How quickly can you fix my track misalignment?

In most cases, we can fix track misalignment issues the same day or next business day. Our technicians arrive with fully stocked trucks containing all necessary parts and tools. Simple alignment adjustments typically take 30-60 minutes, while more complex issues involving damaged tracks may require 1-2 hours. The exact timeline depends on the severity of the misalignment and whether any tracks or hardware need replacement. During our free inspection, we'll provide an accurate estimate of both time and cost. For emergencies—like a door that won't close and leaves your home unsecured—we offer 24/7 emergency service with rapid response times.

What causes track misalignment in garage doors?

Track misalignment can occur due to several factors: **Physical Impact:** The most common cause is accidental impact—usually from a vehicle backing into the door or bumping the tracks. Even a minor collision can shift tracks out of alignment. **Loose Hardware:** Over time, the bolts and brackets holding tracks in place can loosen due to vibration from daily operation. Regular maintenance includes checking and tightening these connections. **Foundation Settling:** As your home's foundation settles over the years, it can cause subtle shifts in the garage structure, affecting track alignment. This is especially common in newer homes. **Temperature Fluctuations:** Texas weather causes significant temperature swings. Metal tracks expand and contract with temperature changes, which over time can lead to gradual misalignment. **Worn or Damaged Rollers:** When rollers wear out, they don't glide smoothly in the tracks. This creates uneven stress that can gradually push tracks out of alignment. **Improper Installation:** Sometimes tracks aren't installed correctly initially. This often becomes apparent within the first year of use. Regular maintenance—at least annually—helps catch alignment issues before they become serious problems.

Do you offer financing for new modern door installations?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options to make your new garage door installation affordable. We partner with leading financing providers to offer: **0% APR Financing:** For qualified buyers, pay no interest for promotional periods (typically 12-18 months). This allows you to spread out payments with no additional cost. **Low Monthly Payment Plans:** Extended payment terms with competitive rates make premium doors affordable. Payments often start as low as $50-75/month depending on the door selected. **Quick Approval:** Our financing partners offer rapid approval—often within minutes. We can process applications right here during your estimate appointment. **Various Credit Options:** We work with multiple lenders to find options for various credit situations. Don't assume you won't qualify—let us run the numbers. **Same-as-Cash Options:** Some plans offer same-as-cash within the promotional period, giving you flexibility in how and when you pay. During your free estimate, ask about current financing promotions. We frequently have special offers that can make upgrading to a premium, insulated door more affordable than you might think. The energy savings from a well-insulated door can offset much of the monthly payment.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours and is completed in a single visit. Here's the typical breakdown: - **Arrival and Setup:** 30 minutes - **Old Door Removal:** 45-60 minutes - **New Door Installation:** 2-3 hours - **Opener Installation:** 45-60 minutes (if included) - **Testing and Training:** 30 minutes Factors that can affect timeline include door size, complexity of installation, whether modifications are needed for the new door, and whether you're also getting a new opener installed. We schedule installations to be completed within one business day, so you won't be left with an incomplete project overnight. Our technicians arrive with all necessary materials and equipment to complete the job properly.

What warranty do you offer on installations?

We offer comprehensive warranty coverage on all our installations: **10-Year Warranty on Door Installation:** Covers workmanship, hardware, and proper operation of your new garage door. **Manufacturer Warranty:** Most doors also carry manufacturer warranties on panels, finish, and materials—typically 1-5 years depending on the product. **1-Year Warranty on Repairs:** All repair work is warranted for one full year. **Opener Warranties:** Vary by brand but typically include 5-7 year motor warranties with longer coverage on parts. Our warranty is backed by our 25+ years in business and our commitment to customer satisfaction. If something isn't right, we make it right—it's that simple.

What's included in your maintenance service?

Our 21-point maintenance service includes a comprehensive inspection and tune-up: **Inspection Points:** - Door balance and alignment check - Track inspection and adjustment - Spring tension evaluation - Cable condition assessment - Roller inspection - Hinge operation check - Weather seal condition - Safety sensor alignment and testing - Auto-reverse function testing **Service Tasks:** - Lubrication of all moving parts - Hardware tightening - Track cleaning - Safety sensor cleaning and alignment - Battery testing (remotes and keypad) - Opener settings optimization **Deliverables:** - Written inspection report - Recommendations for any repairs needed - Estimated remaining component life - Tips for ongoing maintenance Regular maintenance extends the life of your garage door, prevents costly repairs, and ensures safe operation. We recommend annual maintenance for most homeowners.

Do you service all garage door brands?

Yes, we service all major garage door brands including: **Doors:** Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, Northwest Door, C.H.I., Raynor, Martin, and more. **Openers:** LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, Craftsman, Linear, Marantec, and others. Our technicians are factory-trained on multiple brands and carry parts for the most common repairs. Even if your door is from a less common manufacturer, we can typically source parts and provide service. We're also authorized dealers for several premium brands, meaning we can offer full manufacturer warranties on new installations.

What should I do if my garage door won't open or close?

If your garage door stops working, try these troubleshooting steps: **1. Check the Obvious:** - Is the opener plugged in? - Did a circuit breaker trip? - Are the safety sensor lights on? **2. Check Remote Batteries:** Replace batteries in remotes and keypads—this is a common cause of non-response. **3. Inspect Safety Sensors:** The sensors at floor level must be aligned and unobstructed. Clean the lenses and check that both indicator lights are on. **4. Look for Obstructions:** Check the track for debris, toys, or other objects that might block the door. **5. Listen for Sounds:** When you press the button, do you hear the motor trying? Clicking? Nothing? This helps diagnose the issue. **If These Don't Work:** Call us for professional diagnosis. Don't attempt to adjust springs or cables yourself—they're under high tension and dangerous to handle without proper training. We offer same-day and emergency service when you need it.

Preparing Your Garage Door for Summer: Essential Tips

2024-01-10 7 min read

# Preparing Your Garage Door for Summer: Essential Tips

Texas summers are legendary for their heat, and your garage door takes the brunt of it. With temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F, proper summer preparation isn't just about comfort.it's about protecting your investment and ensuring reliable operation when you need it most.

Why Summer Preparation Matters

Your garage door is the largest moving component of your home, and it's constantly exposed to the elements. During summer in the DFW area, garage door surfaces can reach 150°F or higher. This extreme heat affects every component: metal expands, lubricants thin out, weather seals deteriorate, and your garage door opener works harder.

Without proper preparation, you risk: - Premature component failure, Increased energy costs (heat transfer into your home) - Safety sensor malfunctions, Unexpected breakdowns during the hottest days

Essential Summer Preparation Steps

1. Inspect and Replace Weather Seals

The rubber weather seal at the bottom of your door is your first line of defense against heat, dust, and pests. Texas sun degrades rubber quickly.inspect your seal for cracks, brittleness, or gaps.

A good seal should be flexible and create a tight closure against your garage floor. If you can see daylight underneath when the door is closed, it's time for a replacement. This simple upgrade can significantly reduce heat transfer into your garage and home.

2. Lubricate All Moving Parts

High temperatures cause lubricants to thin and evaporate faster. Before summer hits full force, apply a high-quality garage door lubricant to:

- Rollers (both steel and nylon) - Hinges, Tracks (lightly) - Springs, Bearing plates

Avoid WD-40 or general-purpose lubricants.they attract dust and can gum up over time. Use a lubricant specifically designed for garage doors.

3. Test Safety Features

Your garage door's safety features are critical, and heat can affect their operation. Test both the auto-reverse and safety eye sensors:

Auto-Reverse Test: Place a 2x4 flat on the ground where the door would close. The door should reverse upon touching the board. If it doesn't, call a professional immediately.

Photo Eye Test: While the door is closing, wave an object in front of the sensors near the floor. The door should immediately reverse. Clean the sensor lenses and check alignment if the test fails.

4. Check Springs and Cables

Summer heat causes metal to expand, which can affect spring tension. Listen for unusual sounds and watch for uneven door movement. While you shouldn't adjust springs yourself (they're under extreme tension), you should visually inspect them for:

- Rust or corrosion, Gaps in the coils, Stretched or worn appearance, Cable fraying

Any concerns warrant a professional inspection.

5. Inspect the Door Panels

Heat causes materials to expand and contract repeatedly, which can loosen panel connections over time. Check for:

- Warping or bowing, Faded or peeling paint (especially on wood or steel doors) - Loose hardware

If you have a wooden garage door, summer is an ideal time to check for proper sealing and refinish if needed. Wood that's not properly sealed can warp, crack, or rot.

6. Upgrade Your Insulation

If your garage gets unbearably hot in summer, upgrading to an insulated door.or adding insulation to your existing door.can make a dramatic difference. Insulated doors:

- Reduce heat transfer by up to 70% - Lower energy costs, Create a more comfortable workspace, Reduce noise, Improve door strength and durability

7. Consider Smart Technology

Modern smart garage door openers offer features perfect for summer:

- Remote monitoring (check if you left it open) - Scheduled closings (automatic evening close) - Activity alerts, Climate monitoring (some models)

8. Schedule Professional Maintenance

The best summer preparation is a professional tune-up. Our 21-point inspection covers every component and catches issues before they become problems. We'll adjust tension, lubricate properly, test safety systems, and provide a detailed report.

Bonus Tips for Texas Summers

- Park in the shade when possible to reduce heat transfer when you open the door - Consider a lighter door color if you're replacing your door.dark colors absorb more heat - Install a ceiling fan in your garage to improve air circulation - Keep the door closed during the hottest parts of the day

Conclusion

A little preparation goes a long way toward trouble-free garage door operation all summer long. Most maintenance tasks take just minutes but can prevent hours of frustration and expensive repairs. For comprehensive summer preparation or any concerns about your garage door's condition, contact Roanoke Garage Doors for a professional inspection.

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