Choosing the Right Garage Door Material for Your Home

Choosing the Right Garage Door Material for Your Home

Before you start hunting for your next garage door, it’s important to know a little bit about each garage door material. Aside from the obvious differences in appearance, different garage door compositions may suit your budget, climate, and your home’s overall aesthetic better than others. Depending on your preferences, you may want a garage door that blends in with the rest of your home or one that is more of a focal point. If you live in an area that experiences strong storms, you’ll want to consider a door that’s made to withstand those conditions. In this article, we will go over some things you should consider while looking for the right garage door as well as a bit of information about each garage door material. 

What to Consider

There are a couple of things you should consider before choosing a material for your garage door. The first is whether or not you would like your garage door to be insulated. Insulated garage doors also tend to be quieter and the presence of insulation can also increase your home’s energy efficiency and lower your energy costs. If your garage door is adjacent to a living space, such as a living room or bedroom, you may want to consider an insulated garage door. 

 

Another thing to consider is whether you would like a door with windows. Windows for garage doors are highly customizable and can be designed to match your home. For a little extra aesthetic appeal and convenience, windows can be a great addition to your garage door. 

Materials

Steel

Steel is a largely popular garage door material due to its design flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. It requires little to no maintenance and is available in about any style you like. The primary disadvantage of steel is that it is susceptible to corrosion and, even though the parts and hardware of steel doors are quite durable, steel tends to receive dents and dings quite easily compared to other garage door materials. Steel is also a poor insulator, so insulation is a smart choice for saving energy and reducing noise during operation. If you live in an area with a wide range of temperatures, you’ll want to opt for a steel door that’s insulated.

Aluminum 

Aluminum is the most abundant metal on the planet and another popular choice for residential garage doors. Like Steel, aluminum is cost-effective, highly customizable, and low-maintenance. Some regular washing and a few paint touch-ups now and then can keep the door looking brand new and, unlike steel, aluminum is rust-resistant so you don’t have to worry about corrosion. Aluminum is also very lightweight, so it tends to have longer-lasting parts and hardware. The downside to being a softer, lighter-weight metal is that aluminum is more prone to dents and dings. Like Steel, you’ll also want to consider getting an insulated door because aluminum is also a poor insulator. 

Wood

When it comes to creating a fascinating exterior visual, wood is undoubtedly the best choice. Wood creates the richest-looking garage door, and different species of wood can provide a whole range of looks. Wood remains a popular go-to because of its warmth, versatility, and its ode to traditional styles. Wood is heavier and more expensive than aluminum or steel and it’s also more susceptible to the elements. Without regular maintenance, a wood door will begin to fade, rot, warp, or chip but, if the door is well-maintained, wood can adjust to temperatures and heavy-duty use without cracking, bending, or buckling.

 

For the average homeowner, selecting the right garage door can feel overwhelming when considering all the materials, styles, insulation, colors, and decorative options. That’s why we recommend calling Haney Door Service and getting scheduled for a free, on-site estimate. Our technician will be able to help you go over your options and select a suitable garage door for your home. You can call us at (916) 534-4538 or get scheduled for a free estimate online

Fall Maintenance Tips

Fall is almost upon us and with it brings the changing of the leaves, the first hints of cooler weather, and all sorts of projects to wrap up before the upcoming frigid winter. In the colder months, your garage door acts as a barrier between weather elements and the interior which means fall is the perfect time for some garage maintenance to keep it in working order and spare you from costly, time-consuming repairs during the colder months. Here are some tips you can put into play now that will save you time and money when winter hits.

Inspect the Tracks & Cables

During the summer months, the door can take a beating from all the activity in your home so you’ll want to start maintenance by inspecting the tracks on both sides of the door to make sure they are free of debris and rust. The cables and pulley system should also be in good condition to support the weight of your garage door. Look out for cords with worn-out or fraying strands.

Inspect the Springs

Next, you’ll want to examine your door’s rollers and springs for damage, over-stretching, and other signs of wear and tear. Your garage door spring can continue to function efficiently for up to 10,000 cycles of closing and opening. If the spring is faulty, using the opener may lead to further damage so do not attempt to open the door if you suspect the spring is broken.  At Haney Door Service, we recommend calling a technician immediately if you think you have a broken spring. 

Make Sure Your Garage is Tightly Sealed

Visually inspect your garage door for places where light may be seeping in from outside and repair accordingly to minimize the elements from entering your garage. Listen or feel for air drafts along your garage door and repair them with the weatherstripping or sealant appropriate for your garage door material. The corners, bottom, and sides of your garage door are most prone to letting in cold air, ice, and pests so the door must also have adequate weather-stripping at the bottom. It’s best to replace the entire stripping if it has broken down.

Lubricate All Moving Parts

Make sure all the parts are well lubricated up and the bolts are nice and tight. Friction on rollers and the tracks can cut down the lifespan of your garage opener. Garage door professionals recommend lubricating with silicone or lithium-based grease. Use a grease spray for an accurate application. You can apply oil on rusty parts of the torsion springs to stop further corrosion. If the opener has a drive chain, you can also spray lubricant on it. However, you should not lubricate the belt drive. Garage door manufacturers recommend lubricating your garage door twice a year to keep it efficient.

 

Maintaining your garage thoroughly this fall season can be a bit of an adventure, especially if you haven’t done it in a while. Ideally, you should schedule maintenance service at least once every 18 months. For busy homes or commercial establishments, once a year or more is recommended. 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 Haney Door Service a call. Our experienced technicians will help you get your garage door ready for winter. You can call us at (916) 534-4538 or request a free, on-site estimate online

5 Tips for Hiring A Professional Garage Door Repair Company

Why it’s important to hire a professional garage door repair company?

If you have a garage door, it’s important to have a professional garage door repair company that you can call when something goes wrong. Garage doors are very heavy and can be dangerous to repair on your own. A professional garage door repair company will have the knowledge and experience to properly repair your door without putting you or your family in danger.

The benefits of hiring a professional garage door repair Stockton

When your garage door breaks, it can be a big inconvenience. You may be tempted to try to fix the issue yourself, but that can often lead to more problems. It’s best to hire a professional garage door repair Stockton to take care of the issue for you. Here are 5 benefits of hiring a professional garage door repair in Stockton:

  1. They have the experience and knowledge to identify and fix the problem quickly.
  1. They have the right tools and equipment to do the job properly.
  1. They can often fix the problem faster than you could.
  1. They can help prevent further damage to your garage door.
  1. They can provide you with a warranty for their services.

What to expect from a professional garage door repair company in Stockton

First and foremost, they should be able to provide you with a free estimate. This estimate should include the cost of parts and labor. They should also be able to tell you how long the repair will take and if there are any special instructions you need to follow.

Additionally, a professional garage door repair company in Stockton will be able to provide you with a warranty on their work. This means that if something goes wrong with the repair, you can contact them, and they will come back to fix it at no additional cost to you.

Finally, they should be able to provide you with emergency services so that you can rest assured knowing that your garage door is in good hands.

4 Tips to find a reputable garage door repair company

There are a lot of fly-by-night companies out there that will take your money and leave you with a shoddy repair job. To avoid being scammed, follow these tips:

  1. Do your research. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Read online reviews. Get as much information as you can before you decide.
  2. Ask for estimates. Get at least three estimates before you decide on a company. Ensure all estimates are in writing and include all charges, so there are no surprises later.
  3. Compare prices. Don’t just go with the cheapest option. Make sure you’re getting a good value for your money.
  4. Check the company’s credentials. Make sure they are licensed.

We have a team of experienced technicians at Haney Door Service who can help you with all your garage door needs. Give us a call or visit us online to learn more about our services.

How Does Sunlight Effect Garage Door Sensors?

Has the following ever happened to you? You get home, park your car in the garage, hit the wall button to shut it, and halfway through the garage door stops and reverses back up. After ensuring that nothing is blocking the sensors’ beam and checking that all wires are connected properly, the same thing continues to happen repeatedly. Garage door sensors work by using two infrared beams to sense when an object is in the path of the garage door as it shuts. Sunlight can interrupt the signal flow between the two infrared sensors causing your garage door to not work even if the sensors are clean and no unsafe conditions exist. In this article, we will go over how the sun interferes with the sensors on your garage door and go over a couple of ways you could go about remedying this issue. 

 

Many years ago, sensors weren’t common. Nowadays, for safety reasons, most garage doors have them. The two sensors on either side of your garage door are the heart of the automatic opener system. The sensors are located low on each side of the garage door, and the two beams constantly send an infrared signal from one side of the garage door opening to the other. The sensors only work when the door is in the process of closing. As long as the system senses that the receiving sensor is receiving the infrared signal from the sending sensor, it allows electricity to flow to the opener motor so that your garage door can open or close. If the signal is blocked or interrupted, the system will interrupt the flow of electricity and prevent your garage door from operating.

 

Sunlight can interfere with the sensors’ beam and cause them to act as though an object is blocking them. The problem is that infrared energy is part of the light spectrum. Garage door sensors use infrared light and the sun also carries infrared light which is more powerful than the light of the sensors. If the light of the sun overpowers the light of the infrared sensor, the sensors might not be able to signal one another. This is why a garage door might stop closing if strong sunlight is shining on the eye of a garage door sensor. Sunlight also contains heat energy and garage door sensors use convex lenses that will focus that light from the sun onto the electronic components inside. Prolonged exposure to sunlight could cause your sensors to overheat and stop working permanently.  In some cases, dust or cobwebs can catch sunlight and direct it toward your garage door’s sensors which is why Haney Door Service recommends cleaning your sensors with a dry cloth about once a month.

How to Remedy Sunlight Interference

  • Shield one of the sensors with your hand or a piece of paper. If the other sensor isn’t in direct sunlight, this technique could help boost the signal strength so the garage door can open and close normally.
  • Wait a couple of minutes. Since the sun has to be at just the right angle to interfere with the sensors try waiting for a few minutes to allow the sun to get to a different position in the sky. 
  • Move or swap around the sensors. Moving the sensors further into the garage and out of the sunlight is another solution. You can also try switching the sides of the sensors. One of them transmits and the other receives so swapping them around might solve the problem.
  • Make your own DIY sun shields. Putting small pieces of cardboard, like a toilet paper tube, or  a short section of PVC pipe around the sensor will block much of the sunlight, just be sure to avoid blocking the beam.
  • Purchase purpose-made sun shields for the sensors. The shields attach to the sensor using a wing nut, making them less likely to come off over time.  These are also made by the manufacturer, so you are going to get a product that works hand-in-hand with your garage door opener.


If you’re still unable to fix your sensor, we recommend seeking guidance from a garage door repair company such as Haney Door Service. Serving Sacramento, Stockton, and the Bay Area, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we’ve earned a reputation for comprehensive, fast service that puts your needs first. You can request a free, on-site estimate online or by calling us at (916) 534-4538. Our team will answer your call any time of day, all days of the week, to ensure we’re available whenever and wherever you need assistance.

The Benefits of a Lifestyle Screen Door

With a Lifestyle screen door, your garage becomes much more than just a place to store cars and tools. Lifestyle screens can transform your garage from a simple parking space to an additional cool and pest-free room in seconds. Garage door screens, also known as “lifestyle screens,” consist of a layer of mesh screening that keeps unwanted elements like bugs out while letting desirable elements like fresh air and a cool breeze in. Lifestyle screens feature an industry-first, fully retractable passage door for ease of entry and exit without having to retract the entire system. 

 

The Lifestyle garage screen is fully spring-loaded, making opening and closing quick and easy. The frame is constructed of a 2” x 2” architectural grade aluminum with a baked-on finish. The Lifestyle system runs on a maintenance-free track system, independent but similar to your primary garage door tracks. When in use, the Lifestyle screen occupies the same position as your primary garage door. When you’re done enjoying the great outdoors, simply retract your Lifestyle garage screen system and close your garage door as usual. It’s that simple!

 

Lifestyle screens convert your garage into a usable, open-air living space of your house. The screen allows for large amounts of fresh air to flow in, providing the perfect place to relax and enjoy the weather while keeping harmful mosquitoes, bees, and pesky gnats and flies out of your garage. Lifestyle screens also come in a variety of different colors that make it easy to see out of but hard to see into, making it ideal for privacy. Most garages are around 360 square feet so having a Lifestyle Screen installed adds a whole new, useable room to your home. The uses for that new space are nearly endless. 

 

Here are a few ideas:

  • Create a second living or guest room for friends and family.
  • Convert your garage into a second, roomier kitchen.
  • Use that extra space as a workshop for arts, crafts, and other hobbies. 
  • Use it as a Mancave.
  • Set up a home gym and enjoy the fresh air as you work out. 
  • Set up a home office.
  • Use it as a game room for the kids to enjoy. 
  • Or simply use it as a Screened-in patio alternative.

 

If installing a garage door screen and increasing your home’s usable space sounds like an enticing idea, why not contact Haney Door Service for a free, on-site screen door estimate. Haney Door Service is an authorized dealer for Lifestyle Screens. Our technicians can help you select the right Lifestyle screen for your home. 

 

Haney Door Service has recently been awarded the Super Service Badge by Angi’s List for achieving and maintaining a superior service rating on Angi’s List throughout 2021. Serving all of the Sacramento metropolitan areas, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we’ve earned a reputation for comprehensive, fast service that puts your needs first. Our team will answer your call any time of day, all days of the week, to ensure we’re available whenever and wherever you need assistance. You can either submit a request for a free estimate online or get in touch with us by calling us at (916) 534-4538. 

Should You Replace Your Panel or Your Entire Garage Door?

Garage doors experience a lot of wear and tear during their lifetime. Typically, when a garage door panel breaks, you have two options; to repair it or to replace it. However, is that wiser than replacing the entire door? If only a couple of panels have been damaged it will probably be more cost-effective to just replace the garage door panels. Replacing only the panels on a garage door can be performed if they’re the only faulty component but if the panel is damaged, it might mean the corresponding parts may have been compromised. Which option you decide to pursue will depend on several factors:

The Age of the Door

If your garage door is more than twenty years old, it has probably given you its best years by now and the best option, in the repair or replace decision, is usually to replace the entire garage door. If your door is relatively new, between five and ten years, then you should consider repairing the individual panel.

The Extent of the Damage

This will be another major consideration in deciding whether to repair or replace the panel. For a small level of damage from a light impact or from minor debris, a little filler and some paint might be all you need. However, if you backed your car into the garage or there was a big storm that did severe damage, the damage will probably extend beyond a small dent.

Replacing Individual Panels

If the rest of your garage door is in good condition then you can replace multiple garage door panels. If one of the exterior panels is worn or damaged, replacing the item might be enough to maintain the door’s functionality and aesthetics. You’ll want to make sure the rest of the garage door is in good condition, though. If the door has not been maintained well then it might make sense to replace the entire garage door. 

Replacing the Entire Door

In most situations, if there are multiple panels damaged it makes more sense to have the entire garage door replaced. Some garage doors are beyond repair, and replacing only the panels won’t cut it. The springs may have worn out and no longer have the strength necessary for day-to-day functioning. Other issues, such as dents, deep scratches, and warping, may have also taken a massive toll on the door, heightening the need for a replacement. 

Before you decide whether to repair or replace your damaged external door panel, get in touch with our team at Haney Door Service. With years of experience in the garage door industry, we will be able to give you the advice that you need to make the best decision for your garage door. You can reach us at (916) 534-4538 or by requesting a free, on-site estimate through our website.

How to Stay Safe During Garage Door Safety Month

June is here and so is Garage Door Safety Month! June has been designated Garage Door Safety Month by the International Door Association (IDA) and the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA). The garage is the most often used entry point of the home, opening and closing an average of four times a day. More than 70 percent of homeowners enter and exit through the garage. With that amount of foot traffic, it’s important to keep the garage door, openers, and parts in working order for safety and security. Here are some ways you can stay safe while using your garage: 

Practice Good Garage Door Safety

Did you know that hospitals see approximately 15,000 garage door-related injuries each year? Its important for all garage door owners to make sure that their little ones are kept safe when playing in or around the door. To ensure everyone’s safety, remind your family and guests to keep fingers, arms, and clothing away from the garage door when it’s operating and to not duck under a closing door, as one may trip or become tangled. If you have a garage door that opens manually, make sure to never place fingers between door sections and consider adding pinch-resistant door panels to help prevent accidents.

 

Seeing as the garage door is often the heaviest and largest moving object in the home, it’s important to keep the garage door remote controls out of the hands of children. The best practice is to mount the garage door opener control button at least five feet from the floor. At this height, it will be inaccessible to children and adults will have a clear view of the door.

Make Sure Your Opener Has a Back-Up Battery

As summer wildfires ravaged California throughout 2018, many homes lost power resulting in electronically powered garage doors being unable to be opened. The residents who struggled to open their garage doors manually were trapped with no battery backup system for their opener’s electronic operation. In August 2018, the Senate voted unanimously to pass Bill 969 and Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law a month later. The law requires all California residents undergoing a garage door or garage door opener replacement to have a battery backup system that can operate in case of a power outage.

 

These systems do more than just comply with regulations. Backup battery capabilities are an essential safety precaution all homeowners across the country can benefit from having. It’s important to test your battery backup system so you’ll know how it functions when you need to use it. You can test your battery backup by unplugging your electronic garage door opener and operating the garage door with the battery backup system instead. You will also need to change your backup system’s batteries every couple of years, even if you have not used the garage door opener on battery power. If you’re interested in learning more about backup batteries, check out our article on everything you need to know about California’s backup battery laws.

Test Your Garage Door’s Reversing Mechanism

You should test the garage door opener’s reversing mechanism monthly by placing a 2×4 board in the door’s path. If the door does not automatically reverse after coming into contact with the board, call a professional​ garage door repair company, such as Haney Door Service, to service the door and parts​. Children could easily be trapped and seriously harmed by malfunctioning doors.

 

Maintenance is an important step to keeping your garage door operational but, for the inexperienced person, fixing garage door springs, parts, tracks, etc. can result in severe injury. One of the most important actions you can take to prevent garage door-related injuries is to visually inspect the garage door for any signs of wear and tear. Pay particular attention to springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys. Do not attempt to remove, adjust or repair these parts or anything attached to them. These parts are under high tension and should only be fixed by a trained garage door professional.

Make Sure Your Garage is Secure

A garage is a place that many homeowners use as storage. Many people store valuable items inside their garage or use it as a space to get creative with home renovation projects, making it a gold mine for thieves. While many homeowners spend tons of money on keeping their front door and windows secure they often neglect the garage door. With the right garage door and appropriate security measures, you can reduce the risk of potential break-ins and keep your belongings and your family safe. Here are some steps we recommend you take to make sure your garage door is secure.

 

An annual visit from a trained garage door technician can keep your door operating safely and smoothly. If you find there is an issue with your garage door or opener, make sure you contact Haney Door Service. Our garage door technicians are fully trained on how to properly (and safely) fix your garage doors. You can request an estimate online or reach us at (916) 534-4538.

5 Ways to Keep Your Garage Secure

A garage is a place that many homeowners use as storage. Many people store valuable items inside their garage or use it as a space to get creative with home renovation projects, making it a gold mine for thieves. While many homeowners spend tons of money on keeping their front door and windows secure they often neglect the garage door. With the right garage door and appropriate security measures, you can reduce the risk of potential break-ins and keep your belongings and your family safe. Below, we’ll go through five garage door security tips to protect your belongings and prevent burglars from breaking in.

1. Keep Your Garage Door Closed and Your Belongings Concealed

This may seem like a no-brainer, but forgetting to close the garage door is more common than you think. Many people forget to close their garage door after they arrive home or finish work inside their garage. If this sounds like something you might do, you can always consider using a garage door monitor. The monitor will come with a sensor that will alert you when your door is open.

 

If you have windows on your garage door and want to maintain natural light inside your garage, you can use a translucent window film that will allow light to come through but will heavily distort the view of your belongings. Interior curtains or blinds can also help shield your belongings from wandering eyes while still allowing natural light into your garage.

2. Keep Your Clicker on a Key Chain 

Don’t keep your automatic garage door remote clipped to your visor or anywhere inside your vehicle, instead use a keyring that you can attach to your car keys. Thieves know that a garage door opener remote is basically like another key into your home and leaving it inside your car leaves you vulnerable to a break-in. If they can find the clicker inside your car, they’ll use it to gain access. By keeping your garage door remote on a keychain, you’ll still be able to use the clicker to open your door when you come and go, but the device will stay inside with you where burglars can’t get to it. Another option is to get a smart garage door opener to open and close your garage door from anywhere via your smartphone.

3. Motion Activated Lights

A well-lit home is always less likely to be broken into. Burglars like the cover of night and many of them rely on the dark shadows around your garage to hide their shady attempts to get into your home. Installing motion-activated floodlights near the garage windows and doors will make burglars think twice about attempting a nighttime break-in. Choose lights that can detect movement from a significant distance so a person can’t even make it up your driveway before being bathed in light.

4. Sheild Your Lock/Lock the Track

Thanks to YouTube, we now know how easy it is for a thief with a coat hanger to open your garage door in under a minute. While some people recommend using a zip tie to secure the garage door lock or cutting the emergency release cord, these methods can reduce your garage door’s safety. Instead, consider using a garage door shield to cover the emergency release cord. A Garage Shield covers your garage door’s emergency release cord, making it impossible for a thief to use it to break in. It’s inexpensive and easy to install, but it increases your garage door security while still keeping the release cord accessible in case of emergencies.

 

Another way to make sure your garage door is locked is to secure a padlock just above the roller, preventing the garage door from opening. It will be impossible for a burglar to open the door without unlocking the padlock, which they could only do if they were already inside.

5. Consider Investing in a Smart Opener

Many homeowners are starting to use doorbell cameras to monitor their front door and receive notifications each time someone approaches the door. You can use similar security cameras with motion sensors for your garage door. With a smart garage door opener, you get added safety features such as a monitor, self-closing and locking system, lighting controls, and smartphone connection. Some of these cameras even allow you to use your smartphone to speak with the person outside. Even if someone can force your garage door open, you’ll get an alert on your phone, allowing you to contact the authorities immediately. 

 

The best option for securing your garage door with a smart opener would be to purchase a model that works with an automatic smart lock. We recommend Lift Master’s 8500W garage door opener. Its built-in Wi-Fi allows for smartphone control with the myQ® app and its Automatic Garage Door Lock feature deadbolts your door after closing. You can even enable secure in-garage delivery for Amazon Prime packages. 

If you’re interested in upgrading your garage door opener, or if you have some concerns about the security of your garage, you should consider getting in contact with Haney Door Service. Our team of highly skilled professionals can guide you through the process of selecting the garage door opener that best fits your needs. You can schedule an appointment for a free estimate with us online or reach out to us at (916) 534-4538.

How to Prepare Your Garage Door for Summer

With the winter months behind us, it is now time to start thinking about getting our homes ready for the warmer weather that lies ahead. It’s a good idea to perform maintenance on your garage door before heading into summer to avoid any significant problems down the line. Preparation before the summer months can help you maintain a comfortable temperature inside your garage as well as improve the security and longevity of your door. Here are some steps we recommend you take to prepare your garage door for summer:

Inspect your Garage Door

Winter’s icy conditions and cold weather can wreak havoc on garage doors, which is why you must perform necessary repairs and maintenance now that the weather has warmed up. Start with performing a general inspection of your garage door. Check your cables for signs of wear and examine the hinges, ball-bearings, rails, and supports of your garage door to ensure that they are in good working order.

If anything is loose or breaking, you’ll want to address it sooner rather than later to avoid a hefty repair bill. If you find that your garage door needs repairs, our technicians at Haney Door Service will help you with repairs and maintenance, as well as give you tips and ideas on how to keep your garage cool during the warm summer months.

Do a Little Spring Cleaning

Garages are often the dirtiest spot in your home. The exterior part of the garage door is always exposed to the elements which means that it can become extremely filthy over time. Garages also tend to be dirty and greasy on the inside so you are going to want to wash both the inside and outside of your garage door. Hose off and scrub both surfaces with soap and water. If your garage door is made out of steel, be sure to check both sides of it for rust. Any rust found can be sanded down and painted over with a zinc primer.

Lubricate the Moving Parts of Your Garage Door

With the weather warming up, now is the perfect time to lubricate all the moving parts on your garage door, along with the weather stripping. Exposure to cold, moisture, and ice may have broken down the lubrication so you’ll want to lubricate tracks, rollers, hinges, pulleys, chains, screws, and other moving parts. Avoid using any oils that aren’t made for use on garage doors such as WD-40. Instead, use oil and lubricants that are specifically designed to be used on garage doors. For exterior weather stripping, you’ll want to use a silicone-based lubricant. Make sure that you don’t use too much lubricant, as any excess oil will attract dust and dirt which can wear out the various parts of your garage door.

Make Sure Your Garage Door is Secure

During the summer months, when you’re more likely away from home, burglars are most likely to break in. A garage is a place that many homeowners use as storage, making it a gold mine for thieves. While many homeowners spend tons of money on keeping their front door and windows secure they often neglect the garage door. Here are some things you can do to make sure your garage is secure:

  • Keep Your Garage Door Closed. People passing by have an unobstructed view into your garage when it’s left open, especially if your door faces the street. One of the easiest things you can do to make sure your garage is secure is to make a habit of always closing your garage door. 
  • Hide your garage door opener if you leave it in your vehicle. If a thief breaks into your car and finds the remote to your garage door, the security of your home could be compromised. It’s best to hide your remote somewhere out of sight such as inside your glove compartment or inside the center console. 
  • Use the slide lock on the inside of your garage door. Sometimes thieves will attempt to enter your garage by using a coat hanger or other security breaching devices to unlatch the safety mechanism and manually lift the door. By utilizing the slide lock, you can prevent unwanted guests from breaking into your garage. These interior slide locks can also be padlocked for additional security.
  • Make sure the inside of your garage is well-lit. Motion censored lighting outside of the garage can be a great deterrent if there are intruders nearby. Make sure the lights on your garage door opener and around your garage are working. If a light has gone out make sure you replace it with a light bulb that’s made specifically for garage door openers​.​
  • Consider getting frosted privacy windows installed on your garage door. Windows on a garage door​ add value and provide light to the interior when the garage is closed. If you have windows on your garage door and would like to deter anyone from seeing what you have inside then you may want to consider getting frosted windows. 

 

We hope these tips help give you the peace of mind you need to focus on spending time with your family and friends this summer season. If you find that you need a garage door repair then give Haney Door Service a call. Whether you need a new garage door opener, spring replacement, or a free consultation about a problem, our licensed technicians at Haney Door Service are here to help. Request a free, on-site consultation or contact us at (916) 534-4538 for more information on our garage door services.

Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won’t Open And/Or Close

The garage door is the most frequently used entrance and exit in the average residential household. As a result, a garage door is bound to have functional issues now and then. When a garage door won’t function properly, the source of the problem could be in any number of given areas, and, while it is possible to troubleshoot some of these issues at home, it’s always best to contact a professional garage door repair service to come and assess the situation. Here, we will look at some reasons why your garage door may not be functioning properly. Some can be fixed with a quick step or two, while others will require a professional opinion.

Sensors out of Alignment

The safety sensor on your garage door that is programmed to instantly respond to any obstruction in its path is called the photo-eye. The photo-eye involves two pieces that align face-to-face across either side of the garage door. A pea-sized LED laser is sent from one piece to the other, detecting people or objects blocking the path of the garage door. If something is in the way, the door won’t open. If you are noticing any issues with your photo-eye, here are some ways you can troubleshoot the problem on your own before getting in contact with a garage door professional:

  • Clean the photo-eye with a washcloth or tissue. Dust and debris can sometimes clog the sensor, causing the garage door to freeze in place. 
  • Check the alignment of the photo-eye. The photo-eye can only open or close the garage door if each piece of the photo-eye receives the LED laser beam from the other side so it’s critical to make sure these pieces stay aligned.
  • Check the wiring of the photo-eyes. The photo-eye is typically placed about four to six inches off the ground. The cord attached to the eye could become damaged through excessive use and exposure to the elements. If the wires are damaged, you’ll need to have the photo-eye replaced.
  • Check the LED light on each side of the sensor. If the lights are lit, check to make sure the photo-eye isn’t dirty. If one light is flickering or off, the photo-eye could be damaged. Move the malfunctioning sensor around to see if the light changes. Adjust the pivot bracket to try to revive the LED sensor light. Once the light is back on, tighten the sensor back in place.

Broken Remote

If your garage door won’t respond to your remote control then it’s possible that the remote is either broken, needs new batteries, or needs to be reprogrammed. Here are some troubleshooting methods you can try before replacing your garage door remote:

  • Make sure you are within range of the sensors. The sensor for your remote control may be out of range from the garage door so try getting closer to the door and using the remote.
  • Make sure the antenna is visible and hanging from the motor. The antenna might be damaged, or the signal could be blocked.
  • Replace the batteries in the garage door remote control. If you notice that the door opens by pressing the buttons on the wall-mounted panel but not when you use your garage door remote, you may need to replace the batteries. Your remote control will either need a 3-volt lithium battery or a 12-volt battery. When you replace the battery, you might also need to reset your remote.
  • Make sure the lock feature is turned off. If the light is blinking on your door control panel, press and hold down the “lock” button to turn off the lock feature. If you need to engage the lock feature again, you can hold down the “lock” button to turn it back on.

Broken Springs

A broken spring is one of the most common reasons why a garage door might not open. Springs are featured in both manual and automatic garage door systems – Two torsion springs run horizontally over the width of the door, while two extension springs lift and lower the door along the track. The springs store the mechanical energy that controls the movement of the garage door and offset the weight of the door to ensure that it opens and closes smoothly. 

 

Each spring is rated according to its number of cycles. Depending on the rating of your springs, they could last several years before needing to be replaced. Once a tension spring has used up all its cycles, it stops working so inspecting the tension springs at least once a year can help you prepare for the end of their lifespan. If you notice the tension springs are weakening over time, be proactive and replace them before they break. The development of rust on the tension springs over time increases friction on the coils.  Its recommended to spray the springs with a silicone-based lubricant at least once every four months to prevent them from breaking due to rust build-up.

 

Here are some things to look for if you think you have a broken spring:

  • The motor is running, but the door isn’t moving.
  • A loud, gunshot-like sound coming from inside your garage.
  • The garage door starts to feel heavy as you try to manually maneuver it.
  • You can hear the door straining to open and close.

 

If you suspect that your garage door has broken tension springs, use caution when examining it. Garage doors with broken tension strings can drop without warning. The average garage door weighs over 200 pounds and you run the risk of damaging the garage door or injuring yourself. 

Misaligned Tracks

The metal tracks on your garage door keep it in alignment so the tracks must be straight and even at all times for the door to open and close efficiently. To prevent misalignment, look for loose nuts and bolts around the track. Check and make sure the door is gliding smoothly along the track and keep an eye out for bends, gaps, or obstacles along the track. If you notice areas of friction or jamming, a misaligned track could be the issue. If the tracks are misaligned, or the door has fallen off the tracks, you will notice that your door jerks around and makes grinding noises. Over time, as misalignment worsens, the garage door will eventually stop working. 

 

If your garage door stops functioning, the track may be broken and you may need to get your garage door system replaced. At that point, it would be wise to call Haney Door Service to come out and take a look at your door. Our experienced technicians will ensure that your garage door is working properly so you can utilize your garage. We offer beautiful, high-quality solutions for homes and businesses in the Sacramento area. Pair this with our unrivaled service and passionate employees, and you get garage door service that exceeds your expectations. Click here to request an estimate or give us a call at (916) 534-4538. 

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