Premier Garage Door Services for Homes & Businesses in Florida

Florida Garage Door Spring Repair: Tried and Tested

Homeowners are all too familiar with life's unexpected hurdles, often arising at the most inopportune times. One such obstacle is having your car trapped in the garage, particularly if it has only been a short while since your last garage door repair. At American Pro Garage & Gate, we adhere to the industry's best practices to provide optimal recommendations to homeowners every time we enter a garage. Following these practices can ultimately save you time and money, and our customers are always our top priority.

Recommended Procedure #1 - Updating Both Springs

Garage doors typically have two springs that are installed concurrently. When one spring fails, it often indicates that the other spring is approaching its life's end as well. In order to avert upcoming disruptions, potential dangers, and harm to the garage door opener, American Pro Garage & Gate usually suggests swapping both springs. Just as replacing both car tires after one fails is important, it's crucial to maintain valuable equipment like garage doors and automobiles by changing both garage door springs.

Recommended Procedure #2 - Choosing Suitable Springs

Garage doors come in various weights and sizes, necessitating the use of the correct springs to properly balance the door. If a technician installs the wrong spring, it can damage your garage door system and cause the opener to work harder than it should. This can lead to premature opener failure and additional repair calls. DIY spring replacement can also be risky for this reason. That's why American Pro Garage & Gate technicians exclusively install the right springs for the door's weight and conduct a balance test to confirm their work.

Recommended Procedure #3 - Undertaking a Safety Examination

As part of every spring repair, American Pro Garage & Gate conducts a gratis safety inspection to ensure all hardware and moving parts on your door work correctly and satisfy safety criteria. Since the hardware was likely installed concurrently with the springs, there's a chance that some worn mechanical parts on your door are dangerous. A malfunctioning spring could hint at a bigger issue with your door. For this reason, we consider offering a free safety inspection and maintaining a safe setting for our customers a best practice.

Our comprehensive collection of springs, designed for a variety of garage doors, necessitates the help of a trained technician for precise measurements and accurate pricing. Connect with American Pro Garage & Gate right away to have a proficient technician evaluate your garage door spring repair needs and provide an estimate.

Comparing Different Types of Garage Door Openers: Which is Best for You?

Chain Driven Openers

Chain driven openers are a popular choice and offer reliable performance. These openers utilize a metal chain to guide the garage door along its track. They are slightly more affordable than belt driven openers. However, they can be noisy, making them unsuitable if your garage is situated below or near the main living spaces of your home. We generally don't recommend chain driven openers, as the minor cost savings don't justify the noise and lack of warranty on the chain. LiftMaster®, for example, offers a lifetime warranty on the belt in belt driven openers, while the chain driven opener motors are noisier.

Jackshaft Openers

Wall-mounted openers, also known as jackshaft openers, are installed on the wall next to your garage door and connect to the torsion spring above it. They are an ideal option for garages with high ceilings or when you want to save ceiling space. Wall-mounted openers are slightly more expensive than ceiling-mounted openers.

Belt Driven Openers

Belt drive openers are highly regarded in the garage door industry as the top type of opener. They are not only as dependable as chain drives but are also virtually silent. Operating on a steel-reinforced belt, they are a bit more expensive than chain and screw drive openers. For Florida residents with attached garages or those close to bedrooms, a belt-driven opener guarantees you won't be bothered by garage door noise. Customers who opt for belt drive openers are often extremely satisfied and find it difficult to return to noisier chain openers.

Screw Driven Openers

Screw-operated openers employ a lifting mechanism that runs on a threaded steel rod, unlike chain or rubber belt openers. They are best suited for locations with consistent weather and temperature throughout the year. For residents of Florida with varying weather conditions, a screw-operated opener may not be the most suitable option. These openers are the slowest, noisiest, and least expensive of the three types. If you prefer a quieter, faster opener, a screw-operated opener may not be the right choice for you.

10 Reasons That Highlight the Excellence of American Pro Garage & Gate

1. Reliable Experience: With a successful track record spanning many years, we have established ourselves as industry leaders with numerous satisfied customers. You can trust us to handle your garage door needs with utmost efficiency.
2. Comprehensive Product and Service Offerings: American Pro Garage & Gate presents an extensive variety of products and services to meet your individual requirements. From bespoke doors to maintenance and installation services, we possess the right solution for every type of door or product you seek.
3. Professional Staff: Our personnel are well-versed and exhibit professionalism in their approach. They understand the significance of exceptional customer service and aim to make your interactions with them enjoyable. From answering your questions about garage doors to providing guidance on overhead door maintenance, they're prepared to support you.
4. High-Quality Materials: Our company is committed to using top-tier materials for your overhead door, resulting in a long-lasting and attractive product. Trust in our company in Florida to provide you with a valuable and enduring door.
5. Safety: We guarantee the correct and secure installation of your doors and gates. This ensures that the installation and upkeep of your garage door adhere to the strictest guidelines, resulting in a secure setting for you and your loved ones.
6. Value-Driven Solutions: American Pro Garage & Gate brings you an assortment of cost-effective 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: Repairing or installing a garage door demands prompt attention. A dependable Florida enterprise will ensure your needs are catered to quickly and competently.
8. Superior Quality Guarantee: We ensure superior quality in our services and products, meaning that any overhead door repairs or installations are carried out to the highest standards. This offers you peace of mind in the knowledge that your investment is protected.
9. Garage Door Warranty: Our warranty coverage provides an additional layer of protection for your investment, ensuring that any malfunction or accidental damage is covered.
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.

Most Common Problems with Overhead Door Repair

Broken Springs: When your garage door isn't functioning correctly, broken springs could be the cause. Check the condition of the springs as a first step.

Roller wear and tear: The constant movement of garage door rollers can lead to wear and tear over time, which can result in a noisy or stuck door. Regular maintenance can help prevent this.

Damaged Panels Prevention: Regular maintenance can help prevent the panels on your garage door from becoming damaged due to weather or normal wear and tear, or a hit by a vehicle or a heavy object.

Misaligned tracks: Falling off tracks is a safety hazard that can be caused by misaligned tracks. Regularly check and maintain the tracks to prevent this from happening.

Faulty Opener Issues: A faulty opener can cause your garage door to malfunction. If you suspect an issue with the opener, it's best to call a professional for help.

Safety Sensor: One of the most frequent problems that garage doors encounter is a misaligned safety sensor. This issue can occur when an object or a child accidentally hits the sensor, preventing the door from closing correctly. To prevent this problem, it's crucial to keep an eye on the sensor.

The Most Typical Overhead Door Problems Requiring Repair

Frames: If the garage door frame is bent or damaged, it can make the whole structure unstable, which can be a significant safety concern. Therefore, it's crucial to replace or repair the affected frames immediately.

Warping: Exposure to extreme weather conditions can cause overhead doors to warp and become misshapen. Hot or cold temperatures are the primary culprits.

Rollers: Properly functioning rollers are a key component of an overhead door's smooth operation. If they're worn or damaged, opening and closing the door can become difficult. The good news is that replacing them is typically a simple repair.

Hinges: When the hinges on your gate are misaligned or damaged, it can cause problems with opening and closing. Fortunately, a professional can typically remedy this issue with ease.

Fading: Over time, weather conditions and exposure to sunlight can cause the color of your gate to fade. To maintain its appearance, you may need to repaint it every few years.

Pests: Wooden doors are vulnerable to pest infestations, which is another potential problem to consider, including termites and carpenter bees. Inspect your wooden doors frequently to detect any signs of infestation.

Installation: Incorrect installation can be problematic, especially with gates that may become unstable and pose a risk. It is vital to address these issues as quickly as possible.

Sagging: Wooden gates are prone to sagging, which is often due to their weight. To avoid this issue, it's best to use heavy-duty hardware and ensure that the gate posts are properly anchored.

Rusting: Your gate may experience rusting due to moisture or humidity, a problem that frequently arises. If you live in a humid area, it's critical to keep an eye out for any signs of rust.

Rotting: When wood doors are not appropriately treated or sealed, they can deteriorate and rot. This can cause them to become weak and eventually collapse.

The Benefits of Installing a New Garage Door in Florida

While replacing your garage doors is a clear-cut decision from a strict sale / resale perspective, there are other valid reasons for Florida homeowners to do so. Here are a few:

Polish Your Home's Look

Have you ever taken a good look at your house? Your overhead doors in Florida take up a significant amount of space. Enhance your home's curb appeal affordably by upgrading them.

Safety & Security First

Overhead doors are a common entry point for burglars in Florida. Do you trust that your garage door can keep them out? Furthermore, older doors may not have safety features like automatic reversal.

Energy-Efficient Homes

The garage door, being the largest moving object attached to your home, is the most inefficient room from an energy perspective. Upgrading to insulated overhead doors can reduce the transfer of hot and cold air and lower energy costs for Florida, NY homeowners.

Lower Garage Door Noise

For homeowners who are frequently disturbed by the noise from their garage door, American Pro Garage & Gate has a solution with our ultra-quiet nylon hinges. These hinges can provide a quiet and smooth operation, making the garage door opening and closing experience peaceful and enjoyable.

Commonly Asked Questions by Our Florida, NY Customers

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

We advocate for hiring a professional to install your garage door, as it's not a suitable do-it-yourself task. The sheer size and complexity of garage doors make them the largest moving parts in your home, and the installation process involves many intricate components. The springs, in particular, can be dangerous to connect, and proper installation is necessary for the door's performance. A professional garage door installer can efficiently complete the job while meeting safety requirements. In comparison, homeowners may spend days on the installation and encounter frustration. Furthermore, improper installation could void some warranties, making it advisable to use a professional. They can also remove your old door if you're upgrading.

Could an insulated door be a good solution for an un-insulated garage?

Insulated doors can help reduce the transfer of heat or cold air through the large garage door opening. This is important if your garage is connected to your home or used as a workspace, as it maintains comfortable temperatures. Additionally, insulated doors have a more attractive interior and are generally quieter than non-insulated doors.

1. Insulated doors outperform non-insulated doors in both interior appearance and noise reduction.
2. Insulated doors limit the flow of air from the garage to your living space.
3. Insulated doors help maintain consistent temperatures in the room above when the garage is beneath another room.
4. Ensuring your comfort if you use your garage as a workshop.

Steel vs. wood garage doors - pros and cons?

Compared to wood doors, steel doors generally require less maintenance. American Pro Garage & Gate's steel doors come pre-painted with a baked-on coating from the factory. For best results, we recommend cleaning the exterior of the door once a year with warm water and a household detergent. Our wood doors are unfinished and must be primed and painted or stained on all six sides when delivered. We recommend inspecting the door's paint or stain finish once a year to determine if another application is necessary.

Is it viable to switch my one-piece garage door to a sectional garage door?

A sectional door can be installed by your garage door dealer/installer by adding track and springs to fit the door. Other modifications may be required, depending on your garage's construction. We advise having your Florida, NY dealer evaluate the job beforehand to ensure all necessary changes are made.

Is painting a new garage door a DIY project or should I hire a professional?

Yes, all our steel doors at American Pro Garage & Gate are pre-painted with a premium factory-applied baked-on coating that can be repainted. Our doors are built to last and can accept a wide range of commercially available latex exterior paints, as long as they are applied following the paint manufacturer's recommendations. Please avoid using oil-based paints for optimal results.