How quickly can you fix my slow movement?

In most cases, we can diagnose and repair slow garage door movement the same day you call. Slow movement is typically caused by worn rollers, lack of lubrication, track alignment issues, or spring tension problems. Our technicians arrive with fully stocked service vehicles, allowing us to complete most repairs in a single visit. For emergency situations, we offer 24/7 service and can often arrive within 1-2 hours.

What causes slow movement in garage doors?

Slow garage door movement can be caused by several factors: 1) Worn or damaged rollers creating friction, 2) Lack of proper lubrication on hinges, springs, and tracks, 3) Misaligned tracks forcing the door to work harder, 4) Weak or broken springs not providing adequate counterbalance, 5) Opener motor issues or incorrect force settings, 6) Debris in the tracks impeding movement. Our comprehensive inspection identifies the root cause and provides targeted solutions.

Do you offer financing for new custom door installations?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options to make new garage door installations affordable. We partner with several financing companies to provide competitive rates and payment plans that fit your budget. Many customers qualify for 0% interest promotional periods. During your free in-home estimate, our design consultant can explain all available financing options and help you find the best solution for your situation.

What areas do you serve?

We proudly serve the greater Seacoast region including Dover, Rochester, Portsmouth, Newmarket, Durham, Exeter, Hampton, Seabrook, Berwick, Rollinsford. If you're in a neighboring community not listed, give us a call – we likely serve your area too.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard residential garage door installation typically takes 3-5 hours, including removal of the old door, installation of the new door and hardware, opener setup, and final adjustments. More complex installations, such as custom doors or those requiring structural modifications, may take longer. We'll provide a time estimate during your consultation.

Do you offer emergency services?

Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency garage door repair services. Whether your door won't close at midnight or a spring breaks on a holiday weekend, we're here to help. Emergency calls are prioritized, and we typically arrive within 1-2 hours of your call.

What warranty do you provide?

We stand behind our work with a comprehensive 10-year warranty on all installations and repairs. This covers both parts and labor. Additionally, manufacturer warranties on doors and openers typically range from 1-lifetime depending on the product. We'll explain all warranty coverage during your service.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional maintenance once per year for optimal performance and longevity. However, if your door sees heavy use (more than 6 cycles per day) or is exposed to harsh conditions, semi-annual maintenance may be beneficial. Between professional visits, you can perform simple maintenance like lubricating hinges and watching for unusual noises.

Can you repair any brand of garage door?

Yes, our technicians are trained and equipped to repair all major garage door brands including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, Raynor, and more. We also service all opener brands including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, and Craftsman. We maintain a large inventory of common parts to complete most repairs in a single visit.

How do I know if I need a repair or replacement?

Several factors influence this decision: Age (doors over 15-20 years old may benefit from replacement), Frequency of repairs (if you're calling for repairs multiple times per year, replacement may be more cost-effective), Safety features (older doors may lack modern safety features), Energy efficiency (new insulated doors significantly reduce energy costs), and Curb appeal (a new door can transform your home's appearance). During our free inspection, we'll provide honest recommendations based on your specific situation.

Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips

7 min read

# Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips

Living in the Seacoast region means dealing with a variety of severe weather conditions, from powerful nor'easters to summer thunderstorms. Your garage door, the largest moving part of your home, is particularly vulnerable during these events. Proper preparation can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and major damage to your home and belongings.

Understanding Storm Risks to Your Garage Door

Your garage door faces multiple threats during severe weather. High winds can create pressure differentials that push the door inward or pull it outward. Flying debris can cause dents, cracks, or even punctures. Heavy rain and flooding can damage the bottom seal and weatherstripping, while ice storms can freeze the door shut or damage the opener mechanism.

Perhaps most critically, if your garage door fails during a storm, it can compromise your entire home's structural integrity. When wind enters through a failed garage door, it pressurizes the interior of your home, potentially lifting the roof or blowing out walls.

Pre-Storm Season Inspection Checklist

Before storm season arrives, conduct a thorough inspection of your garage door system:

Examine the Door Panels: Look for cracks, rust spots, or areas where the panels have begun to separate. Even minor damage can become major failure points during high winds.

Check the Weatherstripping: The rubber seal at the bottom of your door and the weatherstripping around the sides and top should be intact and flexible. Hardened or cracked seals should be replaced.

Inspect the Hardware: Examine all hinges, rollers, cables, and tracks for wear, rust, or damage. Loose or worn components can fail under stress.

Test the Balance: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. A properly balanced door should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment.

Verify the Safety Features: Test the auto-reverse function by placing a 2x4 on the ground in the door's path. The door should reverse upon contact.

Reinforcement Options for Storm Protection

If you live in an area prone to severe storms, consider upgrading your garage door's storm resistance:

Bracing Systems: Permanent or removable bracing kits reinforce your door against wind pressure. These typically include vertical supports that connect to the door and floor.

Impact-Resistant Doors: Consider upgrading to a garage door rated for hurricane-force winds. These doors feature reinforced panels and heavier-duty hardware designed to withstand extreme conditions.

Wind Load Certification: Look for doors with wind load ratings appropriate for your area. A certified door has been tested to withstand specific wind speeds without failure.

Backup Power: A battery backup for your opener ensures you can still operate your door during power outages, allowing you to secure your home or evacuate if necessary.

Emergency Preparedness Steps

As a storm approaches, take these additional precautions:

Secure Loose Items: Remove or secure anything in your garage that could become a projectile if the door fails.

Disengage the Opener: During severe storms, disengage the automatic opener. The wind load sensors may not react quickly enough to prevent damage.

Lock the Door: Engage the manual lock on your garage door. This provides additional resistance against wind pressure.

Know Your Manual Operation: Ensure everyone in your household knows how to manually operate the garage door in case of emergency.

Post-Storm Assessment

After any significant storm, inspect your garage door before resuming normal use:

1. Visually examine the door from inside and outside for any damage 2. Check the tracks for bends or debris 3. Test the door manually before reconnecting the opener 4. Listen for unusual sounds during operation 5. Check that all safety features are functioning properly

If you notice any damage or unusual behavior, don't continue using the door. Contact a professional for inspection and repair.

Professional Storm Preparation Services

At Somersworth Garage Doors, we offer comprehensive storm preparation services including thorough inspections, hardware upgrades, and reinforcement installations. Our technicians can assess your current door's storm readiness and recommend appropriate upgrades for your situation.

Don't wait until a storm is on the horizon, contact us today to ensure your garage door is ready to protect your home when severe weather strikes. With over ${new Date().getFullYear() - 2003} years of experience serving the Seacoast region, we understand the unique weather challenges our community faces.

Back to Blog