Signs You Need to Repair Your Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are typically located above the door near the wall, and it’s essential to know whether your door uses one or two. These springs handle the heavy lifting and maintain the door’s balance, whether torsion or extension. Over time, springs can suddenly break, posing severe risks such as injuries and property damage. If this happens, do not attempt to operate the door. Contact us immediately for professional assistance.

Signs that your garage door springs might be old or broken:

Difficulty opening or closing: You might need more force than usual to open or close the door, or the door might open or close slowly or jerkily.

Crooked door: If one side of the door is higher than the other when it opens or closes, the springs might not provide equal tension.

Noise: You might hear squealing, groaning, popping, or banging sounds when you operate the door.

The door closes too fast: When the springs are working correctly, they work together to control the speed at which the door closes. If the door closes too fast, it could indicate a spring problem.

Gap: If a torsion spring snaps in the middle, you might notice a gap that’s several inches wide.

Won’t open: Your door may not open, even when you use the emergency release.

Top Reasons Garage Door Springs Break

Wear and tear: The springs are under constant tension and release when the door opens and closes, which weakens the metal over time. Most springs are rated for around 10,000 cycles, about 7–10 years of regular use.

Rust: Rust can weaken the spring’s coils and increase friction, which can cause it to break. It is especially common in humid, rainy, or coastal climates.

Improper maintenance: The lack of having an annual maintenance done can cause springs to break.

Excessive tension: If the spring is under too much stress, it can weaken and break.

Sudden impact: If the door is hit by a car or something falls on it, the spring can break.

Door jams: Dirt, grime, or debris can build up in the door’s track, blocking the roller and causing the door to jam. This can prevent the spring from releasing its energy or coiling up to store more energy.

Improper installation: If the springs are not rated for the door or installed incorrectly, they may wear out faster.

To help prevent your garage door springs from breaking, you can:

• Regularly inspect and maintain your garage door system
• Check the balance of your garage door every season

The Importance of Garage Door Maintenance

Regular garage door maintenance is vital for ensuring safety, preventing costly repairs, extending the lifespan, and being proactive about keeping your garage door operating smoothly and securely for years.

Key benefits of garage door maintenance:

Safety: Identifying and fixing potential hazards like broken springs, frayed cables, or faulty sensors can prevent injuries from a malfunctioning door.

Cost savings: Addressing minor issues early through maintenance can save you money on large repair bills later.

Extended lifespan: Regular lubrication, adjustments, and inspections can significantly increase the lifespan of your garage door.

What should be included in maintenance:

• Lubrication of moving parts.
• Inspection of springs and cables: Check for signs of wear, fraying, or damage
• Alignment check: Ensure the door tracks are correctly aligned and adjusted
• Testing safety features: Verify that the photocell sensors and auto-reverse mechanism are working correctly
• Cleaning of tracks and weather stripping: Remove debris and dirt from the tracks and weather seals

Schedule Your Garage Door Tune Up Service Today

If you don’t know what to look out for and need professional advice, schedule a maintenance service. Our professional team services will get your garage door ready this winter season. We service all makes and models of garage doors and openers.

Benefits of Commercial Sectional Doors

Sectional overhead doors offer several benefits for a facility, including space-saving design, increased security with strong locking mechanisms, high durability, energy efficiency with insulation options, low maintenance needs, improved access for loading and unloading goods, and the ability to customize with various sizes and features to suit specific needs.

Key benefits of sectional overhead doors:

Security:

It can be equipped with robust locking mechanisms and safety features to protect your workers and against intrusion.

Durability:

Made from solid materials like steel, providing long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.

Energy efficiency:

Insulation options can help regulate the temperature within a building, reducing energy costs and adding comfort for your employees.

Easy operation:

Smooth opening and closing mechanism, often with automatic openers for convenience.

Flexibility:

Sectional doors can be customized to fit almost any opening and come in various sizes and styles. They can also be adapted for specialized uses like fire doors or climate-controlled environments.

Customization:

Available in various sizes, colors, and finishes to match the aesthetic of your facility.

Access for large vehicles:

Allows for easy loading and unloading of large trucks or equipment due to the wide opening.

Noise reduction:

Properly sealed sectional doors can help minimize noise from outside.

Safety features:

They come with or have options to add safety features and sensors to prevent injuries during operation.

Low maintenance:

Sectional doors require little maintenance and have low repair costs. Individual sections can be replaced without replacing the entire door.

Overhead Door™ Commercial Sectional Doors

Sectional Steel-Back Doors

Perfect for Commercial and Industrial Applications where Durability, Reliability & Energy Efficiency are Essential

Solidly Constructed for Reliable Performance:

• Steel interior backing provides a durable finished appearance
• Baked-on polyester paint finish eliminates field painting and provides long-lasting protection against the elements
• Heavy-duty tracks and hardware are fabricated of high-quality galvanized steel and engineered for precise, trouble-free performance.

Sectional Warehouse Doors

Our Sectional Warehouse Doors provide a highly efficient design for strength and longevity in demanding commercial settings. They feature a full 2” thickness for ultimate strength and durability. Optional insulation consists of 1 5/16” expanded polystyrene throughout the door. Both steel and polylaminate backer choices are available to ensure these models are well-suited for a wide range of applications.

Insulated and Non-Insulated Sectional Steel Doors

A wide selection of Overhead Door™ sectional steel and insulated steel doors are available to satisfy applications where durability, reliability, and economy are top priorities. An array of door panel profiles, track and hardware, and specialized options allows you to customize these doors further to your specific project requirements.

Top-quality materials, excellent field service, and an optional maintenance program contribute to extended door life, low maintenance costs, and maximum productivity.

One of the biggest advantages of sectional doors is their long lifespan. Engineered for Life, Overhead Door™ Brand Commercial and industrial sectional doors are designed with top-quality materials. Heavy-duty tracks and hardware are fabricated of high-quality galvanized steel and engineered for precise, trouble-free performance.

The Overhead Door™ brand provides the industry’s highest-quality and most durable commercial doors, designed to withstand the daily wear and tear of owning and operating a business.

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Commercial Garage Doors

In the event that your commercial garage door breaks down, runs slow, or makes loud noises, Overhead Door Company of Grand Island™ is a phone call away. Our professional team has years of experience and knowledge needed to get your commercial door working in no time. From store fronts and industrial doors to loading docks or warehouse commercial doors, we are here for you and can get your doors working properly.

Common Commercial Garage Door Issues

Old or Damaged Torsion Springs

Garage door springs are typically located above the door near the wall, and it’s important to know whether your door uses one or two. These springs, whether torsion or extension, handle most of the heavy lifting and maintain the door’s balance.

Over time, springs can suddenly break, posing serious risks such as injuries and property damage. If this happens, do not attempt to operate the door. Contact us immediately for professional assistance.

Worn or Damaged Rollers

Garage door rollers guide the door smoothly along its track, much like wheel bearings allow a car’s wheels to turn effortlessly. When rollers wear out, they can disrupt the smooth operation of your garage door opener, ultimately shortening its lifespan.

Signs of damaged garage door rollers include:

• The door moves unevenly or gets stuck
• The door vibrates and shakes excessively when it’s opening or closing
• The rollers are cracked, chipped, or missing part

It is essential to schedule maintenance so our service team can clear the track of debris, lubricate the rollers, and inspect the wear and tear.

Worn or Damaged Cables

These cables hold the door in place as it moves up and down, so it’s essential to recognize the signs of a broken cable before it causes further damage.

Common Cable Issues

• Visible Damage or Fraying: Frayed cables are a safety hazard and should be replaced immediately to prevent the door from malfunctioning or collapsing.
• Uneven Movement or Jerking: Misaligned or damaged cables can cause the door to operate erratically, posing a risk of injury or property damage.
• Door Off Tracks: When the garage door becomes misaligned, it’s often due to cable malfunction. This can happen if the cables are loose, broken, or improperly installed. Attempting to realign the door without addressing the cable issue can lead to further damage.
• Snapped Cables: You may hear a loud snapping sound followed by the door suddenly dropping. This indicates that one or both cables have snapped, causing the door to lose balance. Snapped cables require immediate replacement to prevent the door from crashing down completely.

Remote Control and Sensor Issues

Openers are essential and allow you to open and close your garage door with a quick press of a button. If your garage door opener malfunctions, it may be one of these simple issues.

• The battery in your remote is low or dead.
• The garage door opener got unplugged.
• The photo-eye is blocked or damaged.

Check your photo eye or safety sensors. They may be detecting an object in the pathway or simply need cleaning.

Damaged Sections or Panels

While replacing damaged sections may be more cost-effective, a new door typically comes with better warranty options, making it a worthwhile consideration.

Signs You Need to Replace Panels or Invest in a New Garage Door

• Visible Damage: You may notice visible damage to one or more panels of the garage door, such as dents, cracks, or warping. This damage can occur due to various factors, including accidents, extreme weather, or age-related wear and tear.
• Difficulty Opening or Closing: Misaligned or warped panels can hinder the door’s movement along its tracks, straining the opener system and potentially posing safety hazards.
• Inspection of Panels: Inspect all panels to identify the extent of the damage. In some cases, only one panel may be damaged; in others, multiple panels may require replacement to restore the door’s integrity and aesthetics.

Improper Alignment

If your commercial door is misaligned, give us a call. Our experienced team will quickly and, most importantly, safely inspect the door and its components. Whether it’s a simple adjustment or a major repair, we’ve got you covered.

Is it Time to Get a New Commercial Door or Loading Dock Equipment?

The Overhead Door™ Brand is a trusted leader in door and access solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial needs. For over 100 years, we’ve set the industry standard with innovative design and engineering, continuing a legacy of quality, expertise, and integrity. Explore our complete line of commercial garage doors today.

Sectional Commercial Doors

Commercial sectional doors are perfect for projects that demand exceptional thermal efficiency, wind load performance, or long-lasting durability. Whether you’re looking for an elegant full-view glass door for a café or trendy space, a thermally efficient Thermocore® door, or a high-strength warehouse door, our doors offer superior quality and value.

Rolling Steel Commercial Doors

Overhead Door™ Rolling Steel Doors are designed to last the lifetime of your building with minimal maintenance. These doors roll up neatly into a coil above the opening, making them an efficient and practical choice for both interior and exterior applications. Whether for security or accessibility, our rolling doors provide durability and long-term value.

High Performance Doors

The High-Speed doors are perfect for either interior or exterior applications where moderate wind or negative pressure is a problem.

Loading ​Dock Equipment

For companies that rely on the transportation of goods, loading docks and equipment are critical to efficient operations. The Overhead Door™ Brand provides top-quality equipment to maximize your dock’s performance. Explore our selection of durable, robust dock equipment and accessories designed to keep your operations running smoothly.

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What’s the Difference Between Openers?

Screw

Belt

Chain

Opener Drive Types:

The garage door drive moves the garage door up and down along the guide rail.  The guide is the long rail attached above the center of your door, which connects to your opener. Within this guide is a screw, chain, or belt which moves the trolley along the guide to open and close your door.

Screw Drive Garage Door Opener

These garage door openers will give you the most power with the fastest operating speeds. If you have a large garage door measuring 14 ft. high or one-piece doors up to 8ft high, these are the openers you’ll want to use. This is because our screw drive openers feature an exclusive direct drive system that transfers more power from the motor without using a gear reduction system.

• Strength – Screw drive openers can produce more lifting power, making them a great choice for garages with oversized doors as well as wooden or glass panel doors.
• Low maintenance – Since screw drive openers have fewer moving parts, they also require less maintenance and are less likely to have parts slip or come apart.
• Fast – Most door openers lift 6 to 8 inches of the door per second; screw drive openers can open a door at 10 to 12 inches per second.
• Size – Screw drive openers are compact and have a more efficient transfer of power between the motor and the door. It can lift more weight than a belt drive opener of the same size.

Chain Drive Garage Door Opener

Chain-drive garage door openers use a metal chain to open the garage door and implement a chain-running assembly unit attached to tension springs that lift the garage door up and down. They are among the most affordable in the industry and feature a rugged, time-tested design that is durable and long-lasting.

• Dependability/Durability: When properly maintained, these drive openers will last for years and aren’t subject to performance issues when temperatures or humidity fluctuate.
•  Robustness: Chain drives are favored in heavy-duty applications.
• New Technology: Modern versions have quieter DC motors and smoother operation with soft start and stop features.
• Price:  Chain drive openers are typically more affordable.

Belt Drive Garage Opener

These openers open garage doors using a rubber belt. The belt slides a trolley when the door is triggered to open or close. With proper periodic maintenance, belt units offer years of trouble-free service. Belt drives are ultra quiet because they are smooth and have no metal-on-metal contact in the rail.

• Minimal Noise: Belt drive garage doors are much quieter to operate thanks to being made of rubber.
• Strength: Recent innovations in belt drives’ construction and durability mean these openers can handle substantial lifts.
• Ease of Installation: Replacing a worn or broken belt can be significantly easier than replacing a broken chain drive.
• Easy Maintenance: Belt drives don’t require regular lubrication or rust-prevention measures.

Garage Door Openers

Our complete line of automatic openers features a variety of power levels and specifications to handle different garage door weights and sizes. Each opener also has built-in standard safety, convenience, and power functions.

The Overhead Door™ brand offers various additional garage door opener accessories.

Odyssey® 1000 Opener

Infinity™ Wall Mount Opener

Legacy® 850 Opener

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Fun Ways to Decorate Your Garage Door

With new technology and creativity, there are more ways to decorate garage doors. Create a fun or scary scene on your garage, or have family, neighbors, or friends over for a pumpkin carving contest on Halloween. Whatever you choose, cherish the time with your family.

Silhouettes and Shadows

Silhouettes on a garage door with added hidden lights can be unique, but it takes more planning and hard work.

The perfect background can be your garage door for awe-inspiring backlit scenes. A little bit of plywood, black paint, screws, and some tools, and you have a silhouette you can put in front of your garage door. Use any color lighting behind them for an incredible look!

Spooky Shadow Art

If your garage door has windows, this is the perfect opportunity to place spooky silhouettes in your garage door windows.

Create cut-outs, tape them to the back of your windows, and turn the garage light on to create an eerie effect. The possibilities are endless, and it is an excellent craft with your kids. Older children like this project because they can do it without help.

When placing the silhouettes in the windows, first tape the black construction paper shapes to the windows, then tape thin, yellow, purple, green, or orange tissue paper over the entire window. That ensures the garage’s contents will not be visible when the light is on; passersby will only see a soft Halloween glow behind the silhouettes.

Accent Porch or Garage Door Lights

Add Halloween Light Covers to your Garage Door lights—a simple and fun way to add character to your front and garage doors. Also, consider a DIY project for your family with plastic pumpkins.

Cover your door with Halloween Decals, Magnets, or a Banner.

Decorating your garage door for Halloween is easy if you buy a decal.

Whether they feature spiders, ghouls, ghosts, or other monsters, make sure you choose one that fits the exact size of your garage. They’re easy enough to hang up and take down — depending on the size of your door, you may need a ladder.

Halloween outdoor magnetics are the perfect and easy Halloween Decor for your home and yard this year! Add these cute and spooky decorations to your garage door, kitchen refrigerator, or dry-erase board in your classroom or office this fall.

Make it a Memorable For Your Kids.

There’s nothing more fun than getting in the holiday spirit and having fun with your family and neighbors. There are many ways to decorate your home for Halloween, but don’t overlook the possibilities with your garage door. Whether you want to throw up a quick decal or craft the perfect scary scene, however you decorate your garage door, it will surely be noticeable and memorable.

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Garage Doors for Different Climates

Steel garage doors have many advantages over other materials, including wood and aluminum, and can be a good investment for homeowners. Consider other elements when choosing your garage door.

Wood Garage Doors

Wood garage doors have a timeless look that adds natural beauty to any home’s style. They also offer greater design flexibility and curb appeal than other materials and provide better insulation than most other materials. Yet, they need maintenance. With annual maintenance like painting or staining, wood doors can last up to several decades without replacement.

Pros:

• The wood garage doors can be customized to any shape, size, and color.
• It is Simple! One of its most significant selling points is the beauty of wood and its rustic charm.
• A wood garage door can enhance curb appeal and an attractive selling point.

Residential Steel Garage Doors

Steel is the most popular material for residential garage doors because it is affordable and durable. Steel garage doors with aligned steel panels provide the strength and modern appeal to protect your home from the elements. Proper insulation will keep your garage comfortable all year round.

Pros:

• They are highly durable against harsh weather conditions.
• They are more energy efficient in the long run.
• They are low maintenance and can be managed through routine cleaning.

Aluminum garage doors

Modern aluminum garage doors are lightweight and rust-resistant, making them a good choice for coastal areas where salt air can corrode other metals. Being a more affordable option, aluminum garage doors work best when insulated.

Pros:

• They have a sleek and modern look
• They are much lighter in weight, calling for standard operating mechanisms,
• They are tough against weather-related damage

Vinyl garage doors

Vinyl is another common material for garage doors because it’s durable, affordable, requires little maintenance, and looks great. It offers good insulation and stands up well in warmer climates; it resists dents but may crack under pressure.

Pros:

• It is an incredibly cost-effective option.
• It is more convenient to clean and maintain.
• The material is incredibly durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance.

Fiberglass garage doors

A fiberglass door combines the durability of steel with the timeless beauty of wood. It’s a great option that has become more popular in recent years because it is affordable and low maintenance. Fiberglass doors are similar to aluminum but are more flexible and provide better insulation against the elements.

Pros:

• They are resistant to wrapping or shrinking, making them ideal for extreme conditions.
• They are low maintenance, and regular care is enough to maintain them.
• They allow for natural light to come in, illuminating the space.

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