El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Tag: garage door repair

  • California Spanish Style Home

    From San Diego to Sacramento, there are various Spanish style homes which were built in the 1600s and 1800s. Most Spanish Homes are found in L.A. County from a beach side cottage in Malibu to a hillside mansion in Beverly Hills. Those who own a Spanish home love the personality which lies in the architecture. There’s definitely an earthy vibe from it’s vibrant yet neutral colors. Need us to help point out such style? Look for the low pitched brown roof tops, arched doorways, and a white painted exterior. On the inside? Wooden beams at the ceiling, gorgeous painted tiles on the floors, in the kitchen or in the bathroom, more arches, dark wood and terracotta tiles on the floor.

    Hacienda or Spanish Revival House

    A hacienda refers to a mansion style home. These types of properties are found in many areas of Northern California. Being that some of the older cottages were built over 100 years ago, the new revival wave of Spanish homes are built brand new and with plenty of space in mind. A Hacienda usually contains a large estate with courtyards and plenty of space indoors. Some of these types of homes are also commonly found in our own California neighborhood of Wine Country. The main reason being that there’s plenty of space for vineyards and wine making.

    Spanish Style Garage Space

    Many of the old style homes do not have an attached garage space. Some actually do not have a garage at all. This reflects on what was needed at the time. A garage was definitely not something many opted for in the 1800s. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the first attached garage began to appear and they were often located in the back of the house. Thus, if you’re in the market for purchasing a spanish style home, you might consider building a garage. Unless you’re purchasing a Hacienda or brand new Spanish revival home. The new properties have delicate details which match those of the home. Simply beautiful!

    Attached Garage or Stand Alone?

    Depending on your property, you can decide on whether you’d like an attached garage or stand alone. Detached garages are easier to add and you can add an overhead door. An attached garage also adds comfort as you can easily step into your house without facing rain or heat outside. What about when you need repairs? A detached garage is easier to deal with when it requires maintenance or repairs as it does not connect to your home directly. It really is up to you on what your needs and preferences are.

  • We Answered Your 3 Most Common Questions to Garage Door Opener Repair

    We rely on our garage doors every day. Most of the time, they work so well it’s easy to take the opener itself for granted for granted. It’s only when something goes wrong that we even think about garage door repair. And when it does, it’s extremely stressful — only because we rely on our doors so much. When a door gets stuck, refuses to open, or doesn’t close all the way, it feels like the end of the world.

    That’s when our customers call us — and boy do they have a lot of questions. We don’t mind. We’re happy to help. But we thought we take some time to answer some of your most common frequently asked questions about garage door opener repair so you can brush up online.

    Why Isn’t My Garage Door Opener Remote Working?

    Honestly? Nine times out of 10 it’s a battery issue. Replace the batteries, and it’s good to go. The repair was so simple that many people overlook it. In fact, we stock the trucks we send out for garage door emergency repair with batteries for this very reason.

    Another reason is you might be trying to open the door from too far away. Many doors don’t open well at a long distance range. You might also want to check the antenna on your garage door opener. Make sure it’s not bent, missing, or otherwise dysfunctional.

    My Wall Switch Won’t Work! What Gives?

    Again, this is often an electrical issue. Many times, it’s as simple as a flipped fuse or an unplugged opener. Check both. It could be a more complicated wiring problem, which may require an electrician. Before you call a professional for garage door repair, check to see if the opener is in a locked position. The lock on an opener can either be engaged with a separate button or by holding down on the remote button for an extended period. It’s an often overlooked feature, but pretty handy for going on vacation.

    My Opener Still Doesn’t Work! Help!

    Not exactly a question, but we’ll still try to address this issue nonetheless. There are many reasons why your garage door won’t open. Let’s break down a few of the most common.

    It could be a blocked power source, disconnected wires. It may be the sensitivity levels in your opener are not set appropriately. It could be that the gears in the motor of your opener are stripped. In this case, your motor will need replaced.

    If your stuck, or more exactly your garage door is stuck and you’re not sure what to do, call us! We offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair to the El Dorado Hills area. We’ll come fix it at 6 in the morning — even on Christmas! Relax. We’ve got your back.

  • How to Speed Up a Slow Opening Garage Door

    Garage doors open so smoothly they feel as light as a feather. It’s easy to forget this is a highly complicated mechanical device that weighs hundreds of pounds. And considering most families uses their garages 3 or 4 times per day, that’s easily 1,000 times over the course of a year. After a few years, the garage door will start to wear out. You can expect your overhead door run to up to thirty years, though it will run slower than usual, perhaps noisier than it once did. The good news is there is plenty of preventative maintenance and repairs you can do to your garage door that will have it running smoother and even extend its lifespan. Here’s how to speed up a slow-moving garage door for better performing longevity overtime.

    How Long Should Your Garage Door Take to Open and Close?

    Most residential garage doors should open and close anywhere from 12 to 15 seconds. And that’s a full cycle. Take a stopwatch and time your door. If a full cycle takes longer than 20 seconds, there are likely maintenance issues slowing it down. In many cases, these are minor problems that can be addressed by regular preventative maintenance. If your garage door is becoming slower overtime, it can signal a larger issue, as well. 

    Repairs to Speed Up a Garage Door

    Most slow garage doors are due to lubrication. If your garage door isn’t well oiled, it has to work overtime. This not only slows down your door, it puts undue strain on your garage door parts and components. Your garage door won’t last as long.

    Lubricate all tracks, hinges, and brackets with an approved garage door lubricant. Don’t use WD40 — which can cause the parts of your garage door to prematurely rust. It’s also a good idea to oil pulleys, cables, and springs. Be sure to do this every few months so your overhead door run as smooth as it possibly can. Pay attention to your tracks. Are they dirty and filled with grime? Are they broken or bent? A dirty or broken track can slow the door, and could even force the door off track. Clean your tracks regularly and have a garage door repair company fix your tracks. 

    It’s worth checking the balance of your garage door. Disconnect the opener and open the door halfway. Does it bend to one side? Chances are your door is out of balance. This can slow the functioning of your door. It also puts extra strain on certain parts of your garage door.

    After the balance is checked and the issue persists, take a look at your springs. You should do this regularly, regardless of issues. If your springs are broken or riddled with rust, they’ll need to be replaced as soon as possible. In terms of speeding up your door, it’s entirely possible that a damaged spring is responsible. Garage door spring repair should only be handled by experts as the spring could snap, hurting you. On a similar note, a speedy garage door can be the result of springs that are loose. Have an expert tighten them down. It’s important that your door operates at a moderate level. Both fast and slow are dangerous. 

    If all else fails, it might be time to inspect your garage door opener. When was the last time you replaced your opener? The average opener will last up to 15 years, half the time the average door lasts, meaning it’s possible that it’s time for a replacement. A new overhead door opener will come with faster horsepower and highly advanced technological features that will improve quality of life. 

    Still Have a Problem? Call Us!

    If you still have a slow garage door, give us a call. We offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair to the El Dorado Hills area. We’d be happy to diagnose the problem and help you have a smooth and fast operating garage door.

  • 5 Rules to Follow to Avoid Expensive Garage Door Repairs

    Garage doors are amazing modern contraptions of convenience. When they work, we hardly think about them. One press of a button and the safety and the security of the garage opens before our very eyes. It’s one less thing we have to worry about as we leave for work and when we come home. It’s a luxury that’s easy to take for granted.

    But garage doors can be surprisingly easy to damage if we’re not careful. And many garage door repairs can be very expensive. Follow these 5 rules to avoid expensive garage door repairs.

    Keep Up on Regular Repair

    So many people never think about their garage doors until there’s a problem. This is a mistake. Regular repairs and maintenance help your garage door run more smoothly and they extend the lifetime of your garage door. Regularly oil all the moving components of your garage door with an approved garage door lubricant. Tighten down any loose bolts every few months to keep rattle to a minimum.

    Keep the Garage Door Clear

    Misplaced objects, say a rake or a broom, can easily jam a garage door. In most cases, the object is so small you hardly notice it. Sometimes the obstruction can be as small as a pebble or a stick. But when something gets lodged in the track with the full force and weight of the garage door, it can be difficult to pull out. Sometimes removing the object may even require the services of a garage door professional.

    There are garage door problems that can wait, such as if your door doesn’t open or close all the way. And then there are garage door emergencies, say if your door completely jams and won’t move one way or the other. This is when you need to stop and call us. Forcing the door could cause serious and expensive damage to your door and tracks. It can also result in serious injury.

    Look for Worn Out Rollers

    Like everything else in life, rollers wear out overtime. They can chip, crack, fall off the door. It’s a good idea to inspect them occasionally so you can spot worn rollers before they break. If a roller breaks, your garage door might not open, which means you have a garage door emergency. Worn out rollers are one of the many things we look for in our professional garage door inspections. It’s worth examining your rollers every few months.

    Inspect Garage Door Springs

    Garage door springs will also wear out. Each spring has a lifecycle, meaning the number of times a garage door is opened and closed. Most springs will last between 5 to 7 years, depending on how often you use your door. Take a close look at the springs. Look for signs of rust, looseness or slack. If there’s any concern, contact a garage door professional right away for a more thorough inspection.

    Be Proactive with Garage Door Repairs

    The bottom line is its important to take a proactive approach to garage door repairs, especially if you have an older door. Don’t let break downs catch you by surprise. Have a pro inspect your garage door for any issues you might be overlooking. Your door will run smoother, quieter, and lasts a long time.

  • Thinking About a Pet Door in Your Garage? Why That Could Be a Nightmare

    The worst ideas in the world start as good intentions. This is certainly true with pet doors installed in a garage. You want your beloved pet to roam freely, be able to experience the outside and the shelter of the garage at the same time. But there are other threats you probably haven’t considered.

    Risk to Pets

    The comfort that a pet door provides can unfortunately lead to dangerous complacency for your pets. Animals that grow accustomed to frequenting the garage might not perceive the garage door as a threat, leading to a reduced sense of urgency to avoid it while it’s in motion. This oversight can result in serious accidents. As an example, if the garage door is triggered to close while a pet is entering or exiting, the safety sensors (photo-eyes) that are designed to detect large obstructions might not recognize a smaller pet in their path. This can lead to tragic consequences, as these sensors are calibrated more to prevent human injuries and might overlook smaller animals. Moreover, the noise and movement of the door could startle pets, leading to erratic behavior that might increase the risk of injury.

    Security Risk

    Security is another critical concern when it comes to installing pet doors in garages. While it may seem improbable that an intruder could enter through a small flap intended for pets, determined burglars often find creative ways to exploit any vulnerability. Even if an intruder can’t fit through the pet door, the opening can still provide access to internal mechanisms or enable the manipulation of locks from the inside. In some cases, burglars use tools to reach through pet doors to unlock doors or windows, significantly compromising your home’s security. This makes the pet door not just a minor risk but a potential major security loophole.

    Health and Environmental Hazards 

    Additionally, pet doors in garages can expose your home to various external elements. Pests such as rodents, insects, and other small animals can find their way through pet doors, leading to potential infestations. Environmental factors like dust, pollen, and even cold drafts can also enter through these openings, which may affect indoor air quality and temperature regulation in your home.Given these extensive risks, the installation of a pet door in a garage demands careful consideration. Alternatives such as installing pet doors in back doors that lead to enclosed yards, or using solutions like microchipped pet doors that only open for your pet, might mitigate these risks. Such measures ensure that your pet enjoys freedom and exercise without compromising their safety or the security of your home.

  • Noisy Garage Door? 6 Steps to Quiet It Down

    Have a noisy garage door? That can be so annoying. And it’s not like it’s making you any friends in the neighborhood. A noisy garage door could be a sign you need a completely new door. Some doors get old, rusty and just need replaced with a new garage door installation. But most likely the door can be repaired to quiet it down. Preventative maintenance goes a long way. It’s amazing what you can do with a can of oil and a lug wrench. Most of these repairs are DIY. Here are 6 things you can do to quiet down your noisy garage door with easy garage door repair.

    Tighten Any Loose Parts

    The first thing you should do is take a lug wrench and tighten down any loose parts that might be rattling on your garage door. You’ll want to tighten any hinges, bolts, etc. You should also tighten the opener chain according to the instructions in your garage door manual.

    Lubricate the Door

    Next, take a garage door lubricant to all the moving parts of your garage door — including the rollers, along the track, the chain and the springs. Use a paint brush to get in all the cracks and be sure to use a paper towel or cloth to catch the drips. Avoid using WD-40 however. This can cause your door to prematurely rust. Only oil your garage door with an approved garage door lubricant available at most hardware stores.

    Test the Door Balance

    Disconnect the garage door from the opener. Open the door up halfway and allow it to hang in midair. Does it lean to one side or another? If so, your door is off balance. This can put excess drag on that side of the garage door, which contributes to the noise. Contact a garage door repair professional to balance the door properly.

    Check the Type of Garage Door Opener You Have

    The type of garage door opener you have can be a big factor in how noisy it operates. Chain driven openers are inexpensive but very noisy. Consider installing a new garage door opener that is either belt driven or direct drive. These types of openers may cost more but the peace and quiet is worth it.

    Inspect Your Springs

    Older rusty springs can make an irritating sound on your garage door. You should have the springs inspected and replace if needed. Always have your garage door springs replaced by a professional. They are under an incredible amount of tension and can cause serious bodily injury if they suddenly snap.

    Call a Professional

    If your door is still too noisy, call a garage door professional for an assessment. He or she may be able to suggest other affordable solutions to help dampen the sound such as anti-vibration pads or nylon rollers. It’s also possible it’s just time for a new door. Garage doors aren’t designed to last forever. You should consider installing a new garage door every 15 to 25 years.

  • Sticky Garage Door? How to Fix It

    Did your garage door suddenly become hard to move? Is it stuck in a mid-open position? We understand the concern. You might think this is an expensive repair. The good news is that’s not likely the case. It’s actually quite fixable. Most likely, the problem is your garage door track — an overlooked garage door part that’s critical to your garage door functioning smoothly.

    Understanding the Tracks to Your Garage Door

    The garage door tracks provide an avenue for your door’s rollers to ride upon as the door goes up and down. It’s probably the most crucial part of your garage door but also the most overlooked. The problem most homeowners run into is that dirt and grime accumulate on the tracks. Much like branches, rocks, and debris on a train track, this dirt can get in the way of your garage door functioning smoothly. This can cause the rollers of your door to stick.

    Rollers also wear down overtime — which could be the other cause of the problem. Rollers also tend to wear out quicker if the tracks are dirty.

    When dirt is the cause, the solution is simple — the tracks must be cleaned out. You should also inspect the garage door rollers. If they are worn out, they’ll need to be replaced. In this case, call a professional garage door service. We provide 24/7 emergency garage door repair to the El Dorado Hills area.

    In a Jam? What to Do

    Garage door tracks occasionally bend or misalign. This is especially true if you drive too close to the side of the garage door and hit them. Just the slightest bump can pinch the track and cause a problem.

    Usually, a pinched track can be fixed with the right tools. You may even be able to DIY this repair. If not, call us. We’d be happy to help.

    In severe cases of damage or a track that is not cooperative and beyond repair, the track itself needs replaced. This can be a bit more costly but not nearly as expensive as the cost of a new door.

    Either way, it’s a problem you’ll want to address immediately. Do not attempt to use the door in the meantime. You can cause serious damage to either the door or the tracks. You rely on your door for convenience or security. Give us a call. We’ll have it functioning in a flash! Let’s get your life back on track.

  • How Often Should I Replace My Garage Door Chain?

    This is probably the most common question we get when it comes to garage door opener repair. The answer really comes down to two things: the type of garage door opener you have and how often you use the garage door opener. Chain driven garage door openers are louder, but they last a while longer. Belt driven garage door openers are quieter but tend to wear out quickly. Screw driven garage door openers are the worst of both worlds — they tend to be loud, wear out quickly and require high maintenance and repair needs.

    How often is your garage door open or closed?

    Opening and closing a door puts wear and tear on a chain. So if you never open your garage door, the chain can last much longer than 15 years. Most people open their door 2 to 3 times per day. If you open it say 5 or 6, you should expect less than 15 years of use on the chain — more like 10 to 12 years.

    How often do you preventative maintenance on the garage door?

    Maintenance, likewise, can affect how long a garage door chain lasts. Garage door chains need lubricated regularly. Otherwise the parts will wear down. A well lubricated chain runs quieter and smoother because there is less stress on the chain.

    What quality of opener and chain do you own?

    The quality of your opener is another determining factor. LiftMasters are a little pricey, but they’re great door openers — so there’s less stress on your chain. It will last longer.

    What kind of installation did you have done?

    Do you have an older garage door opener? How well was it installed? Did you install the garage door opener DIY or hire a professional? This will also affect the lifespan of your garage door chain.

    Do you live in a housing complex? To save money, contractors sometimes put in shoddy openers or cheap chains. They know the house sale will be over and done with before it breaks, so why bother? In this case, you can bet the chain will wear out much more quickly than it should.

    What Type of Chain Should You Get?

    If you are replacing the chain, consider carefully which type of chain you should choose. You don’t have to go with the status quo. It may be worth getting an upgrade.

    A chain drive is the cheapest. This is a metal chain that’s inexpensive but also noisy. Belt drives use a rubber belt instead of a chain. These are a little more expensive, don’t last as long but are extremely quiet. There are also fewer moving parts, so belt drives require less maintenance. With a screw driven garage door opener, a threaded steel rod is used to move the trolley, lifting and lowering as the rod rotates. It’s a quieter solution that’s also low maintenance.

  • 4 Tricks to Protect Your Garage & Save on Repair Costs

    Broken garage doors are no fun. Sometimes the repair is easy and doesn’t cost much — you may even be able to do it yourself. Other times the issue is more expensive and you’ll need to hire a professional door repair service. Considering how many times you use a garage door — 3 times a day on average, over 1,000 times a year, it’s going to break down eventually. But there are things you can do — regular maintenance, inspection, and best practices that will help keep repairs at a minimum so you can save on costs.

    Perform Scheduled Maintenance

    There are a few simple DIY repairs you should be doing to your garage door on a regular basis. This includes tightening up any loose bolts and oiling the chain and all movable parts. But don’t use WD40 — this can cause your door to prematurely rust. Use an approved garage door lubricant. Apply it on with a brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. Wipe up any excess oil with a towel to avoid stains. You can also check to see if the door is properly balanced, as well as if there’s anything wrong with your garage door springs – though don’t repair those yourself. Also take note of any components that happen to have rust, they’ll need to be replaced sooner rather than later. If you don’t feel comfortable performing these repairs, hire a repair company for annual inspections. 

    Keep Your Door Track Clear

    You’d be surprised how many calls we get on mishaps caused by something getting caught in a track — say the handle or a broom or a hockey stick. Even beyond that, dust, grime, pebbles, and other obstructions can get lodged in. It’s easy for a garage to get out of hand. Make sure to keep all storage items away from the door and spend time ensuring the area is clean It’s too easy for things to get caught and cause serious damage. In fact, that’s one of the most common reasons we’ve had to replace a garage door track. 

    Inspect Your Rollers

    As you use your garage door, your rollers will eventually wear out. You might not even realize that your rollers are damaged until you need to conduct a repair, like a garage door going off track. If a roller breaks, your garage door probably won’t open or will give you serious issues that you can’t ignore. It’s as simple as that. Fortunately, you can usually see a bad roller starting to break down if you know what to look for. Carefully inspect your rollers from time to time and look for any brittleness or cracking. If something concerns you, call a professional to have it replaced. If you try to fix your rollers while your door is off track or not closing, you could potentially damage the door even further. 

    Don’t Put Off Repairs

    Garage door repairs are like teeth problems — the longer you put them off, the more expensive they’ll get. Call a professional for a closer inspection. Some issues — like a garage door off track — can cause expensive damage if you don’t fix them  quickly. Not to mention how prolonging garage door repairs can pose a significant security or safety risk. It would be unfortunate for your door to slam on your cas you’re backing out, or for your door to be stuck open, inviting nefarious individuals to invade your home. Be pragmatic and get your repairs done as soon as possible.

  • 4 Reasons You May Need New Garge Door Weatherstripping

    Most people are barely aware there’s weatherstripping on the bottom of their garage door at all. It’s one of the most overlooked components of the entire door. Typically, it’s not until rain and leaves from flood debris start pouring into their garage that they decide to inspect it. Weatherstripping runs along the bottom of the door and acts as a barrier. It wears out overtime and occasionally needs replaced. Take a close look. You may be overdue. Here are 4 signs it’s time to replace your weatherstripping.

    There’s a Draft in Your Garage

    A draft may exist in your garage because your door isn’t well insulated. But if there’s a change in the draft, that’s a sign of weak weatherstripping. Hold your hand at the bottom of the door during a windy day. Do you feel a breeze? It may be time for new weatherstripping.

    You Regularly Find Water, Dirt, Debris in Garage After a Storm

    After it rains, is there a lot of water, dirt and other debris on the inside of your garage? That’s probably because the weatherstripping is too worn out to do its job. As the name implies, forming a barricade against weather is the whole point of weatherstripping. If there are cracks, leaks or other openings, the water will pour in like a river — leaving debris in its path.

    Furry Neighbors Pay Your Garage a Visit

    Weatherstripping doesn’t just protect against the weather — it keeps little critters from sneaking in and making your garage their new home. Mice and rats can tunnel in those small openings — especially during those rainy El Dorado Hills winters. Hire yourself an exterminator — and replace your weatherstripping.

    Your Weatherstripping is Worn & Damaged

    You should give your weatherstripping a visual inspection from time to time. Are there broken pieces, worn out rubber, or entirely missing areas around the base of your garage? It’s time to for a replacement.

    Weatherstripping will wear out every few years, but far too many homeowners ignore it. The good news is this is a fairly simple DIY garage door repair. You can buy everything you need for this job at the local hardware store.