Austin Homes and Businesses: Your Garage Door Repair Services Solution

Austin Garage Door Spring Repair: Tips from the Pros

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 Tommy's Garages, 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.

Effective Strategy #1 - Renewing Both Springs

Most garage doors come with a pair of springs installed at the same time. If one fails, chances are the other is also close to the end of its useful life. To avoid any future issues, possible risks, and damage to the garage door opener, Tommy's Garages generally advises replacing both springs. Similar to changing both car tires if one bursts, it's essential to preserve valuable assets like garage doors and vehicles by replacing both garage door springs.

Effective Strategy #2 - Picking the Right Springs

Garage doors, with their diverse weights and sizes, demand the use of suitable springs for correct door balancing. If the wrong spring is installed, it can adversely affect the garage door system and force the opener to work harder. This may result in premature opener failure and additional repair visits. DIY spring replacement can be hazardous for the same reason. Our Austin, TX technicians are committed to fitting the right springs according to the door's weight and conducting a balance test to verify their work.

Effective Strategy #3 - Carrying Out a Safety Assessment

Tommy's Garages includes a no-cost safety inspection for every spring repair, checking that all hardware and moving parts on your door operate correctly and comply with safety regulations. It's possible that worn mechanical parts on your door, which were likely installed with the springs, are now unsafe. A dysfunctional spring could signal a larger issue with your door. That's why we prioritize providing a free safety inspection and maintaining a safe environment for our clients as a best practice.

Owing to our diverse range of springs suitable for numerous garage door options, we advise involving an experienced technician in taking exact measurements and providing a reliable cost estimate. Contact Tommy's Garages at once to secure a proficient technician's opinion and price quote for garage door spring repair.

The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Garage Door Openers

Belt Driven Openers

Belt driven openers are considered the industry gold standard. Combining the reliability of chain driven openers with near-silent operation, these openers run on a steel-reinforced belt and are slightly more expensive than chain and screw driven models. If your garage is attached to your home and close to bedrooms, a belt driven opener installed by Tommy's Garages ensures you won't be disturbed by garage door noise. Many customers are thrilled with their belt driven openers and can't imagine returning to a noisier chain driven model.

Screw Driven Openers

Screw drive openers feature a lifting mechanism that runs on a threaded steel rod, as opposed to a chain or rubber belt. These openers perform best in locations with consistent weather and temperature conditions throughout the year. In areas with fluctuating temperatures or weather patterns, such as Austin, a screw drive opener is not advised. Screw drive openers are the slowest and noisiest of all three openers but are the least expensive. If noise or slow operation was an issue with your previous opener, you might not enjoy having a screw-driven opener in your garage.

Chain Driven Openers

A common choice in Austin, chain-powered openers are dependable and use a metal chain to maneuver the garage door along its track. These openers are slightly less expensive than belt drives but are also noisy. This can be an issue if your garage is located below or adjacent to your home's primary living spaces. We typically do not recommend chain-powered openers due to the minor cost savings and the lack of a lifetime warranty provided by LiftMaster® for belt drives.

Jackshaft Openers

Jackshaft openers are mounted on the wall next to your garage door, connecting to the torsion spring above the door. This type of opener is suitable for those in Austin with high garage ceilings or anyone looking to free up ceiling space. Though slightly more expensive than ceiling-mounted openers, they provide a unique and space-saving solution.

10 Reasons That Make Tommy's Garages Your Ideal Choice

1. Established Track Record: Our proven experience, backed by a history of success and numerous satisfied clients, guarantees that our industry experts will address your garage door needs with utmost efficiency.
2. Assorted Products and Services: Tommy's Garages delivers a wide variety of products and services designed to meet your individual needs. Our offerings include everything from bespoke doors to repair and installation services, ensuring we have the right solution for any door or product you need.
3. Expertise and Professional Staff: Our team members possess both knowledge and professionalism. They recognize the value of exceptional customer service and strive to make your experience with them enjoyable. Whether it's answering your queries or offering advice on door maintenance, they're here to assist you.
4. Superior-Quality Materials: By utilizing the finest materials available, we ensure your garage door is both sturdy and appealing. With our garage door company in Austin, you can be confident that your investment in a durable and attractive door is worthwhile.
5. Safety: Our company guarantees the proper and secure installation of your overhead door. You can be confident that the installation and upkeep of your garage door are carried out according to the highest standards, fostering a secure environment for your loved ones.
6. Reasonable Pricing Options: Tommy's Garages offers a variety of reasonably priced solutions for your doors and gates needs. You can choose a solution that fits your financial preferences, from installations and repairs to tailor-made designs.
7. Prompt Service: When it comes to fixing or installing doors and gates, time is crucial. A reliable Austin company will make sure your needs are met with speed and efficiency.
8. Quality Guarantee: With our quality guarantee, we ensure that any overhead door repairs or installations meet the highest standards, offering you the confidence that your investment is protected.
9. Warranty: We offer warranty protection for your investment, covering any malfunctions or accidental damages to your overhead door. This coverage helps to mitigate stress and financial concerns that may arise from a defective door.
10. Unmatched Satisfaction Guarantee: Tommy's Garages is dedicated to providing unparalleled customer satisfaction with our range of products and services. We stand behind our work and guarantee your satisfaction with our overhead doors and gates.

The Most Common Overhead Door Repair Problems We See

Broken Springs: If your garage door isn't functioning properly, the springs could be the problem. They're under high tension and can break easily, so checking their condition is crucial.

Worn-out rollers: Garage door rollers can wear out over time and cause a noisy or stuck door. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for proper functioning.

Panel Damage Prevention: Protect your garage door panels from damage caused by weather, regular use, and heavy impacts from vehicles or other objects.

Misaligned tracks: Addressing misaligned tracks promptly is crucial to prevent the door from getting stuck or falling off its tracks entirely.

Faulty Opener Malfunction: If your garage door opener is faulty, it can prevent your door from functioning correctly. It's best to seek professional assistance to diagnose and repair any issues with the opener.

Safety Sensor Obstructions: The safety sensor can become obstructed by objects or children playing. Make sure the area around the sensor is clear to avoid issues with door closure.

Frequently Encountered Door Repair Problems

Sagging: Sagging is frequently seen in wooden doors due to their weight. To prevent this, use robust hardware and properly secure the posts.

Rotting: Over time, untreated or unsealed wooden doors can rot, causing the doors to weaken and possibly collapse.

Rollers: Damaged or worn-out rollers can impact your gate's smooth functioning. It may become difficult to open and close the gate as a result. Fortunately, replacing the rollers is usually a simple repair.

Pests: Wooden gates can also fall prey to pests like termites and carpenter bees. Be vigilant and inspect the gate often for any signs of intrusion.

Hinges: When hinges are misaligned or damaged, it can cause problems with opening and closing your gate. Thankfully, this is usually a straightforward issue for a professional to fix.

Frames: Garage door frame damage or bending can cause instability in the entire structure, which can be a significant safety issue. It's necessary to repair or replace any damaged frames without delay.

Installation: A garage door that is installed incorrectly can be problematic. It can be unstable and unsafe, making prompt repairs necessary.

Warping: If your gate is exposed to extreme temperatures, it could become misshapen due to warping caused by weather conditions.

Fading: Overexposure to the sun or harsh weather conditions can cause the color of your gate to fade with time. Repainting your garage door every few years can help it maintain a new appearance.

Rusting: Exposure to moisture or humidity can cause rusting, which is a frequent issue. It's essential to watch for rust signs on your gate, particularly if you live in a humid location.

The Top Factors That Indicate You Need a New Garage Door in Austin

It's a no-brainer to replace your garage doors from a strict sale / resale perspective, but what other reasons do Austin homeowners have for replacing their overhead doors? Here are a few examples:

Always Keep Safety and Security in Focus

A significant number of home break-ins in Austin happen through overhead doors. Are you certain that your garage door cannot be easily manipulated by intruders? Moreover, older doors may lack automatic reversal, a crucial safety feature.

Energy-Efficient Living

Installing new insulated overhead doors can help to lower energy bills for Austin, TX homeowners by reducing the transfer of hot and cold air into the garage and home.

Boost Your Home's Appeal

Observe your home from a distance. Are you aware of how much of your home's front is taken up by your overhead doors? Enhance your home's curb appeal affordably by upgrading them in Austin.

Lessen Garage Door Noise

Homeowners with garages may face issues with the noise from opening and closing garage doors, especially if their room is near or above the garage. If you're looking for a solution, Tommy's Garages offers ultra-quiet nylon hinges that ensure a smooth and noise-free operation.

Frequently Asked Questions from Our Valued Austin, TX Customers

Would it be wise to have a professional install my new garage door?

Installing a garage door is a complex process that should not be undertaken as a DIY project. Due to the size and intricate components of a garage door, the installation process requires technical expertise. The springs can be particularly risky to work with, and correct installation is essential for your door to function properly. Expert garage door installers can complete the job efficiently while maintaining safety standards. In contrast, homeowners may struggle for days and become frustrated with the process. Improper installation may also nullify certain warranties, so we recommend hiring a professional for the job. They can also handle the removal of your old door if necessary.

Is it a good idea to opt for an insulated door for a garage that has no insulation?

For large garage door openings, insulated doors are recommended to prevent the transfer of heat or cold air. This is particularly important if your garage is attached to your home or used as a workshop, as it ensures comfortable temperatures. Moreover, insulated doors reduce noise levels and improve the appearance of the interior.

1. Insulated doors are also quieter and more attractive than non-insulated doors.
2. Insulated doors keep temperatures stable in the room above if the garage is below another room.
3. Ensuring your comfort if you use your garage as a workshop.
4. Insulated doors prevent air in the garage from traveling through the doorway to your living area.

Steel or wood garage door - which is better?

Tommy's Garages's steel doors typically require less upkeep than wood doors. They come pre-painted with a baked-on coating from the factory. We suggest cleaning the door's exterior with a common household detergent and warm water at least once a year. Our wood doors are unfinished and must be primed, painted, or stained on all six sides upon delivery. We recommend visually examining the paint or stain finish on wood doors once a year to see if it requires another application.

Can my one-piece garage door be replaced with a sectional garage door?

Your local garage door dealer/installer can install a sectional door by adding appropriate track and springs. Modifications may be necessary based on your garage's construction, so have your Austin, TX dealer assess the job beforehand.

Is it safe to paint a newly installed garage door?

At Tommy's Garages, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality steel doors that are pre-painted with a top-of-the-line baked-on coating, specifically designed to be repainted. You can choose from a broad selection of commercially available latex exterior paints to refresh the appearance of your door, ensuring it continues to look beautiful for years to come. Just remember to follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations and steer clear of oil-based paints.