My garage door opener sensor won't stop blinking. Is this a safety issue?

Those blinking sensors are your door's safety guards, and they take misalignment seriously. Dust, condensation from our Bay Area fog, or a nudged bracket can throw them out of whack. Before calling us, check that both sensors face each other squarely and wipe the lenses clean. If that doesn't help, the sensors themselves may need replacing—usually around $150–$300 for the pair. It's a safety feature worth getting right, so don't ignore it.

How do I know if my garage door springs are actually broken, or if something else is wrong?

A broken spring usually means your door feels heavy as a truck when you lift it manually, or the opener struggles and may not open it at all. You might hear a loud bang from the garage—that's the spring snapping. Other issues like a bent track or cable problems feel different; the door moves unevenly or gets stuck partway. Springs typically last 7–10 years depending on use. If you're unsure, we're happy to do a free inspection before recommending anything.

I lost my remote and my keypad stopped working. Can you reprogram them for me?

Absolutely. Reprogramming is straightforward and usually takes under an hour. We'll sync new remotes to your opener and reset your keypad with a fresh code you choose. Bring your garage door opener model number if you have it handy, but we can work without it. Costs vary by opener type, so give us a call for a quote. Having a backup remote is smart—Colma weather and regular use can wear them out eventually.

Are you licensed and insured to work on garage doors in Colma?

Yes. We're fully licensed, bonded, and insured to operate in Colma and surrounding areas. Your protection matters to us, which is why we carry general liability and workers' compensation coverage on every job. You can ask for proof of our credentials anytime—we keep everything current and transparent. Working with a licensed contractor gives you peace of mind and legal recourse if something goes wrong.

Do you offer financing options or payment plans?

We understand that spring replacement or a new door installation isn't always budgeted for right away. We work with several financing partners to offer flexible payment plans with competitive rates. Most jobs can be financed for 12–60 months depending on the amount and your approval. Call us to discuss your situation and what options make sense for your budget.

What exactly does your warranty cover, and for how long?

Our warranty typically covers parts and labor for one year on most repairs—springs, openers, sensors, and hardware. If we install a new door, the manufacturer's warranty usually runs 10–15 years on the panels and structure, plus our one-year labor guarantee. Wear items like weatherstripping and paint are generally excluded. We'll detail your specific coverage in writing before we start. Always keep your paperwork so you know what's protected.

What R-value insulation should I choose for a garage door in Colma?

Colma's coastal climate means mild winters and cool summers, but fog and salt air can affect an uninsulated door. An R-value of 8–12 is solid for our area—it keeps the garage more comfortable, reduces noise, and protects the door from moisture damage. If you're in a spot with ocean winds or your garage is attached and heated, R-16 is worth the extra cost. We can walk you through the trade-off between insulation, weight, and your opener's capacity.

Should I install a battery backup for my garage door opener?

Battery backup is handy during the occasional power outage—it lets you open or close the door a handful of times so you're not stuck. Colma doesn't see frequent blackouts, but backup systems cost $300–$500 and give you peace of mind. They work best if your door and opener are in good shape; a struggling opener won't benefit much. If you're worried about being locked out during an outage, it's a reasonable investment.

When should I replace my garage door cables, and why is it dangerous to wait?

Cables typically last 5–7 years and wear faster if you use your door heavily. Fraying, rust, or visible kinks mean replacement is overdue. A snapped cable puts all the door's weight on the springs, stressing them dangerously and risking a sudden drop. Never try to replace cables yourself—they're under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. We replace them in under two hours for $200–$400 per cable, depending on your door. Catching wear early saves you from an emergency.

Preparing Your Garage Door for Hot Weather: Essential Tips

Name: Garage Door Company Colma
Address: 111 D, Colma, CA, 94014, US
Telephone: 510-876-9709
Price range: $$

2024-01-10 7 min read Sarah Martinez

# Preparing Your Garage Door for Hot Weather: Essential Tips

As temperatures rise during the summer months, your garage door faces unique challenges that can affect its performance and longevity. Heat can cause metal components to expand, lubricants to thin, and weatherstripping to deteriorate. In this guide, we'll share essential tips for preparing your garage door for hot weather conditions.

How Heat Affects Your Garage Door

Understanding the impact of high temperatures on your garage door system is the first step in proper preparation:

Metal Expansion: Steel tracks, springs, and hardware expand in heat, which can cause binding, squeaking, and uneven movement. This expansion is usually minor but can become problematic during extreme heat waves.

Lubricant Breakdown: Standard lubricants can become too thin in high heat, reducing their effectiveness and potentially dripping onto your garage floor or vehicles.

Weatherstripping Deterioration: The rubber seals around your garage door can crack, warp, or become brittle when exposed to intense heat and UV radiation.

Opener Sensitivity: Electronic components in your garage door opener can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, potentially causing intermittent operation or complete failure.

Pre-Summer Preparation Checklist

1. Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping

Check all the weatherstripping around your garage door – the bottom seal, side seals, and header seal. Look for: - Cracks or brittleness - Gaps between the seal and door/frame - Compression that doesn't spring back

Replace any damaged weatherstripping before the heat arrives. Quality weatherstripping not only keeps out hot air but also prevents pests and debris from entering your garage.

2. Lubricate All Moving Parts

Apply a heat-resistant lubricant to: - Roller stems and bearings - Hinges - Pivot points - Springs (carefully) - Chain or belt (if applicable)

Choose a lubricant specifically rated for high temperatures. White lithium grease and silicone-based products typically perform better in heat than petroleum-based lubricants.

3. Check Track Alignment

Heat-induced expansion can exacerbate existing alignment issues. Inspect your tracks for: - Gaps between rollers and track - Binding at specific points - Visible bends or dents

Minor adjustments can be made by loosening the mounting brackets and tapping the track into position, but significant issues should be addressed by a professional.

4. Test the Balance

A balanced door puts less strain on your opener during hot weather operation. To test: 1. Disconnect the opener by pulling the release cord 2. Manually lift the door halfway 3. Release it carefully

A properly balanced door should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment – a job for a trained professional due to the high tension involved.

5. Inspect and Service Your Opener

Your garage door opener works harder in extreme temperatures. Prepare it by: - Checking the force settings (doors may need slightly more force in heat) - Ensuring proper ventilation around the unit - Testing the safety sensors - Replacing backup batteries if applicable

Ongoing Hot Weather Maintenance

During the summer months, maintain your garage door by:

Operating Regularly: Even if you don't use your garage daily, operate the door at least once a week to keep parts moving and distribute lubricant.

Keeping It Clean: Wash the exterior of your door monthly to remove dust and debris that can trap heat and accelerate wear.

Monitoring for Issues: Pay attention to changes in sound, speed, or smoothness of operation. These can indicate developing problems.

Providing Shade: If possible, plant trees or install an awning to shade your garage door from direct afternoon sun.

Signs of Heat Damage

Watch for these indicators that heat may be affecting your garage door: - Door sticks at certain points during operation - Unusual squeaking or grinding sounds - Visible gaps in weatherstripping - Door doesn't close completely - Opener runs but door doesn't move

Professional Help

At Garage Door Company Colma, we offer comprehensive pre-summer inspections and tune-ups. Our technicians will identify potential heat-related issues before they become problems, ensuring your garage door operates reliably all summer long.

Call us at 510-876-9709 to schedule your hot weather preparation service today!

Back to Blog