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.

Size Measurement Guide: What Every Homeowner Should Know

2024-01-05 6 min read West Roxbury Garage Doors Team

Whether you're replacing an existing garage door or planning a new installation, accurate measurements are essential. Incorrect measurements can lead to costly returns, installation delays, and even structural modifications. This guide will walk you through the measurement process step by step, ensuring you get the right door for your garage.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Garage doors are not one-size-fits-all. While there are standard sizes, variations in garage construction mean that even seemingly standard openings may require custom solutions. A door that's too small leaves gaps that compromise security and energy efficiency. A door that's too large won't fit without potentially expensive modifications to your garage.

Professional installers always take precise measurements before ordering doors, but understanding the process helps you communicate effectively with contractors and catch potential issues early.

Essential Measurements

Width: Measure the width of the opening at floor level from inside edge to inside edge of the door frame. Take this measurement at three points, top, middle, and bottom, and use the smallest number. Variations of more than an inch may indicate structural issues that need addressing before installation.

Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the opening on both sides and in the center. Again, use the smallest measurement. Ensure the floor is level where you're measuring; uneven floors affect the final door fit.

Headroom: This is the distance from the top of the door opening to the ceiling or any obstruction. Standard extension spring systems need about 10 inches of headroom, while torsion springs typically need 12 inches. Low-headroom systems are available for garages with limited clearance, but they cost more.

Sideroom: Measure from each side of the opening to the nearest wall or obstruction. Standard installations require 3.5 to 4 inches on each side for the vertical track. Less sideroom may require special low-clearance hardware.

Backroom: Measure from the opening back into the garage. You'll need clearance equal to the door height plus about 18 inches for the opener and hardware. Garages with limited depth may need special configurations.

Common Measurement Mistakes

Measuring the existing door instead of the opening: Your current door may not be the right size for your opening. Always measure the opening itself.

Ignoring obstructions: Light fixtures, pipes, storage, and other items in the ceiling area can interfere with door operation. Note any obstructions and their locations.

Forgetting about the opener: The motor and rail need space above and behind the door. If you're installing a new opener, factor this into your headroom and backroom measurements.

Not checking for level: Use a level to check both the floor and the header. Out-of-level conditions affect installation and may need correction.

Standard vs. Custom Sizes

Standard single-car door widths are 8, 9, and 10 feet. Standard double-car door widths are 16 and 18 feet. Heights typically range from 7 to 8 feet for residential doors. If your opening falls between standard sizes, you'll likely need a custom door.

Custom doors cost more and take longer to manufacture, but they ensure a proper fit. Don't try to make a standard door work in a non-standard opening, the results are never satisfactory and often create operational problems.

Preparing for Professional Measurement

While these DIY measurements give you a good starting point, a professional measurement is essential before ordering. Our technicians use specialized tools and have the experience to identify potential issues you might miss.

Before the professional visit, clear the area around your garage door opening. Remove stored items that might obstruct measurements. If you're replacing an existing door, have records of your current door's brand and model if available.

Contact West Roxbury Garage Doors for a free measurement and estimate. We'll ensure your new door fits perfectly and operates smoothly for years to come.

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