Olympia Home and Business Garage Door Repair Service Specialists

Garage Door Spring Repair Approaches in Olympia

Life's unexpected events are no stranger to homeowners, and they often seem to happen at the worst possible times. Imagine discovering your car stuck in the garage shortly after a recent garage door repair. That's when LFK Garage Repair steps up, following industry-leading best practices to deliver exceptional advice to homeowners every time we visit a garage. Adhering to these practices ultimately saves time and money, and our top priority is always customer satisfaction.

Proven Technique #1 - Renewing Both Springs

Most garage doors are equipped with two springs that were installed together. When one spring breaks, it's probable that the other spring is nearing the end of its life as well. To avoid future issues, unsafe garage door use, and damage to your garage door opener, LFK Garage Repair generally suggests replacing both springs. Just as you would change both car tires if one were to burst, it's essential to maintain high-value equipment such as garage doors and vehicles by replacing both garage door springs.

Proven Technique #2 - Finding the Ideal Springs

The wide variety of garage door weights and sizes calls for the use of suitable springs to achieve the right balance. If a technician uses an improper spring, it can cause damage to the garage door system and make the opener work harder than necessary. This can lead to premature opener malfunction and more repair requests. Attempting a DIY spring replacement is also hazardous for the same reason. Our Olympia, WA technicians are committed to installing the correct springs for the door's weight and conducting a balance test to ensure their work.

Proven Technique #3 - Carrying Out a Safety Inspection

For every spring repair, LFK Garage Repair includes a free safety inspection to verify that all hardware and moving parts on your door are functioning properly and meet safety standards. Since the hardware was likely installed at the same time as the springs, there may be worn mechanical parts on your door that are unsafe. A broken spring could signal a larger issue with your door. That's why offering a free safety inspection and maintaining a secure environment for our customers is a LFK Garage Repair best practice.

Since we offer a wide variety of springs for different garage door configurations, it's wise to have a skilled technician accurately measure and provide an exact pricing estimate. Reach out to LFK Garage Repair immediately to request a technician's evaluation and cost estimate for garage door spring repair.

What to Consider When Deciding on a Garage Door Opener

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, LFK Garage Repair strongly recommends it for specific garage configurations.

Belt Driven Openers

Widely considered the best type of opener in the industry, belt-powered openers are as reliable as chain drives and nearly noiseless. They operate on a steel-reinforced belt and are somewhat more expensive than chain and screw-powered openers. For homeowners in Olympia with attached garages or those close to bedrooms, a belt-powered opener ensures that you won't be disturbed by garage door noise. Many customers who select belt-powered openers are extremely satisfied and find it challenging to go back to the noise of a chain opener.

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 Olympia 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.

Chain Driven Openers

Commonly used, chain-driven openers are reliable and run the garage door on its track using a metal chain. These openers are a bit more affordable than belt drives, making them a popular choice in Olympia. However, they tend to be noisy, which is not ideal if your garage is situated below or adjacent to the main living areas of your home. We generally don't recommend these openers, as the small savings don't justify the noise and lack of a lifetime warranty offered by LiftMaster® for the belt drives.

Unveiling 10 Reasons to Rely on LFK Garage Repair

1. Proven Experience: With a successful history spanning many years and countless satisfied clients, our industry-leading experts ensure that your garage door needs are managed effectively and efficiently.
2. Wide Selection of Products and Services: LFK Garage Repair offers a broad spectrum of products and services to address your particular needs. We can manage everything from custom-crafted doors to repair and installation services, guaranteeing we have the right solution for any door or product you need.
3. Expertise and Professional Staff: Our team members possess both knowledge and professionalism. They recognize the value of exceptional customer service and strive to make your experience with them enjoyable. Whether it's answering your queries or offering advice on door maintenance, they're here to assist you.
4. High Quality Materials: Our company focuses on utilizing the best materials on the market for your garage door, guaranteeing its durability and beauty. Rely on our company in Olympia to supply you with a valuable and long-lasting door.
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. Reasonable Pricing Options: LFK Garage Repair offers a variety of reasonably priced solutions for your doors and gates needs. You can choose a solution that fits your financial preferences, from installations and repairs to tailor-made designs.
7. Fast Response: Repairing or installing doors and gates demands prompt attention. A dependable Olympia enterprise will ensure your needs are catered to quickly and competently.
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 Coverage: We offer an additional layer of protection for your investment through warranty coverage. This coverage includes protection against malfunction or accidental damage to your door, helping to alleviate any stress or financial burden associated with a faulty door.
10. Our Satisfaction Guarantee: LFK Garage Repair stands behind our products and services, ensuring your satisfaction with our overhead doors and gates. We provide a satisfaction guarantee for your peace of mind.

Most Common Problems with Garage Door Repair

Broken Springs: The tension in garage door springs means they're prone to breaking. Checking their condition is essential when troubleshooting issues with your garage door.

Roller wear and tear: Garage door rollers can deteriorate over time, causing the door to make noise or become stuck. Regular inspection and maintenance can help prevent this issue.

Damaged Panels: Weather, normal wear and tear, and heavy impacts from vehicles or objects can all damage the panels on your garage door over time. Regular maintenance and repair can help prevent further damage.

Misaligned Tracks: Misaligned tracks can cause your garage door to fall off its tracks, which poses a significant safety risk. Regularly check the tracks to ensure they're aligned correctly.

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.

Overhead Door Issues: Repairing the Most Prevalent Problems

Warping: Warping, often caused by extreme weather conditions, can result in a misshapen gate if it's exposed to hot or cold temperatures.

Fading: The color of your gate may fade over time due to weather conditions or excessive sun exposure. To keep your garage door looking new, consider repainting it every few years.

Frames: Overhead doors with damaged or bent frames are prone to instability, making them a safety hazard. Immediate replacement or repair of the frame is necessary to avoid accidents and ensure safety.

Pests: Pests, such as termites and carpenter bees, can also damage wooden gates. It is advisable to conduct regular checks for signs of infestation.

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.

Rotting: Wooden gates can rot over time due to inadequate treatment or sealing, leading to their weakening and eventual collapse.

Rollers: The smooth operation of your overhead door depends on properly functioning rollers. When the rollers are damaged or worn, it can become challenging to open and close the door. Replacing them is usually a simple repair.

Sagging: Wooden doors are prone to sagging, which is typically caused by their weight. To avoid this, use heavy-duty hardware and ensure the posts are secured correctly.

Hinges: Difficulty opening and closing your gate may be caused by misaligned or damaged hinges. The good news is that this issue can typically be easily resolved by a professional.

Rusting: The frequent problem of rusting is caused by moisture or humidity exposure. Those residing in humid regions should be extra careful to look for any rust signs on their gate.

Is it Time to Replace Your Olympia Garage Door? Here's Why You Should Consider It

Although replacing your garage doors can undoubtedly improve the resale value of your home, there are other compelling reasons for Olympia residents to consider. Here are some of them:

Energy-Efficient Homes

Being the biggest moving object attached to your house, your garage door is also the most energy-inefficient room due to its frequent opening and closing. Although Olympia, WA homeowners often invest in energy-efficient replacement windows and front entry doors, they tend to overlook the impact of the garage door on their energy bills. By installing insulated garage doors, you can minimize the transfer of hot and cold air, reducing your energy costs significantly.

Make Safety and Security Priority One

A high proportion of home break-ins in Olympia are through garage doors. Do you have faith in the ability of your garage door to withstand attempts at manipulation by burglars? Additionally, if your garage door is not modern, it may lack advanced safety features, such as automatic reversal that lifts the door when it senses an unexpected object.

Elevate Your Home's Allure

Take a step back and observe the amount of real estate your garage doors consume on your home's front. Upgrading them in Olympia can have a big impact on your home's curb appeal at an affordable price.

Cut Down on Garage Door Noise

Homeowners may experience issues with the noise from their garage doors, especially if their room is near or above the garage. LFK Garage Repair offers ultra-quiet nylon hinges that can eliminate the noise and provide a smooth and noiseless operation for your garage door.

Our Olympia, WA Customers' Top Questions Answered

Do I need a professional to install my new garage door?

At LFK Garage Repair, our stance is that garage door installation is a job for professionals, not a DIY project. As the largest moving part in your home, garage door installation involves a multitude of small components, making it a highly technical process. The connection of springs is especially treacherous, and the door's functioning relies on accurate installation. Experienced garage door dealer/installers can often complete the installation in a few hours, while paying close attention to safety requirements. By contrast, most homeowners spend several days on installation, often feeling frustrated. In addition, incorrect installation could negate certain warranties, so we recommend hiring a professional for the task. These experts can also handle the disposal of your old door when you're getting a replacement.

Is it recommended to install an insulated door in a non-insulated garage?

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. Insulated doors help prevent garage air from seeping into your living area.
2. Insulated doors stabilize temperatures in the room above if the garage is below another room.
3. Insulated doors not only provide a better-looking interior but also reduce noise compared to non-insulated doors.
4. Comfort is a top priority if you use your garage as a workshop.

What are the differences between steel and wood garage doors?

Opting for a steel door can reduce the amount of maintenance required in comparison to a wooden door. LFK Garage Repair's steel doors feature a pre-painted, baked-on coating. Cleaning the exterior once a year with warm water and household detergent is recommended. Our wood doors come unfinished and require priming and painting or staining on all six sides upon delivery. We recommend visually inspecting the finish once a year to determine if another application is necessary.

Would it be feasible to change my one-piece garage door to a sectional garage door?

To install a sectional door, your garage door dealer/installer can install the necessary track and springs. Depending on your garage's structure, some changes may be needed. It is recommended that you have your Olympia, WA dealer examine the project before installation to perform any required modifications.

Can I paint my new garage door once it is installed?

LFK Garage Repair's steel doors have a baked-on coating that can be repainted with many types of commercially available exterior latex paints. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and avoid using oil-based paints.