How quickly can you fix my sensor issues?

In most cases, we can diagnose and fix sensor issues the same day you call. Our technicians carry common replacement parts on their trucks, including photo-eye sensors, wiring, and brackets. Simple sensor alignments can be completed in under 30 minutes, while more complex issues like wiring problems typically take 1-2 hours. For emergency situations, we offer immediate dispatch with technicians available 24/7.

What causes sensor issues in garage doors?

Garage door sensor issues are commonly caused by several factors: misalignment from bumps or vibrations, dirty or obstructed sensor lenses, damaged wiring from pests or weather, sun interference (especially in afternoon hours), and general wear after 7-10 years of use. We recommend regular cleaning of sensor lenses and checking alignment during routine maintenance.

Do you offer financing for new steel door installations?

Yes! We understand that a new garage door is a significant investment. We offer several financing options including 0% APR financing for 12 months for qualified customers, flexible payment plans up to 60 months, and no-prepayment-penalty options. Our team can help you find a financing solution that fits your budget.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 3-5 hours, including removal of the old door, installation of new tracks and hardware, door assembly, opener installation, and testing. More complex installations with custom doors or structural modifications may take a full day.

What's included in your warranty?

Our 3-year warranty covers all parts and labor for any issues related to our installation or repair work. This includes springs, cables, rollers, hinges, and opener components we install. Manufacturer warranties on doors and openers are honored separately and typically range from 1 year to lifetime depending on the product.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend annual professional maintenance for optimal performance and safety. During a maintenance visit, we inspect all components, lubricate moving parts, test safety features, adjust spring tension, tighten hardware, and check opener settings. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your door by 5-10 years.

Do you repair all garage door brands?

Yes, our factory-trained technicians service all major garage door and opener brands including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, Craftsman, Wayne Dalton, Clopay, Amarr, and CHI. We carry a wide selection of universal and brand-specific parts on our trucks to ensure we can complete most repairs on the first visit.

What are signs that my garage door springs need replacement?

Watch for these warning signs: the door feels heavier than usual when lifting manually, visible gaps or separation in the spring coils, the door doesn't stay open at the halfway point, unusual loud banging sounds, the door opens unevenly, and rust or corrosion on the springs. Springs typically last 10,000-15,000 cycles (7-12 years for average use). Never attempt to replace springs yourself.

Can you install a new opener on my existing door?

Absolutely! We regularly install new openers on existing doors. Before installation, we'll inspect your door to ensure it's in good condition and properly balanced. Modern smart openers with WiFi connectivity, battery backup, and quiet operation can breathe new life into your existing garage door setup.

Do you offer emergency service on holidays?

Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency service every day of the year, including holidays. We understand that garage door emergencies don't wait for convenient times. Our emergency service includes immediate dispatch, no extra holiday charges, and the same quality service you'd receive on any other day.

Preparing Your Garage Door for Summer: Essential Tips

2024-01-10 7 min read

# Preparing Your Garage Door for Summer: Essential Tips

As temperatures rise across the Greater Lowell area, your garage door faces unique challenges. Heat, humidity, and increased usage during summer months can take a toll on your door's performance. Here's your comprehensive guide to summer garage door preparation.

Why Summer Preparation Matters

Summer brings specific challenges for garage doors. High temperatures cause metal components to expand, potentially affecting door alignment and operation. Increased humidity can lead to rust and corrosion on metal parts. Plus, with kids home from school and more outdoor activities, your door likely gets more use during summer months.

Essential Summer Maintenance Steps

1. Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts

Summer heat can cause lubricants to dry out faster than usual. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to:

- Rollers (if steel) - Hinges, Springs, Track edges, Bearing plates

Pro Tip: Avoid WD-40 for lubrication.it's a solvent, not a lubricant. Use a proper garage door lubricant instead.

2. Check and Clean the Weather Stripping

The rubber weather stripping at the bottom of your door works overtime in summer, sealing out hot air, dust, and insects. Inspect it for:

- Cracks or tears, Brittleness from UV exposure, Gaps that could let in pests

If your weather seal is damaged, replacement is quick and affordable.and it can significantly improve your garage's climate control.

3. Test the Safety Features

With increased summer activity around your home, ensure all safety features are working properly:

- Photo Eyes: These sensors should stop the door if anything breaks the beam. Test by placing an object in the door's path. - Auto-Reverse: The door should reverse if it contacts an object. Test with a wooden board laid flat. - Manual Release: Ensure you can disconnect the door from the opener in case of power outages (common during summer storms).

4. Examine the Door Balance

An unbalanced door strains your opener and can lead to premature failure. To test:

1. Disconnect the opener 2. Manually lift the door halfway 3. Release.it should stay in place 4. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment

Warning: Spring adjustment is dangerous and should only be done by professionals.

5. Inspect the Tracks

Summer heat can cause tracks to shift or warp. Check for:

- Gaps between rollers and track, Bent or warped sections, Debris buildup, Proper alignment

Clean tracks with a damp cloth.never lubricate the track surface itself.

6. Check the Opener Performance

Hot weather can affect your opener's performance:

- Test the opener's response time, Listen for unusual sounds, Check the backup battery (if equipped) - Ensure the force settings are appropriate

7. Consider Ventilation

If you use your garage as a workshop or spend time there, summer heat can make it unbearable. Consider:

- Installing a garage door screen (allows airflow when door is open) - Adding a ceiling fan, Upgrading to an insulated door for better temperature regulation

The Benefits of Professional Summer Tune-Up

While many of these tasks are DIY-friendly, a professional summer tune-up provides:

- Expert inspection of all components, Proper lubrication with professional-grade products, Accurate spring tension adjustment, Early detection of potential problems, Peace of mind for the season ahead

Beat the Summer Rush

Summer is our busiest season for emergency calls.mostly from doors that haven't been properly maintained. A little prevention now saves a lot of hassle (and sweat) later.

At Tewksbury Garage Doors, we offer comprehensive summer preparation packages starting at just $89. Our technicians will inspect, lubricate, adjust, and test every component of your garage door system.

Schedule your summer tune-up today and enjoy worry-free operation all season long!

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