Pro Tips to Prepare for Garage Door Installation

You have many reasons to hire a garage door installation professional, but it’s up to you to prepare for the big day. The installation process takes a few hours, but it will be easy if you follow our tips.  Readying your home allows our technicians to work more quickly and efficiently.

These suggestions can help make garage door installation a more positive experience:

Move Vehicles Out of the Garage

The installers cannot work if cars are in your garage. Vehicles are usually parked under where the opener, springs, and tracks are. It’s best to move your car out before the installers arrive. Otherwise, they must wait for it to be moved and may charge for the extra time.

Plan on where to store your car in advance to make things easier. For example, look for street parking near your home or find a safe location on your property. Your vehicle should also be kept away from the garage opening. This is where the installer will need to position their vehicle and bring in equipment and tools.

Clear All Stored Items Out of the Space

Clear out your garage if possible. Aside from vehicles, move boxes, tools, machinery, furniture, and equipment to another area. The garage door installation team must maneuver around the space while they set up and install parts of the door and garage door opener. 

If there’s no room for them elsewhere, move items to the rear of the garage. Lawnmowers and other yard equipment, sports equipment, garbage cans, and other items can be stored in the back of the room if necessary. We recommend having at least 14 feet of clearance from the garage door opening toward the back. This gives the installer room to work as they remove the existing system and assemble the new one.

Have a Safe Place for Children and Pets

Children are naturally curious and garage door installation can look fascinating to them. However, they’re often unaware of safety concerns. Playing in the garage area or being near heavy equipment, power tools, springs or other components is dangerous. That’s not to say a friendly installer won’t show a child a tool or answer a question. But generally, only the installation team should be in the garage.

Also, do not let pets roam freely around the installation area. Even the most friendly pet can cause a worker to trip. Or, an installer may drop something or leave it on the floor, which can endanger the animal if it decides to chew on it. Therefore, keep pets in a secure room or make arrangements with a family member or neighbor if you can’t find one.

Measure the Garage Door Opening

Taking measurements before garage door installation can help you understand the project’s requirements. It also helps communicate with the customer service and installation team. While the technicians will perform accurate measurements, you can prepare in advance by measuring the following:

  • The width and height of the space where the door will go.
  • The width on the right and left sides of the door opening.
  • The distance from the top of the opening to the ceiling (headroom).
  • The depth of the room, from the door opening to the back of the garage.

Determine If There’s a Nearby Electrical Outlet

Check for nearby outlets. The garage door opener must plug into one to receive power. A standard 120-volt outlet is suited for an opener, but depending on the system’s power rating, you may need an electrician to install a dedicated circuit. 

Decide Where to Put the Console/Entry Pad

The garage door isn’t the only component you must account for. And, aside from the opener, think about where the wall console or keyless entry pad will go. Control consoles are usually placed on the wall near the door you enter the garage (from inside your home). Keyless entry pads are typically installed on the left side of the exterior jamb, about five feet high. 

The installer may be able to match your preferences. Therefore, discuss location options in advance. Before the team arrives, make sure nothing is blocking the walls where controllers will be placed.

Choose a Location for the Garage Door Opener

If you’ve never had an automatic system, select a place for the opener before the garage door installation team arrives. Otherwise, you’ll have to discuss with them possible locations and then prepare the area. You can keep things simpler by planning. Look for a suitable area, preferably one near an electrical outlet or accessible via an extension cord. If shelving, boxes, or furniture are in the way, move them before installation begins.

Let Your Neighbors Know

Installing a garage door requires a lot of space for equipment and vehicles. It can also be noisy. If your home is close to other houses and apartments, inform your neighbors about your intentions. This way, they won’t be caught off-guard by the noise, and if the crew needs more space in adjacent areas, a friendly neighbor can be ready to accommodate them.

Ensure Easy Access to Your Property

The garage door installers will be going back and forth for several hours. Make sure vehicles have been moved out of your driveway and any walkways near your home have no obstructions that can block their path. The contractors should also have a clear path from their vehicle to the installation site. This gives them room to position the door and set up the required tools and materials.

Prepare Questions in Advance

Open communication helps address your concerns. It also reveals specific project requirements and enables each party to be aware of last-minute changes. Preparing questions in advance can help the installation process go smoother.

Questions you should ask the company and its technicians include the following:

  • How long have you been installing garage doors?
  • Can I review samples of previous work from your portfolio?
  • What type of liability insurance do you have?
  • Does your installation service come with a warranty?
  • How long will the garage door installation process take?
  • Can you detail every cost in your quote?
  • What garage door options do you recommend?
  • Which manufacturers do you work with?
  • How much can I save by insulating the door?
  • Will you remove/dispose of my old garage door?
  • Should I replace my garage door opener as well?
  • Do I need to be home during installation?
  • Do you provide emergency repair services?

It also helps to know the door’s features in advance. If possible, obtain the user manual before the installation. It can help you understand the system and determine what to ask when the installers arrive.

Schedule Garage Door Installation Today

At Mesa Garage Doors, we offer next-day installation on many products. Our specialists are trained and equipped to install carriage house, custom wood, high-strength aluminum, steel, and other types of garage doors of all sizes. Contact us, request a free estimate, or call (800) 893-1107 for customized service in Southern California.

 

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11 Signs to Call for Emergency Garage Door Repair

11 Signs to Call for Emergency Garage Door Repair

You may need an emergency garage door repair if the system is working erratically or not at all. It contains many parts that can wear out or fail suddenly. While sometimes you can schedule service with a garage door company, some warning signs should be addressed immediately. The following symptoms mean your safety and security are at risk, and the situation isn’t as simple as, for example, figuring out how to open a garage door without power.

1. The Door Won’t Fully Open or Close

2. The Garage Door Stops Working

3. Your Garage Door Is Slow

4. The Wall Switch or Remote Stops Working

5. Loud Noise When the System Is Running

6. The Door Vibrates or Shakes

7. A Spring or Cable Fails

8. The Door Is Off-Balance

9. There Is Visible Damage

10. The Door Goes Off Its Tracks

11. Your Energy Bill Spikes

 

1. The Door Won’t Fully Open or Close

If the garage door won’t open or close all the way, the problem can be caused by a malfunctioning photo-eye sensor (a key safety feature). Or, a cable or spring may have failed or be about to break. Trying to operate the system can injure or damage vehicles, the garage door, the opener, and other property. A stuck garage door also leaves your home vulnerable to intruders and natural elements such as rain, wind, or snow.

2. The Garage Door Stops Working

Check if the opener is plugged in or if a circuit breaker tripped. If that’s not the case or restoring power doesn’t help, call a professional. They can check a non-responsive garage door and quickly troubleshoot the problem. Repairs can be completed before more damage occurs.

3. Your Garage Door Is Slow

The garage door should respond immediately and move smoothly. Call for emergency garage door repair if it doesn’t respond to a command within one or two seconds. The problem may be with the garage door opener or faulty mechanical components.

You should also be used to the speed of the door. The system is tuned to operate at a certain speed. When the door opens or closes more slowly (or even more rapidly), this is a sign of a serious problem. Key parts may need to be replaced or the system may require lubrication; a contractor can quickly determine the appropriate solution.

4. The Wall Switch or Remote Stops Working

When the wall switch or remote control works sporadically, don’t assume it’s only a dead battery or an issue with the switch or remote. Faulty wiring is a possibility. Or, the garage door opener may have developed a problem that requires immediate repair. 

5. Loud Noise When the System Is Running

Unusual noises should never be ignored. Clanging or popping sounds can come from faulty springs and rollers. Moving parts shouldn’t clang, squeak, or pop when the garage door is opened. The issue causing the noise can quickly escalate into something more serious. Also, if it sounds like your garage door is chugging along whenever it moves or it makes banging noises, call your local garage door repair company to check it out.

6. The Door Vibrates or Shakes

If the door panels vibrate or shake when the system is operated, call a repair tech before using it again. A worn-out spring, loose component, or misalignment can be the cause. Excessive vibration can accelerate wear and tear until the door’s stability and structural integrity are compromised.

7. A Spring or Cable Fails

The weight of the garage door and repeated use puts enormous pressure on springs and cables. These parts have a limited lifespan anyway. Most last for about 10,000 cycles. A broken spring or cable on one side can leave the door off-balance and uneven. 

Although these are common replacement parts, never try to repair them yourself. A professional has the tools and expertise to replace springs and cables quickly and safely. Call for emergency garage door repair whenever this type of issue occurs.

8. The Door Is Off-Balance

Parts of the garage door sagging can mean it’s off-balance. The door may also be uneven after it’s closed. Balance issues put pressure on many parts and can strain the garage door opener. A prompt repair is your best option. Letting a loose door drag will cause more damage that requires larger or more costly repairs.

9. There Is Visible Damage

Call for garage door repairs sooner rather than later. Warping, cracks, and dents can affect the system’s performance and safety. Even a small area of damage can turn into something more serious and expensive. That’s why you should check for wear and tear often and contact a repair company at the first sign of trouble.

10. The Door Goes Off Its Tracks

An off-track garage door isn’t something you can fix without training and experience. Without immediate professional repair, it’s a serious safety hazard. It can also do extensive damage to the door and opener system. At the very least, it can bend, break, or pull tracks off the wall.

11. Your Energy Bill Spikes

A sudden increase in your utility bill is inconvenient, but it may not seem like an emergency.  However, it’s a sign your garage door or opener isn’t working properly. Cracks or gaps in the door can increase heat loss and electricity costs. Poor insulation can also lead to higher energy bills. Call a professional immediately before there’s more damage and you waste more money on bills and repairs.

How to Prevent a Garage Door Emergency

Garage doors consist of many moving parts, so eventually, things break. However, you can prevent emergency garage door repairs by scheduling regular service. Professional maintenance involves checking for potential issues and fixing small ones early. You can also prevent damage by cleaning the garage door system, lubricating parts, removing obstructions, and avoiding impacts with the door.

Why You Need a Professional for Garage Door Repair

When your garage door needs to be fixed, a DIY repair is not cost-effective. Garage door repair can be complicated and dangerous. You need a professional for the following reasons:

  • Extensive training, specialized knowledge, and expertise
  • An understanding of different components and repair solutions
  • Experience with various safety protocols
  • A quick diagnosis of any problem
  • Efficient repairs and lasting results
  • Immediate response in an emergency
  • Avoid costly future issues and repairs

Contact Us for Emergency Garage Door Repair

Mesa Garage Doors is the leading garage door repair company in Los Angeles and Southern California. Our technicians can perform any type of repair and are familiar with most makes and models. Whether a spring, cable, roller, or panel needs to be replaced, they can get it done quickly and safely and restore your garage door’s operation. Call us 24/7 at (800) 893-1107 for prompt service.

 

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