Is It Time to Replace Your Garage Door Extension Springs?

Mesa Garage Doors - Is it Time to Replace Your Garage Door Extension Springs

Broken spring replacement is one of the most common garage door repairs, so you’ll eventually need new extension springs. Mounted on both sides of the track, they fully extend when the door is closed, storing energy to aid in opening it when you press the garage door opener button. However, this constant stretching causes wear and tear. 

An extension spring can last for 10,000 cycles (that’s nearly 7 years if you operate your garage door four times a day). When it breaks, it can cause serious property damage, and being hit by parts of a spring can cause injury or worse. But you don’t have to wait too long. Call a professional to replace your garage door extension springs if you notice the following signs:

Loose or Broken Cable

Any looseness or slackness in the cable can mean the spring it’s supporting is failing. The spring is normally tightly wound, exerting pressure that holds the cable in place. Even if the damage to the spring isn’t yet visible, the cable will start to slip out of place. A broken cable will have strands frayed in every direction. It can fall to the ground, disconnect from the garage door system, or catch between the jam and door. 

A Visible Gap In the Spring

A spring is one continuous, tightly wound coil. If it breaks, it cannot maintain its shape and unwinds, forming a gap at the point where it has failed. This does not mean all its energy has been released. Call a garage door repair professional because attempting a DIY fix can be dangerous. The spring can rapidly uncoil further, while sharp pieces can also injure you. Tinkering with your garage door system can also lead to more damage.

The Garage Door Opens Only Part Way

If an extension spring is wearing out, it can’t produce enough energy for the door to fully open. The garage door may open only halfway or maybe about six inches. When this happens, check if the spring looks worn out. If so, call a repair technician to fix it before it fails.

A Crooked Garage Door

Damage to an extension spring often causes a garage door to lean to one side. This is because the broken spring isn’t supporting it. An uneven garage door can damage the tracks, causing it to get stuck. Therefore, having the problem fixed as quickly as possible will avoid paying for additional repairs.

The Garage Door Is Jerky

Instead of being crooked, the door may make a jerky motion as it opens or closes. This means the springs are not properly supporting it. If not fixed in time, the garage door can fall to the ground and break apart. Replacing a spring is relatively quick and inexpensive for a professional; performing major repairs or garage door replacement is a different story.

Lots of Noise

If the extension springs are going bad, your garage door may make creaking, moaning, screeching, or popping sounds as it’s running. A lot of squeaking also indicates a spring problem. Lubricating the springs can quiet things a bit, at least temporarily. But noise often means the damage is adding up. A banging or other very loud sound from your garage is the telltale sign a garage door spring has broken.

You Can’t Lift the Garage Door

The door should be easy to lift after you pull the opener’s emergency release rope. This is a recommended way to test your garage door system. If you’ve disengaged the release mechanism and can’t pull the garage door up, you likely have a broken spring.

Why Should I Replace My Garage Door Extension Springs?

Aside from your garage door functioning more smoothly, replacing the springs improves your safety. A failing spring can break apart. The pieces can strike and injure a person or damage a vehicle. Irreparable damage to your garage door can also occur. Garage door springs have a finite lifespan, but replacing them when recommended can extend the lifespan of your garage door while reducing repair and maintenance costs.

Do I Need a Professional for Extension Spring Repair?

Replacing the extension springs should only be done by a professional. Hiring a contractor can save you time and money. A technician has the tools, knowledge, and equipment to replace a faulty spring quickly. The risk of injury is minimized while the warranty usually covers parts and service. Therefore, your best option is to hire a licensed contractor.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

Our garage door repair professionals can fix any problem with any type of garage door. Extension spring replacement is a simple task for them. Our team can save you time, stress, and money by quickly replacing worn or broken extension springs. If you notice any of the signs above, call (800) 893-1107 to request assistance.

 

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How to Insulate a Roll-Up Garage Door

Insulated roll-up garage doors are used in many settings. Constructed of thin slats that form a roll on top when the door is open, they’re often found in commercial buildings. They can also be used in homes, but there are more installation challenges compared to other garage doors. One of them is finding the right insulation if the door isn’t already insulated.

While roll-up doors are great for homes with limited space and are extremely durable and secure, installing one isn’t easy. Their industrial look often requires additional painting or finishing. Also, initial installation costs are often higher than those of other garage doors. Click here to learn more about the pros and cons of roll-up garage doors, but now, we’ll explain how to insulate one so your home or business is quieter and more energy efficient.

Steps to Insulating a Roll-Up Garage Door

Most other types of garage doors use thicker foam panel insulation. However, roll-up doors must be fitted with thinner insulation materials. These prevent the door from getting stuck. That being said, the process of insulating your garage door is generally as follows:

1. Choose and Prepare Your Materials: You’ll need a 2-millimeter thick foil/foam type insulation. Foil-backed polyethylene insulation is suited for roll-up garage doors. This dual-layer material is secured with a strong adhesive. If the material doesn’t come with an adhesive, you’ll need durable, double-sided tape; sharp-tipped screws and washers are optional, but they help stabilize the material once it’s installed.

Other types of suitable insulation can include:

  • Foam Board Insulation: Available in rigid panels, it offers excellent thermal resistance and provides structural support.
  • Fiberglass Insulation: Fiberglass is sold in rolls or batts, so it is suited for roll-up garage doors. It is affordable and provides good thermal resistance.
  • Reflective Insulation: Radiant barrier insulation has a foil-faced material that reflects heat away from your garage. It’s also lightweight and easy to install.

Another option is to purchase an insulated door. Pre-installed header seals and top and side draft stops offer protection from environmental elements. To ensure proper fitting, consider that the header seal extends up to 5 inches from the door curtain, and the top draft stop forms a 2¼ inch weather seal at the top of the door curtain.

If selecting an insulation material on your own, consider your local climate, available space, and budget. Check the product label or ask the retailer or manufacturer if the material is moisture-resistant.

2. Prepare Your Garage Door: All the metal surfaces of your roll-up garage door must be smooth and clean, so the insulating material adheres properly. First, smooth out any imperfections with fine-grit sandpaper. Then use an all-purpose cleaner and clean rag to remove dirt, debris, and grease. You can begin installation once the door panels are dry. 

Hire a garage door contractor if the dirt won’t come off. At this stage, it’s also important to check the door for dents, cracks, and other damage that should be fixed before insulating it. 

3. Measure and Cut: The insulation panels may need to be trimmed to fit the dimensions of your garage door. Try to find a material that’s as close to the width of your door as possible. This can save time on cutting and patching. Measure each insulation panel and match it with its corresponding door section size. Insulation can be easily cut with a utility knife; use a straightedge to make straight cuts.

4. Install the Material: Start at the top of the garage door (some experts suggest starting at the bottom). Align the material with the edges and make sure it covers the entire first panel. Once you confirm it matches, place the adhesive strip. Then press the foil side of the insulation on the double-sided tape. Overlapping the seams by 2 to 3 inches can prevent air leaks; you can also reinforce the material with tape along the sides.

Insulation panels can also be secured with screws or nails. If using these, place them along the edges of each door panel and at regular intervals. Avoid overtightening fasteners so the door is not damaged.

Continue working your way down the garage door, one subsequent panel at a time. 

5. Seal the Door: After the insulation is installed, any gaps will cause air leaks that make it ineffective. Use insulating seam tape to seal these gaps. It prevents hot or cold air from getting into and out of your garage and also protects the edges from dirt.

6. Make Sure Your Garage Door Works: Your roll-up garage door should now be tested. Turn it on to make sure it opens and closes properly. Inspect the insulation if the door snaps or binds. Cut any excess material if the insulation interferes with the door’s operation.

Helpful Tips

When insulating a roll-up garage door, you can increase the material’s insulating ability by:

  • Installing a weather seal at the bottom edge of the door.
  • Insulating hardware and hinges with special tape or adhesive-backed foam strips.
  • Adjusting the door balance if it’s noisy or lopsided.
  • Ensuring your garage is properly ventilated.
  • Choosing high-quality, high-value insulating materials.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

Based in Anaheim, CA, we install and repair garage doors throughout Southern California. Our experienced technicians are familiar with many types of garage doors and help choose from a wide range of options. Whether you need a certain color to enhance your home’s exterior, want windows installed in your garage door, or have a roll-up garage door that needs to be insulated, we’re ready to help. Give us a call at (800) 893-1107 today.

 

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Why Would My Garage Door Spring Snap?

There’s never a good time for a garage door spring to snap. You may arrive home after a long day at work or in a hurry to leave, and your garage door won’t work. Maybe you’re lucky enough to hear the sudden bang of a spring failing. Once a garage door spring has snapped, the only option is to replace it; this is a common repair since torsion and extension springs have a limited lifespan. Here, we’ll look at the reasons for garage door spring repair.

Reasons Garage Door Springs Snap

Extension springs last seven to 12 years on average, and torsion springs can last up to 15 years. Their lifespan depends on how many cycles they’re rated for. How frequently you operate the garage door and environmental factors can impact a garage door spring’s lifecycle. 

If not replaced beforehand, the spring will fail at the end of its life, leaving a gap, loose cable, or a garage door that’s crooked, struggles to move up or down, or falls to the ground. These are the most common reasons this can happen:

  • Wear and Tear: Garage door springs usually last about 10,000 cycles (one cycle is the garage door opening and closing). Higher-end springs can last for 20,000 cycles or more. Homeowners typically use their garage doors at least twice a day. The springs will eventually wear out due to frequent motion and the weight of the door, usually showing signs of damage before they break.
  • Excessive Tension: Too much tension can weaken garage door springs. Made of tempered steel, they will break under too much stress. Regular maintenance can reduce the strain on the springs; otherwise, they are at risk of failing prematurely and you’ll need garage door spring repair.
  • Extreme Temperatures: Garage door springs are more susceptible to breaking during a heat wave or cold spell. Insulating your garage can mitigate the effects of dramatic fluctuations in temperature. Installing weatherstripping also provides some protection. Otherwise, rapid expansion and contraction of metal when temperatures change can cause them to become brittle and fail.
  • Jammed Door: Garage door tracks can fill with dirt, debris, and grime. Dirty tracks can damage rollers, causing the door to jam and putting excess stress on the springs. The extra force can cause a spring to snap abruptly or speed up wear and tear so it fails prematurely.
  • Rust and Corrosion: When rust forms on a garage door spring, it increases the amount of friction as the spring moves, shortening its lifespan. Corrosion physically weakens the coils, so they fail sooner than expected.
  • Poor Installation: If the spring is the wrong size or installed improperly, it’s unlikely to handle normal use without wearing out faster. The spring can suddenly fail. To avoid such a situation, avoid DIY spring replacement and hire a certified technician with experience replacing garage door springs in residential settings.
  • Lack of Maintenance: Lubricating the spring with a silicone-based or white lithium grease can reduce friction, slow down corrosion, and increase life expectancy and the time between garage door spring repairs. Springs should be lubricated three or four times a year. Another helpful tip is to reduce the spring’s exposure to moisture.

Also, make sure to follow other garage door maintenance recommendations. These include checking for signs of damage or wear and testing the door’s balance. To do this, pull the emergency release cord to disconnect the garage door opener and lift the door halfway. When you let go, it should hold it still. However, if the door falls on its own, the springs should be adjusted or replaced.

Contact Us for Professional Garage Door Spring Repair

Mesa Garage Doors safely, quickly, and effectively replace garage door springs in homes across Southern California. We can also fix garage door openers, cables, tracks, rollers, and panels. Our operators are available 24/7 in case of an emergency. To request garage door spring repair or any other service we offer, call (714) 559-3696 today.

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How Much Do Entry Doors Cost to Install?

Residential entry door installation ranges in cost significantly. An entry door provides a first impression of your home, so it’s important to consider its style, size, and how it matches your home’s decor. Your investment can pay off through increased curb appeal and property value. We’ll look at how much entry doors can cost and the various factors that influence their price.

The cost of installing an exterior door averages $1,096 as of 2023. However, door installation can range from $496 to $1,773. But that doesn’t limit the potential to spend more. Depending on the door type, size, material, and other factors, the cost can reach $5,000, $6,000, or higher.1

To help you understand the costs and budget for your project, we’ll break down the main factors affecting entry door costs:

Door Type

The type of door you’re installing has a major influence on its cost. Cost vs. door type looks as follows:

  • Single-Entry: $330 to $2,750
  • Double: $750 to $5,000
  • Bifold: $150 to $500
  • Fire-Rated: $400 to $1,300
  • Entry with Sidelights: $1,600 to $4,600
  • Basement/Cellar: $1,100 to $6,000
  • French: $600 to $5,800
  • Patio: $1,200 to $10,0001

Hollow-core doors tend to be cheaper. Expect to spend up to $200+ extra to install a solid-core door, although labor costs are about the same for both. You’ll likely pay a contractor $40 to $90 per hour.1 The size of the door matters too; a standard door is 30, 32, or 36 inches wide x 80 inches tall x 1¾ inches thick. Larger sizes and custom-sized doors and frames cost more.

Door Material

The cost of door materials varies significantly. But even doors of the same material can be priced differently depending on the style. The average prices of common materials include:

  • Wood: Wood is popular for its ease of styling. You might spend $40 to $200 for the most basic wood door. A luxurious, intricately designed wood door may cost as much as $5,000.1
  • Composite Wood: Composite wood doors tend to be budget-friendly. They average from $40 to $500. Visually, they look like natural wood but are made of wood fragments and other materials bonded with glue, heat, and pressure.1
  • Aluminum: Lightweight and sturdy, an aluminum entry door costs $100 to $2,000 to install.1
  • Steel: Steel is durable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting. It’s also highly secure. You might pay $500 to $1,230 to have a steel door installed.1
  • Wrought Iron: High-end wrought iron doors can feature a range of designs and are often quite elegant. They can cost $1,500 to $7,000.1

Door Location

Where you’re placing the door can impact your budget. Adding a frame can cost $375 to $1,125 on average. However, replacing the frame for an existing entryway usually costs under $500.1 Other factors include whether you’re breaking through a wall to build a new door, adding a storm door, or installing water leakage protection such as flashing or load-bearing headers. 

Parts and Hardware

Entry doors come with many options. Each item you choose costs extra. These include hinges, which cost $2.50 to $30 apiece. Keyed knobs start at $30 and interior knobs range from $10 to $30. A deadbolt lock can cost from $15 to $300. To install a doorbell system, you may spend an extra $30 to $350. Door jambs cost $150 to $250 each, while a smart lock can cost over $300.1

Additional Considerations

Other factors that can affect the cost of entry door installation include:

  • Relocating a Door: To relocate a door, you’ll have to close up the space from the old unit, create a new opening, install new drywall, and maybe hire someone for electrical and plumbing work. Expect to spend $50 to $100 per hour.1
  • Adding a Door: Installing a door in a new location requires additional steps. The cost depends on what your wall is made of. For example, cutting into brick can cost $300 to $2,200, but cutting a space for a double or custom door will cost even more.1
  • Customization: There are many ways to customize an entry door. You can add windows, sidelights, smart locks, wrought iron details, etc. Depending on the customization, it can add anywhere from $500 to $10,000 to the price of the door.11

Order Your New Entry Door Today

At Mesa Garage Doors, we provide the finest quality entry doors to homeowners in Southern California. Our team will provide a door that fits the size of the opening, matches your home’s decor, and has the classic or modern look you desire. Numerous options are available and we can customize a front or side door to your exact specifications. For help from our experienced designers and craftsmen, call (714) 519-2760 today.

Source:

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/door-installation-cost/

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When Do I Need a Garage Door Replacement?

It is sometimes obvious when you need a garage door replacement. However, there can be subtler signs that indicate, that even though your garage door is still operating, you would be better off with a new one. We’ll now look at a few reasons to start looking for a garage door company near you to shop around for a replacement.

Your Garage Door Has Had Many Years of Service

A garage door can be 15 years old and still be working, so you may ponder replacement for a bit. But if the garage door isn’t operating like it once was, repairs can cost more than installing a new system. Older parts are becoming scarcer and garage door openers now have different designs and technologies. Plus, newer systems are more energy efficient and run more quietly. By installing a new door, you can enjoy these benefits, improve curb appeal, and see a good return on investment.

Your Home Isn’t As Energy Efficient As It Could Be

Older garage doors can lose insulation, or may not have adequate insulation in the first place. If you have an attached garage, you may be losing heat or cooled air may be escaping. Some newer steel garage doors have a double-, triple-, or quadruple-layer construction. A new door with high-quality materials and insulation can contribute to improved comfort and lower energy bills so you see savings over the long run.

The System Is Noisy or Vibrating More Than Usual

Rattling, grinding, banging, or any sound that seems like the garage door is straining can mean major hardware is wearing out. Loose parts, damaged rollers and tracks, and faulty garage door openers can make noise and cause the door to vibrate when in motion. The longer you let these things go, the more likely there is to be enough damage to warrant replacing the door.

Door Panels Are Sagging

Sagging can hint that the structure of the door is damaged. Panels of sectional garage doors can be replaced individually, but when an older door’s panels are sagging, the unit may get stuck or become lopsided when operating it. A damaged, unbalanced door isn’t of much use and can be a danger to your family, so consider garage door replacement sooner rather than later.

The System Doesn’t Respond Properly

It shouldn’t take more than two seconds for the garage door to respond when you press the remote or opener button. If so, it may need to be replaced. Delays can mean mechanical or electrical components are worn or damaged to the point their basic functions are no longer reliable.

You Need Frequent Repairs

Garage door repairs are expensive enough. Think about when you need to keep calling a technician back to fix a door just recently repaired. After a garage door is fixed several times and needs work shortly thereafter, potentially hazardous breaks may be around the corner. If parts are broken or rusted, the door should be replaced.

Contact a Reputable Garage Door Company Near You

If you need garage door replacement, you can trust Mesa Garage Doors for high-quality service, parts, and results in Anaheim, CA. We provide all types of garage door repair but every door eventually reaches the end of its life. Depending on your home and/or preferences, our skilled installers can provide a traditional, carriage house, aluminum, wood, or contemporary garage door. Get a new door estimate by scheduling your appointment online or by calling 714-364-4987.

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