Common Garage Door Problems

Our team of experts at A-All Style Garage Door has installed and repaired garage doors and openers for more than 30 years. No job is too small and no question too trivial. We’re here to help. Send us your question, and we’ll post it, along with our response. We hope that in sharing our garage door and opener expertise, you’ll understand why we’re the most trusted name in garage doors.

Contact us today and let us help solve your garage door and opener problems!

Why does the light blink on and off when I try to close the garage door?

These lights are linked to safety features in your garage door. If they are blocked or mis-aligned, the lights may blink, and the garage door will not close. First, verify that the “lock” button is set to “off.” Once it is off, press the button on the remote control. The door should close. If that doesn’t work, check the alignment of the safety reversing sensors.

If you have recently installed LED lights in your garage, they may also be the cause of the issue. Some low quality LED lightbulbs interfere with the signal from the remote control and may prevent the door from working.

Why does my remote open the garage door but not close it?

One of the most common issues with garage doors is the misalignment of the safety sensors. After the eyes have been lined up correctly again, your door should be able to close from the wall mount and remote.

The garage door remote is a handy device, and A-All Style Garage Door will help you get yours up and running again.

Why does my garage door make so much noise?

Garage doors will make a small amount of noise when in use. Screeching or grinding during operation is not normal, however, and should be fixed. Check the tracks for dirt and debris, and clean it away. You may also apply a light lubrication to the springs, rollers, hinges and bearings. Avoid lubricating the track to prevent damage.

If the problem persists, call the experts at A-All Style Garage Door. We are happy to lubricate your door and check for issues to make your garage door quieter.

Why does my garage door stop on the way up/down?

The travel and force settings work together to make your garage door go up and down. Travel is where the door stops in the up or down position, and force compensates for various circumstances by accommodating the change in resistance. Adjusting these settings should allow your garage door to operate correctly.

Contact the technicians at A-All Style Garage Door. We will check and change these settings for you, so your garage door will work again in no time.

Do I need to have springs?

Yes, you do. Springs work as a counterbalance to carry the weight of your door.  A residential garage door can weigh anywhere from 100 lbs to well over 600 lbs. A properly balanced door should open easily with one hand and should remain stationary if opened half-way (essentially weightless). Our trained professionals will calculate the correct size to get your garage door balanced optimally.

How do I know if I have a broken garage door spring?

 If you experience any of these issues, you probably have a broken spring:

  • The door goes up about 6 inches and stops
  • The door seems unusually heavy to lift manually
  • The top of your door appears to be bowing in as the opener attempts to raise it
  • The cables are slack/loose
  • You can see any separation or gaps in the spring itself
  • You heard a loud bang before the door stopped working

Are garage door springs dangerous? Can I replace garage door springs myself?

A loaded spring contains hazardous and potentially lethal force. Never attempt to adjust, repair, or replace any part of the spring system without proper training, tools, and a full understanding of the forces at work. When in doubt, don’t touch it. We are always happy to perform a tune-up, lube and safety check at your convenience.

Can someone figure out my garage door keypad PIN?

If you have forgotten the PIN to your garage door opener, you can reset it:

  • Press the “learn” button on the wall mount
  • Type in your four-digit PIN
  • Press “enter”

If this does not work, we are happy to resolve your keypad PIN issues for you.

How do I know if I need a new garage door and/or opener?

Before you get a new garage door, consider if it would be better to repair the problem. Repairs versus replacements are quicker and more affordable. It is best to replace the garage door if there is massive cosmetic damage, the garage door won’t work after many repairs or the door is older than 10 years.

For garage door openers, it may be time to purchase a new one if there are loud noises or if movement is slow during operation, the door won’t open, the technology is outdated or the opener has been consistently unreliable.

Should I lubricate my garage door?

Garage doors have many moving parts. Moving parts create friction, and this is usually the source of unwanted noises and hardware failure. We recommend lubricating all moving parts at least two times a year. Most hardware stores sell quality garage door lubricants in convenient spray cans. Do not grease the door tracks. In the simplest terms; If it moves, then lube it. If it doesn’t, then don’t. Are you just too busy to mess with this? No problem. We are always happy to perform a tune-up, lube and safety check at your convenience.

How much does a typical garage door weigh?

The weight of a garage door depends on its steel gauge, thickness, material and size. Typical weights range from 130 lbs to 400 lbs or more. We will work with you to find a garage door that is best for your home.

How long does a garage door opener last?

Your garage door opener should operate at its best for 10 to 15 years. Performing regular maintenance on your opener will help you get the most usage and few problems. We are happy to inspect and tune up your opener, so it lasts a long time.

How long does a garage door last?

Based on the weather conditions, quality of construction and routine maintenance, your garage door should last for 15 to 30 years. The experts at A-All Style Door provide garage door maintenace to help things run smoothly.

How do I choose the right garage door?

Here are a few helpful tips to get you started.

  1. Color: The most common method is to match the door to the trim color, second to the siding color. You may also create a contrast from both and use the door as a focal point. The third method is often used with the Ultra-Grain finishes, but it works with solid colors as well. For a custom color for your garage door, we offer Clopay Color Blast.
  2. Windows: Windows add warm natural light, tons of curb appeal, and a great return on investment when selling your home. When choosing windows, pick an option that will complement your home’s existing windows. If they are rectangular, small squares, or arched, select a design that mimics the pattern, or at least compliments it. You may also choose one that contrasts the others, creating a focal point. This can look dramatic if used carefully.
  3. Insulation or R-Value: If your garage is attached to your home, get the best garage door you can afford. Energy efficiency has an excellent return on investment, improves comfort, and provides continued savings down the road. If your garage is not attached, and not heated or insulated, then less is more in this case.
  4. Architectural Design: While this is somewhat subjective, your architecture is going to dictate what will look appropriate. Putting an ultra-modern style door on a very classic traditional home, or a coach-house style on a very modern contemporary home might not be the best choice. There are always exceptions to the rule. Our door design tools are beneficial in this arena. When in doubt, we are here to help.
  5. Cost: While your budget is often the ultimate deciding factor, consider that you will get what you pay for. Sometimes, spending just a fraction more will get you a significantly superior product.

For advice and guidance, consult the professionals you can trust at A-All Style Door. Our years of experience will help offer you the best door for the dollar. Estimates are always free of charge.

What style of garage door would best match my home?

There are many garage door styles to consider, so choose the option that is best for your home. It’s usually best to match the garage door style to your home’s architecture. From there, you can make other choices, like adding windows to your garage door or an insulation layer. We will help guide your decision, so you will get a door you love.

Is it safe to paint my garage door black?

Choosing a dark color for garage doors has become a popular trend. Black garage doors can give a bold and unique look to your home. While it is safe to paint your garage door black, remember that it will absorb more heat in warm weather and make your garage hotter. We will help you select a garage door color that you will be happy with.

How high of an R-value do I need in an insulated garage door?

The R-value you need depends on your home and lifestyle. If you have a heated garage, then our super-efficient 2-inch thick polyurethane doors offer a whopping 18.4 R-Value. If the space is not heated, or the garage is free-standing and not attached to the home, then a 6.4 or 9.0 R-value might be more appropriate. We will help you choose the door that fits your home and budget best.

Is it safe to connect my garage door opener to the internet?

Connecting your opener to the internet is a secure connection and will make using your garage door more convenient. It will provide added security as you can monitor your door through the app. You can add Wi-Fi to your existing opener or purchase a new system. Contact us to learn more.

How can I tell if my garage door is closed after I left home?

When you install a smart garage door opener, you can monitor your door from anywhere by using the app on your smartphone. If the door was left open, you can shut it right from your phone.

Are there batteries in my garage door remote controls?

Remote controls for garage doors are operated by lithium-ion or volt alkaline batteries. Checking and replacing these batteries as often as necessary will help keep your remotes in working order.

Are your garage doors made in the USA?

Our doors are proudly made in the USA. We are an Authorized Clopay® Dealer, and Clopay® products are manufactured in Ohio.

How long do you warranty your new garage doors and openers?

All non-commercial residential garage doors are covered for three years and garage door openers for one year on both parts and labor. This covers defects in materials and/or workmanship, and applies to the original purchaser only. Batteries are not covered. Warranty does not apply to businesses, groups, organizations, associations or similar entities.

We just can’t afford a replacement right now. Can you get us working temporarily?

If that is what you wish, we will do everything in our power to get you back up and running. We perform miracles daily, and if it is at all salvageable, we will make it so. If parts are no longer made, or it is just completely beyond repair, we can offer other options. We are here to help.

Contact A-All Style Garage Door Today

For all of your garage door problems, the experts at A-All Style Garage Door have a solution. Fill out our contact form or call us at 630-739-7170.

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