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How to Tell If Your Garage Door Sensor Is Out of Alignment

Written by jsanford on November 13, 2020. Posted in Garage Door Installation, Garage Door Openers, Garage Door Repair Indianapolis, Garage Door Replacement Indianapolis, Garage Door Services Indianapolis, Garage Doors Indianapolis. No Comments on How to Tell If Your Garage Door Sensor Is Out of Alignment

The garage door safety sensor is the reason your heavy garage door reverses if something is in the way. If it is misaligned, your garage door may not work properly. It might reverse for seemingly no reason or not work at all if the sensor fails. Dirt on the lens is a common issue, but it’s also possible for a sensor emitter or receiver, or both, to go out of alignment.

A garage door sensor, or photo-eye, consists of two devices. One sends a signal and the other receives it on the other side of the garage door opening. This creates an invisible beam that, if broken by anything in its path, triggers the garage door opener to reverse and return the door to its original open position.

What to Look For

If you believe a garage door issue is caused by a misaligned sensor, first check whether an object or stored item is obstructing the light beam between the two units. Perhaps you stored a toolbox nearby or a child’s ball rolled in the way. Remove any potential obstructions. If nothing is in the way, and there doesn’t seem to be damage to the sensors or their wires, then:

Find your garage door’s photo-eyes. One sensor is installed on the left-hand side and the other on the right. Both are mounted on the inside of the garage door opening, about six inches off the ground. The actual appearance, shape, and design differs depending on the sensor brand and manufacturer.

Determine the status of each sensor by looking at the LED light on its side. Each should have a steady green light. A flashing red light or no light on at all means there may be a misalignment. If the sensors are properly lit and the door still doesn’t work, check the lens for dirt, dust, or debris and clean off any you find with a soft cloth.

Measure the height of each sensor unit and use a level to determine if they are aligned. It’s important for both sensors to be at equal heights and facing each other. If not, they may have been installed improperly or the mountings may have been damaged. The best step is to call a garage door repair professional to find and fix the problem.

Can I Fix a Misaligned Garage Door Sensor?

You can adjust a misaligned sensor if there is no damage. First, loosen the screws on the pivot bracket. Then you can move the device up or down and direct one sensor to be in line with the other. Once the sensors are aligned, the LED light will come on.

Test the sensors after the adjustment is complete. To do so, place a cardboard box or other relatively soft object under the door and activate the switch to close it. The system should detect the object and stop the door. However, if a sensor problem persists, the door will close on or even crush the box or object. In this case, you should call a repair professional right away to service your garage door.

Contact Garage Door Doctor for Help

Serving Indianapolis and surrounding areas, Garage Door Doctor can help if your garage door sensors are misaligned, damaged, or not working. Our team of experienced service professionals can address your problem 24/7. We can service all types, makes, and brands of garage doors, openers, and parts. Call (317) 516-0036 today to request same-day service or contact us online to set up a free consultation.

9 Signs of Broken Garage Door Springs

Written by jsanford on November 6, 2020. Posted in Garage Door Installation, Garage Door Repair Indianapolis, Garage Door Services Indianapolis, Garage Doors Indianapolis. No Comments on 9 Signs of Broken Garage Door Springs

Do you notice something isn’t right with your garage door? Many garage door problems originate with the springs that support them. After all, torsion and extension springs are what support a door’s weight as it moves up or down. A broken garage door spring can therefore cause a major safety problem, but here are 9 signs that indicate it’s time for professional repair.

1. The Garage Door Is Off Balance

Any changes in how your garage door opens and closes can be due to a balance issue. Symptoms include differences in speed or any difficulty operating the door. Even if the balance problem isn’t directly caused by a broken spring, excess strain can wear out and damage even new garage door springs.

2. The Garage Door Stops After 6 Inches

Torsion springs support the entire weight of the door. When they’re faulty, the door might not lift the full height of the opening, typically not more than six inches off the ground. The safety system can also trigger this; if the sensors are operating normally and nothing is obstructing them, check the springs next. Safety features may be reacting to the extra force to prevent further damage.

3. The Garage Door is Jerky

Jerky movement is a common sign of damaged garage door extension springs. If the door is jerky when you open or close it, there may be a broken spring. The overall impact on the system depends on whether it is designed to run with one or two springs.

4. The Garage Door Falls Too Fast

Operating a garage door with a broken spring, combined with the weight of the door, can prevent it from running at a controlled rate of speed. The effects range from a slightly higher closing speed to the door crashing to the ground.

5. The Door Is Too Heavy to Lift

Is your garage door like dead weight? If so, a broken extension spring may be the culprit. This will be true even if you use the red emergency release cord.

6. Gaps in Springs

Garage door torsion springs are tightly wound when intact. When they break, the springs unwind, leaving behind a noticeable gap. Don’t try to fix the problem yourself. Instead, contact a local garage door spring repair company for a professional fix.

7. The Springs Appear Rusty or Worn

A wide gap isn’t the only sign of trouble. In some cases, a failing spring may look rusty or worn out. It might also not have coiled back as tightly. Contact a repair technician if you notice a garage door spring doesn’t look right in any way.

8. Noise

A worn or broken spring puts an excessive amount of strain on the garage door. You may hear squealing, groaning, or popping sounds that are hard to ignore. Torsion springs often break with a bang, after which you’re unable to open the door.

9. Cables or Pulleys Are Hanging

It may appear that a garage door cable is loose when the spring that supports it has failed. The cable may be out of place or hang from its normal location. In addition, a pulley can be forced from its regular position.

Call Garage Door Doctor

We provide affordable garage door spring repair and garage door service for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Indianapolis. A family owned and operated company, we service all types of garage doors and can fix any problem. To request service, contact us online or call (317) 516-0036.

Providing Premium Garage Doors in Indianapolis

Written by jsanford on April 1, 2020. Posted in Commercial Garage Doors Indianapolis, Garage Door Openers, Garage Door Services Indianapolis, Garage Doors Indianapolis.

Garage Doors of Indianapolis: Everything in One Place

It is incredibly easy to take advantage of a functioning, smoothly-operating garage door. It’s supposed to be simple — you push a button, the door opens, you carry on with your plans. It’s when things go awry and a vital component in your garage door fails that your day can derail.

Fortunately for those who live and work in Indianapolis, there is a team that is available to help you 24/7. Garage Door Doctor has been providing the Indianapolis area with friendly, professional, affordable, and fast garage door services for years. If you find yourself in a situation where you need immediate garage door repairs or maintenance, or if it is time to replace your garage door altogether, Garage Door Doctor can be your one-stop-shop for all of your solutions. We believe in providing customer support that goes above and beyond expectations, and we offer a wide range of doors for every household, business, and budget.

The Benefits of Trusting Garage Door Doctor

As soon as you contact Garage Door Doctor, you’ll see that we’re not your ordinary garage door company. Here are just a few of the benefits you will enjoy from our services:

24-hour emergency garage door service
Same day service
Absolutely free garage door consultations
A team with over a decade of experience in Indianapolis
Wide range of residential garage doors
Commercial garage doors that serve the needs of any business
Residential and commercial garage door opener service and repair
Let these perks of our business give you the peace of mind that knowing you’ve trusted the best garage door team in Indianapolis. The safety and security of our customers’ homes and businesses are our number one priority, and we stand behind the quality of all of our garage doors.

Residential Garage Doors

The typical residential garage door has a life expectancy of less than 15 years, and that’s if it has been well maintained. You may have purchased a home with a garage door that has seen better days, or the garage door you have may have been exceptionally stylish 20 years ago. Whatever your reason, when you find the need for a new garage door for your home, our friendly contractors can install a new premium garage door that exceeds the durability, security, and reliability that you expect.

For your convenience, we’re happy to provide absolutely free residential garage door consultations! We want to make every effort to ensure that you have the garage door that is right for your home and family’s needs. Our years of experience makes us qualified to offer recommendations based on our assessment of your property.

With our services, you will have attractive, quality garage doors from trusted brands, such as C.H.I. and Haas. These brands are well known for their ability to reduce noise, protect your garage from the effects of severe weather, provide superior insulation, and keep your home secure. If it’s time for a new garage door, or you believe that it’s time for an upgrade, contact us today to get started!

Commercial Garage Doors
If you’re a business owner in Indianapolis, you already have enough on your plate, and you shouldn’t have to worry about the functionality of your garage doors. When you do find yourself in a bind, we offer the same 24-hour emergency services and free consultations to businesses that we offer to residents. Our inventory includes only the absolute best, high quality, commercial-grade garage doors that improve productivity in your operations.

Not every business is the same, and one business will have a different need for their garage door than the next. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a garage door for storage, a stylish storefront, or for a loading area, we have the commercial garage door solution you need! We have access to insulated sandwich doors, ribbed steel pan and pan insulated doors, aluminum commercial garage doors, and more! In most cases, we’re able to provide same-day service on garage doors, so contact us when your business needs garage door services or an upgrade!

Garage Door Openers

In some cases, you may find that your garage door itself is still in the prime of its life, but the opener is beginning to leave something to be desired. Your garage door opener is likely to wear out long before the physical door, and when that time comes, you can trust the professionals at Garage Door Doctor! It doesn’t matter what size or brand of garage door you own — if it’s a garage door, we can fix it! We have access to an impressive line of garage door openers that fit the needs of all of our customers, both residential and commercial.

Our LiftMaster Elite Series® offers quiet operation, several unique security features, timer-to-close settings, and can even be operated when there is a power outage. Similarly, our LiftMaster Premium Series® provides industrial strength performance and couples that with the most advanced security and connectivity features on the market.

For businesses and industrial facilities, our heavy-duty line of LiftMaster® commercial garage doors can handle the toughest jobs. Models include gearhead, advanced trolley systems, hoist operators, jackshaft operators, and more, ranging from light to heavy-duty strength. Don’t let an unreliable or broken garage door opener stand in the way of you being able to conduct business! Contact us today for a free consultation, or if it is urgent, we’re always available with 24-hour emergency support.

Contact Garage Door Doctor Today!

Hopefully, now that you know a little bit more about Garage Door Doctor and the services and products that we offer, you’ll know who you can trust with your doors! We’re confident that our commitment to customer service and satisfaction will make the difference between us and the competition. We’d like to invite you to contact us with any other questions you may have regarding our products and services, and to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly technicians! We look forward to serving the residents and business owners of Indianapolis with garage door service unlike any other.

Garage Door Spring Repair in Indianapolis

Written by jsanford on March 9, 2020. Posted in Garage Door Repair Indianapolis, Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

Garage Door Doctor Repairs Torsion & Extension Springs

You may be thinking that undertaking the repair of the torsion springs on your garage door yourself is a good idea — Garage Door Doctor in Indianapolis, however, would strongly caution against this! We’ve had combined decades of experience with all types of garage doors, and unless you’ve been properly trained in fixing these high-tension springs, serious injury and property damage could occur. Your safety is our highest priority, and we would love to be able to be of service to you and your family!

How Can You Tell Your Springs Are Broken?

If you’re unsure that the torsion springs are the problem that is occurring with your garage door, there are some telltale signs that point to them as the culprit, some more obvious than others. We’re always more than welcome to come and assess the problem with your garage door and provide you with a report and estimate on repairs. Here are some of the signs that you have a problem with your springs:

Cables Appear Broken

When a torsion spring breaks, the first thing you may notice is that there are bunches of cables that have come loose, and your initial assessment may lead you to think the cables broke. In reality, what probably broke was the spring, which was providing tension to the cables. Now that the tension is gone, the cables have too much slack and appear broken.

A Valiant Effort

If there’s a problem with your spring, most newer models of garage door openers will stop the door operation after it tries to open about six inches. Many openers will sense that there is an abnormality in the door function, and cease operation as a safety precaution. If your garage door seems like it’s trying its hardest to open but just can’t manage, you more than likely have a spring issue.

Going Out With a Bang

When a garage door spring suffers a catastrophic and sudden failure, the resulting release in tension can cause a very loud banging sound to occur. Imagine a heavy-duty slinky toy banging around in your garage in the middle of the night, and you’ll have some idea of how startling it can be. Be careful around broken springs, because you never know if all of the tension has been released. It’s best to let a professional assess the damage and give the all-clear!

Look Out Below!

If you are able to close your garage door and it decides to fall very quickly, a broken spring is your most likely culprit. Garage door openers are not designed to be able to carry the whole weight of a garage door by themselves, and when a spring isn’t properly functioning, the garage door can slip down its track much faster than usual, potentially causing damage to people and property.

Garage Door Opens & Closes in a Wonky Fashion

A broken extension spring on your garage door setup can cause some unexpected alignment results. When a spring is broken, the garage door can become very unbalanced, and even get stuck in its tracks. If your garage door opens and closes in a cockeyed fashion, springs may be to blame.

How Torsion Springs are Supposed to Work

Springs become functional when they store up mechanical energy through compression. The torsion springs on your garage door store up energy by twisting and coiling on themselves. This stored energy is what is used to assist in the lifting and closing of your door. When one of these springs fail, they can fail spectacularly, potentially causing serious injury or even death for someone in the wrong place at the wrong time, or someone attempting to make a spring repair without the proper training.

We can’t stress enough that working with high-tension springs can be dangerous. Garage Door Doctor brings years of experience with us on every job, along with the specialized equipment that is needed to safely disassemble broken springs and their accompanying components.

For Garage Spring Repair in Indianapolis, Trust Garage Door Doctor

We’re able to handle repairs on all types of garage doors, from standard residential models, all the way up to heavy duty industrial garage doors. When you suspect that a broken spring is the reason for your garage door’s bad attitude, give us a call, or fill out our contact form. If your garage door hasn’t been serviced at any time in the last five years, you’re more than likely overdue for maintenance!

Trust the experts to handle your garage door spring repair safely and in a timely manner. The last thing we want is for you to be injured or worse trying to fix your garage door yourself! We know that dealing with a malfunctioning garage door can bring your schedule to a screeching halt, and we’ll always do our best to get everything up and running again as soon as possible. We also offer 24-hour emergency garage door service in Indianapolis, so don’t be afraid to call us at any time of the day or night, and we’ll get to work on your busted door right away! If your need is not immediately urgent, schedule your free consultation, and we’ll be onsite quickly, usually on the same day you call! Please feel free to contact us with any other questions you may have about our garage door repair services. We look forward to working for you!

What Makes a Good Garage Door?

Written by jsanford on February 26, 2020. Posted in Garage Door Installation, Garage Door Services Indianapolis, Garage Doors Indianapolis.

Buying a New Garage Door in Indianapolis?

There are a lot of things to consider when you’re hunting for a new garage door for your home or business. Sometimes, it is necessity that drives you — such as your current garage door has given up its ghost, and you need a new garage door right away. Other times, your garage door just isn’t performing up to the standard that you expect, and it’s time to upgrade. In either case, Garage Door Doctor has compiled this checklist of things to consider when you’re in the market for a new garage door. Follow these tips for the best results!

Get a Quote from a Real Live Person

There may be a convenience factor in simply ordering a garage door online, but you may be setting yourself up for a major headache if you go that route. To ensure that you’re getting a garage door that’s right for your property and tics all of the boxes for your needs, it’s best to get a quote from an in-person garage door technician. Did we mention that we offer this service for free? Don’t get misled by vague online descriptions of garage doors — instead, let us guide you and make a recommendation based on our years of experience and our value of excellent customer service.

Choose the Material That’s Right for You

Those fancy wooden garage doors may look spectacular, but are they right for your home? On the other hand, those industrial-strength commercial doors look secure, but are you getting a garage door for a home or a penitentiary? Garage doors can be made from all sorts of materials, and there is one out there that is right for you. You can get steel doors that look like wood, textured or smooth, colored or neutral— the list goes on. The point is that you should consider what amount of maintenance you’re willing to put into your doors, and let that guide your material decision.

Consider Insulation

Do you plan on spending a lot of time in your garage? During the cold winters and warm summers, proper insulation in your garage door could be your best friend. If your desire is to have an area set up in the garage as a studio or shop, or if you’re looking to save money on energy costs, it may behoove you to invest in a more insulated garage door. Depending on the insulation, some garage doors can be over twice as effective as standard models.

You Usually Get What You Pay For

Most garage doors are rated to operate reliably for a few years before they need maintenance. It should go without saying that when you start with a higher-quality product, the components that make everything jive well together will last longer than if you go for a more bargain-based model. Doing as little as opting for a higher quality torsion spring can effectively double the expected lifespan of your garage door! That’s some smart shopping.

Spring for a New Opener With Your Door

As long as you’re upgrading your garage door, you should take the opportunity to make sure your garage door opener is up to snuff. You’d be amazed at some of the things that garage door openers can do today — including smartphone connectivity, added security features, and whisper-quiet operation. As an added bonus, when you get your new garage door and your new opener installed at the same time, you can potentially save a lot on labor costs!

Consider Door Volume

If the overall volume of your garage door is an important factor in deciding which door is right for your home or business, there are some options that you should consider. Noise from your garage door can be significantly dampened by the insulation in the door, as well as the type of rollers that you choose. Nylon rollers tend to be much quieter than traditional metal rollers, for example. When it comes to the garage door opener, models that use belts rather than chains tend to be much quieter. The experts at Garage Door Doctor can recommend models based on their overall volume!

Windows or No Windows?

You’d be surprised at how much natural light that windows can provide to your garage. If you’re planning on having that shop or studio in your garage, windows are certainly something that you should consider. Many windows are also available with a high insulation rating, so you won’t compromise your garage climate.

Always Go for Durability

You never know exactly what life is going to throw at you, much less your garage doors. Some models of doors are made of thinner metal to lower the price point, and while you may save a few bucks, you may end up having to deal with unwanted dents and poorer insulation. Once again, the garage door experts can help you determine what gauge of steel is best for the amount of activity you predict to be around your garage doors!

Trust a Professional to Install Your Door

Sure, you could install your garage door yourself, but unless you’ve had years of experience doing big installation projects like this, you could be looking at a days-long project. Garage doors may look fairly simple, but there are a lot of moving pieces, some of which require special tools and substantial strength to use properly. Tackling this project yourself might seem like a good way to save some money, but the wiser decision is to trust someone like Garage Door Doctor to get the job done right and in a timely manner. Garage doors are what we do!

Contact Garage Door Doctor in Indianapolis

With decades of combined experience, the experts at Garage Door Doctor can recommend, install, and repair any garage door in the Indianapolis area. We hope that this handy checklist has helped you narrow your focus in regards to choosing a garage door for your home. The next step is to contact us, let us come out to your home for a free estimate, and get started on installing your new, perfectly suited garage door! Contact us today! We look forward to working for you.

Keeping Your Garage Safe in Indianapolis

Written by jsanford on January 15, 2020. Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis, Garage Doors Indianapolis.

Garage Door Security 101

Even the most modern garage doors can be vulnerable to evildoers seeking to do your family harm. Garage Door Doctor would like to impart to you some practical wisdom to keep your home and garage safe, secure, and out of harm’s way! You’ll be thanking yourself for taking these precautionary measures. Don’t let garage security be something you wish you’d have done! With that said, here are our best recommendations for keeping your garage locked up tight.

Keep Your Garage Locked Up Tight

Hold it right there, we just said that twice! That’s right, because it’s that important. If you have an old garage door that you need to manually open and close (first of all, hello from the future! We have automatic doors now!) it goes without saying that you need to lock it up when not in use. That being said, however, even modern garage doors are not immune to being opened by someone with ill intent. If you plan on going out of town for an extended period of time, it may not be a terrible idea to place a padlock on the inside of your garage door that would inhibit it from opening. Even if your garage door sustains damage from someone trying and failing to pry it open, that will be a favorable alternative to someone making off with all of your tools.

Assess Your Garage for Burglary Potential

Something handy that you can do is to take a few moments and take on the role of burglar. Look at your garage and think about how somebody could try to break in or take advantage of a weak spot. If you could think of a way in, rest assured that someone who makes a living out of theft can think of it too. You might just see a crack in the armor if you take a moment to assess your property.

Do Not Leave Garage Doors Open Unattended

Imagine removing an entire wall of your home, free for anyone walking or driving by to see all of the things you’ve stored away, and just letting it sit there for hours, unattended? That is essentially what you’re doing if you leave your garage door open unnecessarily. We’re sure you’ve seen this before around Indianapolis — someone was taking the groceries in and forgot to close the garage door, or somebody was working in the garage, then ran out to get something that should only take “a minute or two.” You would be surprised how easy it would be for a passersby to casually walk up to an open, unattended garage, and pick and choose from your belongings like it’s a buffet. Always be aware of the state of your garage door!

Update Your Old Garage Door Opener

More recent models of garage door openers are difficult to take advantage of, but older models can be vulnerable to tampering. If you’ve had the same garage door opener for years, have never changed the code, or aren’t even sure how it works, you need to call your friends here at Garage Door Doctor. We can determine the safety value of your garage door opener, and recommend a replacement if we think it is necessary. There are several smart garage door openers available today that let you remotely control your garage doors, making it easy to check the status of your garage from your smartphone! Now that is handy.

Pro Tip: Consider using a garage door opener that attaches to your key-chain. Leaving a garage door opener in your car is just about as safe as leaving the keys to your house on the front porch.

Invest in Appropriate Exterior Lighting

Having exterior lighting around your garage can be an incredibly simple deterrent for potential thieves. Motion-activated lights behave like little sentries that you can set around your home, making your house a less-likely target for exploitation. You’ll want to install these lights high enough that a burglar couldn’t simply walk up and unscrew them, defeating their purpose.

Replace Damaged Garage Doors

If you’ve been living with a damaged garage door, then you really need to give us a call! Garage Door Doctor has been serving the Indianapolis area for years, and we love taking care of our neighbors. Having a damaged garage door only puts you at risk for a burglar having a free-for-all in your garage. If you notice any gaps or openings around your garage door, contact us today, and we’ll come out to your home for a free inspection and estimate on getting you fixed up with a new garage door.

Be Careful of What You Store in Your Garage

We know, it’s incredibly tempting to store things willy-nilly in the garage for the mere convenience of it. However, if you’re storing something very valuable in the garage, even if you leave valuable items inside of unlocked cars, they become prime targets for break-ins. If you have something particularly valuable, try to consider a better place to store it than in the garage.

Help Your Neighbors By Being a Good Neighbor

Can we agree that we’re all in this together? If you notice anything suspicious about a neighbor’s garage, live up to the high expectations set by the great people of Indianapolis and communicate with them! When a garage door has been open for hours on end, with nobody in sight, give your neighbor a call or go knock on their door and make sure everything is okay. You would hope that your neighbors would do the same for you, right? Of course, if something seems fishy or dangerous, don’t put yourself at risk, but use discretion, and be a good neighbor. That’s what we’re all about at Garage Door Doctor.

Call Us For a Free Inspection!

If you need a new garage door or just want to make sure that your current garage set-up is optimized for safety, give us a call and we’ll come out for a free inspection. We love serving Indiana with superior garage door repair, maintenance, and replacement. We look forward to hearing from you, and stay safe out there neighbors!

6 of the Most Common Garage Door Repairs

Written by jsanford on January 8, 2020. Posted in Garage Door Repair Indianapolis, Garage Door Services Indianapolis, Garage Doors Indianapolis.

Garage Troubles Getting You Down In Indianapolis?

If you’re reading this, we’re betting that you’re in the middle of dealing with a garage door that is misbehaving. When this happens, it’s a literal roadblock in your day. Luckily, Garage Door Doctor is here to provide residents and commercial businesses with the absolute best, friendliest, and high quality garage door repair services in Indianapolis. We’d like to provide you with a rundown of some of the most common repairs that we encounter around our great city, so that you know that you’re not alone in your garage troubles and that there is a fast solution — Garage Door Doctor! Contact us if you’re experiencing trouble with any of these situations.

Garage Door Opener Failure

This one can really get your goat. You’ve pulled up to the house, you’ve got a van or car full of kids, you hit the garage door opener and… nothing. You push it again. Still nothing. You now have an expensive bendy wall between you and getting your family inside after a long, busy day. You may even notice the door making a valiant attempt at rising, only to limply fall back into place, exhausted. In most cases, this is a mechanical failure of the garage door opener. The fix for this could be as simple as adding lubrication to reduce friction; however, the problem may go deeper, in which case, it’s time to call your friends over at Garage Door Doctor.

Garage Door Fails to Close

This one is fun if you want your home to look like a nutty person lives there, with a garage door askew, open just enough to admit neighborhood cats or raccoons so they can shelter in your garage. In some cases, it may not even want to close at all, leading your neighbors to believe you’ve decided to throw an impromptu garage sale. This could be caused by several factors. Sometimes, the safety sensor is being tripped inadvertently, which will make the garage door refuse to close. Alternatively, the rollers could be jammed, or there could be another mechanical failure that a professional may have to diagnose — professionals like us at Garage Door Doctor! We know you love Indianapolis as much as we do, but you’d probably rather not have your garage door stuck open for all of the city to see. Give us a call if this is happening to you.

Remote Failure

In most cases, remote failure is due to a.) being too far away, or b.) the batteries are dead. If this is the case, we recommend the following strategic actions.

Move closer to the garage door.
Put new batteries in the garage door remote.

All joking aside, it is true that what mostly affects the performance of remotes are distance and power supply. However, this isn’t necessarily always the case. There could be a problem with the antenna that communicates between remote and opener, or your remote could have a malfunction that merits a replacement. If common sense solutions to remote malfunction have proven fruitless, then it’s time to involve your friends at Garage Door Doctor! We’re experts at determining the mysterious causes to remotes failing. We even usually have batteries with us, just in case.

Garage Door Automatically Reverses

Many modern garage doors have a built-in safety feature where they will automatically reverse if they encounter an obstruction, like a car, a lawnmower, or your cat. While this safety measure is appreciated and helps to reduce damage or injury to felines everywhere, it can begin happening for seemingly no reason whatsoever. If you cannot discern why your garage door is automatically reversing, it may be time to call in the specialists at Garage Door Doctor. We’re trained in all of the technical know-how that goes into testing your garage door’s auto-reverse safety function. It may be malfunctioning, or it may simply need to be recalibrated. If you’re tired of playing the fun game with your garage door where you try to get it to stay closed, give us a call, and we’ll help you out.

Continuously Running Motor

If you encounter a garage door motor that continues to run long after you’ve finished your business with the garage, it is very likely an electrical issue affecting your motor’s tiny little robot brain. The utmost care should be taken when dealing with electricity, so if you suspect an electrical malfunction, we highly recommend that you call us out to take a look at your garage. Our technicians are expertly trained to deal with electrical situations. The only thing that we want to be shocking is how fast, friendly, and knowledgeable we are! If your garage motor just can’t get enough of running on its own, let us know, we’ll take care of it. Your safety is our number one priority!

Sticky Door

As opposed to garage doors that stop, then reverse, a garage door that sticks and jams is most likely the result of a track misalignment. The rollers on your garage door could get stuck from debris, dust, or any other kind of built-up muck that finds its way into garage tracks. The solution could be as simple as cleaning out the tracks, or you may need to consider calling the Garage Door Doctors, and we’ll get it fixed up in a jiffy. Don’t let your car be rendered inaccessible! We’ll provide you with prompt service in the Indianapolis area and get everything running smoothly again.

Let the Garage Door Doctor Be Your Cure

We’re a family-owned business here in Indianapolis, and we love our customers. If your garage door is giving you a headache, let us be your remedy. Contact us today, and schedule a free consultation with one of our professional garage door repair technicians. We also specialize in garage door installation and replacement, not to mention 24/7 emergency garage door service. We look forward to meeting you, getting your garage back in order, and letting you be free to go about your day smoothly and without interruption.

What To Do When You Need Emergency Garage Door Repair

Written by jsanford on July 7, 2019. Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

Whether you rely heavily on your garage door system for gaining access to your home or use it to store your vehicles and other belongings — or both — when a problem occurs with your garage door system, what do you do? First things first, you need to assess the situation to determine if you are in need of emergency garage door repair.

What To Do When You Need Emergency Garage Door Repair

At Garage Door Doctor, we’re here to help homeowners in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas we offer 24/7 emergency garage door services for those situations that just cannot wait. We know that nothing is more convenient than a garage door that won’t open or close properly, and we’re always available to provide you with the prompt repairs you need in urgent situations. In today’s post, we’ll share some tips on what you should do when you are faced with a major garage door issue.

Determine the cause of the problem

If possible, without taking anything apart or putting risking your safety, determine the cause of the issue your garage door system is experiencing. Could it be a common garage door problem that is causing your system to not work properly? Usually, the majority of issues homeowners have with their garage doors and openers have some symptoms and warning signs. Therefore, you usually can tell if the issue is a quick fix or something that will require emergency garage door repair. Keep in mind some fixes, while they may not require assistance from a garage door contractor, should not be done on your own if you do not know what you are doing.

Usually, fixing a problem on your own can be as easy as changing the batteries for your garage door opener. If the door fails to open, check the batteries first. If you notice a grinding noise too, the problem could be anything from a loose bolt or a warped chain, or a misaligned garage door track.

Diagnose the Issue

It can be frustrating when your garage door system is not working the way it should be, however, try to remain calm and diagnose the problem. If the issue requires repair that is beyond your knowledge or expertise, you’ll want to contact a garage door company to help with diagnosing the problem and providing the necessary repairs. Never attempt complex repairs on your own, as it can lead to injury or further damage and complications to your garage door system.

When To Call For Emergency Garage Door Repairs

Having a fully functional garage door is essential — a garage door that won’t open can be problematic, especially if your vehicle is stuck inside and you have places to be. However, a bigger issue is if your garage door is stuck open and will not shut. Not only does this compromise the security of your home, but it can also lead to wasted energy during the frigid winters or sweltering summers.

Once you have established that there is a problem with your garage door that requires emergency garage door repair, you need to contact a garage door company that offers immediate, 24-hour repairs. A professional garage door contractor will not only be able to quickly resolve the issue, but they can potentially help you avoid any trouble down the road, as they are able to spot minor issues that can form into major problems.

When the time comes for emergency garage door repairs, you can always rely on the team at Garage Door Doctor. We provide prompt, reliable service to get your garage door running the way it should. To learn more about emergency garage door services, contact us!

Signs You Need To Opt For Garage Door Replacement Service

Written by jsanford on June 3, 2019. Posted in Garage Door Installation, Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

Your garage door is likely to experience some issues and require professional repair from time to time. Luckily, professional garage door repair services are available to get your door back up and running. However, if you have had to dish out money for frequent garage door repairs over the last couple of years, you may want to just opt for new garage door installation.

The overall cost of a new garage door will seem minimal when compared to the repeated costs of expensive garage door repairs. In this blog, we are going to share some of the obvious signs that it is time to replace your residential garage door with a new one.

Repeated Garage Door Repairs and Persistent Noise

If your current garage door or garage door opener experience frequent breakdowns, it might be time to upgrade to a more modern garage door model. Rather than spending your money on garage door repair service calls, labor, and parts, that money can be put towards a new garage door installation. Another sign that your garage door needs replacement is if it is making more noise that it used to when opening or closing. Many of the leading garage doors today operate almost silently, so you will never have to deal with a noisy door again!

Out-Of-Date Design

Nothing can make your property look unattractive and unappealing quite like an antiquated garage door. And because of their usually large size, unsightly garage doors are hard to miss. Your garage door takes up at least 40 percent of the facade of the house, so a new garage door can have a significant impact on the curb appeal of your home. A new, modernly-designed garage door will not only be more visually appealing than an old garage door, but it will also help increase the value of your property.

Lack Of Safety and Efficiency Features

Compared to modern garage doors, older garage doors, particularly ones that require frequent repairs, do not operate as safely or efficiently. A garage door opener that is faulty or out-dated can be a significant safety threat to you and your family, and will not provide you with the security measures that you need for your garage. Installing a newer, more modern garage door and opener means that you will have a much more attractive residential garage door, as well as access to innovative safety features and energy-efficient insulation. Modern garage doors have newer, more efficient methods of insulation to ensure that air from your home’s heating or cooling system won’t escape, and your energy bills will be lower.

Your Garage Has a New Function

Garages can be used for something other than vehicle storage you know. If you have recently remodeled your garage and it now serves a different purpose other than a space to store your vehicles, it may be worth it to upgrade your garage door. Modern garage doors are available in a variety of styles and designs. If your garage is now a gym, office space, or a game room, you can find a new garage door can reflect that.

Do You Need Garage Door Replacement?

If you are in need of garage door replacement in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, you can rely on the team at Garage Door Doctor! We have a variety of residential garage doors and garage door openers to choose from, and our team of experienced garage door contractors will handle the entire process, from the removal of your old garage door to the installation of your new one! To receive an estimate for our garage door replacement service, contact us today!

Essential Questions To Consider Before Garage Door Installation

Written by jsanford on May 10, 2019. Posted in Garage Door Installation, Garage Door Services Indianapolis.

Whether you are building a new home or garage and are installing your first garage door or you are having your old and worn garage door replaced, garage door installation requires a lot of thought and consideration.

Before having a new garage door installed, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:

Did I Choose The Right Garage Door Installation Company?

Choosing a reputable, trustworthy company to install your garage door is, without a doubt, the most important part of the process. Before hiring a garage door contractor, be sure to do your research and read online reviews to get an idea of what kind of experiences other people have had with some of the local garage door companies in your area.

What Is The Best Garage Door Material For My Home?

There are a variety of garage door materials to choose from, all of them serving different purposes. The most commonly used garage door materials include steel, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood. Before choosing a material, first consider factors for each such as affordability and durability — this will make it easier to narrow down the choices and eventually choose the material that is the best fit for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

What Garage Door Style Should I Choose?

Just like materials, there are a variety of garage door styles to choose from, and selecting the right one can make all the difference to not only your garage but your home and it’s curb appeal as well. There are many different garage door styles, some that are designed to enhance your home’s curb appeal, create a focal point, or add the perfect finishing touch. Some of the most popular garage door styles include:

Raised Panel – This offers a classy, elegant look, typically featuring a pattern of raised square or rectangular panels. Windows are often added to the door as a simple decorative feature.
Recessed Panel – Closely resembling raised panel garage doors, recessed panel doors are classic and strikingly stylish, but instead of the panels being elevated, they are sunken for a contemporary flair.
Carriage House Overlay – Highly traditional in its design and beautiful in its appearance, an overlay carriage garage door will add character and warmth to the exterior of your home.
Carriage House Stamped – Adding classical charm to the exterior of your home, this style of garage door has the conventional carriage design stamped into the surface of the door.
Flush Panel – Flush panel garage doors are sleek and modern, often featuring clean lines and simple designs that create an effortless exterior appearance.
Accent Planks – Elegant and eye-catching, accent plank style garage doors are a true asset to modern and traditional properties thanks to its beautiful wood-tone accenting.

If you want your garage door to have a more classic look, the classic carriage house style or the popular traditional raised-panel style door may be the best options to fit your needs. If you want your garage door to have more personality, you may want to choose a contemporary style or design the entire door to your liking with a custom style.

How Can My Garage Door Be Personalized?

Did you know that most garage door styles and materials can be customized to reflect your personality and match your home’s overall look and feel? When you work with the right garage door installation company, you will have the option to choose from different colors, finishes, and glazing options, or the choice to add windows to enhance the door’s appearance. Additionally, you can choose to embellish it with decorative hardware such as handles and hinges.

What Other Elements Can Be Added?

There are other elements for your garage door that you may want to consider. For example, insulation is one of the most important elements to look for when you are purchasing a new garage door. Many garage doors already come insulated, so it may be worth investing in a door with a higher R-value now so it is something you do not have to worry about in the future. Other elements to consider include the type of garage door opener you choose and any exterior design features to add.

What Warranties Are Available?

Most garage doors that are installed by a professional company will come with a warranty, or at least the option to purchase one. The contractors you work should be able to explain the available warranties, answering any questions you may have.

How Will I Keep My Garage Door Maintained?

Most garage doors follow a similar maintenance plan. Once installed, the garage door installation company should also offer routine maintenance services to make sure that everything is always in working order. Opting for routine garage door maintenance will help extend the life of your garage door while also preventing injuries and damages within your garage. The International Door Association suggests having your garage door system inspected by a professional garage door company at least once a year.

Asking yourself these questions before purchasing a new garage door will help ensure that you choose the right one for your home.

Need A Garage Door Installation Company In Indianapolis?

If you are in need of a new garage door, you can rely on the team at Garage Door Doctor to help you choose the best choice for your home. We have years of experiencing installing garage doors throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. To receive a hassle-free estimate, contact our professional garage door contractors!