You can make your garage door last longer despite frequent use and wear and tear. Maintenance and usage habits are critical variables. A garage door can last up to 30 years when well cared for. Otherwise, its life can be significantly shorter. Here are eight ways to extend the lifespan of your new garage door.

1. Inspect the Garage Door System Regularly

Closely inspect your garage door system at least twice a year. As you do, check for worn springs, cables, pulleys, screws, rollers, and other hardware. Tighten nuts, bolts, and screws as necessary. But if any parts look worn, warped, or cracked or a spring or cable is frayed or broken, call a professional to address it (handling high-tension components yourself is dangerous and can result in injury or death).

2. Use the Door Only As Needed

The more you operate your garage door, the faster parts will wear out. Garage doors last for a finite number of cycles. Only use the door if you’re working in your garage or if you’re exiting or returning with your car. And don’t let children open and close it for fun. If you have an older garage door, try to use it sparingly to get more time out of it.

3. Test the Garage Door’s Balance

To test the balance, pull the garage door opener’s release handle. Then, open the door manually. Lift it halfway to see whether it stays in place. If so, it is properly balanced. But if it falls, the system is imbalanced and you’ll need a technician to adjust or repair it. Maintaining the system’s balance reduces strain on the garage door opener and can prevent damage.

4. Test the Auto Reverse Function

Your garage door has an important safety feature that allows it to stop and automatically reverse if something’s in the way. To test this function, place an object in the door’s path and use the controller to close it. If the door doesn’t reverse, check the sensors and clean them if necessary. They may also need to be aligned. Check the owner’s manual for how to do this or call a technician for help. 

If the auto-reverse isn’t working, there’s a risk of property damage, injuries, or damage to the garage door that would warrant replacing it. 

5. Examine the Weatherstripping

A weatherstrip is a barrier that keeps water, ice, and dirt out of your garage. Poor weatherstripping can leave your garage door vulnerable to water damage, rusting, and other weather-related damage. Replacing this rubber strip is a simple task. But ensure it fits perfectly so it can help make your garage door last longer.

6. Clean the Tracks

Even a small amount of dust or debris in the tracks can strain the garage door. Spider webs and small animal nests can also cause problems. Gently brush or sweep them out. But don’t use water or cleaning chemicals, which can cause damage.

7. Wash Garage Door Panels

Neglecting to clean garage door panels can lead to corrosion and decay. Wash them with an all-purpose cleaner to remove as much dirt as possible, and then rinse them with water. You can also mix mild detergent and water and wipe the panels using a soft cloth or sponge. Your garage door won’t only look fresher. It will be protected and can last longer. Also, consider repainting it if the coating is chipped or faded.

8. Schedule Repairs As Needed

Many homeowners delay garage door repairs due to the cost. But the longer you wait, the more likely a repair issue can shorten the lifespan of your garage door. It also risks being injured by a broken part or a door that falls to the ground. Prompt repairs can avoid incidents and make your garage door last longer.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors Today

We install all types of residential garage doors in Southern California. Our trained technicians also provide garage door repair and maintenance services that can extend the system’s operating life. A variety of warranty options are available through our partners. For additional information on how to use and maintain your system, continue browsing our resources, and for service or more advice on how to make your garage door last longer, call (714) 947-4528 today.

Installing a new garage door isn’t cheap. However, the cost can be offset by increases in energy efficiency and home resale value. Curb appeal is also a factor whether you opt for metal or custom wood garage door installation. But for most homeowners, the upfront cost of a new garage door is the most pressing concern.

According to Forbes, the national average cost of garage door installation is about $1,200, including labor (as of spring 2023). The exact price can range from $260 to $2,300.¹ Why does the cost of garage doors vary so much? The reason is—that many factors affect the price you pay. We’ll look at a few of these below:

Garage Door Size

The size of a garage door is usually not optional, like other cost factors. You must choose a unit that fits the space. A single-car garage door typically measures 8 x 7 feet and costs $400 to $900. A double-car garage door measures 16 x 7 feet and costs $650 to $3,600.¹

Meanwhile, the number of doors increases costs. A single door is usually in the $600 to $1,500 range. But a double-door configuration can range from $800 to $3,500. Custom-sized and configured doors will cost even more.¹

Type of Garage Door

Homeowners in Southern California have many types of garage doors to choose from. Each comes at a different price point. The most common door types include:

• Sectional (Start at $700)¹: The most popular type, sectional garage doors consist of horizontal panels connected by hinges. This design allows them to roll up along the ceiling.
• Roll-Up (Start at $650)¹: Roll-up garage doors open similar to a window blind. Expect to pay more for labor to install them. A glass roll-up door can cost $3,800 to install.²
• Single-Panel (Start at $400)¹: A single-piece garage door that slides up to open, without bending or curving.
• Swing-Out/Sliding (Start at $1,000)¹: A swing-out garage door is a two-piece system that opens like standard doors. Sliding models rest against garage walls when open.
• Carriage ($1,000 to $10,000): Carriage garage doors provide a classic style used since the era of horse-drawn carriages. They’re now a luxury option, often made of wood with glass windows.

Material

Steel garage doors are extremely common. They cost between $450 and $1,500 on average. While long-lasting, they are prone to rusting in a rainy climate. You can avoid rusting and benefit from improved insulation with aluminum doors, but they can cost $500 to $2,000 to install.¹

Wood is also a popular garage door material; it’s easy to customize but pricey. Installation can cost well over $1,000, and regular maintenance is a must. A low-maintenance alternative, composite doors are well insulating and generally less costly; they can start at $750. 

Tempered glass typically adds to the cost of an aluminum or wooden door, but lacks insulation and adds weight (although natural light can boost energy efficiency). However, if you like the appearance of wood and low maintenance, fiberglass and vinyl garage doors cost around $800 to $2,000. ¹

Options/Add-Ons

Insulation can improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer. Depending on the insulation type (polystyrene, polyurethane, or fiberglass), it can add $50 to $500 to the cost of garage door installation. Windows can be an attractive upgrade, but you’ll pay roughly $1,600 more for a new garage door with glass windows.¹

Location

If the cost of materials is higher in your area, installing a garage door will be more expensive. Higher demand for garage door installation also increases costs. You’ll also pay more if you reside in a city with a higher cost of living.

Additional Garage Door Installation Cost Factors

Labor is a significant cost factor; expect to spend $200 to $500 per door just for installation. If you have an automatic door installed, you’ll need an electrician to run the wiring, which costs about $75 per hour. Overall, making a door automatic can add up to $1,300 to the project cost (manual garage doors cost from $600 to $2,150).² Accessories such as keypads, lights, security sensors, and others will also add to the total price.

Call for Your Garage Door Installation Estimate

We install many brands and types of garage doors and garage door openers in homes across Southern California. At Mesa Garage Doors, our installers are factory-trained, so you can expect the highest quality service. We also install custom wood garage doors, entry doors, and wood gates. To schedule your free new door or repair estimate, contact us online or call (714) 415-2657.

Sources:

1. https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/garage/garage-door-installation-cost/ 
2. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/home-finances/reviews/garage-door-cost

If you have an automatic garage door, there are times you may need to open it manually. A power outage can disable the opener. Or, the motor may stop working. Nonetheless, you can still operate your garage door. At Mesa Garage Doors, we can fix any problem with the system. We’ll also tell you how to manually open your garage door, so you have access to your garage, your vehicle, and other contents.

Before using the built-in emergency device, make sure your garage door is closed. Then check the springs. If they’re worn out or broken, you won’t be able to lift the door. Trying to will be extremely dangerous. When it seems safe to proceed, follow these steps to open your garage door manually:

Unplug the Garage Door Opener

Make sure there’s no power to the mechanism. Even if the power is out, unplug the opener because, if the motor engages while the garage door is disconnected, significant damage could occur. Keep the garage door opener unplugged until the garage door is reconnected.

Use the Red Emergency Release Cord

The red rope near your garage door is attached to the trolley. When the door is closed, the rope should be at the front. Pulling firmly on the emergency release cord disconnects the trolley from the garage door opener carriage, which moves the door along the boom attached to the opener. Therefore, pulling the cord prevents the opener from moving the carriage, so the garage door can’t automatically open or close.

Lift the Garage Door

To raise the door, grab it from the bottom with both hands; lift it with your legs and not your back to avoid injury. The door should roll up with little effort. When lifting it, don’t be too forceful or the door can open too quickly, hit the top, and then spring back, hit the ground, and break apart. If the garage door feels too heavy or won’t move, there might be a broken spring, so call a professional immediately.

Close the Garage Door

Once you park your car inside or have left the garage, close the garage door by pulling it down, making sure it doesn’t slam against the ground. Closing it is strongly recommended. An open garage door is a security risk as it’s an easy access point for burglars. Safety is another concern. A strong wind can pull it down hard enough to cause damage and injure people nearby.

Reconnect the Garage Door Opener

Now that you understand how to open your garage door manually, here’s how to reconnect it. Once the power is restored or the issue is resolved, reconnect the trolley, enter the garage, and fully close the garage door. Then pull the emergency release cord down and toward the garage door opener (or, you may have to reach up and pull a lever atop the cord).

To reconnect the trolley, activate the garage door opener and let the trolley and carriage run a complete cycle. Both mechanisms will reconnect when they pass one another. You’ll hear a loud click when this happens. If the system still hasn’t reconnected, manually lift the door about one foot until you hear a click. 

To ensure the garage door is connected, use the remote control to open and close it.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

Knowing how to open your garage door manually can help in a few situations. In some cases, your garage door may need to be repaired. Mesa Garage Doors fixes all types and brands of residential garage doors in Southern California. We also specialize in installation, replacement, and maintenance. To request a repair or schedule a free estimate, contact us online or call (714) 586-8943.

Finding rats in your garage, or evidence of them such as droppings, signs of gnawing, nesting materials, foul odors, or scratching/light thumbing sounds is never a delightful experience. Dead or alive, rats can carry diseases and be destructive. They can damage cardboard boxes, machinery, wiring, and vehicles. If you have rats in the garage, you must get rid of them and prevent them from coming back.

How to Get Rid of Rats

If your garage is already infested, here are some ways you can deal with the problem:

• Set Traps: A snap trap captures a rat with a heavy-gauge steel bar as it steps on a trigger plate. When a rat steps on a glue trap, a strong adhesive prevents it from getting away. If there’s a single entry point, you can place a one-way exclusion funnel that prevents a rat from getting back in. You can also set traps outside the garage where they can lure rats outside or control them before they get inside.
• Use Rat Poison: While it’s highly effective at killing and repelling rats, poison is not the best solution if you have kids or pets. Carefully consider if rat poison is the right option for your home and use it only out of reach of children and pets.
• Get a Cat: Cats love to capture rats and are great at it. A cat or two will find a few. And being the intelligent creatures they are, rats will leave an area where they are in danger. But don’t leave out other methods of deterrence, prevention, or cleanup; nests, odors, and droppings will remain, increasing the risk of future infestations.

Calling a professional rat exterminator is another option. Their expertise and equipment can help fight off any type of infestation. An exterminator will determine how to eliminate the problem and avoid future issues. They’ll also clean up debris from rats and any residue from the extermination process.

Keeping Rats Away for Good

After you find rats in the garage and eliminate them, it’s time to take steps to keep them out. These are the most effective strategies for permanently rat-proofing your garage:

• Seal Holes: Rats usually get inside through holes. Inspect the walls and garage door for these holes, fill them, and place caulking around the edges. If necessary, contact a local garage door repair company to seal any holes or cracks in door panels or spaces around the edges. 
• Keep Food and Water Out: No food should be stored in the garage. No matter how well it’s sealed and packaged, rats can smell it anyway. They’re also always searching for water, which they need to survive. Avoid storing water here and fix any leaks right away.
• Don’t Clutter the Garage: Clutter provides rats with shelter and hiding spots. If you have a lot of debris and unused belongings lying around, clean up your garage and store items neatly. This will make the environment unattractive to rats.
• Use an Electronic Rat Deterrent: An ultrasonic device emits sound at a frequency humans can’t hear but that rats find irritating. It will make your garage an intolerable place to be for them.
• Fill Holes: Rats may have used or created holes in the past. If you find new holes dug near your garage, fill them quickly. But make sure no rats remain. They won’t be able to leave and may die and decompose inside your garage.
• Inspect the Attic: Many infestations start in the attic, especially if tree branches touch the structure. Trimming branches back can help prevent rats from reaching your home. Also, do what it takes to address the problem inside your garage.
• Fix the Garage Door: Rats can chew through the rubber seal that weatherizes your garage door. This should be intact for many reasons. But if it’s degraded, rats can squeeze through it, so schedule garage door repairs whenever you find any issues.

Call Mesa Garage Doors If You Have Rats in the Garage

We can fix your garage door fast, whether it’s stuck, has a broken spring, or is off the track. Our team can also repair holes, cracks, and worn weatherstrips. Rats in garages often get there due to issues with your garage door system. We can resolve any damage and rat-proof your garage permanently. To schedule a free repair estimate, book service online or call (714) 613-0646.

When your garage door doesn’t close, your home will be vulnerable to intruders, water entry, and other threats. But not every reason for the issue requires calling a professional. Some causes are easy to fix; others are not. Here are 12 reasons a garage door won’t close to help you decide what to do.

1. Something Is In the Way

An obstruction can block the path of the photo-eye sensor, preventing the door from closing. This is a built-in safety feature to avoid damage or injury. It’s included in most garage doors built in the early 1990s and later. If the door doesn’t close, look around for furniture, a toy, debris, or anything else in the way.

2. A Sensor Is Misaligned or Malfunctioning

The photo-eye consists of a transmitter and receiver that face each other from opposite sides. If the beam is blocked by dirt or a sensor is out of alignment, the signal won’t be received, and the door will stop midway or fully reverse and open again. It’s also possible a sensor has been damaged by moisture or its mounting is broken.

3. The Operator Isn’t Powered

If the power is disconnected from the garage door operator, the garage door won’t close or open. The operator may have been unplugged accidentally. In this case, plugging it back in should get the door to close. However, a tripped circuit breaker, overloaded circuit, or faulty outlet can also prevent the operator from working.

4. The Keypad Isn’t Synced 

Sometimes, the garage door opener remote needs to be reset. But when the remote works fine and you have trouble with the keypad, resetting the code can sync it with the opener system. Check the user’s manual or a troubleshooting guide for steps on addressing the issue.

5. A Disconnected Motor

A disconnected motor is another reason a garage door won’t close. The motor has a disconnect switch that lets you open the door without the opener (if this is activated, the door won’t close but the motor may still run). This feature is useful during power outages. Or, the cord can get caught and become unplugged from the socket. Check the switch or the cord before calling a professional.

6. An Extension or Torsion Spring Is Damaged

A torsion spring helps the door open and close smoothly and runs horizontally between the two cable drums. The extension springs are mounted on the sides of the track and extend and contract as the door moves.  Both of these store tension when the door is closed and release it as the door opens. A broken spring can prevent the garage door from closing and must be replaced by a trained technician.

7. A Garage Door Cable Broke

If you have torsion springs, the cables connect to the drum and rotate a winding cone to lift the door. Extension springs have cables inside them to prevent damage if a spring fails. Over time, these cables can wear out and break due to age, rust, impacts, or poor installation; the door won’t close or may fall to the ground. The door should close again after the cable is replaced.

8. The Garage Door Track Is Bent

A damaged track can prevent the door from moving. If it’s bent or misaligned, it will put pressure on the garage door and stop it from closing. Pressure and wear and tear contribute to the problem, and when one track is not aligned, it puts pressure on the other and can cause additional damage. Contact a specialist since handling a garage door track can be dangerous.

9. The Remote Transmitter Needs a Battery

Here’s a simple reason a garage door won’t close that you can fix yourself. If the transmitter’s batteries have expired, it won’t send a signal to the garage door opener. To determine if this is the issue, press the button on the wall receiver. If the door works, replacing the dead battery should resolve the issue. Depending on the remote model, slide off the back cover or unscrew the locking component to access the batteries.

10. The Signal Is Blocked

Even if the battery is good, a blocked signal or remote that’s out of range can prevent the garage door from closing. Check whether the opener’s remote antenna is obstructed and clean it off if necessary. Dirt, objects, or tree branches can block the signal. Trim any interfering branches away but call for help if the antenna appears damaged.

11. Lock Mode Is Turned On

Check whether you accidentally locked the garage door. If so, the motor may run momentarily and shut off. Disengage the lock to get your garage door to close. If manual locks are installed, turn the handle until the horizontal bar is disengaged (you’ll hear an audible snap). The door should now operate normally.

12. The Opener Has a Stripped Gear

The garage door opener can be strained by daily use. A stripped gear will prevent the opener from functioning so, if the door is open, closing it won’t be possible. Unfortunately, the only solution is to replace the garage door opener. Call for help if the door won’t move but the opener makes a humming sound.

Contact Us for Garage Door Repairs

Based in Anaheim, CA, Mesa Garage Doors has installation and service teams across the region to address customers’ needs. Our technicians are factory trained and insured and provide any type of repair on most garage door makes and models. They promptly address common issues and fix them quickly. Whatever the reason your garage door won’t close, call us 24/7 at (714) 844-5741 to schedule your free repair estimate.