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The Ultimate Guide to Fixing an Automatic Garage Door

Is your garage door remote broken, or is the door simply not working? You may wonder how to fix an automatic garage door. With some troubleshooting, you can repair your door, avoid costly service calls, and get your garage door opener working again in no time.

A garage with an automatic door opener is a great luxury, making it easy to stow your car away during unpleasant weather conditions. But when your garage door opener is not working, that convenience quickly becomes a burden. Try these quick troubleshooting tips before you call in a professional.

See if you can fix your automatic garage door using the tips outlined below.

How to Fix an Automatic Garage Door - Troubleshooting

1. Inspect the batteries in your wireless transmitter

Dead transmitter batteries are the most common cause of automatic garage door issues. If you are able to open your garage door using another remote or transmitter inside your home, you have a problem with one specific device.

In most cases, changing the battery on your transmitter is as simple as sliding off the back of the remote, removing the old battery, and popping in a new one. Some transmitters may have a small screw holding the battery door in place, meaning you’ll need a screwdriver to access the old battery.

After you’ve changed the battery, test it by opening and closing your garage door. If it works, you have solved the problem with your automatic garage door.

Sometimes the transmitter itself may be broken and need to be replaced by a professional.

2. Make sure the path of the garage door is completely clear.

Automatic garage doors are designed to be as safe as possible. They have a reversing mechanism that prevents them from closing if anything is in the way. If your garage door starts to close but stops or does not close entirely, something may be blocking its path.

Make sure that the garage door’s path is completely clear. Move any items out of the way. Check that nothing is obstructing the door’s track. Make absolutely certain that your vehicle isn’t blocking the garage door or tripping the photo eye sensor.

3. Look for and identify common mechanical issues.

Automatic garage doors often experience other common mechanical problems that you may be able to identify yourself:

● Check the channels on either side of the garage door to ensure the door is aligned.

● Inspect the photo eye sensors to confirm they’re pointing toward each other and are properly aligned.

● Visually inspect the motor and springs to look for anything unusual, such as a broken or disconnected chain.

4. How to Fix an Automatic Garage Door - Professional Guidance

If these troubleshooting tips do not help you solve your problem, then you need to call in a professional for a more thorough examination.

Door Doctor promptly identifies the problem and offers expert repair services to get your garage door working as fast as possible. Our specialists provide reliable and professional repair services to restore your automatic garage door.

Contact us for 24-hour, fast, and friendly garage door services.


Five Common Commercial Garage Door Problems

Though constructed from durable materials and built to withstand heavy use, commercial garage doors can still present issues to business owners. This article explores five common commercial garage door problems that may require the services of a professional garage door repair company.

Five Common Commercial Garage Door Problems

The most common problems requiring professional commercial garage door repair include:

  1. Misaligned or Damaged Tracks

Metal tracks guide overhead commercial garage doors as they lift and shut. The door will neither open nor close when these tracks become damaged or misaligned. Only a qualified professional garage door technician can straighten and repair the ways.

Should you notice warping in your commercial garage door, it is essential to get it looked at as soon as possible. Otherwise, the tracks may become more damaged and require complete replacement.

  1. Door Fails to Open

Torsion cables and springs are needed to function correctly for commercial garage door openers. If a line is worn or a spring breaks, the garage door will not be able to open and close. Torsion springs are dangerous without the proper tools and equipment because they are tightly wound. These crucial parts need regular maintenance to ensure that they are working well.

When a commercial garage door fails to open, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with your local commercial garage door company.

  1. Unusual Noises

Dirty rollers may be the culprit if your commercial garage door makes unusual noises when opening and closing. Over time, debris may gather on the rollers and damage them. Regularly clean your rollers and watch for corroded rollers that need replacing.

  1. Power Issues

Another reason garage doors fail to open and close is often a problem with the power supply. Appropriate power is required to operate correctly, hefty commercial garage doors. This specific problem warrants a visit from a professional technician.

  1. Broken Panels

When commercial garage doors are used constantly, it’s common for panels to become dented or damaged. The good news is that a single section can be replaced without overhauling the entire door.

Five Common Commercial Garage Door Problems

Get the Professional Help You Need from the Expert Team at Door Doctor Today!

Door Doctor strives to provide prompt and reliable service when you need it most. Whether you’re looking for someone to fix a specific component on your commercial garage door, repair a commercial garage door, or need a new garage door, count on our skilled technicians. No job is too complicated for our dedicated team! We provide services at your convenience so that you can get ahold of a technician any time there’s a severe problem.

To schedule a service call for your commercial garage door problems, contact us at one of our four locations in Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston, and Toronto.

Reasons Your Garage Door Isn’t Opening

There’s nothing as irritating as coming home after a long day at work only to discover that your garage door won’t open. There are many possible reasons your garage door isn’t opening correctly. You may need to replace a part of your garage door or all of it if the doors do not work as they should or cannot open completely.

Always consult a professional garage door company and know your garage door manufacturer. But before we start exploring different ways to fix a garage door, let’s understand why your garage door isn’t opening.

Reasons Your Garage Door Isn’t Opening

Possible reasons your garage door isn’t opening include:

  1. Your Operator’s Power Source Is Disrupted

If your garage door isn’t opening, the first thing you should check is the power source. Ensure that it is plugged into a working outlet and that there is no disruption to the power source. Sometimes outlets go out without warning, so check if the outlet is working by plugging another working electronic device into it. You can also check your circuit breaker, fuse, or GFCI.

  1. Your Cables Have Snapped or Popped Off

Just like a bike sprocket, your garage door cables can sometimes become disengaged.

When the torsion spring on your garage door breaks, the door cable snaps, too, if your garage door cables have snapped, this is not a problem that you can fix on your own, and it is crucial to have someone who knows what they are doing take a look at it.

In some cases, the damage caused by the snapped cable can be extensive and dangerous, so it is always best to exercise caution and call a professional.

  1. Your Sensitivity Is Maladjusted

In a newly installed garage door or sometimes in an older one, the sensitivity can become maladjusted. If the sensitivity is set extremely high or low, your garage door will not open. Consult a garage door expert to reset the sensitivity.

Always remember to take care when fixing a malfunctioning garage door, as you risk severe injury if things go wrong. If you are unsure about what you are doing, it’s always better to call experienced professionals who can instantly identify and resolve the problem.  

If Your Garage Door Isn’t Opening, Have It Inspected, Fixed, Repaired, or Replaced at Door Doctor Today!

Are you in a tight spot because your garage door isn’t opening? Don’t panic! The door Doctor can help you figure out why your garage door won’t open and fix it immediately.

If you are experiencing difficulty with your garage door, contact us today to request an estimate or schedule a service session.

Top Garage Door Repairs

When your garage door stops working, it’s frustrating and inconvenient. Hopefully, with this quick guide to garage door repair, you’ll find some relief by identifying the problem and moving one step closer to getting your garage door system running up smoothly again

Four Common Types of Garage Door Repairs

  1. Broken Cable Repair

Cables are essential parts of a garage door system. Garage door cables use the tension provided by the springs to pull the full weight of the garage door up while in operation. These garage door cables weaken over time and eventually break.

If your garage door is not hanging straight on the tracks or gets stuck halfway, it can be a sign that you should replace your garage door cables. Just like broken spring repair, broken garage door cable repair can be very dangerous and cause serious injuries. Contacting a garage door professional for all broken cable repairs is always recommended.

  1. Garage Door Panel Repair or Replacement

Suppose your children have used your garage door as target practice for the upcoming hockey season, or you accidentally hit it with your car. Even a minor accident can cause unsightly damage to your garage doors. Luckily, you don’t always have to purchase a new garage door for this type of damage. Repairing or replacing garage door parts like panels and hardware can save you money and keep your door in pristine condition. Contact a licensed garage door repair company to find a replacement section for your garage door.

damaged car large

  1. Safety Sensor Alignment

Sometimes your garage door safety sensors can automatically stop your garage door opener from operating. These sensors can even get misaligned, and your door can get stuck even though nothing is in its way. To get your garage door system functioning again, you’ll need to have a professional align the garage door sensors properly.

  1. Bent or Broken Track Repair

When garage door tracks break or bend, your garage door will stop opening and closing properly. Some garage door tracks need minor repairs and only require adjustments to existing tracks. On the other hand, other repairs may involve replacing the track with a new one. A garage door professional can help inspect the damage on your broken garage door track and determine if the track can be repaired or requires replacing. At Door Doctor, we always try to repair your existing hardware when it’s an option. It’s just one of many reasons you can trust our company to look out for you!

Need Garage Door Repairs? Contact Door Doctor Now!

Severely damaged garage doors require proper repair, which is a job best left in the hands of qualified garage door repair professionals. For repairs on your garage door cables, springs, or any other part of your garage door system, contact Door Doctor now!

Three Serious Reasons to Reconsider DIY Garage Door Repair

Garage doors are an essential part of your home. They provide ease and convenience at the push of a button and a safe place to park your car, while also preventing unwanted entry into your home. They also protect your home against harsh elements and, with various designs available, are a way to enhance your home’s aesthetic. Common reasons to replace a garage door include severe damage or cosmetic improvements. But if your garage door stops working entirely, feels unusually heavy, or has damaged panels and rust, you may need just garage door repair rather than a complete replacement.
Whatever the reason you are seeking garage door repair, you may be tempted to repair your garage door yourself. While this task may appear simple to most people, you should know some jobs are better left to the professionals.
Here are three reasons to reconsider DIY garage door repair and hire a professional garage door company.

Three Reasons to Reconsider DIY Garage Door Repair

1.   DIY Garage Door Repair May Lead to Serious Bodily Harm

Bodily harm is the leading reason that homeowners should reconsider a DIY garage door repair. Garage door systems include many safety features. However, when a garage door breaks, malfunctions, or needs tune-ups, these safety features may not be fully functional. As a result, you are putting yourself in danger of serious injury due to garage door collapse, springs breaking, and other issues. Surely, you’d rather pay a professional to fix your garage than pay the hospital for your medical bills!

2. DIY Garage Door Repair May Lead to Further Damage to the System

Like most people, you probably think garage door repair is relatively simple. After all, how hard can it be to replace a broken spring or fix a faulty sensor? In reality, however, DIY garage door repair can further damage the system and may even void the warranty.
Without professional help, you can accidentally impair essential functions and further damage the system. For example, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you might disconnect the wrong wires when trying to replace a sensor. This can cause the garage door to open and close erratically or even prevent it from opening altogether.

3. DIY Garage Door Repair May Lead to Possession Damage

There are several parts on your garage door that, if not handled properly, can cause damage to your possessions. For example, the tracks that your door moves up and down on can easily become bent or misaligned, which can cause your door to get stuck or even fall off entirely. Again, it would help if you get a professional to repair the garage doors.
While you may be able to save a little money by attempting DIY garage door repair, it’s simply not worth the risk of damaging your possessions—or yourself. Play it safe and call a professional when your garage door needs repair.

Need Garage Door Repair? Contact Door Doctor Now!

DIY garage door repair is dangerous and could cost you much more than you set out to save. If your garage door isn’t working properly, you’re better off reaching out to a professional garage door repair company.
Door Doctor is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations. We also take pride in our commitment to honesty so you don’t need to worry about an inflated bill with unnecessary expenses. Contact us today for a quote if you need swift and reliable garage door repair.

The Most Popular Standard Garage Door Sizes

A garage door can help increase your home’s safety and curb appeal. One of the first steps in garage door replacement or installation is determining the garage door size you require. This guide will review the most popular standard garage door sizes to help you find your ideal fit.

How to Measure a Garage Door

Most people think measuring a garage door is a piece of cake. However, it entails more than just determining the door’s dimensions. One needs to ensure the garage can accommodate a garage door opener with entry in both open and closed positions. You will need to hire a professional for an accurate estimate.  

A garage door expert will begin by measuring the height and width of the door opening, sometimes called the “rough opening.”. This will be the approximate door size, and the technician will also measure the following:

  • Side Room- This is the space available on the right and left sides of the opening. Generally, vertical track systems with torsion springs or other hardware need 3 3/4 inches on each side. However, some systems may require up to 5 1/2 inches per side.
  • The Headroom- The distance between the door jamb header (the top of the door opening) and the garage’s ceiling is the headroom. Standard systems need 10 inches of headroom, while a few need 12 inches. Many garage door openers usually require an additional three inches of clearance.
  • The Backroom- The distance from the garage door opening to the back wall of the garage is called the backroom. Standard garage doors usually require a backroom that equals the door height plus 18 inches. However, more space may be required depending on the type of automatic garage door opener used.

What Are Standard Garage Door Sizes?

It’s important to understand standard garage door sizes when adding a garage door to a new home or purchasing a replacement garage door. Although there is a wide variety in dimension combinations, some sizes are certainly more common than others. Here are some standard garage door sizes and dimensions:

  • Typically, single standard garage doors are 7–8 feet high by 8–10 feet wide.
  • Double standard garage doors are 7–8 feet high by 16–18 feet wide.
  • RV standard garage doors are 10–14 feet high by 10–14 feet wide.

Want to Know More About Standard Garage Door Sizes? Contact Door Doctor Today!

If you want to accommodate your vehicles and have a specific type of garage door in mind, you need to consult the professionals before installation.

Your best bet is to contact the Door Doctor and have their expert team design a garage door according to your specifications. We offer the best customized standard garage door sizes to house your vehicles safely in the most cost-effective way.

So, get in touch with us today to inquire; we’re happy to be of service!

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