FAQs

Torsion springs and extension springs are the two main types of garage door spring systems, and they differ significantly in design, operation, and placement. Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening on a metal shaft, while extension springs are installed vertically along the door tracks on either side. Understanding these differences helps homeowners make informed decisions about repairs, replacements, and safety considerations for their Garage Door Springs systems.

Torsion springs operate using torque to lift and lower your garage door. When the door closes, the springs wind tightly on the shaft above the door, storing mechanical energy. When you open the door, the springs unwind in a controlled manner, releasing that stored energy to counterbalance the door’s weight and make lifting effortless.

These springs typically last between 15,000 and 30,000 cycles, depending on the quality and wire gauge. They are generally more durable and provide smoother, more balanced operation compared to extension springs.

Extension springs stretch and contract to move the garage door up and down. Mounted on each side of the door along the horizontal tracks, they extend when the door closes and contract when it opens. They work by stretching to hold the door’s weight, using the stored tension to assist with opening.

These springs typically have a shorter lifespan of around 10,000 cycles and are more prone to uneven wear. They also require safety cables running through them to prevent the spring from becoming a dangerous projectile if it breaks.

Most modern garage doors are transitioning to torsion spring systems due to their superior performance and safety features. If you are unsure which type of springs your garage door uses or need spring replacement, a qualified technician can assess your system and recommend the best solution for your specific door and garage configuration. For more information and expert advice, visit our Blog.

While it is technically possible to replace a broken garage door spring or cable yourself, it is strongly discouraged due to the serious safety risks involved. Garage door springs operate under extreme tension (often 200+ pounds of force), and a single mistake during replacement can result in severe injury, including broken bones, lacerations, or worse. Unless you have specialized training and the proper tools, this is a job best left to Licensed Professionals Who Handle Garage Door Repair safely every day.

Garage door springs and cables are under constant, tremendous tension that keeps your heavy door balanced and operable. When a spring breaks, that stored energy releases violently, and attempting to manipulate or replace these components without proper training creates multiple hazard points. The most common injuries occur when springs snap during removal or when DIYers use incorrect winding techniques on torsion springs.

Beyond the physical danger, most homeowners lack the specialized tools required for safe replacement. Professional technicians use winding bars, specific clamps, and calibrated torque instruments designed to control spring tension gradually. Using improvised tools like screwdrivers or pliers dramatically increases the chance of slippage and injury.

When you hire a licensed garage door technician, you receive more than just a parts swap. Professionals perform a comprehensive service that ensures your door operates safely and efficiently for years to come. The replacement process involves precise measurements, proper tension calibration, and a full system inspection that untrained individuals typically overlook.

Many homeowners attempt DIY spring replacement to save money, but the financial risk often outweighs any potential savings. Installing the wrong spring size or tension can damage your garage door opener motor, bend door panels, or cause premature wear on other components. These secondary failures can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars more than the original professional repair would have.

Additionally, if you injure yourself during a DIY attempt, medical bills and lost work time will dwarf the cost of hiring a technician. Professional garage door spring replacement typically costs between $150 and $350 depending on spring type and local rates. This investment includes expert installation, proper tools, warranty protection, and most importantly, your safety and peace of mind. For more information on garage door maintenance and safety, visit our Blog.

The decision to repair or replace a 15-year-old garage door depends on several factors, including the extent of damage, overall condition, and long-term cost-effectiveness. In most cases, if your door requires frequent repairs, shows significant structural wear, or lacks modern safety features, replacement is the smarter investment. However, if the issue is minor and the door has been well-maintained, a repair might extend its life for a few more years.

Garage doors typically last 15 to 30 years, meaning yours is right at the crossroads. Once a door reaches this age, certain warning signs indicate replacement is more practical than continued repairs.

If you’re experiencing three or more of these issues, replacement usually makes more financial sense than piecemeal repairs. The cumulative cost of fixing an aging door often exceeds the investment in a new, warrantied system with Best Garage Door Repair & Services.

Not every 15-year-old garage door is ready for the scrap heap. If your door has been regularly maintained and the current problem is isolated, repair can be a cost-effective solution.

Simple component failures like broken springs, worn rollers, or a malfunctioning opener are typically affordable fixes that don’t require full replacement. If only one or two panels are damaged and the rest of the door remains structurally sound, panel replacement might be an option. Doors that have received annual professional maintenance throughout their life often perform reliably well into their twenties.

The key consideration is whether the repair addresses the root problem or simply delays the inevitable. A professional inspection can help determine if your door’s core structure and operating system remain viable or if you’re just postponing larger expenses.

The smart choice comes down to a simple calculation. If repair costs exceed 50 percent of replacement cost, or if you’re facing multiple repairs within a short timeframe, replacement delivers better value.

New garage doors come with warranties covering parts and labor for several years, eliminating surprise expenses. Modern doors also offer improved insulation that can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20 percent in attached garages. Enhanced safety features protect your family from accidents that older doors without auto-reverse or pinch-resistant designs can cause.

Additionally, a new garage door can recoup 85 to 90 percent of its cost in increased home value, making it one of the highest-return home improvements. If you plan to sell within the next five years, replacement becomes even more attractive from a financial standpoint, as discussed in our Blog.

Best Garage Door prioritizes emergency service calls in Washington County and typically responds within 60 to 90 minutes of your call. Our local dispatch team maintains technicians on standby throughout the service area, ensuring that urgent situations like broken springs, malfunctioning openers, or doors stuck open or closed receive immediate attention. When you contact us with an emergency, we assess the severity of the issue and dispatch the nearest available technician equipped with the tools and parts needed to resolve most common problems on the first visit.

Not every garage door issue requires emergency service, but certain situations demand immediate professional intervention to protect your property and safety. Understanding which problems qualify as emergencies helps you make the right call and ensures our team prioritizes the most critical situations first with Best Garage Door Repair & Services.

When you call our emergency line, you speak directly with a trained dispatcher who gathers essential information about your situation. We ask specific questions about the nature of the problem, safety concerns, and whether your home security is compromised. This information allows us to route the call to the technician best positioned to help you quickly and to ensure they arrive with the right equipment and replacement parts.

Our technicians carry fully stocked service vehicles with the most commonly needed components for Washington County homes, including various spring sizes, opener parts, rollers, cables, and track sections. This preparation means we can complete most emergency repairs during the first visit without delays for parts ordering. For complex issues requiring specialized components, we secure the door temporarily and schedule a follow-up appointment to complete the permanent repair.

Response times may vary based on factors like current call volume, traffic conditions, and your specific location within Washington County. During severe weather events or after major storms, emergency calls naturally increase, but we expand our available crew to maintain the fastest possible response. Our dispatch team provides estimated arrival times when you call and updates you if circumstances change.

Best Garage Door provides emergency service throughout Washington County, including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, and surrounding communities. Our technicians are strategically positioned across the county to minimize travel time to any location. We offer emergency service seven days a week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, because garage door failures do not respect regular business hours.

After-hours emergency calls receive the same priority response as daytime service requests. We understand that a garage door stuck open at midnight creates an immediate security concern that cannot wait until morning. Our emergency rates are competitive and transparent, with pricing clearly explained before any work begins so you can make informed decisions about repairs.

When you experience a garage door emergency in Washington County, contact Best Garage Door immediately for rapid, professional response. Our experienced technicians have the skills and resources to restore your door’s function and your peace of mind quickly and safely. For more information about our services and helpful tips, visit our Blog.

Professional garage door repair costs in the Portland Metro area typically range from $150 to $450 for most common repairs, with the average service call landing around $250 to $300. The final price depends on the specific issue, required parts, labor complexity, and whether your repair is needed during standard business hours or as an emergency service. Understanding these cost factors helps you budget appropriately and avoid surprise expenses when your garage door needs Best Garage Door Repair & Services professional attention.

The nature of your garage door problem significantly impacts the repair cost. Spring replacements represent one of the most common repairs, with torsion spring replacement typically costing $200 to $350 and extension spring replacement running $150 to $250. Cable repairs usually fall in the $150 to $200 range, while opener repairs vary from $150 to $400 depending on whether the issue requires simple adjustments or component replacement.

Panel replacement costs vary widely based on material and design, ranging from $250 to $800 per panel for standard options. Roller replacement generally costs $150 to $250, while track realignment or replacement runs $200 to $350. Sensor repairs or replacements typically cost $100 to $200, making them among the more affordable fixes.

Several variables affect what you ultimately pay for garage door repair services in the Portland area. Recognizing these factors helps you understand quotes and make informed decisions about your repair needs.

Most reputable Portland area garage door companies charge a diagnostic or service call fee of $75 to $100, which typically applies toward your repair if you proceed with the work. Always request a detailed written estimate before authorizing repairs, ensuring it includes parts, labor, and any applicable warranties. Beware of quotes that seem significantly lower than average, as they may indicate inferior parts or inexperienced technicians.

Many local companies offer seasonal promotions or discounts for seniors, military members, or first-time customers that can reduce costs by 10 to 15 percent. Bundling multiple minor repairs during a single service call often proves more economical than scheduling separate visits. Investing in quality repairs now prevents more expensive emergency failures later, making professional service a wise long-term decision for your home’s functionality and security. For more information and tips, visit our Blog.

A loud bang coming from inside your garage is almost always the sound of a torsion spring breaking. This is one of the most common and startling events in garage door ownership. The spring snaps suddenly under years of tension, releasing all its stored energy at once and creating a noise that can be heard throughout your home.

Torsion springs are tightly wound metal coils mounted on a shaft above your garage door. They counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easy to lift manually or with an opener. These springs are under extreme tension every single day, cycling thousands of times over their lifespan.

Most residential torsion springs are rated for 10,000 to 20,000 cycles, which translates to roughly seven to ten years of typical use. Once a spring reaches the end of its cycle life, the metal fatigues and eventually fails. When it breaks, the release of tension is instantaneous and incredibly loud, often compared to a gunshot or firecracker.

After hearing the bang, you can confirm a broken spring by looking for these telltale indicators:

First, disconnect your garage door opener by pulling the emergency release cord. This prevents the motor from trying to lift the unsupported door weight and burning out. Do not attempt to force the door open or closed, as this can cause cable damage, bent tracks, or personal injury.

Contact a professional Best Garage Door Repair & Services technician immediately for spring replacement. A qualified technician has the specialized tools and training to safely remove the broken spring and install a new one with proper tension calibration. Most repairs can be completed the same day, restoring full function to your door.

If you have a two-car garage door or an exceptionally heavy door, consider replacing both springs at once even if only one broke. The second spring has experienced the same wear and will likely fail soon, saving you a second service call and additional downtime. For more helpful information about garage door maintenance and repairs, visit our Blog.

A flashing light on your garage door opener paired with a door that won’t close typically indicates a safety sensor misalignment or obstruction. Most modern garage door openers are equipped with photo-eye sensors on either side of the door track near the floor, and when these sensors can’t “see” each other properly, the opener flashes a warning light and refuses to close the door as a safety precaution. This built-in feature prevents the door from closing on people, pets, or objects in its path.

The flashing light is your opener’s way of communicating that something is wrong with the safety sensor system. Understanding the most common culprits can help you diagnose and potentially fix the issue quickly.

Before calling a professional, there are several simple fixes you can attempt on your own. Start by examining the sensor units themselves, which are usually small boxes mounted about six inches above the floor on either side of the garage door.

First, check if both sensor lights are illuminated. One sensor typically shows a solid green light while the other may display green, red, or amber depending on the manufacturer. If one light is off or blinking, that sensor is not receiving power or is misaligned.

Clean both sensor lenses gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Even a thin film of grime can disrupt the beam and trigger the safety mechanism.

Next, verify that the sensors are properly aligned by loosening the mounting brackets slightly and adjusting them so they point directly at each other. The indicator lights should both become solid when alignment is correct.

Inspect the wiring from each sensor back to the opener motor unit, looking for any loose connections, frayed wires, or damage from rodents or accidents. Ensure all wire connections are secure and not corroded.

While many sensor issues can be resolved with simple adjustments, some situations demand professional expertise. If you’ve cleaned and aligned the sensors but the problem continues, or if you notice damaged wiring that requires repair, it’s time to contact a qualified garage door technician.

Professional technicians have the tools and experience to diagnose complex electrical issues, replace faulty sensors with quality components, and ensure your safety system functions correctly. They can also identify related problems with your opener that might not be immediately obvious to homeowners.

Don’t compromise on garage door safety by ignoring persistent sensor problems or attempting to bypass the safety system. A properly functioning sensor system protects your family and property from serious injury or damage, and working with a trusted provider for Best Garage Door Repair & Services ensures your system meets all safety standards.

If your garage door only opens a few inches and then stops, it’s typically caused by one of several common issues: misaligned safety sensors, incorrect travel limit settings, obstructions in the track, or broken springs. The good news is that many of these problems can be diagnosed and sometimes resolved without professional help, though safety should always be your top priority when working with garage door systems.

Modern garage doors are equipped with photo-eye sensors positioned near the floor on both sides of the door opening. These sensors send an invisible beam across the doorway, and if anything blocks that beam, the door will stop and reverse to prevent accidents. When the door only opens a few inches, the sensors may be misaligned or detecting a false obstruction.

First, look at the sensor lights on both sides of the door. Most systems have LED indicators that show green when properly aligned and red or blinking when there’s a problem. Clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth, as dirt, spider webs, or condensation can interfere with the beam.

If the lights indicate misalignment, gently adjust the sensors until both show solid indicator lights. The brackets holding the sensors can often be loosened slightly to allow repositioning, then tightened once alignment is achieved. For more information on Best Garage Door Repair & Services, consult with experienced professionals who can help diagnose sensor issues.

Your garage door opener has limit settings that tell the motor how far to move the door before stopping. If these settings are incorrect, the opener may think the door has reached its full open position when it has only moved a few inches. This is especially common after a power outage or if someone has recently adjusted the opener settings.

Locate the limit adjustment controls on your garage door opener unit, usually found on the back or side panel. These are typically labeled as “up” or “open” limit and “down” or “close” limit, with adjustment screws or dials. Consult your opener’s manual for the exact location and method, as brands vary.

To increase the door’s travel distance, make small adjustments to the up-limit control, turning it in the direction indicated for increasing travel. Test the door after each small adjustment until it opens fully.

Physical problems with the door mechanism itself can prevent proper operation. A thorough visual inspection can reveal issues that need attention.

If you’ve checked the sensors, adjusted the limits, and inspected for obstructions but the door still won’t open properly, the problem likely requires professional diagnosis. Issues with the opener motor, circuit board, drive mechanism, or spring system need expert attention to ensure safe and lasting repairs. Check our Blog for more helpful troubleshooting tips and maintenance guides.

What Is the Standard Garage Door Size?

Many people who are in the process of building a home or designing one want to know what size opening should they leave for the garage door. Maybe you want to replace a worn-out door, or one that’s old or want something more secure. Regardless of the reasons, The Number Of Sizes Available is simply astounding. Plus, you also need to factor in custom-made garage doors that can be built for any size opening.

As a homeowner, you certainly don’t want to spend hours trying to find a garage door. Fortunately, by taking the right steps, you should be able to find a garage door that’s the perfect fit for your home.

Single and Double Door Sizes

The single garage door is your standard single-car garage, and some multi-car garages will have a vertical beam that separates both halves of the garage. Single garage doors are available in numerous options and are based on how old your home is. For instance, older homes were usually built with a space that was eight feet wide. Though the steady rise in popularity of SUVs meant that newer homes needed at least nine-foot of door space instead. Today, some modern garage doors can be up to ten feet wide, but the standard single garage door continues to be nine feet wide.

Double garage doors are as they sound, i.e. they are double in size compared to the single door. However, these garages and their doors are designed to house multiple vehicles, like RVs and SUVs, to name a few. Sizes of a double garage door can range from 12 to 20 feet, though most are an average 16 feet.

Standard Heights for a Garage Door

Older homes generally had shorter garage doors because, in those days, the cars we used were smaller. Older garages would be around seven feet in height. Though with newer homes, the height has had to be raised to around eight feet on average. Again depending on what you need, the garage door can be up to ten feet in height, but this height isn’t all that common.

If you are getting a new garage built, you will want to speak with your architect about what you need. Larger garage doors are best for commercial vehicles, which also need more space within the structure. That’s why you will want to communicate with the architect to ensure that you get a garage and a door that meets your needs the best.

We Can Help You Choose A Garage Door

Are you in the market for a garage door and unsure what type will meet your needs the best? We can help you. Our team has years of experience installing garage doors, and we can help you find the best one. We’ve helped hundreds of clients who were not sure what type of garage door would work best for them over the years.

We are also here to answer any questions you might have.

A Garage Door Jamb is often an overlooked piece that needs to get more attention in our professional opinion. These are often trim pieces that will cover the rough framed opening for the garage door.

The garage door jamb is also referred to as a liner or a wrap. The purpose of the jamb is to cover the often rough framing while providing a mounting location where the garage door seals. Owing to its location and the wear and tear anticipated, you are better off going with a sturdy option.

Our vehicles, boats, or even our toys go in and out of the garage. However, think about what will happen if someone accidentally rubs a side mirror or something similar against the garage wrap as they back out. The same goes for if they rub the boat or trailer against it? If anything, the prospect of fixing the garage door and the car or boat can be daunting, not to mention costly. That’s why it’s best to know what trim material is the ideal choice for your garage door opening.

Using Real Wood Trims As Jambs

Natural wood jambs are extremely common and one of the best choices in our experience. If you want stiffness, strength, rot resistance, aesthetics and durability, you can’t go wrong with wood. The other reason to choose wood is that it easily fastens to the edges, and paint tends to adhere well to it (wood).

Generally, speaking there are three types of wood jambs, ones made from construction lumber, primed white wood and cedar /redwood.

When Should Garage Door Jambs Be Replaced?

Even the best wood jambs have to be replaced. Wood jambs will often rot after a few years, and there will be some degree of warping along the sides. Also, you want to close the garage door to see how much sunlight is coming through the door. If your jambs are painted, and you see chipped spots, there will be some water seeping through the wood, and that will lead to rot. Jambs with this problem should be replaced right away.

When is the Best Time to Replace the Garage Door Jambs?

The best time to replace the garage door jambs is when you’re getting a new garage door installed. Most technicians should be able to access the jambs easily. The new jambs are then installed right along with the vinyl weather seal, usually around the perimeter of the garage door, which will prevent bugs, leaves and critters from getting in.

We strongly advise that homeowners take special care of their door jambs as it is a vital part of their home. Also, ensure that you choose the right size.

Conclusion

After you have installed or replaced the jambs, it is a good idea to call professionals like us to adjust the garage door and the opener. The framing can change slightly, but that’s enough to damage the garage door and the opener if it isn’t adjusted correctly. We use a unique set of tools and experience to ensure that the adjustment is as precise as possible.