How much does a new garage door installation cost?

The cost of a new garage door installation varies depending on the size, material, and style of the door you choose. Single garage doors typically range from $800 to $2,500 installed, while double doors range from $1,200 to $4,000. We offer free in-home estimates to provide you with an accurate quote based on your specific needs. Our team will help you find the perfect door that fits your budget and complements your home's style. Contact Garage Door Company Gilroy today at for a free consultation.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, extends the life of your door, and ensures safe operation. During a tune-up, our technicians inspect all moving parts, lubricate tracks and hinges, check the balance and alignment, test safety features, and tighten all hardware. If you notice unusual noises, slow operation, or your door seems unbalanced, you should schedule a service call sooner. Preventive maintenance is much more cost-effective than emergency repairs.

What should I do if my garage door won't open?

If your garage door won't open, start with these troubleshooting steps: First, check if the opener is plugged in and the outlet has power. Try the wall switch to rule out remote issues. Look for any visible obstructions in the door's path. Check if the door is locked (some doors have a manual lock). Inspect the photo-eye sensors near the floor to ensure they're aligned and clean. If the door still won't open, do not attempt to force it - this could cause injury or further damage. Call Garage Door Company Gilroy at for prompt repair service. We offer same-day service for most issues and 24/7 emergency repairs.

Essential Garage Door Safety Tips for Homeowners

2024-12-20 6 min read

# Essential Garage Door Safety Tips for Homeowners

Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home. Weighing 150-400 pounds and operating multiple times daily, it demands respect and proper maintenance. At ${BUSINESS.name}, we've seen too many preventable accidents and want every ${BUSINESS.city} homeowner to understand garage door safety.

Understanding the Risks

Garage door injuries send thousands of people to emergency rooms each year. Common incidents include:

- Fingers caught in section joints, Children or pets struck by closing doors, Injuries from broken springs, Entrapment under the door, Falls from ladders during DIY repairs

Most of these accidents are preventable with awareness and proper precautions.

Safety Features Your Door Should Have

Modern garage doors include several safety mechanisms. Verify yours are present and working:

1. Auto-Reverse Sensors (Photo Eyes)

These sensors create an invisible beam across the door opening. If broken, the door reverses direction immediately.

Testing: Place an object (like a cardboard box) in the path and try to close the door. It should reverse upon contact.

Maintenance: Clean lenses monthly with a soft cloth. Ensure sensors are properly aligned (indicator lights steady).

2. Mechanical Auto-Reverse

If the door contacts an object while closing, it should reverse automatically.

Testing: Place a 2x4 flat on the floor under the door. Close the door, it should reverse upon contact.

Maintenance: This feature is adjusted by force settings. Too much force is dangerous; too little prevents proper closing.

3. Emergency Release

The red cord hanging from the opener track disconnects the door from the motor, allowing manual operation.

When to use: - Power outages, Opener malfunction, Emergency exit needed

Important: Only use when the door is fully closed. A door open with broken springs can slam down when released.

4. Manual Locking

Many doors have a manual lock (sliding bar) for security. Remember to disengage before using the opener to avoid damage.

Safety Rules for Families

Teach Children About Garage Door Safety, Never play under or near a moving door, Don't touch the door while it's moving, Keep fingers away from section joints, Never race under a closing door, The opener button is not a toy

Establish Safe Practices, Watch the door until fully closed before leaving, Keep remotes out of children's reach, Don't leave the door partially open, Enter the house before closing the door behind you, Be aware of children and pets before operating

Secure the Opener, Change factory-default codes, Use rolling code technology, Never leave remotes visible in vehicles, Consider a keypad for outdoor access, Secure the emergency release in vacation mode when away

Maintenance for Safety

Regular maintenance prevents dangerous malfunctions:

Monthly Checks, Visual inspection of springs, cables, and rollers, Test auto-reverse features, Listen for unusual sounds, Check door balance, Clean and align sensors

Annual Professional Service, Complete hardware inspection and tightening, Spring tension evaluation, Track alignment check, Lubrication of moving parts, Opener adjustment and testing

Immediate Action Required

Call a professional if you notice: - Frayed or damaged cables, Gaps or broken sections in springs, Door that doesn't stay in position, Unusual vibration or shaking, Grinding or scraping sounds

DIY Safety Limits

Some maintenance is safe for homeowners: - Lubrication of tracks and hinges, Cleaning sensors and tracks, Tightening visible hardware, Weatherstripping replacement

Leave these to professionals: - Spring adjustment or replacement, Cable repair or replacement, Track realignment, Opener motor service, Any repair involving tension components

Creating a Safe Garage Environment

Beyond the door itself: - Keep the area clear of clutter, Ensure adequate lighting, Store hazardous materials properly, Maintain clear paths to exits, Keep a fire extinguisher accessible

Emergency Preparedness

Know how to: - Use the emergency release properly, Manually operate a heavy door safely, Contact emergency services if someone is trapped, Reach ${BUSINESS.name} for 24/7 emergency repairs: ${BUSINESS.phoneFormatted}

Professional Inspection

An annual professional inspection catches problems before they become dangers. At ${BUSINESS.name}, our safety inspection includes:

- Complete mechanical assessment, Safety feature testing, Adjustment and calibration, Recommendations for repairs or upgrades, Written report of findings

Schedule Your Safety Inspection

Don't wait for an accident to prioritize garage door safety. Contact ${BUSINESS.name} at ${BUSINESS.phoneFormatted} for a comprehensive safety inspection.

We serve ${BUSINESS.city} and surrounding areas with professional garage door maintenance and repair services. Your family's safety is our priority.

*A safe garage door is a maintained garage door. Call us today.*

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