Garage Doors FAQs
We strongly recommend against it. Here’s why: A garage door isn't just any home feature; it’s the largest moving part in your space, packed with complex parts and intricate systems that can pose serious risks if not handled correctly. At Affordable Overhead Door, our technicians are not only experts in their field, but they're also equipped to tackle these challenges efficiently, ensuring your garage door and opener meet all safety standards within a matter of hours. Plus, every installation comes with our warranty, offering you peace of mind that's hard to achieve on your own. While DIY projects can be rewarding, installing your garage door by yourself could turn into an extended ordeal, brimming with headaches you'd rather avoid.
Choosing the right garage door company is crucial. Here’s a simple guide to help you make an informed decision:
Experience Counts:
First things first, look into the company’s history. How long have they been fixing and installing garage doors? If they're new, do they bring a wealth of prior experience in the industry?
Quality of Work:
This is where the rubber meets the road. Are their customers happy? Check out their customers’ reviews for glowing recommendations and a consistently positive track record.
Adherence to Codes:
To avoid any liability, confirm the company has the right insurance for their business and staff. A reputable company will have no issue sharing their certificate of insurance with you.
Insurance is Key:
It is important that the door dealer carry proper insurance on their business and employees. One checkpoint is to ask for a copy of the company's certificate of insurance. If they don't have one or hesitate to comply with your request, it could be a negative signal.
Financial Transparency:
Trustworthy companies are open about their financial stability. It’s okay to ask about it, especially if it gives you peace of mind.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Avoid companies that sound too good to be true, lack a solid history, or have a questionable track record.
- Steer clear of businesses that operate under multiple names.
- Be cautious of companies not affiliated with established organizations like the Better Business Bureau or the International Door Association.
- Subcontracting work can be a sign of inconsistency and lack of accountability, so it’s best to choose companies that employ their own skilled technicians.
- Ensure they have proper liability and workers' compensation insurance.
- A refusal to provide a free, written estimate is a cause for concern.
- Professionalism extends to their fleet; unmarked vehicles are a red flag.
Choosing a steel garage door offers several advantages that make it a standout option:
- Pre-Painted Perfection: Steel doors arrive looking great straight out of the box, thanks to their factory-applied paint.
- Superior Warranties: Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with longer, more comprehensive warranties for steel doors.
- Ease of Upkeep: Steel doors demand less maintenance, freeing you from the hassle of frequent upkeep.
- Insulation Options: With the ability to insulate steel doors, you enhance energy efficiency, keeping your garage warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Even if your garage itself isn’t insulated, opting for an insulated door can still be a smart choice.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Insulated doors often have a more finished interior look, enhancing the inside appearance of your garage.
- Extended Warranties: They typically come with longer warranties, offering better protection for your investment.
- Enhanced Durability: The added insulation gives the door extra strength, making it less prone to dents and damage.
- Quieter Operation: Insulation can significantly reduce noise, both from the door’s operation and external sounds, making for a quieter garage environment.
R-value is a standardized measurement of thermal efficiency. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating properties.
Yes, in the world of steel, a lower gauge number means thicker material. So, 24-gauge steel is indeed thicker than 25-gauge.
Absolutely, we take care of removing and disposing of your old garage door when we install a new one for you, as part of our residential service.
While it's generally recommended to install a new door with a new track for optimal performance and safety, there are cases where your existing track can be reused. We can assess this during our free consultation.
Before our technicians arrive, please clear any clutter and make sure all vehicles are moved out of the garage. This ensures we have the necessary space to work efficiently and safely.
While DIY projects can be rewarding, the complexities of garage door installation and repair, especially dealing with torsion springs, require professional expertise. These components are under high tension and can lead to serious injuries or even fatal accidents if mishandled. Professionals are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure a safe, efficient job, saving you from potential risks and frustrations.
Garage doors typically use one of two types of springs: extension or torsion. Extension springs stretch along the track on either side of the door to lift it and are commonly found on single-car garage doors. For safety, these springs should always be used with safety cables. Torsion springs, mounted on a shaft above the door, are more durable and balance the door more evenly, making them suitable for double garage doors. Each type requires specific tools and knowledge for installation or repair.
Standard garage door sizes are usually measured in width (8', 9', 10', 12', 15', 16', 18') and height (6'6”, 7', 7'6”, 8'). However, not all sizes are readily available in stock, and other dimensions can be accommodated to fit your specific needs.
Yes, if the standard garage door sizes don't meet your requirements, we can provide custom-sized doors. Please reach out to discuss your unique dimensions and options.
An in-home estimate allows us to precisely evaluate your garage space, including the size of the opening, the condition of the surrounding framework, and any other factors that might affect the installation, like headroom and side clearance. This thorough assessment ensures we can provide an accurate quote. Phone estimates can offer a ballpark figure, but for precision and to account for any fluctuations in costs, an in-person visit is invaluable.
Absolutely, if the specific section of your garage door that needs replacement is identifiable and still available from the manufacturer, there's no need to replace the entire door. Replacing just the damaged or worn section(s) is definitely an option.
Yes, to ensure your garage door operates smoothly and has a long life, regular maintenance is crucial. We advise an annual service to check safety features, lubricate moving parts, and inspect for wear and tear on elements like cables, pulleys, and rollers. While maintenance helps in prolonging the door's life, it's important to note that it doesn't guarantee unforeseen issues like spring breaks.
Certainly! Painting your steel garage door to match or refresh your home's aesthetic is entirely possible and can be a great way to enhance curb appeal.
Modern garage door openers serve as a lock, making traditional locks unnecessary and potentially hazardous if used improperly. However, for added security or in cases where a garage door opener isn't installed, installing a lock is advisable, whether it’s a keyed lock for outside access or an interior side lock for manual operation.
When planning a new garage, the finished opening for the garage door should match the size of the door being installed. This ensures a proper fit and smooth operation once the door is installed.
