Your Little Elm Garage Door Service Provider for Homes and Businesses

Best Practices for Garage Door Spring Repair in Little Elm

Homeowners frequently encounter life's small surprises, often striking at the least opportune moments. A prime example is discovering your car imprisoned in the garage, particularly if it hasn't been long since your last garage door repair. Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors is here to help, committed to observing the industry's best practices in providing first-rate guidance to homeowners every time we enter a garage. These practices not only save time and money but also place our customers' satisfaction at the forefront.

Best Practice #1 - Swap Out Both Springs

Typically, garage doors have two springs that were installed simultaneously. When one spring fails, it's likely that the other spring is also approaching the end of its life. To prevent future complications, dangerous garage door operation, and potential garage door opener damage, Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors usually advises replacing both springs. Just as you would change both tires on your car if one were to blow out, properly maintaining high-value equipment like garage doors and vehicles involves replacing both garage door springs.

Best Practice #2 - Picking the Right Springs

Since garage doors come in an assortment of weights and sizes, it is crucial to use the right springs for proper door balance. Installing an incorrect spring can negatively impact your garage door system and put excessive strain on the opener. This could cause the opener to fail prematurely and necessitate additional repairs. DIY spring replacements can be dangerous for this reason as well. Our Little Elm, TX technicians are dedicated to fitting the appropriate springs based on the door's weight and carrying out a balance test to validate their work.

Best Practice #3 - Implementing a Safety Inspection

In conjunction with every spring repair, Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors presents a complimentary safety inspection, guaranteeing that all hardware and moving components on your door function effectively and fulfill safety requirements. Given that the hardware may have been installed when the springs were, it's feasible that some worn mechanical parts on your door are hazardous. A failing spring might indicate a more significant problem with your door. This is why we view offering a free safety inspection and preserving a secure environment for our customers as a best practice.

With an extensive selection of springs for different garage door types in stock, we advise enlisting a professional technician to accurately measure and provide a precise cost estimate. Reach out to Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors now to get an expert technician's estimate for your garage door spring repair!

Comparing Different Types of Garage Door Openers: Which is Best for You?

Belt Driven Openers

Belt drive openers are highly regarded in the garage door industry as the top type of opener. They are not only as dependable as chain drives but are also virtually silent. Operating on a steel-reinforced belt, they are a bit more expensive than chain and screw drive openers. For Little Elm residents with attached garages or those close to bedrooms, a belt-driven opener guarantees you won't be bothered by garage door noise. Customers who opt for belt drive openers are often extremely satisfied and find it difficult to return to noisier chain openers.

Chain Driven Openers

Popular in Little Elm, chain-operated openers are a reliable option that use a metal chain to move the garage door along its track. These openers are somewhat cheaper than belt drives. However, they are also noisy, which can be problematic if your garage is positioned below or next to your home's main living areas. We generally advise against chain-operated openers because the small cost savings and lack of a lifetime warranty offered by LiftMaster® for belt drives outweigh the benefits.

Screw Driven Openers

Screw-operated openers employ a lifting mechanism that runs on a threaded steel rod, unlike chain or rubber belt openers. They are best suited for locations with consistent weather and temperature throughout the year. For residents of Little Elm with varying weather conditions, a screw-operated opener may not be the most suitable option. These openers are the slowest, noisiest, and least expensive of the three types. If you prefer a quieter, faster opener, a screw-operated opener may not be the right choice for you.

Jackshaft Openers

Side-mounted openers, also known as jackshaft openers, are installed on the wall next to your garage door and connected to the torsion spring above the door, rather than being mounted on the garage ceiling. This option is ideal for garages with high ceilings or for those looking to conserve ceiling space. Although the cost of a side-mounted opener is slightly higher than a ceiling-mounted opener, Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors strongly recommends it for specific garage configurations.

10 Reasons Why You Should Choose Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors

1. Proven Experience: Boasting a solid track record and a large base of pleased clients, our industry-leading specialists cater to your garage door needs with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
2. Multiple Product and Service Options: Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors boasts a broad assortment of products and services to suit your specific demands. We can cater to everything from custom-made doors to repair and installation services, ensuring the optimal solution for any door or product you require.
3. Professionalism and Knowledgeable Staff: Our staff will be knowledgeable and professional. They understand the importance of customer service and ensuring that your experience with them is enjoyable. From answering any questions you have to provide advice on maintaining your door, they can provide the help you need.
4. High-Quality Materials: We use only the finest materials available to ensure your doors and gates are both strong and aesthetically pleasing. With our company in Little Elm, you can be confident that you're investing in a valuable and lasting product.
5. Safety: Our company is dedicated to making sure that your garage door is installed safely and correctly. This guarantees that the installation and maintenance of your overhead door follow the strictest protocols, providing a secure and safe environment for you and your loved ones.
6. Competitive Pricing Solutions: Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors has a variety of cost-effective approaches to address your garage door concerns. Seek a solution that works within your budget, encompassing installation, repairs, and custom design services.
7. Prompt Service: When it comes to fixing or installing doors and gates, time is crucial. A reliable Little Elm company will make sure your needs are met with speed and efficiency.
8. Quality Guarantee: Our quality guarantee covers our services and products, making certain that any doors and gates repairs or installations adhere to the highest standards. This reassures you that your investment is secure.
9. Warranty: We offer warranty protection for your investment, covering any malfunctions or accidental damages to your overhead door. This coverage helps to mitigate stress and financial concerns that may arise from a defective door.
10. Customer Satisfaction First: At Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors, we prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you're delighted with our products and services, and we go above and beyond to exceed your expectations.

Common Overhead Door Repair Issues We Observe

Broken Springs: When your garage door isn't functioning correctly, it's crucial to check the condition of the springs. They can break easily due to the tension they're under.

Worn-out rollers: The garage door rollers can become worn out over time, leading to a noisy or stuck door. Regular inspection and replacement can keep your door functioning correctly.

Repairing Damaged Panels: Garage door panels can become damaged over time from regular use or weather. Heavy impacts from vehicles or other objects can also cause significant damage and require repair.

Misaligned tracks: Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent the tracks of your garage door from becoming misaligned, which can cause significant issues with your door's functionality.

Faulty Opener: If you suspect a problem with your garage door opener, it's important to call a professional for inspection. Faulty openers can cause problems with the functionality and safety of your door.

Safety Sensor Obstructions: The safety sensor can become obstructed by objects or children playing. Make sure the area around the sensor is clear to avoid issues with door closure.

The Most Frequent Door Repair Issues You Should Know

Fading: The color of your gate can fade over time, which can be attributed to weather conditions and prolonged sun exposure. To preserve its appearance, you may need to repaint it periodically.

Frames: The instability caused by a damaged or bent garage door frame can pose a severe safety hazard. To ensure safety, replacing or repairing the affected frames as soon as possible is essential.

Installation: The impact of incorrect installation can be severe, as gates that are not installed properly can be hazardous and unstable. Therefore, it is crucial to fix the issue as soon as possible.

Pests: Wooden gates may also be vulnerable to pests, such as termites and carpenter bees. It is important to regularly inspect them for signs of infestation.

Warping: Misshapen overhead doors can be caused by extreme weather conditions. Exposure to hot or cold temperatures can lead to warping.

Sagging: Sagging is a common problem for wooden gates, typically caused by their weight. To prevent this issue, it is essential to use stronger hardware and anchor the posts securely.

Rotting: Unsealed or untreated wooden doors can rot over time, causing them to weaken and potentially collapse.

Hinges: Damaged or misaligned hinges can cause your overhead door to be difficult to open and close. Although this can be frustrating, it is usually a simple repair for a professional to take care of.

Rusting: Rusting is a frequent issue that arises due to exposure to moisture or humidity. Especially if you live in a humid location, it's essential to inspect your overhead door for any rust indications.

Rollers: Maintaining functional rollers is essential for your gate's seamless operation. However, if they become damaged or worn out, the gate may not open and close correctly. Luckily, replacing the rollers is usually a straightforward fix.

Why You Should Consider Replacing Your Garage Door in Little Elm

Replacing your garage doors is an obvious choice from a strict sale / resale perspective, but there are other compelling reasons for Little Elm homeowners to do so. Here are a few:

Safety and Security Come First

The majority of home break-ins in Little Elm happen through overhead doors. Is your garage door capable of deterring intruders? Additionally, older doors may not have features like automatic reversal to improve safety.

Cut Down on Garage Door Noise

The noise created by the opening and closing of overhead doors can be a nuisance, particularly for individuals sleeping in rooms close to or above the garage. To reduce door noise and ensure a smooth experience, Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors provides ultra-quiet hinges.

Boost Your Home's Appeal

Pay attention to how much space your garage doors occupy on your home's frontage. Renovating them in Little Elm can drastically enhance your home's curb appeal without a high cost.

Lowering Home Energy Usage

Your garage door is more than likely the most prominent moving object attached to your house and can also be the least energy-efficient room due to its frequent opening and closing. Despite homeowners in Little Elm, TX prioritizing energy-efficient replacement windows and front entry doors, many overlook the impact of the garage door on their total energy costs. The installation of insulated garage doors can reduce the transfer of hot and cold air, resulting in significant energy savings for your household.

Little Elm, TX Customers' Frequently Asked Questions

Should I seek the services of a professional for the installation of my new garage door?

At Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors, we maintain that garage door installation should not be attempted as a DIY project. Given that a garage door is the largest moving item in your home and consists of numerous small components, the installation process is quite complex. Connecting the springs can be especially hazardous, and the door's performance depends on proper installation. Expert garage door dealers/installers can usually complete the task in a matter of hours, ensuring all safety measures are met. In contrast, most homeowners spend several days on installation, often experiencing frustration. Furthermore, improper installation may void certain warranties, so we advise having a professional handle the task. Another benefit of employing a professional garage door dealer/installer is the disposal of your old door when replacing it.

Can an insulated door be useful for a garage that is not insulated?

For large garage door openings, insulated doors are recommended to prevent the transfer of heat or cold air. This is particularly important if your garage is attached to your home or used as a workshop, as it ensures comfortable temperatures. Moreover, insulated doors reduce noise levels and improve the appearance of the interior.

1. If your garage is a workshop, comfort is a top priority.
2. Compared to non-insulated doors, insulated doors have a more appealing interior and produce less noise.
3. Stabilizing temperatures in the room above your garage if your garage is located below another room in your home.
4. Insulated doors help prevent garage air from seeping into your living area.

Factors to consider when choosing between steel and wood garage doors?

Choosing a steel door can mean less maintenance compared to wood. Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors's steel doors come pre-painted with a baked-on coating. We recommend cleaning the exterior of the door with warm water and household detergent once a year. Our wood doors are delivered unfinished and need to be primed and painted or stained on all six sides. It's advised to visually inspect the finish once a year to determine if another coat is required.

Can my one-piece garage door be replaced with a sectional garage door?

Your garage door dealer/installer can install a sectional door by fitting track and springs. Other adjustments may be required, depending on your garage's construction. We recommend having your Little Elm, TX dealer assess the job before installation to ensure all necessary modifications are made.

Is it possible to paint a newly installed garage door?

At Hunter & Sons Overhead Doors, we believe that your home deserves the best. That's why all our steel doors are pre-painted with a factory-applied baked-on coating that can be repainted to your liking. We recommend using commercially available latex exterior paints, as long as you follow the paint manufacturer's instructions. Avoid using oil-based paints, and enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting finish that enhances your home's value and style.