How quickly can you fix my sensor issues?

In most cases, we can diagnose and repair garage door sensor issues on the same day you call. Our technicians carry common sensor parts in their service vehicles, which means many repairs can be completed in under an hour. Sensor problems typically fall into a few categories: misalignment, dirty lenses, wiring issues, or component failure. Misalignment and dirty lenses are quick fixes that take just minutes. If the sensors need replacement, we stock the most common brands including Chamberlain, LiftMaster, and Genie. For more complex wiring issues, our technicians can trace the problem and provide a solution during the same visit. Emergency sensor repairs are available 24/7 because we understand that a malfunctioning sensor can leave your garage door stuck open or closed, creating security and convenience issues for your family.

What causes sensor issues in garage doors?

Garage door sensors can malfunction for several reasons, and understanding the cause helps prevent future problems. The most common cause is misalignment – even a slight bump from a bicycle, lawnmower, or child's toy can knock sensors out of alignment. The sensors need to 'see' each other across the door opening, and even a fraction of an inch off can cause problems. Dirty lenses are another frequent culprit; dust, spider webs, and debris can block the infrared beam. Sun interference occurs when direct sunlight hits the sensor lens, temporarily blinding it – this is especially common during sunrise or sunset. Wiring damage from rodents, moisture, or general wear can interrupt the signal. Component failure happens over time, particularly in older systems or those exposed to extreme temperatures. We also see issues from power surges, which can damage the sensor's circuitry. During our service calls, we not only fix the immediate problem but also inspect for potential future issues and advise on prevention.

Do you offer financing for new commercial door installations?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options for commercial garage door installations to help businesses manage their cash flow while getting the equipment they need. Our financing partners provide competitive rates with terms ranging from 12 to 60 months, depending on the project size and your business's qualifications. We work with several lenders to ensure we can accommodate various credit profiles and business situations. For qualifying businesses, we offer 0% interest for the first 12 months on approved credit. The application process is straightforward – we can provide a preliminary approval during your free consultation, often within minutes. Financing covers not just the door itself but also installation, additional hardware like access control systems, and extended warranty packages. For larger commercial projects, we can also discuss lease-to-own arrangements or work with your equipment financing company of choice. Our goal is to make it easy for your business to get reliable, high-quality commercial garage doors without straining your budget. Contact us for a free commercial estimate and we'll walk you through all available financing options.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional garage door maintenance at least once a year, though twice a year is ideal for doors that see heavy use. Regular maintenance extends the life of your door and its components, prevents costly emergency repairs, and ensures safe operation. During a maintenance visit, our technicians lubricate all moving parts, check and adjust spring tension, inspect cables for fraying, test the auto-reverse safety features, tighten all hardware, and check the door balance. Homes with multiple cars or those that use the garage as a primary entry point may need more frequent service. Signs that you need immediate service include unusual noises, slow operation, jerky movement, or visible wear on cables and springs.

What's the average lifespan of a garage door?

A quality garage door can last 15-30 years with proper maintenance, though individual components may need replacement sooner. Steel doors typically last 20-30 years, while wood doors may need refinishing or repair more frequently due to weather exposure. The springs – which do the heavy lifting – usually last 10,000-15,000 cycles, which translates to 7-12 years for most households. Openers typically last 10-15 years. Factors that affect lifespan include climate exposure, frequency of use, quality of installation, and regular maintenance. We offer free assessments to evaluate your door's condition and recommend whether repair or replacement makes the most economic sense.

Are your technicians certified and insured?

Absolutely. All our technicians are fully certified, bonded, and insured for your protection and peace of mind. Each team member undergoes rigorous training in garage door installation, repair, and safety protocols before working independently. We're certified by the International Door Association (IDA) and are proud members of the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA). Our technicians participate in ongoing education to stay current with the latest door technologies, smart home integrations, and safety standards. As a veteran-owned business, we bring military-grade discipline and attention to detail to every job. Our liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage protect you from any liability during service visits.

What brands of garage doors and openers do you service?

We service and install all major garage door and opener brands. For garage doors, we work with Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, Northwest Door, and many others. For openers, we're authorized dealers for LiftMaster, Chamberlain, and Genie, and we service all brands including Craftsman, Linear, Ryobi, and legacy systems. Whether you have a basic single-car door or a high-end custom carriage house door, our technicians have the training and parts to service it. We stock the most common replacement parts for quick repairs, and we can special order any parts needed for less common systems.

Do you offer emergency services, and what are the hours?

Yes, we offer true 24/7 emergency service, 365 days a year – including holidays. We understand that a broken garage door can be a security risk or leave your car trapped when you need to get to work. Our emergency line is always answered by a real person, not a machine, and we dispatch technicians promptly regardless of the time. Many emergency calls are resolved within 1-2 hours of your initial contact. Emergency service covers situations like doors that won't open or close, broken springs that make the door unsafe, security concerns from damaged panels, and doors off their tracks. While we try to complete repairs on the first visit, if parts need to be ordered, we can often provide temporary solutions to secure your home until the full repair is complete.

What is included in your 1-year warranty?

Our 1-year warranty covers both parts and labor on all work we perform. If any part we installed fails within a year due to manufacturing defects or workmanship issues, we'll repair or replace it at no additional cost to you. This includes springs, cables, rollers, hinges, panels, openers, and any other components. The warranty also covers our installation work – if a door becomes misaligned or an opener we installed malfunctions due to how it was installed, we'll make it right. We stand behind our work because we're confident in the quality of our service. For many components like premium springs and openers, manufacturer warranties extend even longer, and we'll help you navigate any warranty claims. Note that the warranty doesn't cover damage from accidents, misuse, or acts of nature, but we'll always work with you to find an affordable solution.

How can I tell if my springs need replacement?

Several signs indicate your garage door springs may need replacement. The most obvious is if you hear a loud bang from your garage – that's typically a spring breaking. Other signs include: the door feels unusually heavy when lifted manually (healthy springs should allow you to lift a 150+ pound door with one hand), the door opens only a foot or two before stopping, the door closes too quickly, visible gaps or stretching in the spring coils, or rust and corrosion on the springs. If your door is more than 7-10 years old, the springs may be nearing the end of their lifespan even if they haven't broken yet. We recommend proactive replacement if springs show significant wear, as a breaking spring can cause injury or damage. Never attempt to replace garage door springs yourself – they're under extreme tension and require professional tools and training to handle safely.

Emergency Access: Protecting Your Family

2023-12-28 7 min read West Roxbury Garage Doors Team

Your garage door is often the largest entry point to your home and may be your primary means of coming and going. When it malfunctions or loses power, knowing how to safely access your garage becomes critical. This guide covers emergency procedures, safety considerations, and how to prepare for garage door emergencies.

Understanding the Emergency Release

Every automatic garage door has an emergency release mechanism, typically a red cord hanging from the opener's trolley. Pulling this cord disconnects the door from the opener, allowing you to operate it manually. This is essential knowledge for every family member old enough to operate the door.

To engage the emergency release: Pull the red cord down and toward the door. You should hear a click as the trolley disconnects. The door can now be lifted and lowered by hand.

To re-engage the opener: Pull the cord toward the motor to reset the trolley. Then use the remote or wall button to run the opener until it reconnects with the trolley.

Practice this procedure with your family before an emergency occurs. During a stressful situation, familiar actions are easier to remember and perform.

Power Outage Procedures

Power outages are the most common reason you'll need to operate your door manually. Here's what to do:

First, ensure safety: If the power went out due to a storm or other dangerous conditions, wait until it's safe before attempting to leave or enter through the garage.

Disengage the opener: Pull the emergency release cord. The door should now move freely on its tracks.

Lift the door carefully: A properly balanced garage door should be easy to lift, but it will be heavier than you're used to. Lift from the bottom center, keeping your back straight and lifting with your legs.

Secure the door in the open position: If you need to leave the door open, use C-clamps or locking pliers on the track just below a roller to prevent the door from falling.

Re-engage when power returns: Don't forget to reconnect the door to the opener once power is restored.

When Your Door Won't Open

If your door won't open and it's not a power outage, the problem could be more serious. Here's how to safely troubleshoot:

Don't force it: If the door feels stuck or unusually heavy, stop. Forcing a stuck door can cause injury or damage.

Check for obvious obstructions: Look for items blocking the track, broken springs (look for a gap in the coil), or disconnected cables.

Never attempt spring repairs: Broken springs are under extreme tension and require professional repair. If you suspect a spring problem, do not try to open the door.

Call for emergency service: West Roxbury Garage Doors offers 24/7 emergency service. A stuck door can be a security risk, so don't wait until morning if your garage won't secure.

Preparing for Emergencies

Install a battery backup: Modern battery backup systems keep your opener running during power outages. This is the most convenient solution for areas with frequent outages.

Maintain your door regularly: A well-maintained door is less likely to malfunction. Annual professional service catches problems before they become emergencies.

Keep emergency contact information posted: Put our emergency service number (1-617-764-9789) somewhere visible in your garage. During a stressful situation, you'll appreciate not having to search for it.

Teach your family: Ensure everyone in your household knows how to use the emergency release and manually operate the door.

Security Considerations

A manually operated door creates security vulnerabilities. The emergency release can be triggered from outside by fishing through the top of the door. Consider these precautions:

Install a security kit: These devices prevent the emergency release from being triggered externally while still allowing interior operation.

Use a manual lock when away: Most garage doors have a slide lock that secures the door to the track. Use this if you'll be away for an extended period or if your opener is malfunctioning.

If you experience a garage door emergency, West Roxbury Garage Doors is available 24/7 to help. Our technicians can respond quickly to restore your access and security.

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