How quickly can you fix my damaged panels?

In most cases, we can repair or replace damaged garage door panels the same day you call. Our service vehicles are stocked with common panel sizes and materials, allowing us to complete many repairs in a single visit. For custom or specialty panels that need to be ordered, we typically have them installed within 3-5 business days.

What causes damaged panels in garage doors?

Garage door panels can become damaged through several common causes including accidental vehicle impact, weather events like hail and wind-blown debris, rust on steel doors or rot on wood doors, and normal wear and age. Regular maintenance can prevent many of these issues and extend your door's lifespan significantly.

Do you offer financing for new custom door installations?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options to make your custom garage door installation affordable. We've partnered with trusted financing providers to offer plans with competitive rates, including some 0% APR promotional periods for qualified buyers. Monthly payments can be as low as $50-100 depending on your project size and credit terms.

What's included in your lifetime warranty?

Our lifetime warranty covers all labor and installation work performed by our technicians for as long as you own your home. This includes the proper functioning of springs, cables, tracks, and all hardware we install. If any component we installed fails under normal use, we'll repair or replace it at no cost.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional garage door maintenance at least once per year for optimal performance and longevity. If your door sees heavy use (more than 4-5 cycles per day) or you live in an area with extreme weather, twice-yearly service is advisable. Annual maintenance includes lubrication, spring tension adjustment, safety sensor calibration, and a complete hardware inspection.

Are your technicians certified and insured?

Absolutely. All our technicians are IDA (International Door Association) certified and undergo continuous training on the latest garage door technologies and safety protocols. We maintain comprehensive insurance including general liability, workers' compensation, and professional liability coverage.

What types of garage doors do you install?

We install the complete range of residential and commercial garage doors including traditional raised-panel steel doors, carriage house style doors, contemporary full-view aluminum and glass doors, and custom wood doors. We offer insulated doors in various R-values, fire-rated doors, and wind-load rated doors for storm protection.

How long does a new garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours from start to finish, including removal of the old door, installation of the new door and hardware, opener installation or connection, and complete testing. We complete most installations in a single day.

Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips

2024-01-10 7 min read

# Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips

Storm season in Oregon brings heavy rains, strong winds, and the occasional ice storm that can wreak havoc on unprepared garage doors. Your garage door is often the largest moving part of your home and one of the most vulnerable during severe weather. Taking proactive steps before storms arrive can prevent costly damage and keep your family safe.

Understanding Storm Risks to Your Garage Door

The Pacific Northwest presents unique challenges for garage doors. Driving rain can infiltrate gaps around your door, leading to water damage inside your garage. High winds put tremendous pressure on garage door panels, potentially causing them to buckle or blow in. Ice and freezing temperatures can freeze mechanisms, crack weather seals, and strain springs that are already under tension.

Your garage door isn't just an entry point, it's a structural element of your home. A compromised garage door during a storm can allow wind and water into your home, potentially causing roof damage or even structural failure in extreme cases. Prevention is always more cost-effective than repair.

Inspect and Replace Weather Seals

Weather seals are your first line of defense against the elements. These rubber or vinyl strips run along the bottom and sides of your door, creating a barrier against water, wind, and debris. Over time, weather seals crack, shrink, and lose their effectiveness.

Inspect your seals by looking for visible cracks, gaps, or sections that have pulled away from the door. Close your door during daylight and look for light coming through, any visible light indicates air and water can also get through. Replace worn seals immediately; they're inexpensive and easy to install, but make a significant difference in protection.

The threshold seal at the bottom of your door is particularly important. This seal takes the most abuse and should be checked carefully. A good threshold seal should compress evenly when the door closes, creating a tight barrier against the floor.

Reinforce Door Hardware and Structure

Strong winds create both positive pressure (pushing against the door) and negative pressure (pulling the door outward). Standard residential garage doors are designed to handle normal wind loads, but storm conditions can exceed these limits.

Check all hardware mounting points for loose bolts or screws. The hinges, rollers, and track brackets should all be firmly secured. Pay special attention to the horizontal tracks, these bear significant stress during high winds and should be properly braced.

For homes in particularly wind-prone areas, consider installing a garage door bracing kit. These systems add vertical and horizontal braces that distribute wind loads more evenly across the door. Professional installation ensures these reinforcements are properly positioned and don't interfere with door operation.

Test and Maintain Your Door Opener

Your garage door opener needs to function reliably during storms, especially if you need quick access during an emergency. Test your opener's battery backup system, if your opener has one, to ensure it can operate during power outages. Replace backup batteries according to manufacturer recommendations.

Check the opener's force settings. The door should reverse when it encounters resistance, but it also needs enough force to operate properly in windy conditions when there's more resistance. Finding the right balance requires careful adjustment, and professional calibration can ensure optimal performance.

Program your smartphone or key fob to access your opener, giving you an alternative to wall-mounted controls that won't work during power outages if your opener lacks battery backup.

Clear the Area and Secure Loose Items

Before storms arrive, clear your garage and driveway of items that could become projectiles or block your door's operation. Garden tools, trash cans, and outdoor furniture can be blown into your garage door, causing dents and damage.

Inside the garage, secure items stored near the door. Heavy winds entering through gaps can create enough force to topple shelving or move boxes. Make sure nothing can fall into the door's path and prevent it from closing fully.

Trim trees and shrubs near your garage. Overhanging branches can break during storms and strike your door. Dead branches are particularly hazardous and should be removed well before storm season.

Know When to Seek Shelter Elsewhere

In severe storms with tornado warnings or extreme wind events, your garage may not be the safest location. Garage doors are the weakest point in most home structures during extreme weather. Know your home's safest areas and have a plan to get there quickly if conditions warrant.

After a major storm, inspect your garage door before operating it. Look for visible damage, check the tracks for debris, and listen for unusual sounds during operation. If anything seems wrong, call Springfield Garage Doors for a professional inspection before continuing to use your door.

Schedule a Pre-Storm Inspection

The best storm preparation includes a professional inspection. Our technicians check all mechanical components, test safety systems, assess weather seal condition, and identify potential weak points before storms arrive. This preventive approach can save you thousands in emergency repairs.

Springfield Garage Doors offers storm preparation packages that include inspection, maintenance, and any necessary reinforcements. Don't wait until the weather forecast looks threatening, prepare now for peace of mind throughout storm season.

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