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Can You Install A New Garage Door On Old Garage Door Tracks?

can you install a new garage door on old garage door tracks

One of the decisions you’ll have to make when you need to replace your garage door is whether to mount the new garage door on the old tracks. For many homeowners, retaining the tracks on their garage doors seems like an excellent way to save money during a garage door replacement project. Or is it?

Wondering if you can install a new garage door on old garage door tracks? You can, technically. However, as Vallejo’s residential garage doors expert, we can tell you right away that you shouldn’t. In this post, we’ll cover the top reasons why you should only install new garage doors on new tracks.

What Are Garage Door Tracks?

Also known as a roller assembly, garage door tracks refer to the systems that interact with the rollers on your garage door as it slides up and down.

You’ll find garage door tracks suspended from the ceiling of your garage. These galvanized steel components have enough strength to hold the weight of your garage door.

However, if the tracks are not working correctly, they can damage your garage door.

Why A New Garage Door On Old Garage Door Tracks Is A Bad Idea

Continue reading to learn a few reasons why you shouldn’t install a new garage door on old tracks:

Tracks are for specific garage doors

In the garage door industry, manufacturers design the default pre-sets on the garage door to work with a specific track. They connect the tracks using a special rivet intended to open and close at a certain distance from the side post.

The operator size and headroom requirements for the garage door can also make using the tracks impractical if you try to match a track from one brand to a garage door from another brand.

Even if you can adjust the tracks during the garage door installation project, you always risk misalignment, as you’ll end up with an improperly spaced door. When the tracks misalign, your garage door will sustain some damage every time you open it. After a while, it will stop opening.

Can you install a new garage door on old tracks from another manufacturer? Yes, but the arrangement won’t work for long. You’ll lose the garage door tracks, the new garage door, or both. It doesn’t matter if you install an electric garage door opener on the new door or a manual one.

Make the right cost-effective decision to install new tracks during a fresh garage door installation project.

Old garage door tracks are a huge safety risk for your family

When considering garage door replacement, you also need to replace your tracks. The tracks warp, bend, and rust over time, making any new door you mount on it a significant safety risk.

All parts of the door can become a safety threat in this scenario, including the bottom section.

Thus, you should replace old tracks to avoid accidents.

Worn-out garage door tracks will cause property damage

If you try to reuse bent, rusted, or warped garage door tracks, your new garage door system may suddenly slide off from the hinges one day.

Apart from damage to the new door itself, you may be left with a broken floor and wall or a severely damaged car. If you’ve ever seen a garage door fall on a vehicle, you’ll be more reluctant to take this risk.

The expenses will be far greater than what you spent just replacing the garage door tracks in the first place.

New garage door tracks prevent wear and noise

The tracks and rollers on garage doors work together. If one suddenly turns bad, it will affect the other quickly.

If you use old rusty tracks, your new garage door’s rollers will wear out quickly. Moving your garage door will also become noisy, even from day one.

Why would you install a new garage door only to face the same problems that made you ditch the old garage door?

Old garage door tracks can make your springs work harder

Any garage installation expert will tell you that an old track greatly affects your garage door springs. The old tracks distort the balance of your door, making it harder for it to stay in an open position, and over time, you’ll end up with a broken spring.

Old tracks can ruin curb appeal

Combining rusty tracks with a new door will ruin the overall curb appeal. Think of it like a splash of mud over newly painted walls. In the case of the mud, though, it’s easier to wash it off and repaint the spot with any leftover paint.

With the tracks, you’ll have to bring down the door and go through the hassle of installing it all over again. If you paid an installer for the job before, you’d have to pay again. That means paying twice for the same service when you could have just paid once!

So, can you install a new garage door on old tracks with all the above information? We’ll leave the answer to you.

However, if you want to replace your garage door, you should go all out to protect your investment. Trying to save a few bucks by reusing the old garage door tracks is a bad idea. If you want maximum performance from your system, the only parts you should reuse include standalone units like the garage door opener.

Expert Garage Door Replacement Service In Vallejo, CA

Replacing tracks or garage doors is not a DIY task for the inexperienced. Consider the many reasons to hire a pro for your garage door installation, but perhaps the most important is that they will help you avoid decisions like reusing old tracks.

An expert will help you see how reusing tracks on new doors put you at a disadvantage instead of saving you money.

Is it time to replace your old tracks or garage door? Don’t jeopardize your family’s safety. Call R&S Erection of Vallejo, CA, today at (707) 644 5537 to find the perfect door and a matching track for your home. You can trust us for regular maintenance, repairs, and new installation.

Noisy Garage Door: 14 Common Causes And How To Fix Them

noisy garage door 14 common causes and how to fix them

Not many garage-based doors operate silently, but a very noisy garage door spells trouble. When your system sounds louder than usual, it might be a sign of a problem—especially for a new garage door. Unfortunately, there are many different reasons for a noisy door, which makes troubleshooting a challenge.

As the leading provider of garage door repair services in Vacaville and the surrounding areas, we know all the possible ways to make a garage door quieter. This article covers some of the solutions you need to keep your garage door running smoothly.

14 Common Causes Of A Noisy Garage Door

Here are different types of garage door noises and their possible causes.

Straining. A straining door mechanism often comes with a broken motor in the garage door opener. It could also signify an inadequate power supply to the door.

Banging. A banging sound often means a faulty garage door panel or a door in the garage that has dislodged from its track.

Scraping. An unbalanced garage door will emit a loud scraping sound as some part of the door scrapes against your house walls, ceiling, or floor.

Rattling. A garage door rattles when loose bolts, nuts, or metal parts need lubrication. A door may also have a loose chain or support rails.

Squeaking. A loose roller or hinge will cause a squeaking sound as you open and close your garage door.

Rumbling. A rumbling sound from your garage door signifies a loosened spring or coil tension issue.

Clinking. If rust builds up, you will hear clinks as it forces spring coils to rub together while the garage door moves. Excessive rust buildup is also a safety hazard.

Excessively loud noises. Is the garage door very loud during operation? Are there no obvious signs of malfunction? You likely have poor insulation or soundproofing issues.

Rubbing. Your garage door will rub when the tracks are bent, too tight, or need realignment.

Popping. If you hear popping sounds, it may indicate snapped torsion springs on your garage door.

Grinding. A garage door grinding noise often indicates a loose roller or hinge. A stripped-out or improperly installed trolley may also cause grinding sounds.

Squealing. Squeals from a garage door often signify a lack of lubrication in moving parts. However, an off-track door may also sound similar.

Vibrating. A vibrating sound typically signifies loose bolts and nuts around the track. Damaged or poorly lubricated rollers will also vibrate.

Slapping. Have you heard that distinct slapping sound from noisy garage doors? It often comes from a loose garage door opener chain, as the door’s chain hits the chain drive system enclosure.

Home-Based Solutions To A Loud Garage Door

As you can see, there are many reasons homeowners might hear loud sounds while a garage door opens or closes. If the problem does not require technical proficiency, you could attempt to deal with the noisy garage door in several ways. However, be sure to adhere to safety precautions, including the following: 

  • Disengage the automatic setting before you disconnect the garage door from a power source.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands from scratches and bruises.

Some DIY solutions to try for the noises the garage door makes include the following:

Tighten loose nuts and bolts

Did you know that you can correct vibrating, squealing, or squeaking garage door sounds by tightening the nuts and bolts along the track? Use a wrench and a screwdriver. Don’t make them too tight if you want to avoid stripping the lag screw holes.

Lubricate the garage door rollers

Garage door noise includes vibrating sounds that occur when operating your garage door on rusted metal garage door rollers. Lubricating the rollers and the garage door hinges around them can eliminate these issues. Use garage door lube from a local hardware store or manufacturer.

If you live in a high-humidity environment, consider switching from metal rollers to nylon rollers. Nylon rollers are less likely to cause jerky door movements even as they start to age. However, the replacement process needs professional expertise.

Lubricate the extension and torsion springs

Does your garage’s doors have broken torsion and extension springs? Clear the area around the garage door immediately and call a professional. 

Springs in need of lubrication are common causes of noise for many garage doors. If the springs are intact, you could use any garage door lube to eliminate noise. However, be careful while touching the springs to avoid accidents.

Check the garage door opener

The garage door opener may be at fault if you can’t find any noise source on the door itself. For example, a loose chain or belt in the opener causes slapping or rattling sounds. In this case, call a professional—the chain will eventually wear out, leading to more noise and a complete system breakdown.

When To Call The Professionals

We recommend leaving serious garage door damage to professionals, including misalignment, torsion spring breaks, and so on. You might have to do more than tighten nuts and lubricate joints to repair or replace worn rollers, fix a damaged belt drive or garage door opener chain, and correct bent tracks. You will also need professional help if the loud noise is due to improper installation. 

Our technician will evaluate the source of the strange noises and might do the following: 

  • Remove hinges
  • Check for metal filings in key areas
  • Change the socket set
  • Realign the top and bottom bracket and more

A professional garage door technician will repair these components safely, whereas attempting it yourself may lead to serious injury or other damage.

Schedule A Garage Door Tune-Up Today

Is your garage door still noisy despite your best efforts? Our team can help, including having to repair or replace the belt drive and worn rollers, tighten all the nuts around loose parts, and more. 

Why risk serious injury or property damage? Ask us about our convenient garage door maintenance schedule or learn how to lubricate your garage door to keep it working as quietly as possible.

Say goodbye to that noisy garage door—call R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. at (707) 644-5537 today for your garage door tune-up in Napa and Solano County, CA.

Garage Door Panel Replacement Or Repair: Factors To Consider

garage door panel replacement or repair factors to consider

Accidents can happen, causing damage to one or more of your garage door panels. When this occurs, you need to repair the damaged panels of your whole garage door as soon as possible. Besides offering less efficiency and security, a damaged garage door panel can lower curb appeal.

Many homeowners wonder if they should repair or replace whole garage door sections. To save money, many homeowners prefer repairing garage doors and their panels. However, sometimes replacing panels provides a more cost-effective option over trying to repair them.

This guide will explore when you can repair a garage door panel and when it’s better to replace one. For top-notch assistance, request help from our garage door repair specialists.

Two Main Factors Determine Whether You Should Repair or Replace Your Garage Door Panels

Whether you should repair or replace your garage door panel depends on several factors, including cost. Depending on the materials, replacing garage door panels can become expensive.

Furthermore, the materials can determine whether repairs are enough or if you should start shopping for a new panel. For example, peeling paint and cracking wood usually means you need a garage door panel replacement.

The two main factors that influence if you need new panels to include:

  • The age of the garage door panel
  • The extent of its damage

How old is your garage door?

With suitable materials and professional installation, garage doors can last a long time. However, even the most durable garage doors with regular maintenance start to wear and tear.

If your garage door is over 20 years old, you might consider searching for replacement panels. In fact, in this situation, you might be better off replacing your entire garage door.

Deciding to install a whole new garage door can be an unpleasant thought. However, you’ll discover more garage door panel breaks as time passes. Additionally, the entire garage door may become unable to function correctly.

If the entire door panel is ten years or younger, you probably can get away with repairing the panel. At the very least, you may only need to replace the damaged panel instead of the whole door.

The extent of your garage door panel damage

The exact damage to a garage door panel also has a vast impact. You can quickly repair damage caused by light brushes with debris or impacts. In fact, the project may only call for a coat of paint and some filler.

However, it can cost far less to replace doors following extensive damage. Homeowners often need to replace garage door panels after the following scenarios:

  • A severe weather event like a storm left considerable dents in your garage door panel
  • You accidentally backed your car into the garage, or someone accidentally drove into the garage door
  • Heavy objects or debris hit your garage doors, resulting in massive dents or holes

When these situations arise, the first thing you should do is investigate the extent of the damage to your garage door and its panels. While it can cost less to replace the panels initially, substantial damage can render them non-functional.

Particular opening and closing mechanisms or other parts might be broken, including sensors, torsion springs, and hinges. Depending upon costs, these will either need to be repaired or replaced.

Other Considerations Affecting Your Garage Door Replacement Panels

Let’s explore some other considerations when installing or replacing your garage door panel:

Making sure the doors and panels match

Once you’ve decided to repair or replace your garage door panel, you’ll need to know its manufacturer. Your professional repair company can see if your garage door’s producer has spare parts. Sometimes a service can provide an exact match for your garage door panel.

One issue you may notice is a specific panel being out of style. While this happens the most with older garage doors, even panels within the last decade can go out of style. When this happens, you might need help finding the right replacement match.

This can prompt some to replace their entire garage door. However, it’s possible to save money with an easy fix. You or a professional can paint over the new garage door panel, matching your existing garage doors.

Knowing the costs of different garage doors

Sometimes, a garage door repair simply won’t get the job done. You might want to replace your garage doors with a replica of what you had before. However, this can be an excellent opportunity to explore other options.

The cost of a garage door can vary, with many factors influencing its price. These factors can include the following:

  • The materials
  • The size of the garage door
  • The team you hire
  • If the garage door is customized (such as using a particular type of wood)
  • How the door fits with your garage and house aesthetics
  • Its operating and safety features

You need to consider a garage door’s cost in the long run. For example, while wooden garage door panels cost less to install than steel, they become more susceptible to damage and cost more to replace.

Knowing how many door panels you need to replace

A garage door repair job can involve multiple panels. In fact, a specialist can fix or replace several panels at once.

However, when you need to replace more than one panel, this usually indicates it’s time to replace your entire garage door. First, of course, compare prices to see which option is cheaper.

Deciding if you can repair or replace your panels yourself

For minor scuffs, you might have no problems repairing the panel yourself. However, when it comes to severe dents or needing to replace panels, contact a professional to prevent:

  • Wasted time
  • Wasted money
  • Further damage and plenty of frustration

Call R&S Erection Of Vallejo

Deciding between repairing or replacing your garage door panels can be tricky. However, our team can help you select and provide top-notch services. Let a licensed and professional contractor help today.

Replacing garage doors or fixing a garage door opener after a storm is a breeze when residents of Napa and Solano County, CA, call R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc at (707) 644-5537! 

Garage Door Remodel: 5 Essential Factors To Consider

garage door remodel 5 essential factors to consider

Garage doors make up a significant part of your home’s curb appeal. An old garage door can be an eyesore and detract from your home’s aesthetic style while also being a safety and security hazard.

Our team at R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc., knows that either a garage door remodel or a new garage door can be the perfect solution for upgrading your home’s exterior as well as your garage interior. Whether you want a completely new door or an update to your existing one, we’re here to help you get the most out of your next garage door renovation.

Garage Door Remodel: Replacement vs Repair

Many homeowners find that a well-chosen garage door makeover improves their home’s curb appeal or helps it fit in better with the neighborhood style. But while an upgrade is an appealing option to enhance your home’s value, it does entail a relatively high upfront cost.

Another option is a garage door remodel with a new coat of paint and repair of minor issues. A garage door makeover may not generate the same excitement as a complete replacement, but it’s better for the budget.

Call us at R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. for garage door repair in Vacaville, which is the best option for most owners. However, if your garage door was installed 30 years ago, replacing it with a new panel and opening system can change how the entire house looks and feels and is worth the added expense and time.

Existing Garage Door Makeover

Sometimes, a makeover is as simple as painting your garage door to match your home’s exterior. It’s a relatively simple project that can have a big impact.

Clean and prepare

The first step in any makeover project is to prepare the garage door for a new coat of paint. This includes cleaning the door with suitable cleaning materials to remove grime, then removing old coats of paint and masking off the trim to prevent painting accidents.

Choose your color

Since a garage door takes up more visual space than the front door, your color choice will have a massive impact on the personality and appeal of your home.

General tips for garage door color choices include:

  •         Stick with a neutral color if you want to sell your house soon.
  •         If your home is generally neutral in style, consider a bright color to add interest to your home’s exterior.
  •         Paint the trim and details in a muted, complimentary color.
  •         Consider your landscaping and how the garage door’s color will look against a more natural backdrop.

Paint your door

Once you’ve chosen your paint color, the hard work begins. Start by priming the door with a paint primer. Ensure that your door material needs a different primer than a wood one. Priming seals the door and gives the paint something to stick to, helping the paint look better for longer.

Optimizing Your New Garage Door Installation

If your garage doors and mechanisms are showing their age, a simple makeover may not be enough. A new garage door offers a great opportunity to transform your house into a dream home, complete with a convenient garage that does more than provide a safe spot for your car.

Garage door remodel inspiration

The internet is a great place for ideas, and many door manufacturers will provide a virtual planning space that let you superimpose various options onto a picture of your house. Don’t forget to ask friends for brand recommendations and check out the neighborhood to see what styles are popular.

Speak to a professional installer

We recommend a professional garage door installation for many reasons. Installers can guide the homeowner through the selection process and have the expertise and contacts to provide high-quality materials at more affordable prices.

Which Steel Garage Door Is Best?

While wood remains one of the most popular materials for garage doors, modern steel doors can replicate the beauty of natural materials while also offering better insulation. They also allow for windows.

Single-layer

A painted, single-layer steel door is the most affordable option, but it compromises on insulation and durability. While galvanized steel doors won’t rust, they are susceptible to dents and scratches and require frequent maintenance.

Three-layer

These doors contain an insulated core and two steel or vinyl exterior layers. These doors are more robust and offer similar insulation capacity as wood. They are durable and the ideal middle ground between price and functionality.

Five-layer

Five-layer doors contain a low-maintenance exterior skin that can mimic wood, a three-layer insulation core, and a painted, interior-facing layer. While the most expensive option, a five-layer garage door will make your home feel warm and welcoming while requiring minimal maintenance.

Useful Upgrades

While the door is the most important consideration during a garage makeover, a smart owner will consider upgrading other aspects simultaneously. These can improve the functionality of the area or simply make opening and closing the door more convenient. Even installing a heater in the garage can make it feel more welcoming when you come home.

High-cycle torsion spring

Torsion springs are one of the first components to require maintenance. Standard springs have a lifespan of around 10,000 cycles of closing and opening the door, but higher-end options can last for up to 25,000 cycles, resulting in less maintenance.

Better rollers

Rollers impact how smoothly your door opens and how much noise it makes. While it may feel like a small change, you’ll quickly notice how much of a difference these high-quality rollers can make.

Windows in new garage doors

If you use your garage as a workshop, you’ll appreciate having some natural light. Garage windows can lighten up the room, and since the windows often come in frosted versions, you don’t need to worry about sacrificing your privacy.

Work With The Best

If you’ve read about the most common garage door problems and have the same issues, consider calling us at R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. We have decades of experience installing and maintaining garage doors for California residents, and we’d love to help you have a hassle-free garage door remodel. Call us at (707) 644-5537 for a free consultation today!

6 Common Garage Door Problems

6 common garage door problems

If your garage door won’t open, won’t close, or is not operating safely, several components could be the cause. You can fix some issues, like an unplugged component or dead batteries, while others are more complex. Don’t risk damage to your garage door, personal injury, or voiding the warranty of your garage door by trying to fix something if you don’t have experience with garage door repair.

 A professional garage door repair technician can solve common garage door opener problems. R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc., the garage door repair professionals in Vacaville, are ready to help you with repairs, maintenance, or an upgrade to a newer garage door opener.

The Most Common Garage Door Problems

Before you call us to schedule service, note how your garage door behaves. The technician will use your description of the problem and their garage door inspection to root out the problem and develop a repair plan.

A faulty motor

The most straightforward problem with the motor is that someone has unplugged it. Another possibility is that it has burned out. It could also fail to move the garage door if the gears wore out or the motor disengages from the door.

If the motor runs without moving the door, your garage door repair technician might have to replace it or reattach it to the motor’s drive system.

If the motor is faulty, it might have an electrical issue. If your home electrical grid powers your garage door, check your electrical panel to determine whether the motor tripped the circuit breaker. 

Do not try to fix the electrical system yourself if you lack extensive training in electrical work. If the motor tripped the circuit breaker, call a professional electrician or garage door maintenance technician.

Faulty remote control or keypad

If you suspect there might be a problem with the remote control or keypad, the first solution you can try is checking that the door is locked. Many homeowners don’t notice the lock feature on the control and occasionally lock the garage door by accident. Press the lock button and try again.

A remote or keypad that needs batteries is one of the most common garage door opener problems. If you have trouble getting your garage door to open remotely, check the battery in both the keypad and the remote control. If the keypad normally lights up or the remote usually beeps or flashes, a dead battery would cause those features to stop working.

Broken springs

Many garage doors rely on torsion springs to support and balance the door so the motor can lift it. If the torsion springs break, the motor will not be able to lift the door. The garage door will remain in the down position when you try to raise it using the controls. 

You can open the door by hand if the torsion spring breaks, but it will be heavy and dangerous. Do not try to lift the door if the torsion spring breaks. Without the support of the torsion springs, the door is prone to fall.

Some garage doors have side-mounted garage door springs. They run alongside the tracks on the left and support the garage door. If they are broken or out of alignment, the garage door might not run smoothly.

Damaged safety sensors

Some common garage door opener problems arise because safety sensors detect a genuine maintenance issue, such as a short circuit. Safety sensors trigger sometimes even if the garage door opener works well. For example, your garage door might fail to open or close properly if the safety features detect an obstruction, even if there isn’t one.

The photo eye sensor system sends a beam of light across the width of the garage door opening. If anything crosses the beam’s path, the light will not reach the detector. Typically, this would indicate an obstruction, so the garage door will not close. 

However, dirt on the safety sensors, a failure of the light, or a faulty sensor could prevent the photo eye sensor from sending the signal that allows the door to close.

A broken track or faulty rollers

If the door opens slowly or fails to open, something might be blocking the track, or the track might be out of shape. If you suspect a problem with the track, examine it for bent or corroded rails.

Bad rollers could cause problems with the garage door track, and sometimes they can be a bit stiff during the winter. If the rollers are sticky, broken, or dirty, they might fail to roll when you try to lower the garage door. If the track is not visibly damaged and the rollers stick, try oiling them and see if it improves the motion of the garage door.

Incorrect switch settings

A garage door that closes too quickly or forcefully presents a safety hazard. If the close-force setting of the garage door opener needs adjustment, the garage door might reverse without warning. 

Other switches, such as the close-limit and up-limit switches, control the behavior of the garage door opener. Your technician can recalibrate the sensors to that your garage door will work normally again.

Let Us Help Keep Your Garage Door Working Smoothly

Is your garage remote not working? Garage door issues can be a pain, but a qualified and efficient garage door repair technician can fix common garage door opener problems. Even if the issue with your garage door opener is uncommon or complex, we can handle it.

R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc.’s experience with older and modern garage door openers puts us ahead of the pack. We service commercial and residential garage doors. We can repair and troubleshoot advanced smart garage door opener technology, giving us an advantage over other inexperienced garage door repair companies. 

Don’t get locked out of your garage or risk the safety of your pets and family. Trust the leading garage door repair and installation specialists in Napa and Solano counties. Call (707) 644-5537 for a free estimate and a consultation to find a solution to your common garage door opener problems.

Garage Door Opener Not Working After Storm: Causes & Fixes

garage door opener not working after storm causes fixes

Your garage door protects your garage, vehicles, and other property inside from the elements. With years of wear and tear, however, your garage door becomes less reliable and requires maintenance or repairs. A garage door not working after storms is an issue best addressed quickly.

What To Do If Your Garage Door Is Not Working After A Storm

Garage door failures can result in expensive repair costs. Luckily, this problematic issue has some DIY fixes you can try before turning to professionals for a reliable garage door repair in Napa, CA.

Familiarizing yourself with the steps to take can help you successfully repair your garage door if it fails due to storm damage. Your garage door can work like new again in no time, even better, with professional help.

How Do Storms Affect Your Garage Door?

If your garage door is not working after a storm, this could be for multiple reasons. Firstly, a power outage could be the culprit, so you should check your breakers. Your garage door opener connects to your home’s primary power source, putting those without backup batteries at the mercy of your home’s electrical supply. A power outage keeps the unit’s remote control from connecting to the opener.

Circuit damage

A lightning storm can easily damage your garage door opener’s circuitry. It doesn’t necessarily have to strike your garage, garage door, or the opener to fail. Electricity can travel through the nearby ground and into your garage’s electrical system, damaging the garage door opener’s electrical circuit without direct contact.

You likely have a damaged internal garage door electrical system if your home and garage still receive power, but the door won’t open or close. You can also check for unresponsive opener lights and remote controls. These elements may act sporadically or stop working altogether.

Mechanical damage

Lightning can also contribute to mechanical difficulties. You’ll notice mechanical damage when you try to open your garage door manually.

If the door won’t open or makes a grinding sound upon manual operation, this indicates a problem. You could have a broken spring or another faulty component if your unit doesn’t open before or after restoring the power. If so, contact a garage door service immediately to fix everything safely.

How To Restore Garage Door Operation After A Storm

You can take various steps to troubleshoot a garage door not working after storms. Several practical repair methods include:

  •       Attempting manual operation
  •       Resetting the motor
  •       Disconnecting the opener from its power source
  •       Reconnecting the opener to the door

If one of these options doesn’t work, move to the next fix or contact professionals for expert servicing.

Open the door manually

During a power outage, you can still open your garage door manually. Garage door openers have a special cord that disconnects the door from the carriage, allowing manual operation. If your entry doesn’t open with this method, you likely have mechanical issues and should contact professional garage door technicians immediately.

You’ll need to enter the garage through an additional entrance. Locate the emergency release cord from the door’s trolley and pull it down. This action releases the door.

After the power outage, you can reconnect the door to the opening system.

Unplug the unit

Sometimes a simple fix resolves the issue. Your unit may need a power reset after an outage. If you have an older garage door opener, this may repair it without the need to install new components. Here’s how to reset the power:

  •       Unplug the garage door opener and leave it unplugged for a few minutes. 
  •       Plug it back in and check if lights appear on the opener. 
  •       Cycle through different outlets in your garage to ensure it’s not a problem with the outlet. 
  •       Alternatively, unplug and reconnect the sensor wires to see if the sensors are preventing the unit from operating.

Reconnect the opener to the door

After the power returns, you can reconnect the garage door to the opening component. To reconnect the opener, close the garage door and press the garage door’s opener control. If your opener has a “close” option, select this button.

As the garage door operates, the disconnected trolley and carriage will reconnect with the door to allow proper operation again. Some homeowners will need to pull the emergency release cable to facilitate the reconnection.

Reset the motor

Some garage door openers’ motors have a reset button allowing you to reset the system after a power overload. Depending on the opener’s design, you may have to remove a panel to uncover the reset button. Once you’ve found it, press and hold down the button to reset the system. 

Contact the professionals

If none of the above solutions fixes your garage door not working after storms, circuit board damage is likely. So, you should contact professionals for repairs. A skilled garage door repair technician can replace the unit’s circuit board and restore door operation.

Professional garage door repair technicians know how to successfully examine, diagnose, and repair a failed garage door. They have the high-quality parts you need to replace your garage door opener’s circuit board and other damaged components. They can also install a surge protector to prevent future electric garage door opener issues.

Call Us To Resolve Your Garage Door’s Outage

If you notice your garage door not working and none of the DIY fixes resolve its power failure, you’re not out of luck in Napa, CA. The R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc team is ready to assist at any time. We’re always happy to share vital information on preventing garage door outages and other related issues.

Contact our team for fast, friendly, expert service when your garage door stops working. We arrive with fully-stocked trucks to help repair your electric garage door. Whatever the issue, we’ll identify the problem and fix it for a fair price. We know the importance of garage door safety sensors and take them seriously.

Don’t let a power outage keep your garage door inoperable. Call the garage door professionals at R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. for help with a garage door not working after storms in Napa, CA, at 707-644-5537.

A Quick Garage Door Maintenance Checklist

a quick garage door maintenance checklist

Your garage door is a significant investment that protects your vehicles and other possessions and provides entry into your home. A high-quality, well-maintained garage door can last for years. Following a garage door maintenance checklist once or twice yearly will ensure you keep it in its best condition.

Between the weather’s effects and daily use, your garage door withstands much wear and tear. While you can perform some basic maintenance, some problems are beyond the average homeowner. Contact a garage door technician if your door has severe damage or is inoperable.

The longer you wait to service your garage door, the more problems it will develop. Learn about the signs it’s time to replace a garage door and determine if your needs exceed what maintenance provides. If not, follow the tips below to fix more minor issues.

Garage Door Maintenance Tasks

Specific garage door maintenance tasks may vary depending on the season. Regardless, you should know how to perform maintenance whenever you need to. The following tasks are crucial to include in your regular maintenance regimen year-round. 

Inspect and repair the equipment

The first step of your garage door maintenance checklist should be to inspect the garage door, its operating device, and additional equipment. Without adequately running machinery, your door won’t open or may only open partially.

Note minor damage that could cause future problems. The most basic physical concerns include frayed or exposed wires, rusting metal parts, and other physical damage.

It’s necessary to repair these most fundamental issues as soon as you spot them. Otherwise, these inconveniences become more significant problems later.

Inspect the door for damage

Years of rain, sunlight, and humidity are no friend to your garage door. These elements cause rusting and decrease your door’s longevity and weather resistance. A garage door with physical damage is prone to further mold growth and moisture accumulation.

Gaps in weatherstripping, faded areas, and structural cracks are the most common damage to garage doors. UV rays can make your garage door fade, and mold growth causes additional deterioration.

Weatherstripping keeps drafts and water out during California’s rainy weather. Inspect the door’s weatherstripping for damaged areas. Wash away mold on the door with an aggressive cleaner safe for its material.

Wash the door and other parts

A clean garage door makes your property look great and prevents dirt, debris, and mold from damaging the door or getting indoors. Thoroughly cleaning your door helps keep it in top shape. Here’s how:

  • Wipe the door’s surface with mild soap
  • Rinse with a hose
  • Clean windows with glass cleaner
  • Apply paint to painted doors or stain wooden garage doors appropriately
  • Check that all minor metal parts are tightened and lubricated

Dirt, dust, and other contaminants build up on the garage door tracks and can be tough to remove. Professionals can clean them properly or provide reliable replacements if they’re too dirty to function. 

Check moving parts for functionality

After inspecting the door system and clearing it of debris, the next step of the garage door maintenance checklist is to test the door’s moving parts. Carefully check the rollers, garage door springs, vertical and horizontal tracks, pulleys, cables, hinges, and the spring bar. If you see no damage in these areas, test the door.

Open and close your garage door as you normally would. Be mindful of unusual noises, and note whether it struggles to move along the track.

The door should close entirely and move smoothly without making creaking, squeaking, or grinding sounds. If you encounter any trouble here, you’ll need professional repair.

Test the garage door opener

Without a working garage door opener, your door won’t operate properly. Your door opener should be responsive and have a working backup system. If this isn’t the case, reach out to professionals.

Check that your garage door opener remote has working batteries and that the opener’s lights work when the door opens. Inspect the opener’s wires, belt, and motor gears for tears and other damage, and schedule repairs when necessary.

All garage doors must come with a backup battery system. Test the battery and get a replacement if it doesn’t work.

Check the safety features

Safety features like auto reversal are crucial to preventing accidents. Without regular maintenance, the sensors become dirty and disrupt the mechanisms necessary to stop your door’s operation.

After cleaning the sensors on your garage door opener, put an object in the door’s path and close the door to test it. If this function doesn’t work, you should consider immediate repairs.

Garage door maintenance should include lubricating moving parts

This step is optional in your garage door maintenance checklist, but it can add many years to your garage door’s life. Lubrication keeps mechanical parts moving smoothly. Older garage doors or those with minor rusting may face some resistance when opening and closing, and so will need lubrication.

Key places to apply oil or another lubricant include:

  • The horizontal and vertical tracks
  • The spring bar
  • Hinges and brackets
  • The end-bearing plates 

Balance the door

The last step of your garage door maintenance checklist is to balance the door. An unbalanced door won’t stay upright without assistance and applies negative pressure on the opening mechanism. This behavior results in significantly decreased garage door life.

To check the door’s balance, open it manually. Once the door is half open, release it. If it doesn’t stay up, you should contact a garage door repair company for service.

Contact A Professional Garage Door Repair Company

By following a comprehensive garage door maintenance checklist, you can keep garage doors of any type durable for years. Scheduling garage door repairs alongside maintenance will further increase your door’s lifespan. If maintenance and repairs aren’t enough, expert garage door replacement from R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc. can resolve your concerns. 

Choose garage door repair professionals in Napa, CA, from R&S Erection of Vallejo, Inc., when you need reliable, individualized garage door repair services. Contact our friendly garage door technicians with your questions. Call our Vallejo office today at 707-644-5537. 

What to Do When Your Garage Remote Isn’t Working

 garage remote not working

One of the most common problems we hear about garage doors is that they won’t open from the remote. If you need garage door service in Fairfield, CA give us a call, but if you’d like to troubleshoot it yourself first, read on.

When you’re garage remote isn’t working, you’re in the midst of one of the most common repair calls we receive each day as licensed garage door contractors. There are several things that could be wrong. The good news is that a non-functioning garage remote is usually a simple DIY repair. 

We’ve divided this post into two sections. The first is dedicated to troubleshooting steps if the push button works, but your remote does not. The second continues with what to do if neither the button, nor the remote, open/close the door. 

If the wall-mounted, pushbutton works, but the remote doesn’t 

Once you get into the garage, see if the push button works. If pushing it engages the garage door (you see the lights, hear the motor, etc.), but the door won’t open, there’s probably an issue with the lasers. 

1. Check and clear any debris or garage items in the way of the sensors. 

Make sure nothing is blocking the laser sensors, located on either side of the tracks (usually at the bottom near the garage floor, but sometimes mounted higher up). If these are even the slightest bit blocked by a rake handle, the edge of a bike tire, a corner of a storage container, etc., they go into safety mode and keep the garage door from moving until the item is out of the way. 

2. Check the batteries 

Remote controls run off batteries, and they eventually need to be replaced. Batteries are available from most big box hardware stores. Replace the remote batteries. If you push the button and the light activates, that was probably your problem. 

3Are the lasers still aligned? 

If nothing is in the way, it could be that the lasers aren’t aligned. This can happen if they’re bumped or knocked, from a minor earthquake, or just the typically structural settling of a building over time. Look at your sensors and see if there is a light glowing?  

If not – or if the light is red  gently and carefully jiggle and wiggle one of them to align it with the other. When it’s aligned, the light will glow green. This means they’re back in alignment and odds are your door will open again. 

4. Is there something in the track? 

Sometimes, there isn’t an object in the way or blocking the sensors, but debris or a fallen broom/rake/etc. is blocking the garage track. Remove it and clean any other dirt, twigs, leaves or potential blockages and then try again. 

5. The door is off its track. 

If you can hear the motor trying, but there are squeaks, small pops, or clicks, it could be that the door came off its track. Inspect the track while the motor is running (keep your hands free of the moving door or any moving part). Look to see if you notice any bends, warping, or obvious signs that the track is out of whack or the garage wheels are obviously compromised. You can gently tap the track to move it back in place, but we recommend scheduling this repair with the professionals. 

6. It was disconnected (put into manual mode) 

Sometimes the disconnect cord is pulled by curious children or while moving things back and forth. If the door has been disconnected, read How to Manually Open and Close the Garage Door, focusing on the instructions for getting it back into automatic mode. 

7. Do you need to reprogram it? 

Once in a while, the remote needs to be reprogrammed. Consult your manufacturer’s instructions (also available online if you’ve misplaced your manual) to reprogram your remotes.  

The following instructions work for most standard, hand-held remote control models: 

  • Press and hold the “learn” button on the motor unit until the learn indicator light goes out (approximately 5 to 7 seconds). This should erase the existing codes 
  • Press and hold the ENTER button on the remoteWhen the overhead opener’s light’s blink on and off, release the button. If the lights aren’t installed or are burnt out, you should hear two clicks. 

If that doesn’t work, you may need to contact your garage door technician. Most companies can walk you through the process during business hours. 

8. It is locked 

Garage doors all come with a lock option, typically used when homeowners are on vacation or away for extended periods of timeLook at the interior side of the garage door and see if any metal parts have slid down and are blocking the door’s lifting action. There should be a knob or a push-button unlock feature that will unlock the door. 

If the Push Button Option Doesn’t Work Either… 

If you push the button on the wall and nothing happens.  

BONUS TIP: Check the power source. Is the automatic opener plugged in? See if the breaker has tripped. There’s nothing worse than calling and paying for a professional repair call, only to learn your garage door didn’t have power. 

9. Has the cable/chain snapped? 

Take a peek at the top of the garage door track along the ceiling, by the automatic opener box. Is the cable/chain still intact or has it snapped? If it is snapped, separated, or doesn’t look like a continuous bike chain, contact professionals. 

11. The torsion spring is broken 

Similarly, the garage door spring may have snapped. This makes a very loud bang/crash – and can even sound like a gunshot. If you see that the spring is broken, DO NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE. Springs are dangerous and can cause serious injury and even fatality. If you suspect anything is wrong with your garage door spring, contact a technician ASAP and leave the door alone in the meantime. 

If these troubleshooting tips didn’t help, give us a call, (707) 644-5537or contact R&S Erection of Vallejo to schedule an appointment. A licensed technician will be there ASAP to fix the issue. 

How Important Are Garage Door Safety Sensors

Garage Door Safety Sensors

Garage door safety sensors are one of the most important components in your automatic garage door system. It is the sensors’ job to detect whether a person, pet, or thing is in the way, and ensures the garage door doesn’t strike it.  

It’s the Law  

Since 1993, garage door manufacturers have been required by law to include safety sensors on all doors. This law was created as the result of numerous injuries and fatalities that occurred as the result of a garage door closing on a human.  

An article published in the Los Angeles Times back in 1990 states that between 1982 and 1990, 46 children were killed by garage doors that struck them on the way down. The NYT reported that at least 85 children died or suffered permanent brain damage as a result of garage doors between the years of 1974 and 1995. And, these reports aren’t counting the millions of miscellaneous garage door-related injuries that occur each year, largely the result of ignoring basic garage door safety practices. 

While garage door manufacturers continued to make doors lighter, and invent safety features such as the “auto-reverse” feature, most of these safety “innovations” still required contact with an object or person before the door stopped or reversed. This still left children others vulnerable to contact with a garage door. 

As a result, safety standards experts called for garage door manufacturers to come up with something better, and that led to the invention of laser-sensors that could detect motion or interruption in the laser beam’s path from side-to-side and stop the door’s descent. 

In fact, the federal and state residential garage door opener legislation states: 

Residential GDO’s manufactured on and after January 1, 1993 must:  

  1. Have an automatic inherent reverse feature that reverses after 2 seconds upon sensing an obstruction 
  1. Have a 30 second reverse timer that moves the door upward 30 seconds after sensing the door has not reached the fully closed position 
  1. Have a secondary entrapment protection system, which may be either an attached and working external device (example: edge sensor or photoelectric eye) or an inherent secondary system (example: combination sectional door and operator system with the entire door system acting as a force sensing device) and, 
  1. Close the door using the manufacturer’s suggested devices (either a wall switch or a push button remote control). 

Have a Manual Garage Door? Upgrade to One With a Sensor 

In fact, not having a garage door safety sensor is the #1 reason we recommend those with older, manual doors go ahead and upgrade their doors to automatic options.  

In addition to being heavier than most contemporary garage doors, manual doors have no way of “knowing” if your little one is trying to slip through the remaining opening before the door closes or whether a beloved kitty is trying to run back in. Your precious bike or another toy/treasure may be out of its normal alignment and about ready to get smushed before the door crashes down. 

Keep Your Family, Children, and Pets Safe 

Even with all of these features in place, garage injuries are still a reality. In addition to installing an automated garage door with safety sensors, there are several things you can do to help keep your family and children free from potential injury. 

The garage door opener(s) is not a toy 

It’s imperative that your family create a safety culture around the garage door and it’s automatic mechanisms. Children are naturally drawn to the ability to push a button and make something open and close.  

They are intrigued by the thrill of ducking into or out of the diminishing gap between the door and the ground (action hero style), and some are drawn to the sounds or rhythmic motion created by pushing the button over and over and watching the door respond. Remote control power is also compelling. 

Read our post How to Childproof Your Garage Door for more specific instructions on how to keep the younger members of your family safe and accident free. 

Honor the manufacturer’s annual maintenance recommendations 

The better maintained your garage door is, the less likely it is to cause an accident. Above and beyond impact with a garage door, fingers can get pinched, electric currents can cause shocks or electrocution, and powerful springs can snap if they aren’t repaired by professionals. 

Always honor the manufacturer’s recommendations for annual maintenance. Some of these can be performed by you, such as lubrication of moving parts, but others should be taken care of by professionals to avoid unnecessary accidents, injuries or malfunctions. Another benefit to hiring a garage door technician to perform maintenance chores is that licensed professionals are more likely to notice smaller red flags that indicate a repair or parts replacement is on the horizon. 

Ultimately, garage door safety sensors are the best gift you can give to your garage door – and your building occupants, to keep them safe. Visit Garage Door Safety Tips For an Accident Free Home for more suggestions on how to prevent garage-door related injuries. 

Are you  on the hunt for an honest, trustworthy, and affordable garage door company to install your garage door? Contact us here at R&S of Vallejo. We never upsell products, and our competitively priced maintenance appointments are designed to ensure your garage door safety sensors work day in and day out.  

Should You Upgrade Your Garage Door From Manual To Automatic?

should you upgrade your garage door from manual to automatic

There are multiple reasons to upgrade your manual garage door to an automatic model, including safety, security, and convenience. If your current automatic door opener is 25 years or older (installed prior to 1993), you’ll also benefit from the efficient and safety-oriented features of newer, automatic models.

Upgrade Your Garage Door

Here are eight reasons to upgrade your old, manual garage door. 

Safety First

First and foremost, your manual garage door isn’t as safe as it’s automatic counterparts. Without the security of an automatic operating system, your manual garage door is more likely to close on a pet, a childyourself, or your valuable toys if they get in the way. There are no lasers or safety sensors to stop the garage door in its tracks. 

These features not only reduce garage door accidents, but they can also save lives. 

Convenience 

Perhaps you used to pride yourself on the fact that you were able to get out of the car and manually open and close your garage door. It’s extra exercise, right? Or, perhaps you didn’t want to spend the extra money.  

99.9% of homeowners who make the move from manual to automatic garage door openers never regret it. And, we’ve yet to meet the .1% who regret it – we just wanted to err on the side of the conservative. The good news is that you always have the opportunity to switch the electric door into the manual mode whenever you need to. 

Lighting 

The extra light that automatically turns on when you open and close the garage door is a welcome change from the dark you’re used to once the sunsets. Automatic garage door lights are automatically timed to give you plenty of time to get into your car and back out, or to park, gathering your things from the car, and enter the home or breezeway. 

Keep in mind that some LED lights can interfere with your garage door code. Always use high-quality LED garage door light brands or have your garage door technician replace it when needed to avoid the potential of frequency interference. 

Security 

In addition to posing safety hazards, manual garage doors are far less secure than automatic models. They offer several security-oriented features, including: 

  • Entry code pads. Entry codes can be programmed as needed, and reprogrammed if compromised. They protect your home and keep children or others from having spare keys that are easily lost/found by the wrong entities. 
  • Rolling codes. Your garage door mechanism can continually reprogram itself and the remote, ensuring nobody else in the neighborhood can sync their garage door opener to your door. 
  • Lock features. You can lock the garage so it can’t be reopened until the right code is pushed in or you remove the lock feature yourself. 
  • Vacation mode. This disables the garage door from being able to work with remote control. The door can only be opened from the inside. Once you’re home, taking the door off vacation mode re-programs it to your remotes. 

Energy efficiency 

Original automatic doors required far more energy than today’s models. Innovative garage door models that are lighter and less dense, combined with more efficient operating systems, means your garage door automatically opens and closes while using minimal amounts of energy. 

If energy efficiency is important to you, read our Guide to Having An Eco-Friendly Garage Door. 

Easier maintenance 

Well-made and professionally installed automatic garage doors require minimal maintenance to work efficiently and reliably all year long. One annual maintenance appointment from a licensed garage door technician is all your door will need for decades to come.  

If you have an old, manual door, odds are you’re performing the maintenance on your own, more often, and that can be dangerous. Once your automatic door is installed, all you’ll need to do is keep the mechanical parts lubricated and the lasers and track free of debris or blockage. We’ll take care of the rest. 

Smart technology 

Automatic garage door manufacturers have jumped on the smart technology bandwagon. You have the ability to open and close your garage door from your smartphone or gadgets. The system will also sound an alert or alarm if the door is opened – or left open – to keep you informed. 

Quieter operation 

 Your older garage door and its springs are likely pretty creaky and squeaky as you open and close it. And then, there’s the decided “bang” when it’s dropped or let go into the fully open or closed position.  

You and your family (not to mention the neighbors) will appreciate the quiet and streamlined open/close functions associated with your newer, automatic model. 

Upgrade your garage door for peace of mind 

All it takes is one serious illness, a major sprain or break, or the simple aging process to interfere with your ability to open and close your garage door on your own. Having an automatic garage door, with innovative safety and security features, means your door will continue to open and close with a simple press of a button, regardless of what the future holds.  

Update your curb appeal 

If you have a manual garage door, odds are it’s detracting from your home’s curb appeal. With so many contemporary styles and colors to choose from, your new garage door will give your home a much-needed facelift.

We’re Here When You’re Ready

Are you interested in learning more about reliable, affordable automatic garage door options? Contact us here at R&S Erection in Vallejo, or give us a call at (707) 644-5537We’ll help you select the perfect door design and model for your home and price range.