Exclusive Garage Door Services for the Residents of Mercer Island, WA

Garage Door Spring Repair Practices in Mercer Island

As a homeowner, you know that life is full of unforeseen occurrences, often appearing when you least expect them. One such inconvenience is having your car stuck in the garage, particularly after a recent garage door repair. Enter Mercer Island Garage Door Repair, dedicated to upholding industry best practices and providing outstanding advice to homeowners every time we work in a garage. These practices not only save you time and money but also emphasize our commitment to customer satisfaction.

Proven Technique #1 - Replacing Dual Springs

It is common for garage doors to possess two springs, both installed at the same time. Once one spring breaks, it's probable that the other spring is nearing the end of its effectiveness. To eliminate future complications, potential risks, and damage to the garage door opener, Mercer Island Garage Door Repair often recommends exchanging both springs. As you would change both tires on your car following a blowout, maintaining valuable assets like garage doors and vehicles requires replacing both garage door springs.

Proven Technique #2 - Identifying the Suitable Springs

Garage doors, with their varying weights and sizes, require the installation of correct springs to maintain a proper balance. Using the wrong spring can damage the garage door system and overburden the opener. This can result in early opener breakdowns and increased repair visits. DIY spring replacements can be risky for the same reasons. That's why our Mercer Island, WA technicians only install springs that match the door's weight and conduct a balance test to ensure their work is accurate.

Proven Technique #3 - Carrying Out a Safety Inspection

Mercer Island Garage Door Repair carries out a courtesy safety inspection for every spring repair, confirming that all hardware and moving components on your door function as they should and meet safety requirements. It's possible that some worn mechanical parts on your door, installed at the same time as the springs, are now in an unsafe state. A non-functioning spring could be a sign of a more extensive issue with your door. That's why we believe in providing a free safety inspection and upholding a secure environment for our customers as a best practice.

Given that we carry a wide variety of springs to cater to the diverse types of garage doors, we recommend having a professionally trained technician take accurate measurements before providing an exact price quote. Reach out to Mercer Island Garage Door Repair today to have an expert technician give you an estimate for garage door spring repair!

Which Type of Garage Door Opener Is Best for You?

Belt Driven Openers

Belt drives are considered the best type of opener in the garage door industry. Combining the reliability of chain drives with near-silent operation, these openers run on a steel-reinforced belt and are typically priced slightly higher than chain and screw drive openers. For homeowners in Mercer Island with garages attached to their homes and surrounded by bedrooms, a belt-driven opener ensures you won't be disturbed by garage door noise. Many customers who purchase belt drive openers are extremely satisfied and cannot imagine returning to the noise of a chain opener.

Chain Driven Openers

One of the most commonly used and reliable types of openers is the chain drive. This opener operates the garage door on its track using a metal chain. Chain drives are generally more affordable than belt drives, making them popular in Mercer Island. However, chain drive openers can be noisy, making them less suitable for garages located below or adjacent to the main rooms in your home. We usually do not recommend these types of openers because the minor cost savings are not worth it. LiftMaster® does not offer a lifetime warranty for the chain, unlike the belt on belt drives, and the motor is considerably noisier.

Screw Driven Openers

Utilizing a lifting mechanism that runs on a threaded steel rod rather than a chain or rubber belt, screw drive openers work optimally in areas with constant weather and temperature conditions throughout the year. For those in Mercer Island with variable weather patterns, a screw drive opener might not be suitable. These openers are the slowest and noisiest of all three types and are the most affordable. If noise and speed are important factors for you, a screw-driven opener may not be the best choice.

Jackshaft Openers

Wall-mounted openers, also known as jackshaft openers, are installed on the wall next to your garage door and connected to the torsion spring above the door, rather than being mounted on the garage ceiling. This option is suitable for garages with high ceilings or for homeowners who want to save ceiling space. While the cost of a wall-mounted opener is somewhat higher than a ceiling-mounted opener, Mercer Island Garage Door Repair highly recommends it for specific garage setups.

10 Reasons Why Mercer Island Garage Door Repair Should Be Your Go-To Choice

1. Proven Experience: With a successful history spanning many years and countless satisfied clients, our industry-leading experts ensure that your garage door needs are managed effectively and efficiently.
2. Assorted Products and Services: Mercer Island Garage Door Repair delivers a wide variety of products and services designed to meet your individual needs. Our offerings include everything from bespoke doors to repair and installation services, ensuring we have the right solution for any door or product you need.
3. Proficient and Polite Team: Our staff members are knowledgeable and exhibit professionalism. They comprehend the importance of first-rate customer service and aim to make your time with them enjoyable. They're prepared to answer any questions and offer advice on maintaining your door.
4. High-Quality Materials: Our company uses the highest quality materials available. This means that your door will be durable and attractive, ensuring that it looks good while also lasting a long time. You can have peace of mind knowing that you are investing in something of value with a garage door company in Mercer Island.
5. Safety: Our company ensures that your door is installed correctly and safely. This means that you can rest assured that the installation and maintenance of your garage door have been done to the strictest standards, resulting in a safe and secure environment for you and your family.
6. Cost-Effective Solutions: Mercer Island Garage Door Repair provides numerous economical alternatives for your overhead door requirements. Discover a solution that aligns with your budget, covering installations, repairs, and bespoke designs.
7. Prompt Service: When dealing with garage door repairs or installations, time matters. A reputable Mercer Island firm will ensure your needs are handled swiftly and proficiently.
8. Quality Guarantee: Our commitment to quality guarantees that any overhead door repairs or installations are carried out to the highest standards. This provides you with peace of mind knowing that your investment is well-protected.
9. Total Protection for Your Door: Our warranty coverage offers complete protection against accidental damage or malfunctions, reducing any stress and financial burden associated with faulty doors.
10. Customer Satisfaction First: At Mercer Island Garage Door Repair, we prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you're delighted with our products and services, and we go above and beyond to exceed your expectations.

Overhead Door Repair Issues That We Commonly Encounter

Broken Springs: Garage door springs can break easily due to the tension they're under. If your garage door isn't working correctly, check the condition of the springs.

Worn-out rollers: The garage door rollers can become worn out over time, leading to a noisy or stuck door. Proper maintenance and replacement can keep your door working correctly.

Garage Door Panel Replacement: Damage to garage door panels can occur from weather or everyday use. Heavy impacts from vehicles or other objects can cause significant damage and require replacement.

Misaligned tracks: Troubleshooting misaligned tracks is essential when your garage door is malfunctioning. Check the tracks to ensure that they're in the proper position.

Opener Issues: If your garage door is not opening or closing correctly, the opener could be at fault. Professional help is recommended if you suspect a problem with the opener.

Safety Sensor: The safety sensor is a common culprit when it comes to garage door issues. The sensor can get knocked out of alignment by objects or playful children, which can lead to difficulty in closing the door properly. Paying attention to the sensor's alignment can prevent this problem.

Common Door Malfunctions that Require Repair

Sagging: Sagging is frequently seen in wooden doors due to their weight. To prevent this, use robust hardware and properly secure the posts.

Warping: Exposure to hot or cold temperatures due to extreme weather conditions can cause warping and result in a misshapen gate.

Fading: Your gate's color may fade as a result of weather conditions or being exposed to the sun for too long. To keep your garage door looking new, repainting it every few years may be necessary.

Hinges: Misaligned or damaged hinges can result in trouble with opening and closing your gate. However, a professional can usually address this issue with ease.

Frames: If the garage door frame is bent or damaged, it can make the whole structure unstable, which can be a significant safety concern. Therefore, it's crucial to replace or repair the affected frames immediately.

Rusting: The presence of moisture or humidity can lead to rust, which is a common issue. If you live in a humid location, it's crucial to keep an eye on your overhead door and check for signs of rusting.

Pests: Wooden gates can be vulnerable to pests, such as termites and carpenter bees. It is important to conduct routine inspections for any signs of intrusion.

Rotting: Wooden gates may rot over time if they are not treated or sealed appropriately, which can lead to weakness and eventual collapse.

Rollers: Damaged or worn-out rollers can negatively impact your gate's functionality. It may become challenging to open and close the gate correctly. Replacing the rollers is often a simple repair that can resolve the problem.

Installation: The impact of incorrect installation can be severe, as gates that are not installed properly can be hazardous and unstable. Therefore, it is crucial to fix the issue as soon as possible.

Is Your Mercer Island Garage Door Due for Replacement? Here's What You Need to Know

Replacing your garage doors is a smart move from a strict sale / resale perspective, but what other reasons might motivate Mercer Island homeowners to do so? Here are a few possibilities:

Save Energy in Your Home

The garage door is likely the largest moving object attached to your home and can be the most energy-inefficient space due to its daily opening and closing. Even though Mercer Island, WA homeowners prioritize energy-efficient replacement windows and front entry doors, they often overlook the impact of their garage door on overall energy costs. Insulated garage doors can reduce the transfer of hot and cold air, leading to significant energy savings for your household.

Tone Down Garage Door Sound

The opening and closing of overhead doors can be a loud and distracting experience, particularly for those sleeping in rooms located next to or above the garage. To reduce door noise and ensure a smooth opening and closing operation, consider Mercer Island Garage Door Repair's ultra-quiet hinges.

Increase Your Home's Charm

Have you ever taken a closer look at your home's appearance? Your overhead doors in Mercer Island take up a significant amount of space in front. Upgrading them can greatly improve your home's curb appeal without breaking the bank.

Safety and Security Should Always be the Priority

Many home burglaries in Mercer Island involve overhead doors. Do you have confidence in your garage door's ability to withstand attempted break-ins? If your door is old, it may not have advanced safety features like automatic reversal.

The Most Commonly Asked Questions by Our Mercer Island, WA Clients

Would it be more beneficial to hire a professional for my new garage door installation?

At Mercer Island Garage Door Repair, we maintain that garage door installation should not be attempted as a DIY project. Given that a garage door is the largest moving item in your home and consists of numerous small components, the installation process is quite complex. Connecting the springs can be especially hazardous, and the door's performance depends on proper installation. Expert garage door dealers/installers can usually complete the task in a matter of hours, ensuring all safety measures are met. In contrast, most homeowners spend several days on installation, often experiencing frustration. Furthermore, improper installation may void certain warranties, so we advise having a professional handle the task. Another benefit of employing a professional garage door dealer/installer is the disposal of your old door when replacing it.

Is it worth choosing an insulated door for an un-insulated garage?

Insulated garage doors can help reduce the transfer of heat or cold air into your garage through the large garage door opening, which is important because:

1. Insulated doors have a more attractive interior and are generally quieter than non-insulated doors.
2. Make sure to prioritize comfort when using your garage as a workshop.
3. Insulated doors restrict airflow between your garage and living area.
4. For garages located below other rooms, insulated doors are essential for maintaining temperature stability in the room above.

What are the differences between steel and wood garage doors?

Mercer Island Garage Door Repair's steel doors typically require less upkeep than wood doors. They come pre-painted with a baked-on coating from the factory. We suggest cleaning the door's exterior with a common household detergent and warm water at least once a year. Our wood doors are unfinished and must be primed, painted, or stained on all six sides upon delivery. We recommend visually examining the paint or stain finish on wood doors once a year to see if it requires another application.

Can I replace my one-piece garage door with a sectional garage door?

Your professional garage door dealer/installer can set up a sectional door for you by installing the appropriate track and springs. Additional modifications may be required depending on your garage's configuration. It is recommended that you have your Mercer Island, WA dealer evaluate the job before installation to make any necessary modifications.

Can I customize the appearance of my new garage door by painting it?

At Mercer Island Garage Door Repair, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality steel doors that are pre-painted with a top-of-the-line baked-on coating, specifically designed to be repainted. You can choose from a broad selection of commercially available latex exterior paints to refresh the appearance of your door, ensuring it continues to look beautiful for years to come. Just remember to follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations and steer clear of oil-based paints.