Best Garage Door Repair Companies in Washington DC

FAQs

• How do I repair my garage door?

  The labor required to fix a garage door depends on both the problems you’re facing, and the level of skill required to correct them. Some issues, such as loose screws or missing parts, can be fixed without substantial expertise or deep knowledge of garage door mechanics. However, more serious problems may require professional support to ensure safety and accuracy.

• How do I repair my garage door opener?

  How to fix a broken garage door opener depends on what’s wrong with the opener. In some cases, fixing a garage door opener can be as simple as tightening a few screws. If the remote works, for instance, but the wall switch doesn’t, you may need to replace the wall switch and wires. If the door rises, but only goes down when you hold down, you may need to replace or adjust the safety sensor.  In other cases, problems can involve mechanisms within the opener, such as the motor, trolley carriage or chain. These kinds of more serious and potentially more dangerous issues likely will require the help of a pro.

• Can I fix a broken garage door cable?

  Repairing a broken garage door cable can be a challenge for a homeowner. There are two primary cables involved in garage door operations: lift cables and retaining cables. To correct any kind of cable issue, it’s important to know which specific cable is damaged and what type of repair or replacement may be required. For those not well versed in garage door mechanics, attempting to fix a broken cable can be very dangerous. Unless a problem seems exceedingly simple and the homeowner is very knowledgeable, fixing a garage door cable is a job best left to the professionals.

• How can I tell if my garage door torsion spring is broken?

  Torsion springs are an essential part of garage door operation. If a garage door will no longer go up or down, whether automatically or manually, faulty springs may be the source of the issue. In some cases, springs may be visibly damaged or stretched out, indicating the need for a repair.

• How do I fix a garage door seal?

  To fix a garage door seal, first determine the source of the problem. Gaps around a garage door could mean an issue with the tracks or a problem with limit switches. If the problem appears to be with the seal itself, replacing the seal, updating the weather stripping, or adding more concrete may be enough to solve the problem.

• How much does it cost to repair a garage door?

  The cost of a garage door repair can vary based on the specific problems being addressed. For example, fixing a cable is far more affordable than replacing a whole door. When repairs are relatively routine, costs average around $125 to $290. This can vary based on location, and general garage door and opener conditions.

• How long does a garage door installation take?

  There are several factors involved in the time that installation requires. They include the size of the door, whether the mechanics of the existing door can be utilized, and weather conditions on the day of the door replacement. In general, the installation takes three to five hours to complete.

• How does a garage door work?

  An automated garage door uses an electrical mechanism to raise the door when you press a button on a remote control. Parts can include:

  • Opener, which initiates the opening
  • Springs, which provide the power for lifting and raising
  • Drums, which are pulley parts for the cables
  • Cables, which attach to the bottom of the door to raise it
  • Rollers, which help ensure smooth operation of the door
  • Tracks, which are the paths on which rollers move
  • Bottom seal, which is the piece at the bottom that helps create a tighter seal when the door is closed
  • Safety sensors to ensure the door doesn't close on people or things

• Can a bent garage door be repaired?

  Whether a bend in a garage door can be fixed depends on the door material, the location of the bend, and the extent of the damage. Small bends in a metal door might be hammered out with a rubber mallet and a block of wood, for example. A garage door repair professional can help you understand whether repair or replacement is the best option.

• How do I fix a garage door that is off track?

  You may be able to fix a misaligned garage door by opening it until the problematic roller is near where it's coming off the track. After securing the door, you can use pliers to open the track enough so you can force the rollers back in. Then, use pliers to put the track back in place. If the job is too much for a DIY attempt, contact a garage door repairman.

• What are garage doors made of?

  Garage doors are fabricated from various materials. They can be made of wood, vinyl, or metals, such as copper, steel, or aluminum. Glass, polyurethane foam, and rubber are some other components that might be used to make various parts of garage doors.

  The best type of garage door material for your home depends on your décor preferences and needs. Vinyl may hold up to weather without maintenance better than wood, for example, but wood can provide a luxurious look. Stainless steel is durable and long-lasting, as is copper, but some metals might require more care than others. A garage door installer can help you understand the pros and cons of all the different choices.