Exceptional Garage Door Services for Gig Harbor, WA Residents

Mastering Garage Door Spring Repair in Gig Harbor: Best Practices

Unanticipated events are a common part of being a homeowner, and they tend to arise at the most inopportune times. One such event is finding your car locked inside the garage, especially shortly after a garage door repair. That's when American Pro Garage & Gate takes action, abiding by the best practices in the industry to offer top-quality advice to homeowners each time we set foot in a garage. These practices contribute to long-term savings in both time and money, and customer satisfaction remains our primary focus.

Proven Technique #1 - Renewing Both Springs

The prevalent design for garage doors includes two springs that are installed concurrently. When one spring becomes inoperative, the other spring is likely nearing its expiration. To head off future issues, potential hazards, and garage door opener malfunctions, American Pro Garage & Gate customarily recommends substituting both springs. Just as you would replace both tires on your car after a blowout, it is crucial to upkeep valuable property like garage doors and vehicles by changing both garage door springs.

Proven Technique #2 - Picking the Right 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 Gig Harbor, 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 - Performing a Safety Inspection

For every spring repair, American Pro Garage & Gate includes a free safety inspection to verify that all hardware and moving parts on your door are functioning properly and meet safety standards. Since the hardware was likely installed at the same time as the springs, there may be worn mechanical parts on your door that are unsafe. A broken spring could signal a larger issue with your door. That's why offering a free safety inspection and maintaining a secure environment for our customers is a American Pro Garage & Gate best practice.

Considering our ample stock of springs for an array of garage door types, we recommend consulting a professional technician for precise measurements and a trustworthy price estimate. Touch base with American Pro Garage & Gate now to obtain an expert technician's appraisal and quote for garage door spring repair.

Which Type of Garage Door Opener Is Best for You?

Screw Driven Openers

Screw drive openers feature a lifting mechanism that runs on a threaded steel rod, as opposed to a chain or rubber belt. These openers perform best in locations with consistent weather and temperature conditions throughout the year. In areas with fluctuating temperatures or weather patterns, such as Gig Harbor, a screw drive opener is not advised. Screw drive openers are the slowest and noisiest of all three openers but are the least expensive. If noise or slow operation was an issue with your previous opener, you might not enjoy having a screw-driven opener in your garage.

Jackshaft Openers

Ideal for Gig Harbor residents with high garage ceilings or those looking to free up ceiling space, jackshaft openers are mounted on the wall next to your garage door and connect to the torsion spring above it. While they are somewhat more expensive than ceiling-mounted openers, they provide a unique and space-saving solution.

Chain Driven Openers

Popular in Gig Harbor, chain-operated openers are a reliable option that use a metal chain to move the garage door along its track. These openers are somewhat cheaper than belt drives. However, they are also noisy, which can be problematic if your garage is positioned below or next to your home's main living areas. We generally advise against chain-operated openers because the small cost savings and lack of a lifetime warranty offered by LiftMaster® for belt drives outweigh the benefits.

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 Gig Harbor 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.

Unveiling 10 Reasons to Rely on American Pro Garage & Gate

1. Proven Experience: Boasting a solid track record and a large base of pleased clients, our industry-leading specialists cater to your garage door needs with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
2. Extensive Range of Products and Services: American Pro Garage & Gate delivers a wide array of products and services to address your distinct needs. We can supply everything from customized doors to repair and installation services, guaranteeing the ideal solution for any door or product you need.
3. Skilled and Courteous Staff: Our employees are both well-informed and professional. They appreciate the significance of excellent customer service and work to ensure your interactions with them are pleasant. From addressing your concerns to providing guidance on door upkeep, they're available to help.
4. Superior-Quality Materials: By utilizing the finest materials available, we ensure your garage door is both sturdy and appealing. With our garage door company in Gig Harbor, you can be confident that your investment in a durable and attractive door is worthwhile.
5. Secure Installations: We make certain that your doors and gates are installed safely and accurately. This ensures that the installation and maintenance of your garage door comply with the strictest protocols, offering a safe and protected atmosphere for your family.
6. Cost Effective Solutions: American Pro Garage & Gate brings you an assortment of value-driven possibilities for your overhead door requirements. Explore a solution that accommodates your budget, ranging from installation services and repairs to customized designs.
7. Prompt Service: When it comes to fixing or installing doors and gates, time is crucial. A reliable Gig Harbor company will make sure your needs are met with speed and efficiency.
8. Quality Guarantee: By offering a quality guarantee for our services and products, we ensure that any garage door repairs or installations are performed to the highest standards. This allows you to trust that your investment is safeguarded.
9. Warranty: We provide an added layer of protection for your investment. Warranty coverage ensures that malfunction or accidental damage covers your door. This can help to reduce any stress or financial burden associated with a faulty door.
10. Satisfaction is Our Goal: American Pro Garage & Gate aims to ensure your satisfaction with our garage doors and other offerings. We strive to exceed your expectations and provide exceptional service.

Common Overhead Door Repair Problems That We Typically Encounter

Broken Springs: If your garage door isn't functioning correctly, it could be due to broken springs. Inspect the condition of the springs to determine if they need repair.

Worn-out rollers: Over time, the rollers that help your garage door open and close can become worn out. This can cause the door to be noisy or even get stuck.

Repairing Damaged Panels: Garage door panels can become damaged over time from regular use or weather. Heavy impacts from vehicles or other objects can also cause significant damage and require repair.

Misaligned Tracks: If your garage door is stuck, misaligned tracks may be the culprit. Check the tracks to ensure they're in the proper position.

Faulty Opener: A faulty garage door opener can prevent the door from opening or closing correctly. If you suspect a problem with the opener, it's best to seek professional assistance.

Safety Sensor: The safety sensor is often responsible for garage door issues. It can get knocked out of alignment by playful children or objects, leading to difficulty in closing the door correctly. To prevent this problem, it's important to keep an eye on the sensor and ensure it remains aligned.

The Most Typical Overhead Door Problems Requiring Repair

Hinges: When the hinges on your overhead door become damaged or misaligned, it can make opening and closing the door difficult. Luckily, this is a repair that can be easily fixed by a professional.

Fading: Over time, weather conditions and prolonged sun exposure can cause the color of your gate to fade. To keep it looking fresh, you may need to repaint it every few years.

Sagging: The weight of wooden gates often causes them to sag, leading to issues. Preventing this requires using sturdier hardware and properly securing the gate posts.

Warping: A gate that's exposed to extreme temperatures due to weather conditions may warp and become misshapen.

Rotting: Wooden doors that aren't properly sealed or treated can deteriorate and rot over time, leading to weakened doors that may eventually collapse.

Frames: Garage door frame damage or bending can lead to instability in the entire structure, posing a significant safety hazard. It's essential to replace or repair any damaged frames as soon as possible.

Pests: In addition to other potential problems, wooden doors are also susceptible to pests like termites and carpenter bees. Be vigilant about inspecting your wooden door for signs of infestation.

Rollers: Functional rollers are crucial for your gate's smooth operation. Once they are damaged or worn out, opening and closing the gate can become difficult. Thankfully, replacing the rollers is usually an easy fix.

Rusting: Exposure to moisture or humidity can cause rusting, which is a frequent issue. It's essential to watch for rust signs on your gate, particularly if you live in a humid location.

Installation: The consequences of poor installation can be severe, particularly with gates that could become unsafe and unstable. It is essential to fix these problems as soon as possible.

Is Your Gig Harbor Garage Door No Longer Functioning? Why Replacement May Be the Answer

While it's clear that replacing your garage doors is a smart move from a strict sale / resale perspective, there are other advantages for Gig Harbor homeowners to consider as well. Here are a few:

Reduce Home Energy Use

Your garage door is probably the largest moving object attached to your home, and it can be the most inefficient room in terms of energy consumption due to its frequent opening and closing. While many Gig Harbor, WA homeowners focus on energy-efficient replacement windows and front entry doors, they tend to overlook the effect of the garage door on overall energy costs. Insulated garage doors can minimize the transfer of hot and cold air, lowering your household's energy bills.

Never Compromise on Safety and Security

A significant number of home break-ins in Gig Harbor happen through overhead doors. Are you certain that your garage door cannot be easily manipulated by intruders? Moreover, older doors may lack automatic reversal, a crucial safety feature.

Cut Down on Garage Door Noise

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 American Pro Garage & Gate's ultra-quiet hinges.

Raise Your Home's Attractiveness

Assess your home and take note of how much space your garage doors occupy at the front. Upgrading them in Gig Harbor can make a significant difference in your home's curb appeal without breaking the bank.

Questions Frequently Asked by Our Clients in Gig Harbor, WA

Is it recommended to have a professional install my new garage door?

Installing a garage door is a complex process that should not be undertaken as a DIY project. Due to the size and intricate components of a garage door, the installation process requires technical expertise. The springs can be particularly risky to work with, and correct installation is essential for your door to function properly. Expert garage door installers can complete the job efficiently while maintaining safety standards. In contrast, homeowners may struggle for days and become frustrated with the process. Improper installation may also nullify certain warranties, so we recommend hiring a professional for the job. They can also handle the removal of your old door if necessary.

Would it make sense to select an insulated door for an uninsulated garage?

The use of insulated garage doors can minimize the transfer of heat or cold air through the large garage door opening, which is crucial for the following reasons:

1. Your comfort is essential if you use your garage as a workshop.
2. Using insulated doors can ensure a stable temperature in the room above when the garage is situated below another room.
3. With insulated doors, air in your garage is less likely to affect your living area.
4. Insulated doors boast a more aesthetically pleasing interior and a quieter operation than their non-insulated counterparts.

Steel or wood garage doors - cost, maintenance, and durability?

When it comes to maintenance, steel doors generally require less work than wood doors. At American Pro Garage & Gate, our steel doors come pre-painted with a baked-on coating applied at the factory. We recommend cleaning the exterior of the door with warm water and a household detergent once a year. Our wood doors are unfinished and must be primed, painted, or stained on all six sides when delivered. To ensure that it is in good condition, it is recommended to check the paint or stain finish on wood doors once a year.

Can my one-piece garage door be upgraded to a sectional garage door?

Your professional garage door dealer/installer can install a sectional door by fitting track and springs to accommodate the door. Depending on your garage's construction, other modifications may be necessary. To ensure all required adjustments are made, it's best to have your Gig Harbor, WA dealer evaluate the job before installation.

Can I paint my new garage door to match my house's color scheme?

At American Pro Garage & Gate, we believe that your home deserves the best. That's why all our steel doors are pre-painted with a factory-applied baked-on coating that can be repainted to your liking. We recommend using commercially available latex exterior paints, as long as you follow the paint manufacturer's instructions. Avoid using oil-based paints, and enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting finish that enhances your home's value and style.