce the transfer of hot and cold air into the garage and home, leading to lower energy bills for Philadelphia, PA homeowners.

Raise Your Home's Attractiveness

Take a step back and examine your home. Have you ever realized how much of your front space is occupied by your overhead doors? Upgrade them in Philadelphia to significantly improve your home's curb appeal at a reasonable cost.

Don't Sacrifice Safety and Security

The majority of home burglaries in Philadelphia occur through overhead doors. Do you feel secure with your current garage door's ability to deter intruders? If your door is outdated, it may lack modern safety features such as automatic reversal.

Cut Down on Garage Door Noise

The noise created by overhead doors opening and closing can be bothersome, particularly for those in rooms near or above the garage. At Philadelphia Garage Door Repair, we provide ultra-quiet hinges for people seeking a peaceful and smooth experience.

Frequently Asked Questions from Our Valued Philadelphia, PA Customers

Is it recommended to have a professional install my new garage door?

We advocate for hiring a professional to install your garage door, as it's not a suitable do-it-yourself task. The sheer size and complexity of garage doors make them the largest moving parts in your home, and the installation process involves many intricate components. The springs, in particular, can be dangerous to connect, and proper installation is necessary for the door's performance. A professional garage door installer can efficiently complete the job while meeting safety requirements. In comparison, homeowners may spend days on the installation and encounter frustration. Furthermore, improper installation could void some warranties, making it advisable to use a professional. They can also remove your old door if you're upgrading.

Should you consider an insulated door for your non-insulated garage?

The use of insulated garage doors can minimize the transfer of heat or cold air through the large garage door opening, which is crucial for the following reasons:

1. Insulated doors keep the air in the garage from traveling to the living area.
2. Your comfort is critical if you use your garage as a workshop.
3. Using insulated doors can ensure a stable temperature in the room above when the garage is situated below another room.
4. Insulated doors generally offer a more visually pleasing interior and produce less noise than non-insulated doors.

Benefits and drawbacks of steel and wood garage doors?

Steel doors tend to require less maintenance than wooden doors. Philadelphia Garage Door Repair's steel doors have a pre-painted, baked-on coating. To keep the exterior clean, it's recommended to use a common household detergent and warm water for cleaning at least once a year. Our wood doors come unfinished and need to be primed and painted or stained on all six sides upon delivery. We suggest checking the finish once a year to see if it requires another application.

Can I replace my one-piece garage door with a sectional garage door?

Your garage door dealer/installer can install a sectional door by fitting track and springs. Other adjustments may be required, depending on your garage's construction. We recommend having your Philadelphia, PA dealer assess the job before installation to ensure all necessary modifications are made.

Will painting my new garage door affect its performance?

If you want to repaint our steel doors, it's possible because they come with a pre-painted baked-on coating that accepts a wide range of commercially available exterior latex paints. However, make sure to avoid oil-based paints as they are not recommended by Philadelphia Garage Door Repair.