Safety Tips for Garage Doors:
1.    Replace Old Springs. Your garage door’s springs are arguably the most important and most dangerous part of your door. Springs wear out. When they break, injury can result. If you have an older garage door, have your springs inspected by a professional technician and replaced if needed. If your door has two springs, replace both, even if one is not broken. This will not only prevent any damage caused by the breaking of the second spring, but also keep your door working efficiently.
2.    Check Your Cables. Visually inspect the cables that attach the spring system to the bottom brackets on both sides of the door. If these cables are frayed or worn, they are in danger of breaking, which can cause injury. Due to the dangers associated with high spring tension, these cables should be replaced only by a trained technician.
3.    Squeaky Springs? Springs can squeak and be noisy. This is caused by normal use and does not necessarily indicate a problem. Before calling a professional service technician, use a spray-on lubricant (recommended especially for garage doors). If the noise persists, call a professional garage door installer for service.
4.    A Do-It-Yourselfer, Eh? Installing a garage door can be very dangerous and is not recommended for a novice. DASMA recommends that trained door systems technicians install garage doors. If you attempt the installation by yourself, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
5.    Safety Cables. If your garage door has extension springs, you need a safety cable that runs through the spring and secures to the wall or ceiling at each end. When your garage door is down, extension springs are under high tension. If the spring breaks, it may cause injury. A safety cable can keep that broken spring contained. If you have extension springs but do not have a safety cable, call your local dealer for a safety inspection.
6.    Struggling Door? If your door does not go up and down smoothly, you may have an unsafe condition. Even older door systems should operate smoothly. If the awkward operation continues when the door is manually operated, you may have a spring system that is out of balance. This can cause premature wear and tear on other important door components. Spring systems are dangerous and should be repaired only by trained professionals.
7.    Watch Your Fingers! Every year, many unsuspecting homeowners injure their fingers by placing them between the door sections to pull down on the door. According to DASMA Standard 116, if your door lacks pinch-resistant joints, you should have lift handles or suitable gripping points on the inside and outside of the door. Even if your door has an opener, the door must occasionally be operated manually. Never place your fingers between the door sections. If you manually open or close the door, use the handles or the safe gripping points!
8.    Tamper Resistant Brackets. Since the bottom brackets on a garage door are connected to the door’s springs, these brackets are under extreme tension. They should be adjusted or loosened only by a trained door systems technician. Many manufacturers now include tamper resistant hardware that prevents loosening of the brackets by a novice.
9.    Use the Old Track? When buying a replacement garage door, some homeowners are tempted to save a few dollars by putting the new door on the old track. However, your old track may not fit with your new door, depending on the thickness of your sections, the weight of the door, the headroom required, the location of the garage door opener, and other considerations. The track and sections work together as a system. For maximum performance and long life, you should use the track that is designed for your specific door.
10.    Regular Service. Your garage door is probably the largest moving part in your home and is typically used every day. Over time, parts can wear out and break, creating potential safety problems. Although you should provide monthly safety checks and maintenance to your garage door system, an annual visit from a trained door systems technician can keep your door operating safely and smoothly for a long time.
11.    Man the Manual. Keep the owner’s manuals for your door and opener hanging near the door for easy reference. Every model of door and opener has specific safety instructions unique to that model. Where is your manual?

Safety: A Primary Concern
A garage door is often the largest moving object in home or commercial business facility. An improperly installed door and operator system can exert tremendous force when the door closes. This could lead to the entrapment of children or adults and subsequent injury – or worse. Therefore, selecting the right person to install and service your door and/or operator is an extremely serious decision. It is not one that should be taken lightly!

There are thousands of door dealers in business today. What can you do to assure yourself of selecting the right one? We’ve provided these five checkpoint for you to use:

Experience
•    Workmanship
•    Code and Regulatory Compliance
•    Insurance Coverage
•    Financial Integrity

Experience
Of all the five checkpoints, this is perhaps the easiest to validate. How long has the company been in business? If a new company, do the principals have experience in the door and operator industry? How much?

Workmanship
This may be the most important checkpoint. And it is also easy to verify. Does the door dealer have satisfied customers? If so, do they have letters of recommendation from their customers? Depending on the project, you may want to talk to a customer or two.

Code and Regulatory Compliance
There are numerous requirements pertaining to safety and the installation of a garage door system. Federal, state, and local codes and regulations must be followed. Ask the dealer you select about how they comply with the codes in your city.

Insurance Coverage
It is important to you that the door dealer carry proper insurance on their business and employees. One checkpoint is to ask for a copy of the company’s Certificate of Insurance. If they don’t have one or hesitate to comply with your request, it could be a negative signal.

Financial Integrity
Depending on the size of your project, financial integrity of a door dealer can be very important. Although this is a sensitive issue, a dependable, honest door dealer won’t mind telling you about the basic financial integrity of their company.

Selecting the right door dealer is as simple as asking a few questions. The most important deals with the issue of reliability. Is the dealer dependable, trustworthy, and safety-conscious? These questions take only moments to answer, and yet they can help you avoid tremendous problems in the future.

Other popular add-ons include the LCD screen that displays time and temperature as well as diagnostic messages regarding the status of your operator. This panel includes a motion detector that can be programmed to automatically turn a light on when somebody walks into the garage.

You can also add the parking-assist unit. This device projects a small laser which can be aimed at a spot on your dashboard allowing you to park in exactly the same spot every time, perfect for those “tight” garages. If the garage door is the only way into your garage, consider a keyed disconnect. This device is an outside key-cylinder connected to the manual release card which will allow you to get into the garage should you lose power to the opener. A battery backup should also be considered to get your door open when you need it most.

New home systems also have ability to integrate a garage door monitor which can be mounted in any room and will tell you whether the door is opened or closed. This is for those that go to bed and forget to close the door. Remind you of anyone? A garage door butler can be added and programmed to automatically close the door from 3 to 60 minutes after it is opened or close it when it gets dark outside.

A wisely designed opener system will not only be more convenient, but will become a vital part of a secure and energy efficient home.

Ask a sales representative what can be done for your garage.

Torsion Spring Garage Doors
Torsion springs are usually installed on larger or heavier garage doors. Most models wide enough for two cars will commonly have this type. They’re found on the wall above the opening of the garage door, and look like a long metal coil. Most people barely notice them until one breaks, and everything becomes too heavy to lift. When it has broken, you’ll see the separation in the coiled spring. You’ll need a professional for this kind of repair. The counter balance system is under extreme tension, and for that reason, homeowners should never attempt to adjust or repair any of it’s components. Additionally, forcing the opener to pull too much weight can damage the opener, and the top panel where it’s attached.

Extension Spring Garage Doors
Extension springs are usually found on garage doors that are wide enough for only one car. These can be found nearly parallel to the tracks near the ceiling, one on each side. Many times, the extension type will relax to the point that they need replacement, instead of actually breaking. When this happens you can usually see repeated gaps in the coils, and you may consider having them serviced or replaced.

Extension systems, while more inexpensive to install and maintain than torsion, are not suitable for installation on models wide enough for two cars due to the lack of balance. Torsion systems use the shaft, along with the drums and cables, to provide equal amounts of lift on each side. Extension springs are independent of each other, and require proper tension to ensure level operation. One advantage of having extension, is the ease of replacement. Local hardware stores typically carry them, and a do it yourself job is possible for those who are mechanically inclined. Don’t forget to use caution, as the extension counter balance system is also under extreme pressure, and can cause injury or death.

Keep the garage doors working properly and safe by checking and maintaining them on a regular basis. Keep your garage doors well-oiled and clean, and above all well-balanced. Have them serviced regularly (once a year is appropriate): it won’t take long or cost much, and easily justifies itself through your increased peace of mind.


1. Why does it reverse back up instead of closing?
Most likely, the safety sensors on the garage door are out of alignment, or something is blocking the path of the garage door. The safety sensors need a clear line of sight between each other in order for the opener to travel downward. They’re usually black, and attached at the base of the tracks. Each should have a small LED light that remains lit when both sensors are properly aligned. If bumped or knocked down or out of place, they can be adjusted by hand so that they are pointing at each other again. It’s fairly common for the lenses on the safety eyes to become obscured by dirt or other debris, as well.

2. Why is the garage door so heavy?
Garage doors are generally at least 8′ wide and 7′ high. That amount of material can really tip the scales, making it the largest moving piece of machinery in your home. That’s why there are springs and a counter balance system to take all that weight, and make it manageable. Openers don’t (or shouldn’t) pull any more weight than a person would when doing that job. That being said, springs can relax over time, making things heavier. Stripped gears, which are a very common repair, are caused by this type of problem. It’s generally a good idea to do some maintenance about once a year. Have a professional check for proper spring tension, alignment, gear wear and adjust them if needed.

Then once you have the garage door, you will need to keep them safe by checking and maintaining them properly. Keep your garage doors well-oiled and clean, and above all well-balanced. Have them serviced regularly (once a year is appropriate): it won’t take long or cost much, and easily justifies itself through your increased peace of mind.

3. Why won’t it go up and Why is it stuck in the down position?
Take a look at the springs located on the wall above the garage door. There should be no break, or separation in the coils. Springs generally last for about 8 years, depending on the amount of daily usage. Again, these provide the force for balancing out all that weight. When one breaks, it can make the garage door too heavy to lift, causing it to seem stuck in place. If one of yours is broken, you’ll probably need to call a pro to fix the issue. If you’ve seen no separation in the coils, try pulling the emergency release. This will allow manual operation, without the motor. It may be that they’ve relaxed to the point that the opener can’t lift the weight anymore.

Hopefully, some of your questions have been answered.

Some of these needs include disability, security, or lifestyle. Maybe you feel susceptible getting out of your car on dark nights or maybe you are just lethargic and looking for the easy life!  If any of these applies to you then an automated garage door could significantly improve your life and add value to your home.

Automatic garage doors come in many different shapes and sizes. You may choose a roller door that is slatted and quite attractive in appearance, which rolls up into a casing. These doors are surprisingly quite quiet and provide good insulation for your garage.

The only negative point about these doors is that you will need the headroom above the opening to fit the box. If you do not have this then the box will have to sit within the opening – this could leave you with a vastly reduced opening height. This is a huge issue for smaller garages or owners of large vehicles.

There are solutions to headroom issue, doors are available that rather than rolling into a coil they continue on a track on your ceiling roof, this allows very little headroom requirement. However, these doors can be a lot more expensive than the traditional roller door.

Another style door is the same as mentioned above, but the slats remain vertical and the door slides to the left or right of the garage door opening. In this case, you need the depth of the garage to be available and if you have any side doors or windows it may not be a practical solution.

Options are available other than the slatted roller door. Sectional doors are similar but they have much larger panels. These can be very attractive but they come with added complications.

Finally the typical up and over doors are also available with an automatic operation. These tend to be the noisiest of doors so bear this in mind if you have a bedroom above and need to use the door when people may be sleeping. Kits can be purchased that allow you to motorize your existing door. These allow for quick and easy automation at low cost.

All the above operate on the same principle. You have a remote control in your car or on your person. As you approach the door you press the remote. The door should be pretty much open by the time you reach your garage. Drive in and press the button again and the door closes.

A few points to be aware of when considering using a garage door of this kind: What will you do in the event of a power outage? What will you do in the event of a garage door breakdown?

When selecting an Automatic Garage Door, ask for manual override systems and battery backups. The overdrive system will allow use of the door in case of an emergency.

1.    Thinking about space
The space within your garage is a valuable asset. Be wary of garage doors that rob you of that space – it is usually not worth saving money on cheaper doors, if they will rob you of valuable cubic feet of usable space. Hinged doors opening inwards tend to take up more space inside. The standard sectional design is best – most of the space sectional garage doors need to operate is above your head, where it is not used much anyway. These sectional doors take up hardly any space inside our outside, and as such they can justify a higher price-tag. If your house is in a high-density area, sectional garage doors are the ideal choice for you.

2.    Let there be light
A second secret: you should be thinking about your garage door not just as a door, but as a window. If you’re ever going to work in your garage, you’ll really benefit from getting some natural light in there. Adding windows to your garage door doesn’t add much expense, but it will make your garage a much more pleasant place to spend time. So garage tinkerers should get windows in their garage doors.

3.    Keeping safe
Badly installed garage doors can injure your children. Yes, it sounds like I’m trying to scare you – but I’m afraid it’s true. The risk is reduced enormously if you take sensible basic precautions. Employ a trustworthy, safety-conscious firm to install your garage door, and get them to explain what precautions they are taking. Demand that the doors meet appropriate safety standards. For instance, they must reverse if they hit an obstacle in their path – because that obstacle could be you.

Then once you have the garage door, you will need to keep them safe by checking and maintaining them properly. Keep your garage doors well-oiled and clean, and above all well-balanced. Have them serviced regularly (once a year is appropriate): it won’t take long or cost much, and easily justifies itself through your increased peace of mind.

4.    Locks and keys
Garage doors need to be just as secure as every other entry point to your home. If you are installing a remote-controlled set of automatic garage doors, you need to be sure that the security mechanisms in the remote control are at least as reliable as the physical bolts protecting your front door. The security of electronic devices is an area where it is notoriously easy to be fooled by a salesperson. So I would advise you against trying to understand the ins and outs of the system yourself. Instead, look for a reliable business selling garage doors, one which has been in business for some time and has satisfied customers. Check out the models of doors they suggest on the Internet or with knowledgeable friends, looking to see if there have been reports of security problems with them.

Simply push a button and your garage door opens, then it is closed automatically, while you remain safe, in the protected interior of your car. Automatic garage doors are affordable devices that ensure the safety of your garage include a routine door with a high level closing system; there are no external handles or projections to prevent the non desired entry.

You will also draw benefit from a system of integrated lighting and time-delay to safely use your automatic garage door during the night; you can also have a device for manual operation in the event of a current failure.

Inside the door the panels are usually filled with insulating foam. The automatic garage door provides high quality insulation and a safe, maintenance-free life. Also, automatic garage doors come in a range from attractive colors to complement your home.

Features include:
•    Never will to paint
•    Automatic garage doors are practically free from maintenance
•    Made of quality R-Value insulation
•    Conform to all the legal guidelines

Very few garages are identical. They can have various widths, lengths and sizes; they are made in various building materials; the floors and doors are also different. Our range of the automatic garage doors is made to suit your situation and particular conditions.

Typical trimmings are available to match or complement the siding of your home. You can even choose from a pallet of colors so that your garage doors coordinate with the color of your house.

But that whatever are your requirements, a high quality garage door of garage with automatic garage door opener guarantees an operation without conflict, total safety and superior operating conditions without breakdown, for a lifetime.

To start, the teams of experts must guide you in your selection. They will help you to obtain the best value for the money, making sure the automatic garage door exceeds your expectations, made of high quality materials and installed by experienced professionals.

In the end, the next time that you drive to your garage, you will enjoy the benefits of a quality remote-controlled automatic garage door, from comfort of your own car using the compact electronic remote control.


It happens to everyone. Many homeowners don’t even realize they left it open until they return home.

Why didn’t it close? Garage doors usually fail to close as a result of the safety sensors being blocked. They’re located on each side of the garage door opening, no more than a foot or so off the ground. Typically, each will have a small light that stays lit when everything is going well. If either of the lights are out, simply move whatever is blocking the sensor (sometimes even cobwebs/small debris can cause safety sensors to malfunction) or adjust them so that they are pointing at each other again. You can move these around by hand if they’ve been knocked out of alignment.

If you can’t open the garage door to exit your home, make sure nothing is blocking the path of the garage door. This is a common cause for service calls on garage doors. Always use caution when operating your door, but be extra cautious when it’s not working correctly. It’s the probably the largest, heaviest piece of machinery in the house. The counter balance system of the door is under EXTREME pressure, and when it doesn’t work properly, it can be dangerous. Many people have been injured or even killed by garage doors, some of them professionals. If your garage door is sitting crooked in the opening, has come off the tracks, or is not working properly, call a professional repair company immediately.

If the door works but the opener still won’t close it, there are a couple more things to try before calling a professional.
1.    Try using the wall button instead of the remote or keyless entry. It’s possible the remote’s batteries are dead, or the opener’s lock function has been enabled.
2.    If the garage door itself is working properly, you can pull the manual release on the opener. This will let you close the door manually, although the opener won’t be locking it shut the way it normally would.
3.    Some openers have an indicator light that can help troubleshoot any problems. Again, you’ll need your owner’s manual for your opener.
4.    Many can be found online by doing a quick search for your make and model number. You can find the model and manufacturer on the back of the opener.
5.    If all else fails, it may be time to call a pro.

Some companies will be able to give an estimate on probable repairs over the phone, so let them know what steps you may have already taken. Call a few different companies to ensure their numbers are competitive. Since openers have an expected life span of about 10 years, it might also be a good idea to check prices for new openers, instead of repairing an older model. Newer models will have more up to date security features, as well.

Steel Garage Doors
Steel garage doors are the most commonly installed types. Their lower costs, maintenance, and a variety of available designs make them the obvious choice for most homeowners. No painting is required, although the doors can be painted, and most manufacturers offer different finish warranties on their garage doors. Styles include, but are not limited to, raised panel designs, flush panels, and various carriage house designs. Most have insulation options, as well. Considering the fact that most garages share an interior wall with the home, insulation inside your garage door can help conserve on heating and cooling costs.

Wooden Garage Doors
While they’re not as common, wooden garage doors are still readily available in most places. They are available in the same standard styles as steel doors, and can be built to suit. Their costs are generally slightly higher than steel doors, and they will need to be painted or stained to prevent water damage. There are still benefits to having a wooden garage door. A standard model wood door can provide a better R-value than a basic non-insulated steel door. Wooden garage doors can also take a little bit more punishment than the steel types-something to consider if you have kids that play near the doors, or work in or around the garage yourself. Wood doors also have insulation options available. The versatility of wooden garage doors is probably their best point. Homeowners wanting custom garage doors for their home typically go with wooden garage doors.

Vinyl Garage Doors
Vinyl garage doors are beginning to make a larger impression on the market. These doors won’t rust, and are more resistant to dings and scratches than the steel doors. Prepare to pay substantially more for these types of garage doors. Many dealers don’t carry any in stock, so a lead time of 2-4 weeks can be expected. They usually look like a steel door as far as exterior styles are concerned. Vinyl garage doors also have similar insulation options as steel garage doors.

Composite Garage Doors
Composite garage doors are becoming more mainstream as consumer demand for environmentally-friendly products grows. These garage doors are typically made from recycled wood. They are insulated in most cases. Again, opting for insulation on a garage door can provide a higher R-value. Composite doors can be painted, or even stained.

R-Value
Remember than another option to strongly consider is R-value. This is the assigned number for how well it will insulate from the outside. The higher the number the better the insulation property the door will provide.

When you have your new garage door installed be sure to remember to keep the invoice/receipt in a safe place, and make sure you complete any required registrations in order to have a valid warranty.