How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, extends the life of your door and opener, and ensures safe operation. During a maintenance visit, our technicians will inspect and lubricate all moving parts, check the balance and alignment, test safety features, and tighten any loose hardware. If you use your garage door more frequently than average, or if it's exposed to harsh weather conditions, you may benefit from more frequent servicing.

What should I do if my garage door won't open?

If your garage door won't open, first check if the opener is receiving power and if the remote batteries need replacing. Also check if the emergency release cord has been pulled. If the door still won't open, it could indicate a problem with the springs, cables, or opener mechanism. We strongly advise against attempting to fix these issues yourself, as garage door components are under high tension and can cause serious injury. Call us for a professional diagnosis and repair – we offer same-day emergency service to get your door working again quickly and safely.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours for a single door and 6-8 hours for a double door. This includes removing the old door, installing the new door and tracks, connecting the opener, and testing the system. More complex installations, such as those requiring structural modifications or custom doors, may take longer. We always provide a time estimate before beginning work, and our technicians work efficiently to minimize disruption to your day. After installation, we thoroughly test the door and walk you through proper operation and maintenance.

Securing Your Home: Garage Door Safety and Security Tips

7 min read Garage Door Rochester Team

Your garage door is one of the largest entry points to your home, making it a potential target for intruders. A secure garage door not only protects your vehicles and stored items but also prevents unauthorized access to your home. Here are essential security tips to keep your garage and home safe.

Upgrade to Modern Security Features

Older garage door openers may use fixed codes that can be easily intercepted by tech-savvy burglars. Modern openers use rolling code technology, which generates a new code each time the door is operated. If your opener is more than 20 years old, consider upgrading to a newer model with enhanced security features.

Smart garage door openers add another layer of security by allowing you to:

- Monitor your door's status from anywhere, Receive alerts when the door opens or closes, Close the door remotely if you forgot, View live video of your garage, Set schedules and automate opening/closing

Secure the Emergency Release

The emergency release cord that allows you to open your garage door during a power outage can also be exploited by intruders. Thieves can use a coat hanger or similar tool to reach through the top of the door and pull the release, allowing them to open the door manually.

To prevent this, you can:

- Install a garage door shield that blocks access to the release, Use a zip tie to secure the release mechanism (you can still break it in a true emergency) - Upgrade to a release mechanism designed to resist this type of attack

Don't Leave the Opener in Your Car

A garage door opener clipped to your visor is convenient, but it's also an invitation to burglars if your car is broken into or stolen. Instead:

- Use a keychain remote that stays with your keys, Install a smartphone-connected opener, Remove the opener from your car when parking in unfamiliar locations

Reinforce Entry Points

The door connecting your garage to your home should be as secure as your front door. Install:

- A solid core or metal door, A deadbolt lock, A heavy-duty strike plate with 3-inch screws

Consider adding a keypad entry that automatically locks after each use.

Secure Windows

If your garage door has windows, consider adding frosted film to prevent potential burglars from seeing inside. This is especially important if you store valuable items in your garage.

For additional security, you can install security bars or reinforced glass on garage door windows.

Lighting and Visibility

Good lighting deters criminals. Install:

- Motion-activated lights near the garage, Timers on interior garage lights to give the appearance of activity, Security cameras pointed at the garage and driveway

Keep trees and shrubs trimmed so the garage is visible from the street and neighboring homes.

Lock It Down When Away

If you're going on vacation, take extra precautions:

- Manually lock the garage door from the inside, Unplug the opener to prevent remote operation, Have a neighbor check on your home periodically, Use smart home features to monitor and control access

Regular Maintenance for Security

A well-maintained garage door is a more secure garage door. Ensure:

- The door closes completely with no gaps, All locks and latches work properly, Weather stripping is intact to prevent entry points, The door reverses properly if it encounters an obstacle

Teach Your Family

Everyone in your household should understand garage door safety and security:

- Never share access codes with people you don't trust, Always close the garage door when leaving, Don't leave the garage door open for extended periods, Know how to manually operate the door in emergencies, Understand how to use smart features responsibly

Consider Professional Assessment

A security professional or your local police department may offer home security assessments that include evaluating your garage's vulnerabilities. At Garage Door Rochester, we can also assess your garage door's security features and recommend upgrades that will help protect your home.

Contact us to discuss security upgrades or to schedule a safety inspection of your garage door system. Your security is our priority.

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