Do you offer free estimates?

Yes! We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all our services. Our technician will assess your garage door, explain what work is needed, and give you a clear, upfront price before any work begins. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges.

What brands of garage doors do you install and repair?

We work with all major garage door brands including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, and many others. Our technicians are trained and experienced with all types of residential and commercial garage doors, regardless of brand or age.

Are your technicians licensed and insured?

Absolutely. All our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and background-checked. We carry comprehensive liability insurance to protect both our team and your property. You can trust that qualified professionals are working on your home.

Can I stay home while you work on my garage door?

Of course! Many customers prefer to be present during the service, and you're welcome to watch or ask questions. Our technicians will explain what they're doing and keep you informed throughout the process.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), checks, and cash. Payment is due upon completion of the work. For larger projects, we can discuss payment arrangements during your consultation.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional maintenance at least once a year. However, if your door gets heavy use or you notice any unusual sounds or movements, more frequent check-ups may be beneficial. Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your garage door system by many years.

What are signs that my garage door springs need replacement?

Common signs include: the door feels heavy when lifting manually, the door opens unevenly or crookedly, you hear loud snapping sounds, visible gaps in the spring coils, or the door won't stay open. Springs typically last 10,000-20,000 cycles, so age is also a factor. Never attempt to replace springs yourself as they're under extreme tension.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard residential garage door installation typically takes 3-5 hours. This includes removing the old door, installing the new door and hardware, setting up the opener, and ensuring everything is properly balanced and aligned. Custom doors or complex installations may take longer. We'll provide a time estimate during your consultation.

Essential Winter Garage Door Maintenance Tips

5 min read Mike Johnson

Winter can be brutal on garage doors. Cold temperatures, ice, snow, and road salt all conspire against smooth operation. But with proper preparation and maintenance, your garage door can weather the season reliably. Here's your complete winter garage door maintenance guide.

Why Winter Is Hard on Garage Doors

Before diving into maintenance tips, it helps to understand what you're fighting against:

Cold temperatures cause metal components to contract, affecting tolerances and alignment. They also thicken lubricants, increasing friction and strain on the opener.

Moisture from melting snow and ice promotes rust and corrosion on springs, tracks, and hardware. It can also cause weatherstripping to freeze to the ground.

Salt and de-icers accelerate corrosion, particularly on metal doors and components.

Thermal expansion/contraction cycles stress seals and connections as temperatures fluctuate.

Pre-Winter Maintenance Checklist

1. Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping

The rubber seal along the bottom of your door is your first defense against cold air, moisture, and pests. Check it for:

- Cracks or brittleness, Gaps when the door is closed, Sections that are missing or peeling

If your weatherstripping is compromised, replace it before winter sets in. It's an inexpensive fix that makes a significant difference in garage temperature and energy efficiency.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts

Cold weather thickens lubricants, making them less effective. Apply a silicone-based lubricant (not WD-40, which isn't a true lubricant) to:

- Rollers and hinges, Spring coils, Bearing plates, Lock mechanisms, Metal tracks (light application)

This reduces friction, prevents rust, and ensures smooth operation even in frigid temperatures. Plan to reapply mid-winter if temperatures stay extremely cold.

3. Check the Balance

An unbalanced door strains the opener, especially in winter when components are already under stress. Test the balance:

1. Close the door and disconnect the opener (pull the release cord) 2. Manually lift the door halfway and release 3. It should stay in place. If it rises or falls, the springs need adjustment

Spring adjustment is dangerous, call a professional if your door fails the balance test.

4. Inspect Springs and Cables

Visually examine your springs for: - Gaps between coils (indicating stretching or breakage) - Rust or corrosion, Signs of wear

Check cables for: - Fraying or broken strands, Signs of wear at the bottom fixtures, Proper tension

If you spot problems, schedule repair before winter's harsh conditions make things worse.

5. Test Safety Features

Cold can affect the electronic components of your opener. Test safety features monthly:

Photo-eye sensors: Wave an object through the sensor beam while the door is closing. It should reverse immediately.

Auto-reverse: Place a 2x4 board flat on the ground where the door closes. The door should reverse upon touching it.

If either test fails, clean the sensors and check alignment. If problems persist, call for service.

6. Inspect the Door Itself

Look for: - Cracks in wood doors (which allow moisture infiltration) - Dents in metal doors (which can compromise insulation) - Rust spots that need treatment, Peeling paint that exposes metal to moisture

Address any damage now, before winter moisture makes it worse.

Winter Operation Tips

Keep the Threshold Clear

Ice and snow can freeze the door to the ground. Keep the threshold area clear and consider:

- Applying a thin layer of cooking spray or silicone to the bottom seal, Using salt or de-icer sparingly (too much promotes corrosion) - Shoveling snow away from the door

Don't Force a Frozen Door

If your door is frozen to the ground, don't force it with the opener. This can strip gears, damage the door, or break cables. Instead:

1. Break the ice seal carefully with a flat-blade tool 2. Apply de-icer along the bottom seal 3. Gently lift the door manually first

Warm Up the Space

If your garage gets extremely cold, a small space heater can prevent the worst cold-weather problems. Keep liquids (lubricants, car fluids) where they won't freeze solid.

Run the Door Periodically

If you're away during winter, have someone run the door every few days. Regular operation keeps lubricants distributed and prevents seals from freezing in place.

When to Call a Professional

Schedule professional winter service if:

- Your door has any balance issues, Springs show signs of wear, You hear unusual noises during operation, The opener strains noticeably in cold weather, You notice any damage or deterioration

At Garage Door Gates, we recommend scheduling maintenance in late fall, before the worst weather hits. Our technicians catch developing problems, apply appropriate winter lubricants, and ensure your system is ready for whatever the season brings.

Don't get stuck with a broken garage door on the coldest day of the year. A little preparation now prevents big headaches later.

Back to Blog