If you are a homeowner here in the Houston area stuck with a garage door that won’t close, that is more than just a concern, that is a security issue. It can lead to thieves getting into your garage, breaking into your vehicles or even your home. There are some things you can immediately check to find the culprit of why your garage door won’t close, as well as things you could do to fix the issue. Let’s look at the reasons.
Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close
Your Garage Door Sensors
If you have an automatic garage door opener and your garage door won’t close all the way, there might be a problem with your door’s sensors. Most garage door openers have safety lasers near the floor along the door’s tracks. If anything breaks the laser beam between these sensors, your garage door will either stop or start to move back up. If this is your culprit, all you really need to do most of the time is move whatever is blocking the sensors. If you have a cluttered garage that is a little too full and disorganized, something might have fallen in the way of the sensors and is breaking the beam. If you haven’t cleared out the leaves in your yard lately, something might have blown in their way. Move whatever is blocking the sensors, and make sure that they stay clear.
If there is nothing blocking the sensors and your garage door still won’t close, take a closer look at the sensors themselves. It is possible that they need to be realigned so the sensors are able to read each other. If this is the case, just simply loosen one of the sensors and adjust it until you see a solid (non-blinking) light on both sensors, and tighten it so it stays in place.
Your Garage Door Tracks
If your garage door will not move past a certain point even though your sensors are working just fine, there might be something wrong with your garage door’s tracks or the rollers. If there’s an obstruction on the track, your garage door will either stop or start to move back up instead of trying to force its way through. This is not a bad thing since it protects your door from any further damage. If you think this is the case, check the tracks thoroughly, especially where your garage door stops. If there is an obstruction that you can safely remove, do so. If you don’t feel comfortable removing it or you can’t remove it, don’t hesitate to contact a Houston garage door repair service to fix the problem. Trying to do anything on your own when you don’t know exactly what you’re doing will just make things worse.
It is possible that the reason why your garage door isn’t closing is that the track is bent or otherwise damaged. If this is the case, there isn’t much you can do on your own. Contact someone to fix the track. Again, trying to fix things on your own could just make things worse.
Your Garage Door Opener Trolley
The trolley is the mechanism that pulls your garage door open and lowers it when you want it to close. It’s usually hanging from the ceiling of your garage with a rope hanging down from it. Pulling this rope will disengage the door from the garage door opener itself. If your garage door simply won’t close no matter how many times you push the button on your remote, pull this rope to see if you can connect the garage door opener to your garage door again.
Broken Garage Door Spring
If your garage door opener’s sensors and trolley seem to be working fine and there is nothing wrong with the tracks, your problem might be a broken garage door spring. These springs connect your garage door to the garage door opener, and they can break or become misaligned. If this is the case, your garage door might still move up and down, but it might be crooked or it might not close all the way. If the problem is particularly severe, your garage door opener might not work at all.
A broken garage door spring can be a serious matter, one that you shouldn’t try to fix on your own. The springs themselves are usually close to the ceiling of your garage, making them hard to reach. They also support your garage door, which could fall quickly if your springs are too badly damaged. If you think you have a broken spring, contact a Houston garage door repair company right away to fix the problem.
Your Opener Remote
Finally, check the remote control for your garage door opener. It could be that you need to change the batteries, or it could be that a power surge wiped out the memory on your remote. Both issues will keep your remote from working, and both are a pretty easy fix. You can always buy more batteries for your remote at just about any store, and while reprogramming your remote is a hassle, your garage door opener’s manual should tell you how to do that.
Even though you can troubleshoot a problematic garage door most of the time, you should still never hesitate to contact a garage door repair company near you if you aren’t comfortable fixing things on your own. If the issue you are having is not a simple DIY fix, you can get help from the Houston Garage Door Repair Experts Spectrum Overhead Door LLC. For over 15 years, Spectrum Overhead Door LLC has been the go-to for Houston area garage door repair, giving fast, same-day garage door repair.
One of the essential parts of the garage door system is the garage door springs. The garage door springs are the springs that keep the door held up when you want to raise the garage door. At some point though, just like anything else mechanical, the garage door springs eventually will break and need to be replaced. So how much does a typical garage door spring replacement cost? And what are the factors that go into that cost? We will give you the breakdown so you have some idea of the costs involved when you call a garage door company for garage door spring repair and replacement.
First, let’s give a quick disclaimer. Though the factors that go into the cost of replacing your garage door spring probably will not change over the years, the numbers will. So when reading this, prices may have changed since the time of writing this.
Typical Lifespan of a Garage Door Spring
The lifespan of a garage door spring is measured in garage door cycles, with the garage door going up and down one time considered a cycle. Most garage door springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles.
The life expectancy of a 10,000-cycle spring translates these estimates based on daily usage.
Two times daily should last about 13-14 years
Four times daily should last about 6-7 years
Six times daily should last about 4-5 years
Eight times daily should last about 3 years
Typical Cost of a Garage Door Spring Replacement
If you are looking to replace springs on a single-car garage door, the typical cost is $250-$300. If you are looking to replace springs on a two-car garage door, the typical cost is $350-$550
Factors that Go Into The Cost of a Garage Door Spring Replacement
There are several factors that go into how much your garage door spring replacement will cost. First, as noted above, is the size of the garage door, whether it’s a single or double garage door. Next is whether it’s a standard garage door spring or what is known as a high-cycle garage door spring. High-cycles can last about twice to 3 times as much usage over a standard garage door spring.
The next factor is the weight of the garage door. Thicker steel garage doors and wooden garage doors weigh more than aluminum garage doors. Because of this, you may need a thicker, heavier garage door spring that can withstand the weight of your garage door and the force of gravity.
The last factor we want to talk about is the type of garage door spring. There are garage door springs that are made by a company called Wayne Dalton that are dramatically different from your normal garage door spring. In most cases, we recommend converting over to a standard garage door spring. With a torsion spring system, you can visually inspect your garage door spring and see if it’s rusting about to break, or has broken. With a Wayne Dalton Torquemaster system, the spring is hidden, so you don’t know what’s going on up there until your garage door stops working properly. This means you have to wait until something goes wrong and have it taken apart to see if the spring is broken. For more differences, read Differences Between Torsion Springs and Wayne Dalton Springs.
Warranties
If you have a garage door company replace your springs, you will typically get a one or two-year labor warranty.
Conclusion
We hope this helps in understanding how much a typical garage door spring job is and the factors that go into that cost. If you are in the Houston area and your garage door spring has broken, contact Spectrum Overhead Door. We offer fast friendly garage door services that won’t break the bank, and will be done right the first time!
If you are like most homeowners, you are on the lookout for cost-effective solutions to maintain their homes without breaking the bank. A garage door, often overlooked, is a central feature of our homes, playing a dual role in both security and aesthetics. Like our health, where regular check-ups prevent more significant ailments, our garage doors also benefit immensely from routine tune-ups. By ensuring your garage door operates smoothly, you not only avert potential breakdowns but also save on considerable repair expenses. Let’s delve into how a simple garage door tune-up, akin to a regular health check-up or dental visit, can help Houston homeowners save both money and peace of mind.
What is a Garage Door Tune-Up?
In the simplest of terms, it’s preventive maintenance. It’s just like if you go to the doctor to get a check-up to catch anything that could go wrong early so it’s an easier and less expensive fix. Same thing with the dentist. A filling could save you from having to pull teeth later on. Your garage door and garage door opener should be treated with no less care. After all, it is not just how you get in and out of your garage, but a vital piece of home security as well. If your garage door gets stuck open, that is a welcome sign for thieves and burglars. And if something breaks on the door hardware or opener, it’s going to be more expensive to replace than if you would have maintained and tuned up the garage door yearly.
Saving Money with a Garage Door Tune-Up.
A garage door maintenance and inspection or or simply a garage door tune-up can save you hundreds of dollars, plenty of time, and lots of headaches. For example, Spectrum Overhead Door‘s garage door tune-up uses a 20 point inspection which includes joints, bolts, garage door tracks, condition of the rollers, condition of the cables, an inspection of the operator, panels, and seals. We check the condition of the garage door springs and make the needed adjustments. We make sure the garage door fits evenly to the ground when the door is closed. The tune-up also includes lubrication of all parts needed inducing operator, springs, and rollers. Just about everything on a garage door you can think of is checked.
Don’t Have The “If It is Not Broke Don’t Fix It” Mentality.
The “if it is not broke don’t fix it” mentality can cost you dearly down the road For example, garage door springs are rated by cycles. A cycle is each time they open and close. Like anything else metal, they can expand and rust over time. This causes the springs to not have the right tension to hold the garage door. If not addressed over time, the spring can break causing your garage door to get stuck. If you have a left and right garage door spring and one to break, it is recommended to replace both because otherwise, you have uneven wear, causing the older spring to break sooner than later. That is TWO springs that you would need to replace. The easier and less expensive option is having a garage door tune-up, every 2 years, where the technician would test and adjust your garage door springs tension.
Taking another scenario, this time your chain on your garage door opener. That chain needs to stay lubricated. Yet like so many other things, it gets put on your “honey-do” list, which keeps getting pushed off or forgotten. Left long enough, that can damage your operator, causing serious problems with your garage door. With a garage door maintenance checkup, that issue can be caught and taken care of early saving you time and money.
Get The Tune-Up, Save Money.
You can see from the examples above that if you get your garage door checked out and tuned up, the parts will last longer and you will avoid costly repairs. You will avoid parts breaking and or catching breaking parts early enough to keep them from causing more harm, thus saving you money.
Spectrum Overhead Door LLC is a locally owned and operated garage door repair company in Houston. With hundreds of satisfied clients and customers, we treat everyone with respect, explaining the problem and giving the most economical solutions to their garage door problems. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a garage door tune-up, call us at (281) 748-9542
Contact Us About Your Garage Door Issues and Get a FREE Quote Today :
Ah, the garage. For many, it’s not just a place to park the car, but also a storage area, a workshop, and sometimes even an extension of the home. However, with so many roles to play, the garage often ends up cluttered and disorganized. But fret not! With a little time and creativity, you can transform your garage into a functional and tidy space. And we are going to show you how you can maximize your space with a side-mounted garage door opener.
Basic Garage Organizational Tips
Step 1: Declutter
The first step in any organizational project is to declutter. Go through everything in your garage.
Sort: Create categories like ‘Keep’, ‘Donate’, ‘Sell’, and ‘Toss’.
Evaluate: Ask yourself if you’ve used the item in the past year. If not, consider letting it go.
Dispose: Hold a garage sale, list items online, donate to charity, or properly dispose of items.
Step 2: Categorize
Organizing becomes easier when you group similar items together.
Garden tools: Rakes, shovels, and mowers should be together.
Workshop area: Group tools, nails, screws, and other DIY necessities.
Seasonal items: Winter gear, holiday decorations, and summer beach toys can be grouped by season.
Step 3: Vertical Space is Your Friend
Make the most of the walls. Wall-mounted pegboards, shelves, and hooks are great for keeping tools, bicycles, and other items off the floor. This not only maximizes space but also ensures that everything is visible and accessible.
Step 4: Invest in Clear Storage Bins
For items that aren’t used daily, clear storage bins are perfect. You can easily see what’s inside, and they can be stacked or stored on shelves. Don’t forget to label them for even easier identification.
Step 5: Create a Workspace
If you often work on DIY projects or need a space for gardening tasks, set aside a dedicated area. Install a workbench with storage beneath and hang frequently used tools within arm’s reach.
Using a Side Mounted Garage Door Opener to Maximize Space.
One of the often overlooked but revolutionary ways to free up overhead space in a garage is by using a side mounted (or jackshaft) garage door opener. Here are some benefits:
Maximized Ceiling Space: Traditional garage door openers hang down from the center of the ceiling, taking up valuable overhead space. This space could be used for overhead storage racks or other hanging solutions. A side mounted opener is mounted on the wall next to the garage door, leaving the ceiling clear.
Increased Storage: With the opener out of the way, you can use the overhead space to store seasonal items, sports equipment, or bulky items that don’t fit elsewhere. It’s an excellent solution for garages with high or low ceilings.
Versatility: Many side-mounted openers are equipped with the latest technology. This includes features like battery backups, security enhancements, and smartphone integration, allowing you to open or close your garage door remotely.
Efficient Operation: These openers tend to operate quietly and efficiently. Their design offers a direct drive to the door, which means fewer moving parts and reduced maintenance.
Aesthetic Appeal: With no bulky mechanism hanging down, your garage will look cleaner and more streamlined.
LiftMaster Wall Mount Garage Door Opener
Our garage door experts here at Spectrum Overhead Door believe the best garage door opener brand to date is Liftmaster. LiftMaster is is considered the professional grade garage door opener and last longer than just about any other brand on the market. LiftMaster does have a wall mounted garage door opener, the 8500. Some of it’s features:
Wall mount design frees up ceiling space in your garage, reduces noise and vibration.
Add myQ® smartphone control
Features a DC motor for ultra quiet operation.
Automatic Garage Door Lock deadbolts your door after closing.
If you want to look into upgrading to a wall-mounting garage door opener here in the Houston area, the garage door opener installation experts here at Spectrum can give you a free consultation and estimate.
The Hardest Part: Maintain Your Organized Space
Once you’ve put in the hard work to organize your garage, it’s crucial to maintain it. Make it a habit to return items to their designated spots after use. Periodically reassess and declutter as needed. Remember, an organized garage is not only about aesthetics but also about functionality.
Conclusion
Organizing your garage might seem daunting initially, but with the right strategy and tools, it can be transformed into a space that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By decluttering, categorizing, making the most of vertical space, and investing in a side mounted garage door opener, you can truly maximize your garage’s potential. So, roll up your sleeves and get started – your dream garage awaits!
When you’re running a business in Houston, the safety, functionality, and appearance of your commercial property play a vital role in your success. One element that can often be overlooked but holds immense importance is the type of commercial garage door you choose. At Spectrum Overhead Door, we have seen firsthand how the right garage door can not only enhance the aesthetics of a commercial property but also improve its efficiency and security.
Understanding the different types of commercial garage doors available can help you make an informed decision, ensuring you select the best fit for your business’s specific needs. Let’s dive in and explore the variety on offer.
Common Types of Commercial Garage Doors
Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional doors are among the most popular commercial garage doors due to their versatility and durability. Comprising of several horizontal panels connected by hinges, these doors rise vertically and slide back into the building’s ceiling. Here are some advantages:
Insulation: Many sectional doors come with insulation options, making them perfect for businesses that require temperature control, like warehouses or cold storage facilities.
Visibility: With the option of adding windows, sectional doors can provide natural light while still ensuring security.
Space-saving: Given their design, they don’t consume external space while opening or closing, making them ideal for businesses with limited outside room.
Roll-up Doors
Roll-up doors are suitable for businesses with limited headroom, as they roll up into a coil above the opening. Commonly seen in warehouses, distribution centers, and storage facilities, their benefits include:
Durability: Often made of steel, roll-up doors are resistant to damage and can withstand heavy usage.
Space Efficiency: Their design ensures they take up minimal overhead space.
Low Maintenance: Due to their simplicity, roll-up doors typically require less maintenance than other types.
Fire Rated Doors
Safety is paramount in some industries. Fire-rated doors are designed to close automatically in the event of a fire, creating a barrier and preventing flames and smoke from spreading. They are typically used in places like parking garages, mills, and factories. Key features include:
Safety Compliant: These doors meet specific fire safety standards, ensuring your business complies with regulations.
Insulation: Apart from fire resistance, they also offer thermal insulation.
Automatic Closure: Equipped with sensors, these doors can detect heat or smoke and close automatically.
Aluminum Glass Doors
For businesses that want to make a statement and let in a lot of natural light, aluminum glass doors are a stylish choice. Often seen in showrooms, service stations, or modern offices, they offer:
Aesthetics: The combination of aluminum and glass offers a sleek, modern appearance.
Natural Light: The transparent nature of these doors allows plenty of sunlight, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Customizability: You can choose the type of glass (tinted, frosted, clear) and the frame’s finish, allowing a match with your business’s aesthetic.
Conclusion
Choosing the right commercial garage door is a blend of understanding your business needs and knowing the benefits of each type. Whether you prioritize security, visibility, aesthetics, or insulation, there’s a commercial garage door designed to meet those requirements.
At Spectrum Overhead Door, we’ve been installing commercial garage doors in Houston for years. Our expertise and broad range of offerings mean we can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you make the right choice for your business. Whether you’re installing a new door or need repairs on an existing one, trust Spectrum Overhead Door to get the job done right. Contact us today, and let’s get started on enhancing your commercial space.
