Tag: Garage Door Tips

What To Do When the Chain on a Garage Door Opener Comes Off

Written by jsanford on March 16, 2023. Posted in Garage Door. No Comments on What To Do When the Chain on a Garage Door Opener Comes Off

Most automatic garage door openers are chain driven. The chain is connected to two sprockets that work to drive the carriage or trolley so the door opens and closes. One sprocket is located at the motor and the other is at the end of the rail just next to the garage door itself. Garage door chains require a bit of slack in order for the motor to smoothly open and close the door. The issue is that the constant vibration that occurs whenever the motor runs can start to loosen the chain to where it starts to drag on the rail or disconnect entirely.

If the chain ever does come off, the opener won’t work and you’ll need to manually open and close the door. This is one reason why it’s always a good idea to have your garage door professionally maintained every year as the technician will always check and tighten the chain. Fixing a chain that has come loose may seem like a simple job; however, attempting to fix it yourself can be dangerous. One wrong move, and you can cause injury or even death. If the chain on your garage door comes off, a call to a repair technician is warranted. Of course, there is nothing wrong with being curious about how the technician will repair your garage door. Below are the steps the technician will take to reattach your garage door chain.

Disconnecting the Door From the Opener

The first thing the technician will do is disconnect the door from the opener. There will be a cord with a red handle hanging from the carriage, which is the part that moves the door along the trolley or rail.

If the chain comes off when the door is fully open, the technician will not worry much as the door will normally stay up even after he or she disconnects the carriage from the trolley. However, there is always a chance that the door can come slamming down upon disconnecting the chain. Technicians are aware of these risks, and they have the training and the tools to mitigate them.
After disconnecting the carriage, the technician will then need to close the door by hand so he or she can access the chain. To do this, the technician will pull down on the rope that is connected to the door.

Unplugging the Motor

Once the door is disconnected and closed, the technician will climb on a ladder to unplug the motor from the outlet. This is essential as the technician will not want the motor to suddenly come on while working as it can lead to injury or even death.

Putting the Chain Back on and Then Adjust for Tightness

Depending on how loose the chain is, the technician may simply be able to slip it straight back onto the sprockets. They will make sure that the chain is fully on the sprocket at the motor. Depending on the specific model, the technician may need to use a screwdriver to pry off the cover to access the sprocket.

The technician will then need to take a ladder and climb up to the end of the trolley next to the door. He or she will see a second sprocket at the end of the trolley. If the technician can’t get the chain to easily slide back on the sprocket, he or she will first need to loosen it to secure and retighten it.

The technician will see a bolt that goes through the carriage and attaches to the chain with two nuts threaded on one side of it. The nut that is closest to the opener is the locking nut, and the nut closest to the door is the tension or adjustment nut.

The technician will first need to slightly loosen the locking nut with pliers or a wrench and then loosen the adjustment nut until the chain sags enough that he or she can enable it to slip back onto the sprocket. Once the chain is back in place, the technician will then start to turn the adjustment nut in the opposite direction to tighten the chain. The technician has the experience to know that tightening the chain too much can cause it to break or the opener to not work correctly. He or she will test if the chain is too tight or too loose by pushing down on it with one finger. The chain should only give by about an inch. Any more give and the chain is still too loose, and any less give means it is too tight.

Once the chain is properly tightened, the technician will retighten the locking nut to ensure it stays in place. The technician knows that forgetting this step will cause the chain to quickly come loose and eventually fall off again.

Plugging the Motor in and Testing That Your Door Works Correctly

The last steps are to plug the opener motor back in and then test that everything works as it should. After plugging the opener in, the technician will reconnect the carriage to the trolley. This is done by pulling the red emergency cord back in the direction of the opener until the carriage clicks back in place. When the carriage re-engages, the technician will usually notice that the chain suddenly has a bit more slack. This is normal and the chain will tighten back up as soon as he or she opens the door.

Once everything is reconnected, the technician will test your garage door to ensure that it opens and closes smoothly. If the technician notices the chain slightly dragging on the rail when the door opens and closes, he or she will disconnect the carriage again and tighten the chain a bit more.

If the door opens and closes as it should and the chain doesn’t drag, then the technician’s job is done. If the motor doesn’t work for any reason or the chain immediately falls off again, then the garage door technician will inspect the opener further to determine what is causing this problem.

Depending on the specific cause, you may need to have the chain replaced, or you will potentially need to replace the opener. If the chain constantly falls off, it usually means that the teeth on the sprockets have worn down to the point where they can’t properly grip the chain. As such, you may need to have the sprocket, motor or both replaced.

If you need to have your garage door chain put back on or you need your garage door or opener serviced in any way, the expert team at Garage Door Doctor is always here to help. We specialize in all types of garage door repairs, and we can also help if you need a new door or opener installed. We service both residential and commercial clients, so give us a call today if you need any garage door service in Indianapolis, Carmel or the Bloomington areas.

What to Look for in a Credible Garage Door Company

Written by jsanford on January 20, 2023. Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis. No Comments on What to Look for in a Credible Garage Door Company

Before you lock in a contract with a garage door company, you’ll need to do some research to make sure you’re getting the proper treatment and the most high-quality service. There are some tips and tricks to determine what to look for in a credible garage door that we’ll be going over in this article. We’ll also cover how to avoid fraudulent garage door companies.

What kind of issues warrant a visit from a garage door company? There are some pretty obvious problems, such as your garage door not opening or closing correctly, your door opening slower than usual or unevenly, or your garage becoming noisier over time. You can also run into issues with your garage door remote and its connection to the actual door or even the pin pad on the inside of your garage.

Your garage is a safe space for your cars and excess storage. It’s crucial to maintain the effectiveness of your garage door so that you can get in and out quickly, keep your belongings protected, and prevent theft. One of the most common entry points for burglary is actually through the garage door because oftentimes homeowners forget to lock the door that leads inside. If your garage door is broken or half open, this leaves you more susceptible to theft. This is why it’s so important to get in touch with a credible garage door company ASAP!

5 Signs of a Credible Garage Door Company

The main determining factors that determine a garage door company is legitimate are: proof of certifications, positive online presence, price comparisons, guarantees/manufacturer warranties, and services offered. Taking these factors into consideration can help you decide which garage door company you should sign off with. Let’s break down these five essential factors to consider when researching garage door companies.

1. Proof of Certifications

When searching for a garage door company, see if you can find proof of their certifications and/or memberships. These act as credible verification of their quality of services. There are several certifications and associations that you can look out for when researching a contractor. The IDA (International Door Association) is a prime example of this.

The IDA is a prestigious organization for the door and access system industry. Credible garage door contractors join this group. Garage door companies that belong to the IDA are committed to responsible business practices. Members of the IDA follow the IDA Code of Business Conduct. They practice honesty and fairness in the industry. This is just one example of certification you can look out for when choosing a contractor.

2. Price Comparisons

We might not need to tell you this, but comparing quotes between companies for the same service can be a determining factor of a credible garage door company. By comparing quotes, you can get insight into the average cost of a particular service and see if any of these companies are overcharging to make an extra buck or under-charging to get away with quick and cheap service.

Consider these questions as you shop around for a garage door company:

Does this company ask discovery questions before coming up with a quote?
Does this company offer free quotes and allow you to compare quotes between products or services?
Do they explain the differences between products so that you’re making the most educated choice?

If you said yes to these, then you may have found a credible garage company to work with! After getting price quotes from the garage contractors you’ve called, you’ll be able to make a much more informed decision about who to go with.

3. Guarantees and Manufacturer Warranties

The most legitimate and trustworthy garage door companies stand behind their work. Making sure you’re working with a manufacturer-approved garage door contractor is a sign of credibility. You can also take advantage of a manufacturer’s warranty on any garage door or garage door part installations. To really know you’ve chosen a good garage door contractor, you’ll see that this company will go above and beyond their warranty with a customer satisfaction guarantee. Be sure you can tell the difference between a credible guarantee and an empty promise.

4. Positive Online Presence

A garage door company’s online presence can be very telling. This can range from a number of positive community reviews to how quickly they respond to questions on their social media accounts. The more involved a company is with its community, and the more responsive they are can show its transparency and credibility. Take some time to reach out to a company if you’re considering them for service and read through their customer reviews. The honest opinions of your community can give you a lot of insight into this garage door company’s quality.

Remember, a company doesn’t need to have 100% positive reviews to be credible. It should just be the overwhelming majority. A company with few reviews and only positive ones is probably not credible, and the reviews are most likely fake.

5. Services Offered

What kind of services does this garage door company offer? Do they offer emergency services should you not be able to open your garage door? Consider if this company pushes cheap prices over quality work- while everyone wants to save money, it quickly becomes a waste of money if you don’t receive high-quality work. See if this company provides services on the particular model of garage door you own. Not every garage door company is created equal, so make sure you’re working with a team that has more to offer.

How to Avoid Fraudulent Garage Door Companies

No one deserves to get scammed. When searching for a garage door company to work with, you want to separate the potentially fraudulent companies from the most legitimate ones. When you call the garage door company, there are things to make note of during the conversation. Here are some of the most common things to avoid when deciding on a credible garage door company.

Say No When They Don’t Have a Legit Location

A major clue that may reveal if they are a scam company is by asking for their address. If their address isn’t a place you can see on google maps, or the place they tell you doesn’t match their Google My Business profile, it’s probably a good idea to skip them. We’d also advise skipping on companies that operate out of what appears to be someone’s house. If you sense any lack of confidence in their answer, don’t bother continuing the conversation.

Additionally, take note of all their contact information and branding when researching a garage door company. Check to see if their website, business cards, email addresses, and phone numbers match, or if they lead to subcontractors or other shady results.

Avoid Payment Up Front

Does this company require you to pay up front? It’s not uncommon for scammers to ask for half of the cost they charge up front before completing a job. They intend to convince you it’s necessary by only asking for half up front- then taking your money and never showing up. A credible garage door company or any home services contractor will ask for payment after the job is completed to account for materials, labor, and so forth. This is different from receiving a quote up front. All companies can quote you based on the service, but they won’t charge you before the work is done.

Pass on Companies with Extremely Low Prices

We all want the best deal when it comes to any home service job. But choosing the company with the lowest prices is actually not a good idea. Companies that give you a rate far lower than their competitors have a tendency to provide lousy work or worse- have surprise fees added to your total after the job is done. The total for your service should never greatly exceed the agreed upon price. All fees should be laid out before you sign anything.

Know How to Identify the “Rebuilding Scam”

An honest garage door company will never push you to replace all the parts of your garage door when only one issue is present. The rebuild scam starts innocently enough, but then the technician will suggest that you replace every piece of your garage door. They’ll try to convince you, no matter how minor the problem is with the garage door, that you replace everything from the torsion springs, rollers, cables, bearing brackets, and even the motor. Then they try to sell the replacement parts at triple the price! These fees are usually buried somewhere in the contract in fine print so it’s easy to miss.

The thing to remember is that It’s very unlikely for every piece of your garage door to wear out all at once. Most garage door parts last from 10 to 15 years, so if this technician tries to convince you that you need a complete garage door makeover, you need a second opinion. Never let any garage door contractor upsell you into a complete replacement without doing your research first.

Choose Garage Door Doctor for Credible Garage Door Service!

If you’re looking for a credible garage door company in the Indianapolis, Lafayette, Columbus, or Fishers & Carmel area, look no further than Garage Door Doctor! We’ve been serving homeowners with reliable and legendary garage door service since 2009 and have no plans for slowing down! We offer 24/7 emergency service for those times when your garage door problems cannot wait. Customer service is our number one priority and the reviews speak for themselves! We’re a family owned and operated garage door contractor associated with the IDA and BBB accredited. We never upsell you on parts you don’t need or hide fees from you until the last second. We’re upfront with our customers and provide quality service every time.

Need a quote for garage door service? Get in touch with our team at Garage Door Doctor today!

How to Protect Your Garage Door From the Rain

Written by jsanford on November 18, 2022. Posted in Garage Doors Indianapolis. No Comments on How to Protect Your Garage Door From the Rain

As any homeowner knows, the garage door is one of the most important parts of the house. Not only does your garage door provide security and protection from the elements, but it also helps to keep your home energy efficient. However, garage doors are also susceptible to damage from rain. Water can cause rust and corrosion, and it can also lead to mold and mildew growth. In addition, rainwater can leak into the garage, damaging stored belongings and causing structural damage. Read to learn how you can protect your garage door from the rain.

1. Weather-stripping

Weather-stripping is a narrow strip of material that is installed around the edges of your garage door. It helps to seal the door and keep out moisture, wind, and pests. There are many different types of weather-stripping available on the market, but most commonly, you’ll see three types: foam, rubber, and vinyl.

Foam weather-stripping is the most common type of weather-stripping that is used in homes. It is made from a flexible foam that is filled with air pockets. This type of weather-stripping is easy to install and can be cut to fit any size opening. Vinyl weather-stripping is another popular option. It is made from a PVC material that is smooth and durable.

Vinyl weather-stripping can be used on both doors and windows and can be trimmed to fit any size opening. Rubber weather-stripping is the most heavy-duty option. It is made from a solid rubber material that is very thick and durable. Rubber weather-stripping is typically used on commercial doors and industrial applications. It can also be trimmed to fit any size of opening.

How to Install Weather-stripping

Weather-stripping is an inexpensive and easy way to boost your home’s energy efficiency, and it only takes a few minutes to install. If you’re not sure how to install weather-stripping on your garage door, it’s best to hire a professional. They will have the tools and experience necessary to do the job quickly and efficiently.

First, they will clean the surface of your door to remove any dirt or debris. Next, they will measure the door to ensure that the weather-stripping fits correctly. Once the stripping is in place, they will use a special adhesive to secure it. With professional installation, you can be sure that it will be done correctly and last for many years to come.

2. Test Your Garage Door’s Function

It’s always a good idea to test your garage door’s functionality before the bad weather hits. To do this, simply open and close the door a few times to make sure everything is working properly. You should also clean off any sensors that might be blocked by dirt or debris. If you notice anything that’s not working correctly, it’s best to call a professional for help. By taking these small steps, you can help protect your garage door from the damage that can be caused by severe weather.

3. Check the Quality of Your Garage Door

Garage doors are not indestructible, and they can be damaged by heavy rains. In order to keep your garage door in good condition, it is important to inspect it regularly for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks and holes in the door, and make sure that the bottom of the door is properly aligned. If you notice any problems, call a professional for repairs. By taking care of your garage door, you can help to extend its lifespan and protect your home from the elements.

4. Install a Trench

A trench drain is a type of drainage system that is used to channel water away from an area. Trench drains are often used in areas where there is a lot of rainfall or where there is a risk of flooding. Trench drains are installed underground, and they are lined with a material that is impervious to water. The trenches are then covered with a grating or a slotted cover so that water can enter the trench but debris will be trapped on top of the grate.

Why Do You Need a Trench Drain for Your Garage Door?

Your garage door is exposed to the elements every time you open it, and over time, this exposure can cause damage to your garage door. Water can seep into the cracks and crevices of your garage door and cause rusting and corrosion. In addition, if your garage door is made of wood, water exposure can cause the wood to rot. A trench drain will protect your garage door from water damage by channeling water away from the door.

Installing a Trench Drain

If you think a trench drain might be right for your home, the first step is to contact a professional contractor who specializes in drainage systems. They will be able to assess your property and recommend the best solution for your needs. Once you’ve decided on a type of system and location for your trench drain, the contractor will excavate a narrow trench along the perimeter of your property. The trench will be lined with gravel before the pipe network is installed; once everything is in place, the trench will be filled back in and covered with grass or concrete.

5. Clean Your Gutters

It’s no secret that gutters play a vital role in protecting your home from the elements. By diverting rainwater away from your foundation, gutters help to prevent water damage and keep your basement dry. But did you know that your gutters can also help to protect your garage door from the rain?

When gutters become clogged with leaves and debris, they can no longer effectively divert water away from your home. This can lead to rainwater spilling over the sides of the gutters and onto your garage door, where it can seep into cracks and cause corrosion. Not only does this ruin the look of your door, but it can also shorten its lifespan.

To prevent this from happening, it’s important to clean your gutters on a regular basis. You should also make sure that they are properly installed and angled so that water moves away from your garage door and towards a drainage area. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, you may also want to invest in gutter guards to keep leaves and other debris out of your gutters.

6. Check the Water Path From Your Garage Door

It’s important to check the water path from your garage door to the ground to ensure that rainwater will not pool around your garage door and cause damage. Inspect the area around your garage door for any cracks or holes in the concrete that could allow water to seep through. If you find any, repair them with caulk or sealant.

Contact Professionals Today!

If you’re in need of experienced and reliable garage door services, look no further than Garage Door Doctor. We offer a wide range of services, including garage door repair and replacement, spring repair and replacement, and garage door maintenance. We serve Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. Our technicians are highly experienced and always ready to serve you, so you can rest assured that your garage door is in good hands. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Fall Maintenance Tasks to Keep Your Garage Door Safe and Efficient

Written by jsanford on September 15, 2021. Posted in Garage Door Services Indianapolis. No Comments on Fall Maintenance Tasks to Keep Your Garage Door Safe and Efficient

Your garage door acts as a barrier between weather elements and the interior. In the colder months, it will be subject to moisture, rain, and fluctuating temperatures. Regular maintenance is essential to keep you and your home safe. Here are the top maintenance tasks to do in the fall.

Inspect Garage Door Mechanisms

You may start maintenance with an inspection of the door’s track mechanism. Inspect the tracks on either side of the door and ensure that there is no debris blocking its movement. You can test it by switching to manual mode. Try opening and closing the door. It should open smoothly without glitches.

Also, check that the photosensors are working. The photosensors are installed on either side of the door at no more than six inches above the ground. The safety device prevents the door from closing when there is an obstacle in between. You should ensure the sensor is secure on the side of the door.

You can check if the sensors are working by placing an object at its height. If you press the close button, the door should not close. If it does, it could be a safety hazard. In such instances, you can consult Garage Door Doctor, a top-rated service provider in Indianapolis.

Test the Garage Door Spring

Your garage door spring can continue to function efficiently for up to 10,000 cycles of closing and opening. During the summer months, the door can take a beating from all the activity in your home. Therefore, you should test the spring to ensure that it has not sustained any damage during this time.

You can start the evaluation by visually examining the condition of the spring. However, sometimes a faulty spring stretches instead of snapping. In either case, you may notice the door has an imbalance. The top half may appear to be out of alignment with the rest of the frame.

Another sign of a broken spring is when the motor is working and the door is not moving. You may also hear a sharp screeching sound as it struggles to open. It indicates that the spring is not moving with the motor, and therefore, it is faulty.

If the spring is faulty, using the opener may lead to further damage. At Garage Door Doctor, we recommend calling a technician immediately. Otherwise, the rails may bend, or gears may strip off from the opener’s mechanism.

The cables and pulley system should also be in good condition to support the weight. Look out for cords with worn-out or fraying strands. Consult a professional if you suspect an issue with the pulley mechanism. Such complications can lead to higher repair costs in the future.

Observe a Regular Cleaning and Lubrication Routine

By autumn, your garage door may have accumulated debris and dust. Before cleaning it, visually inspect the exterior of a metallic door for rusting. Wood is prone to warping because it is exposed to excess moisture. If the surface has rust or peeling paint, you should sand it and repaint it for maximum protection.

You can clean a wooden garage door with a dry cloth. For plastic, metal, or other synthetic surfaces, use a soft cloth and an appropriate cleaner.

When cleaning, make a point of lubricating every moving part. Friction on rollers and the tracks can cut down the lifespan of your garage opener. You can apply a high-quality lubricant twice a year to keep it efficient.

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 professionals recommend lubricating with silicone or lithium-based grease. Oil products like WD-40 are degreasers, which can increase friction. Use a grease spray for an accurate application. After lubricating parts, wipe up any spills to prevent staining the opener or the garage floor.

Inspect the Weather Stripping

In the winter, the garage door’s surface will be subject to extreme cold, snow, and ice. Therefore, the door must have adequate weather-stripping at the bottom. Replace the entire stripping if it has broken down.

For wooden openers, the weather-stripping is secured in place by a nail. Metal doors will have an aluminum stripping holding up a u-shaped rubber gasket. The rubber gasket is much easier to replace than other types of weather-stripping.

The door may also have vinyl and rubber on its sides to stop rain or wind. Vinyl can warp when exposed to moisture, rain, or snow. If old or worn out, replace it and ensure that the flange is firm against the door for a perfect seal.

Test Your Garage Door Balance

During your inspection, you should also be sure that the garage door is level. When the weight balances evenly across the springs and pulleys, it exerts less stress on the system. If you continue opening an unbalanced door, it will eventually cause the spring to break prematurely.

A visual examination can tell you if it is level. A slanting door indicates that the force is not being exerted equally on the springs. In such instances, you must call a garage door technician before the door breaks.

Another balancing test is to lift the door until it is halfway open. When you release it, it should remain in place. But if it slams shut, it means that the door is out of balance.

You may also notice that it takes longer than usual to shut or close the garage. Unbalanced doors are noisy, producing strange sounds when you open or close them. After lubricating moving parts, if it still makes noises, you may want to schedule repairs.

It is also worth noting that a professional should fix defective parts such as the spring. The internal components of the opener can be dangerous for an inexperienced person. Also, do not attempt to open the door if the spring breaks. According to statistics, more than 20,000 people sustain injuries annually from garage door accidents.

Organize Your Garage and Schedule Maintenance Service

Organizing your garage can help increase the lifespan of the door. In the cold season, ventilation is essential for preventing moisture accumulation that could cause water damage. Therefore, rearranging and clearing areas of your garage prevents rust and warping.

Your maintenance routine will depend on the type and number of layers on the door. A triple-layered door offers additional protection and is quieter than a single-layered one. However, the multiple layers make it heavier and more expensive.

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. The garage door is one of the heaviest items in your home. Ensuring that it is in working condition will prevent accidents and keep your home safe.

As a family-owned and -operated company, Garage Door Doctor has been offering unbeatable solutions since 2009 for commercial and residential garage door sales, service, and installation. We provide customized services to meet your home or business’s needs. Our team has a reputation for our honesty and professionalism. Call the Garage Door Doctor’s help desk today for an estimate of our services in Indianapolis.