Amelia Overhead Doors FAQs
250+ Years of Combined Industry Experience | Emergency Services Available 250+ Years of Combined Industry Experience | Emergency Services Available
Frequently Asked Questions
Have an overhead door-related question? We have the answer. Here are some of the most common overhead door questions that we get. Give us a call today for more information!
What garage door services does Amelia Overhead Doors offer in Virginia?
When you see your garage door opener lights flashing and the garage door will not close, it could be the lock button or the safety reversing sensors. If necessary, you can close the garage door by pressing and holding the door control push bar until down travel is completed. Start by checking if the lock button on the door control is on, then check if the safety reversing sensors are aligned. Unlock the lock button. If your door control has a lock button, it may have been turned on. When the lock button is on, the garage door opener will work from the door control but the remote controls will be locked out. Press the lock button to turn this feature off. The light will flash two times. Press the remote control. If the door closes, your issue is solved. Align the safety reversing sensors as they may have become misaligned or obstructed. Possibly, there is a problem with the sensor or wiring. If you’re still experiencing issues, give us a call for any required garage door services.
When should I replace my garage door?
Garage Doors are a huge part of your home. In fact, they are your largest appliance. Like every appliance in your home, there will come a time that you have to replace them. Luckily, garage doors typically have a longer lifespan than most of the items in your home. But how do you know when to replace them? Here are a few tips that can help.
- It hits its usable life span. Garage door panels should last 30 years. So, the aesthetics of your door should be intact for quite some time if you are properly taking care of your door. Openers have a short lifespan due to their technology. These should last about 10-15 years.
- It becomes damaged beyond repair. Some garage door damage can be easily fixed, which is called “cosmetic” damage, while other damage can be quite deeper. If your garage door is severely damaged due to an accident with your car or a storm-related incident, call a professional to assess it. They can ultimately decide what actions need to be taken.
- You’re upgrading! There are still some manual garage doors out there and if you are thinking of upgrading to automatic technology, you will need to upgrade your door as well so the proper technology links. Keep in mind that, according to Bob Vila, you can recoup 93.3% of a new garage door installation project cost, making this a great reason to upgrade.
- You want to increase curb appeal. Have an outdated door? Upgrade it and, in return, you will upgrade the curb appeal of your home. As we mentioned before, your garage door is your largest appliance in your home and it’s one of the most noticed items. So why not give your door a refresh and your home a facelift?
- It’s simply not safe. Sometimes, your garage door will hit a point where it’s simply just not safe to operate anymore. Again, you’ll need professional garage door services to make that decision, and if your door is deemed inoperable, it’s time to start searching for a new door.
Your safety is important to us. If you ever notice your door is not working, do not force it. There could be a hidden flaw or damage that could be hazardous for you or your family.
Why won't my garage door open?
Although there are plenty of reasons why your door might not be working, the most common reason is a broken spring. Look above your door. There in the center will be one or two springs (depending on the size of your door). If it looks like there is a gap in those coils, you have a broken spring, and that is why your door will not open. Springs are under heavy tension when wound and should always be dealt with by professional garage door services. Do not attempt to repair a broken spring or alter springs on your own.
Why won't my garage door close?
There are lots of reasons why a Clopay garage door or another type of garage door will not close, but the most common answer is that the safety reverse system (designed to protect you and your family) is preventing the door from closing. At the bottom of your door, on both sides, you should see “photo eyes,” or “safety beams.” Different operators utilize similar technology. Generally, both sensors should have a solid light on them at all times. Another good way to tell if you’re having issues with your sensors is if your operator flashes and/or makes a clicking sound.
What is this rope hanging from my door?
This rope is more commonly referred to as an “emergency release.” This is often used in the case of a power outage at your house. With no power, your door will not be able to operate electrically as usual. On most garage door operators, a simple pull of the emergency release cord will allow you to operate your door manually. What does this mean? This means that you can get in and out of your garage without worry. The emergency release cord is just that, the ability to use your garage door manually in an emergency so you can carry on with your day until you can hire garage door services to correct the problem!
How often should I service my garage door?
Garage door services help to extend your door’s life. When you get your garage door serviced by professionals, it’s a lot like going to a physical. There, a physician checks you for signs of potential problems and treats any issues they find. It’s the same for a garage door. Service ensures a small problem doesn’t turn into a big one. For instance, at your service appointment, a technician may identify a spring that’s about to break and replace it. You won’t be caught off guard by a broken garage spring and have to wait around until someone can come to repair your door. Plus, it can save you money since it won’t require emergency service. To keep your garage door properly maintained, you should have it professionally serviced annually. In addition, be sure to conduct your own monthly checks of the door to ensure it is working correctly.
Why is my LiftMaster garage door opener beeping?
If you’re using a LiftMaster timer-to-close or other similar technology, the garage door opener will beep to indicate when the door is closing. So, if you only hear beeping when you’re shutting your garage door, that’s normal. But if you hear beeping more frequently than that, there may be another cause. Garage door sensors that aren’t aligned properly can prevent your door from shutting, which can cause your opener to beep. You can give us a call for LiftMaster customer service if you need help fixing your sensor alignment! Your garage door might be operating on battery power. Whenever that happens, the opener will beep to let you know it’s running on the backup battery. This will usually only happen during a power outage, but it can happen on its own, too. Your backup battery might be running low on power or be unable to recharge. If your garage door opener beeps every 30 seconds, you might need to replace your backup battery. You can look for the LED light on your garage door opener to see if that’s the case.
Can my garage door be painted?
A residential or commercial Clopay garage door can be painted with any high-quality exterior latex paint. Do not use oil-based paint. Please see your owner’s manual for specific painting instructions or give us a call and we can help walk you through the process!
What is R-Value and how does it benefit me?
R-Value is a measurement of the thermal efficiency of a garage door, or how well it insulates. Insulation is an important factor to consider when purchasing a garage door. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your garage, or if you have a room directly above or adjacent to your garage, you will want to purchase a garage door that offers a high R-Value. If your garage is not attached to your house, or you are not concerned with insulation, you can purchase a door with a lower R-Value or no garage door insulation at all. For trusted garage door services to help you make this decision, give us a call today.
What is the difference between a chain drive, belt drive, screw drive, and direct drive?
Garage door openers, such as LiftMaster garage door openers, have different systems that open a garage door. A chain drive uses a chain as the mechanism to help open or close a door, a belt drive uses a belt mechanism, a screw drive uses a corkscrew rod, and a direct drive is attached directly to the torsion bar to help open or close a garage door. Belt drive openers tend to be quieter than chain drive openers. Screw drive openers are known to require less adjustment over time. Direct drives take up less space in your garage.