Lakewood Area: Top-notch Garage Door Services for Homes & Businesses

Mastering Garage Door Spring Repair in Lakewood: Best Practices

As a homeowner, you're no stranger to life's unexpected challenges, often striking at the least opportune moments. One such hassle is discovering your car stuck in the garage, especially if it hasn't been long since your last garage door repair. Prime Lakewood Garage Doors is here to help, adhering to the industry's best practices to ensure the most effective recommendations for homeowners every time we visit a garage. These practices can save you both time and money in the long term, and our customers always come first.

Ideal Approach #1 - Swap Out Both Springs

Most garage doors come with a pair of springs installed at the same time. If one fails, chances are the other is also close to the end of its useful life. To avoid any future issues, possible risks, and damage to the garage door opener, Prime Lakewood Garage Doors generally advises replacing both springs. Similar to changing both car tires if one bursts, it's essential to preserve valuable assets like garage doors and vehicles by replacing both garage door springs.

Ideal Approach #2 - Identifying Correct Springs

The wide variety of garage door weights and sizes calls for the use of suitable springs to achieve the right balance. If a technician uses an improper spring, it can cause damage to the garage door system and make the opener work harder than necessary. This can lead to premature opener malfunction and more repair requests. Attempting a DIY spring replacement is also hazardous for the same reason. Our Lakewood, WA technicians are committed to installing the correct springs for the door's weight and conducting a balance test to ensure their work.

Ideal Approach #3 - Carrying Out a Safety Inspection

Prime Lakewood Garage Doors includes a complimentary safety inspection with every spring repair to ensure that all hardware and moving parts on your door are functioning correctly and adhere to safety regulations. Since the hardware was likely installed along with the springs, there could be worn mechanical parts on your door that pose a safety risk. A faulty spring may indicate a more extensive issue with your door. As a Prime Lakewood Garage Doors best practice, we provide a free safety inspection and maintain a secure environment for our customers.

We carry an expansive assortment of springs for numerous garage door models, so we recommend engaging a qualified technician to measure and give an exact cost estimation. Contact Prime Lakewood Garage Doors at your earliest convenience to have a skilled technician assess your garage door spring repair and offer a quote.

Garage Door Openers: Which One Will Meet Your Requirements?

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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood. 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.

Jackshaft Openers

Jackshaft openers are mounted on the wall next to your garage door, connecting to the torsion spring above the door. This type of opener is suitable for those in Lakewood with high garage ceilings or anyone looking to free up ceiling space. Though slightly more expensive than ceiling-mounted openers, they provide a unique and space-saving solution.

Screw Driven Openers

Screw driven openers rely on a lifting mechanism that operates on a threaded steel rod, as opposed to a chain or rubber belt. These openers are best suited for locations with consistent weather and temperatures throughout the year. In regions with fluctuating temperatures or weather conditions, a screw driven opener is not advised. Although they are the least expensive option, screw driven openers are also the slowest and noisiest. If you're unhappy with your current opener's noise or speed, a screw driven opener may not be the best choice for your Lakewood garage.

Prime Lakewood Garage Doors: 10 Key Reasons We Stand Out

1. Proven Experience: Our years of successful practice and numerous happy customers guarantee that our top professionals in the industry will address your garage door concerns in the most efficient manner possible.
2. Versatile Products and Services: Prime Lakewood Garage Doors presents an assortment of products and services to fulfill your distinct needs. Our capabilities range from custom-designed doors to repair and installation services, ensuring we have the ideal solution for any door or product requirement.
3. Knowledgeable Staff: Our team members possess both expertise and professionalism. They value outstanding customer service and work towards making your experience with them positive. They're ready to answer any questions you have about doors and gates and provide tips on maintaining your overhead 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 Lakewood.
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. Affordable Options: Prime Lakewood Garage Doors provides a range of budget-friendly solutions for your garage door requirements. Discover a solution that suits your financial needs, from installations and repairs to tailor-made designs.
7. Prompt Service: When dealing with garage door repairs or installations, time matters. A reputable Lakewood firm will ensure your needs are handled swiftly and proficiently.
8. Quality Assurance: We offer quality assurance for our services and products, guaranteeing that any doors and gates repairs or installations are completed to the highest standards. This ensures the protection of your investment, giving you peace of mind.
9. Doors and Gates Coverage: Our warranty coverage safeguards your doors and gates investment against any accidental damage or malfunctions, giving you peace of mind.
10. Satisfaction Guaranteed: Prime Lakewood Garage Doors stands behind our products and services, guaranteeing your complete satisfaction with our overhead doors and gates. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, we'll work to make it right.

Overhead Door Repair Issues That We Commonly Encounter

Broken Springs: The high tension in garage door springs makes them vulnerable to breaking. Examining their condition should be one of your first steps if you're having problems with your garage door.

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.

Panel Damage: Garage door panels can become damaged from a variety of sources, including weather and regular usage. Heavy impacts from vehicles or objects can also cause damage.

Misaligned Tracks: Misaligned tracks can cause your garage door to fall off its tracks, which poses a significant safety risk. Regularly check the tracks to ensure they're aligned correctly.

Faulty Opener: When your garage door opener is not working correctly, it can be a frustrating problem. Seeking professional assistance for repair is the best solution.

Safety Sensor Obstructions: The safety sensor can become obstructed by objects or children playing. Make sure the area around the sensor is clear to avoid issues with door closure.

Dealing with the Most Common Door Issues Requiring Repair

Rusting: Humidity or moisture exposure can result in rust, a common problem. If you live in a humid location, it's especially important to be vigilant for any rust on your overhead door.

Fading: Sun exposure and weather conditions can cause your gate's color to fade over time. To maintain the new look of your garage door, consider repainting it every few years.

Hinges: The hinges on your gate may be misaligned or damaged, causing issues with opening and closing. Thankfully, a professional can usually resolve this problem without much difficulty.

Installation: The negative impact of incorrect installation can be significant, particularly with gates that may become unsafe and unstable. It is critical to address these issues urgently.

Warping: Extreme weather conditions can cause warping of overhead doors. If exposed to hot or cold temperatures, the door may become misshapen.

Sagging: Sagging is commonly seen in wooden doors due to their weight. To prevent this, use sturdy hardware and ensure the posts are firmly attached.

Rollers: Overhead door rollers play a vital role in ensuring smooth door movement. Any damage or wear can hinder proper opening and closing. Thankfully, roller replacement is usually a straightforward repair.

Frames: A damaged or bent frame on an overhead door can cause instability, which can be a significant safety concern. It's crucial to address the issue and replace or repair the frame without delay.

Rotting: Without proper treatment or sealing, wooden gates can rot over time, causing them to weaken and collapse eventually.

Pests: Pests such as termites and carpenter bees can pose a problem for wooden doors, which is another potential issue to consider. Inspect your wooden doors frequently to detect any signs of infestation.

When is it Time to Replace Your Lakewood Garage Door? Top Reasons to Consider

Don't just think about resale value when considering replacing your garage doors. There are plenty of other reasons for Lakewood residents to consider as well. Here are some of them:

Safety and Security Should Always be the Priority

A high percentage of home burglaries in Lakewood involve overhead doors. Do you feel secure with your current garage door's ability to prevent break-ins? Furthermore, outdated doors may not have safety features like automatic reversal.

Hush Your Garage Door

Overhead doors opening and closing can be a significant source of noise, particularly for individuals sleeping in rooms near or above the garage. To minimize door noise and provide a seamless operation, explore Prime Lakewood Garage Doors's ultra-quiet hinges.

Energy-Efficient Living

Your garage door is probably the biggest moving object attached to your house and, as such, can be the least energy efficient. While homeowners in Lakewood, WA tend to focus on energy-efficient windows and front entry doors, many overlook the impact of their garage door on overall energy costs. Installing insulated garage doors can reduce the transfer of hot and cold air, leading to significant energy savings.

Polish Your Home's Look

Your garage doors are a prominent feature of your home's facade. Improving them in Lakewood can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal without breaking the budget.

Commonly Asked Questions by Our Lakewood, WA Customers

Is it advisable to hire a professional for my new garage door installation?

We strongly advise against attempting to install a garage door by yourself, as it is not a DIY task. Garage doors are the largest moving objects in your home and their installation involves numerous small parts and technical details. Spring connection, in particular, can be hazardous, and proper installation is crucial for optimal door performance. Professional garage door installers can complete the job within a few hours while adhering to safety guidelines. On the other hand, most homeowners may take several days and experience frustration during the process. Additionally, improper installation might void some warranties, so we suggest employing a professional for the task. Professionals can also dispose of your old door if you're replacing one.

Can an insulated door be useful for a garage that is not insulated?

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. Air can travel through the ceiling of the garage into the floor of the room above if your garage is below another room in your home, and insulated doors can help stabilize temperatures.
2. Insulated doors are also quieter and more attractive than non-insulated doors.
3. Maintaining comfortable temperatures in your living area if your garage is attached to your home.
4. When utilizing your garage as a workshop, comfort should be a main concern.

Pros and cons of steel and wood garage doors?

Prime Lakewood Garage Doors'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 substitute 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 Lakewood, WA dealer evaluate the job before installation to make any necessary modifications.

Once installed, is it feasible to paint my new garage door?

At Prime Lakewood Garage Doors, 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.