Swarthmore, PA Residents: Discover Our Garage Door Services

Swarthmore Garage Door Spring Repair Best Practices

As a homeowner, you're all too familiar with life's little surprises, often occurring at the most inconvenient moments. One such annoyance is finding your car trapped in the garage, especially if it's only been a short time since your last garage door repair. That's where Spring Tech Overhead comes in, adhering to the industry's best practices to ensure we provide top-notch advice to homeowners whenever we enter a garage. Following these practices can save you time and money in the long run, and we prioritize our customers' satisfaction.

Effective Strategy #1 - Updating Both Springs

Typically, garage doors have two springs that were installed simultaneously. When one spring fails, it's likely that the other spring is also approaching the end of its life. To prevent future complications, dangerous garage door operation, and potential garage door opener damage, Spring Tech Overhead usually advises replacing both springs. Just as you would change both tires on your car if one were to blow out, properly maintaining high-value equipment like garage doors and vehicles involves replacing both garage door springs.

Effective Strategy #2 - Identifying the Suitable Springs

Since garage doors come in an assortment of weights and sizes, it is crucial to use the right springs for proper door balance. Installing an incorrect spring can negatively impact your garage door system and put excessive strain on the opener. This could cause the opener to fail prematurely and necessitate additional repairs. DIY spring replacements can be dangerous for this reason as well. Our Swarthmore, PA technicians are dedicated to fitting the appropriate springs based on the door's weight and carrying out a balance test to validate their work.

Effective Strategy #3 - Carrying Out a Safety Assessment

Spring Tech Overhead includes a no-cost safety inspection for every spring repair, checking that all hardware and moving parts on your door operate correctly and comply with safety regulations. It's possible that worn mechanical parts on your door, which were likely installed with the springs, are now unsafe. A dysfunctional spring could signal a larger issue with your door. That's why we prioritize providing a free safety inspection and maintaining a safe environment for our clients as a best practice.

As we maintain a large stock of springs compatible with various garage door types, we encourage you to consult with a professional technician for precise measurements and a definitive price quote. Reach out to Spring Tech Overhead now to have an experienced technician supply a garage door spring repair estimate.

How to Determine the Best Garage Door Opener for Your Home

Chain Driven Openers

Popular in Swarthmore, chain-operated openers are a reliable option that use a metal chain to move the garage door along its track. These openers are somewhat cheaper than belt drives. However, they are also noisy, which can be problematic if your garage is positioned below or next to your home's main living areas. We generally advise against chain-operated openers because the small cost savings and lack of a lifetime warranty offered by LiftMaster® for belt drives outweigh the benefits.

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 Swarthmore 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.

Belt Driven Openers

Belt operated openers are highly regarded in the garage door industry as the premier choice. These openers, as reliable as chain operated openers, run on a steel-reinforced belt and are virtually silent. They generally cost a bit more than chain and screw operated openers. If your garage is connected to your home and near bedrooms, a belt operated opener installed by Spring Tech Overhead will ensure that the noise from your garage door won't disturb you. Many customers are extremely satisfied with their belt operated openers and can't envision going back to the noise of a chain operated opener.

Jackshaft Openers

Jackshaft openers are an excellent choice for those in Swarthmore with high garage ceilings or for those who want to free up ceiling space. These openers are installed on the wall beside your garage door and attach to the torsion spring above it. Although they come with a slightly higher price tag than ceiling-mounted openers, they offer a distinctive and practical alternative.

10 Persuasive Reasons to Make Spring Tech Overhead Your Top Choice

1. Proven Experience: Our years of successful practice and numerous happy customers guarantee that our top professionals in the industry will address your garage door concerns in the most efficient manner possible.
2. Comprehensive Range of Products and Services: Spring Tech Overhead offers an extensive selection of products and services to cater to your unique requirements. Whether you need custom-made doors, repair, or installation services, we have the perfect solution for you.
3. Skilled and Courteous Staff: Our employees are both well-informed and professional. They appreciate the significance of excellent customer service and work to ensure your interactions with them are pleasant. From addressing your concerns to providing guidance on door upkeep, they're available to help.
4. Outstanding Materials: Our company prides itself on using the highest quality materials for your doors and gates, ensuring they are both durable and eye-catching. You can have confidence in your investment with our garage door company in Swarthmore.
5. Safety: Our company ensures that your door is installed correctly and safely. This means that you can rest assured that the installation and maintenance of your garage door have been done to the strictest standards, resulting in a safe and secure environment for you and your family.
6. Budget-Friendly Solutions: Spring Tech Overhead offers cost-effective solutions for all your door needs. We provide options that fit your budget, ranging from installations and repairs to custom designs.
7. Quick Solutions: Time is vital when it comes to addressing the repair or installation of a garage door. A respected Swarthmore service provider will ensure that your requirements are managed promptly and skillfully.
8. Quality Guarantee: We stand behind our services and products with a quality guarantee, ensuring that any doors and gates repairs or installations are done to the highest standards. This ensures your investment's safety and offers you peace of mind.
9. Enhanced Door Protection: With our warranty coverage, you can enjoy enhanced protection for your door investment against any accidental damage or malfunctions.
10. Exceptional Service and Satisfaction: At Spring Tech Overhead, we guarantee exceptional service and complete satisfaction with our garage doors and other products. Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our customers, ensuring you're fully satisfied with your purchase.

Common Overhead Door Repair Issues We Face Regularly

Broken Springs: If your garage door isn't working correctly, check the condition of the springs. They're under high tension and can break easily.

Worn-out rollers: The rollers that help your garage door open and close can wear out over time, leading to a noisy or stuck door.

Damaged Panels: Over time, the panels on your garage door may become damaged due to weather or normal wear and tear. They can also be hit by a vehicle or heavy object.

Misaligned Tracks: Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your garage door tracks aligned correctly. Misaligned tracks can cause significant issues with your door's operation.

Faulty Opener: A faulty garage door opener can cause problems with the opening and closing of your door. It's important to seek professional assistance if you suspect an issue with the opener.

Safety Sensor: The safety sensor is often responsible for garage door issues. It can get knocked out of alignment by playful children or objects, leading to difficulty in closing the door correctly. To prevent this problem, it's important to keep an eye on the sensor and ensure it remains aligned.

Common Door Malfunctions that Require Repair

Pests: Wooden doors are susceptible to pest infestations, including termites and carpenter bees, which is another factor to consider. Make sure to inspect your wooden door regularly for signs of intrusion.

Rollers: Maintaining functional rollers is essential for your gate's seamless operation. However, if they become damaged or worn out, the gate may not open and close correctly. Luckily, replacing the rollers is usually a straightforward fix.

Installation: Inadequate installation can cause significant problems. A garage door that is not installed correctly can be hazardous and unstable, so it is crucial to address it immediately.

Rusting: A common problem that results from exposure to moisture or humidity is rust. If you live in a humid area, it's important to be mindful of your overhead door and look for any signs of rust.

Warping: Warping of overhead doors is frequently due to extreme weather conditions. Exposure to hot or cold temperatures can cause the door to become misshapen.

Rotting: The absence of proper treatment or sealing of wooden gates can cause rotting over time, resulting in the weakening and eventual collapse of the gate.

Sagging: Heavy wooden doors are susceptible to sagging, typically caused by their weight. To avoid this, use heavy-duty hardware and ensure the posts are firmly secured.

Fading: Your gate's color may fade due to weather conditions or excessive sun exposure. To maintain its appearance, you may need to repaint it periodically.

Frames: A damaged or bent garage door frame can create instability in the entire structure, which is a severe safety concern. Therefore, repairing or replacing the damaged frames without delay is crucial.

Hinges: If your overhead door is giving you trouble opening and closing, it may be due to damaged or misaligned hinges. But don't worry, this is a repair that a professional can usually take care of quickly.

Top Reasons to Upgrade Your Swarthmore Garage Door

Although replacing your garage doors can make sense from a strict sale / resale perspective, there are additional reasons for Swarthmore homeowners to do so. Here are some possible benefits:

Silence Garage Door Noise

Garage doors can be quite noisy during opening and closing operations, which can be a significant concern for homeowners who have bedrooms located near or above the garage. If you're looking for a noiseless solution, Spring Tech Overhead offers ultra-quiet nylon hinges that ensure a smooth and quiet garage door operation.

Home Energy Efficiency

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 Swarthmore, PA 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.

Ensure Safety and Security

A high proportion of home break-ins in Swarthmore 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.

Raise Your Home's Attractiveness

Your garage doors are a central part of your home's exterior. Improving them in Swarthmore can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal at a low expense.

Swarthmore, PA Customers' Questions Answered

Is it necessary to hire a professional for the installation of my new garage door?

Installing a garage door is a complex process that should not be undertaken as a DIY project. Due to the size and intricate components of a garage door, the installation process requires technical expertise. The springs can be particularly risky to work with, and correct installation is essential for your door to function properly. Expert garage door installers can complete the job efficiently while maintaining safety standards. In contrast, homeowners may struggle for days and become frustrated with the process. Improper installation may also nullify certain warranties, so we recommend hiring a professional for the job. They can also handle the removal of your old door if necessary.

What are the benefits of an insulated door for a non-insulated garage?

The transfer of heat or cold air through the large garage door opening can be minimized by installing insulated doors. This is essential if your garage is attached to your home, used as a workshop, or located below another room in your house. Additionally, insulated doors are quieter and more visually appealing.

1. Prioritizing comfort is important for a garage functioning as a workshop.
2. Insulated doors have the advantage of being quieter and featuring a more attractive interior than non-insulated doors.
3. Maintaining comfortable temperatures in your living area if your garage is attached to your home.
4. Insulated doors help maintain consistent temperatures in the room above when the garage is beneath another room.

Steel vs. wood garage doors - pros and cons?

Opting for a steel door can reduce the amount of maintenance required in comparison to a wooden door. Spring Tech Overhead'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.

Can I replace my one-piece garage door with a sectional garage door?

Your professional garage door dealer/installer can install a sectional door by fitting track and springs to accommodate the door. Depending on your garage's construction, other modifications may be necessary. To ensure all required adjustments are made, it's best to have your Swarthmore, PA dealer evaluate the job before installation.

Can I paint my new garage door to match my house's color scheme?

Yes, all our steel doors at Spring Tech Overhead are pre-painted with a premium factory-applied baked-on coating that can be repainted. Our doors are built to last and can accept a wide range of commercially available latex exterior paints, as long as they are applied following the paint manufacturer's recommendations. Please avoid using oil-based paints for optimal results.