Garage Door Repair Services Tailored for Lowell Homes and Businesses

Lowell Garage Door Spring Repair Best Practices

Life's little surprises frequently catch homeowners off guard, often happening at the most inopportune moments. A perfect example is finding your car trapped in the garage, especially soon after a garage door repair. That's where RVJ Overhead Doors shines, adhering to the highest standards of industry best practices, ensuring that we give exceptional advice to homeowners each time we visit a garage. By following these practices, we save you time and money while making customer satisfaction our top priority.

Preferred Method #1 - Double Spring Replacement

Most garage doors come with a pair of springs installed at the same time. If one fails, chances are the other is also close to the end of its useful life. To avoid any future issues, possible risks, and damage to the garage door opener, RVJ Overhead Doors generally advises replacing both springs. Similar to changing both car tires if one bursts, it's essential to preserve valuable assets like garage doors and vehicles by replacing both garage door springs.

Preferred Method #2 - Identifying the Suitable Springs

Garage doors are available in different weights and sizes, requiring the appropriate springs to ensure proper door balance. Installing the incorrect spring can harm your garage door system and force the opener to overwork. This may result in early opener failure and extra repair calls. DIY spring replacement can also pose risks for the same reason. This is why our Lowell, MA technicians solely use the correct springs for the door's weight and perform a balance test to verify their work.

Preferred Method #3 - Executing a Safety Review

In conjunction with every spring repair, RVJ Overhead Doors presents a complimentary safety inspection, guaranteeing that all hardware and moving components on your door function effectively and fulfill safety requirements. Given that the hardware may have been installed when the springs were, it's feasible that some worn mechanical parts on your door are hazardous. A failing spring might indicate a more significant problem with your door. This is why we view offering a free safety inspection and preserving a secure environment for our customers as a best practice.

Considering our ample stock of springs for an array of garage door types, we recommend consulting a professional technician for precise measurements and a trustworthy price estimate. Touch base with RVJ Overhead Doors now to obtain an expert technician's appraisal and quote for garage door spring repair.

Comparing Garage Door Openers: Which One is Right for You?

Screw Driven Openers

Screw-driven openers use a lifting device that runs on a threaded steel rod, as opposed to a chain or rubber belt. They work best in locations with consistent weather and temperature throughout the year. For Lowell residents experiencing fluctuating weather patterns, a screw drive opener may not be the best option. They are the slowest and noisiest of the three types of openers and are the least expensive. If you're not a fan of slow or noisy openers, a screw-driven opener may not be the right fit for your garage.

Jackshaft Openers

Jackshaft openers are mounted on the wall next to your garage door, connecting to the torsion spring above the door. This type of opener is suitable for those in Lowell with high garage ceilings or anyone looking to free up ceiling space. Though slightly more expensive than ceiling-mounted openers, they provide a unique and space-saving solution.

Belt Driven Openers

Considered the best type of opener in the industry, belt-driven openers are not only as reliable as chain drives, but they are also virtually silent. They run on a steel-reinforced belt and are slightly more expensive than chain and screw drive openers. For homeowners in Lowell with garages attached to their homes or surrounded by bedrooms, a belt-driven opener ensures you won't be disturbed by garage door noise. Many customers who choose belt-driven openers are extremely satisfied and can't imagine going back to the noise of a chain opener.

Chain Driven Openers

One of the most commonly used and reliable types of openers is the chain drive. This opener operates the garage door on its track using a metal chain. Chain drives are generally more affordable than belt drives, making them popular in Lowell. However, chain drive openers can be noisy, making them less suitable for garages located below or adjacent to the main rooms in your home. We usually do not recommend these types of openers because the minor cost savings are not worth it. LiftMaster® does not offer a lifetime warranty for the chain, unlike the belt on belt drives, and the motor is considerably noisier.

Why Choose RVJ Overhead Doors? 10 Game-Changing Reasons

1. Proven Experience: Our long-standing record of accomplishment and abundance of contented customers demonstrate that our top industry experts will handle your garage door needs with the highest level of efficiency.
2. Comprehensive Range of Products and Services: RVJ Overhead Doors 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. Qualified and Amiable Staff: Our staff are both knowledgeable and exhibit professionalism. They appreciate the significance of top-notch customer service and aim to ensure your interactions with them are pleasant. From addressing your inquiries to offering advice on door maintenance, they're at your service.
4. The Best Materials: Our company employs the best materials in the industry to ensure your overhead door is both long-lasting and visually pleasing. This guarantees your investment in a high-quality door from our company in Lowell is a sound decision.
5. Security: Our company guarantees the proper and safe installation of your garage door. You can have peace of mind knowing that the installation and maintenance of your overhead door adhere to the strictest standards, creating a secure space for your family.
6. Cost Effective Solutions: RVJ Overhead Doors has a variety of competitive pricing approaches to address your garage door concerns. Seek a solution that works within your budget, covering installation, repairs, and custom design services.
7. Prompt Service: Repairing or installing a garage door demands prompt attention. A dependable Lowell enterprise will ensure your needs are catered to quickly and competently.
8. Quality Guarantee: We provide a quality guarantee for our services and products. This ensures that any repairs or installations are done to the highest standards, giving you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.
9. Warranty Coverage: We offer an additional layer of protection for your investment through warranty coverage. This coverage includes protection against malfunction or accidental damage to your door, helping to alleviate any stress or financial burden associated with a faulty door.
10. Our Satisfaction Guarantee: RVJ Overhead Doors stands behind our products and services, ensuring your satisfaction with our overhead doors and gates. We provide a satisfaction guarantee for your peace of mind.

The Overhead Door Repair Problems We See Most Often

Broken Springs: Garage door springs are under high tension and can break easily. Maintaining and checking their condition is essential for your garage door to function correctly.

Worn-out rollers: The rollers that assist in opening and closing your garage door can wear out over time, causing a noisy or stuck door. Check the rollers' condition and replace them as needed.

Damaged Panels Inspection: Inspecting the panels on your garage door regularly can help identify any damage caused by weather, normal wear and tear, or impact from a vehicle or a heavy object.

Misaligned Tracks: If your garage door is stuck, misaligned tracks may be the culprit. Check the tracks to ensure they're in the proper position.

Faulty Opener: If your garage door opener is faulty, it can prevent your door from opening or closing properly. Contacting a professional for assistance is highly recommended.

Safety Sensor: A common issue with garage doors is the safety sensor. Objects or children playing can hit the sensor and knock it out of alignment, causing the door not to close properly. Pay attention to the sensor to avoid this problem.

Overhead Door Issues: Repairing the Most Prevalent Problems

Fading: Sun exposure and weather conditions can cause your gate's color to fade over time. To maintain the new look of your garage door, consider repainting it every few years.

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.

Installation: Incorrect installation can lead to significant problems, especially with gates that may become unstable and hazardous. It is crucial to address these issues quickly.

Rollers: Properly functioning rollers are a key component of an overhead door's smooth operation. If they're worn or damaged, opening and closing the door can become difficult. The good news is that replacing them is typically a simple repair.

Rotting: When wood doors are not appropriately treated or sealed, they can deteriorate and rot. This can cause them to become weak and eventually collapse.

Hinges: The hinges on your gate may be misaligned or damaged, causing issues with opening and closing. Thankfully, a professional can usually resolve this problem without much difficulty.

Frames: The instability caused by a damaged or bent garage door frame can pose a severe safety hazard. To ensure safety, replacing or repairing the affected frames as soon as possible is essential.

Rusting: Rusting is often caused by moisture or humidity exposure and is a common problem. People residing in humid areas should be attentive to any signs of rust on their gate.

Sagging: Sagging is commonly seen in wooden doors due to their weight. To prevent this, use sturdy hardware and ensure the posts are firmly attached.

Warping: Weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures, can cause warping, which may result in your gate becoming misshapen.

The Advantages of Upgrading Your Lowell Garage Door

While it's clear that replacing your garage doors is a smart move from a strict sale / resale perspective, there are other advantages for Lowell homeowners to consider as well. Here are a few:

Ensure Safety and Security

Garage doors are a common point of entry for burglars in Lowell. Do you have faith in the ability of your current garage door to withstand attempts at manipulation by ill-willed intruders? Furthermore, if your garage door was installed a while back, it may lack modern safety features such as automatic reversal that lifts the door when it encounters an object.

Mitigate Garage Door Sound

Overhead doors opening and closing can generate significant noise, which can be disruptive to individuals sleeping in rooms close to or above the garage. To reduce door noise and facilitate a smooth opening and closing process, explore RVJ Overhead Doors's ultra-quiet hinges.

Beautify Your Home

Have you ever taken a closer look at your home's appearance? Your overhead doors in Lowell take up a significant amount of space in front. Upgrading them can greatly improve your home's curb appeal without breaking the bank.

Save Energy in Your Home

While many Lowell, MA residents focus on energy-efficient windows and doors, the garage door is often overlooked. Replacing it with insulated overhead doors can lead to significant energy savings and lower bills.

Frequently Asked Questions from Our Lowell, MA Customers

Is it more practical to have a professional install my new garage door?

At RVJ Overhead Doors, we stress the importance of relying on professionals for garage door installation, rather than attempting a DIY approach. The largest moving object in your home, a garage door necessitates technical knowledge for installation due to the abundance of small components. The act of connecting springs is especially dangerous, and correct installation is key to your door's performance. Professional garage door dealer/installers can typically complete an installation in just a few hours, while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Conversely, installations by homeowners usually last several days and result in considerable frustration. Furthermore, incorrect installation might void some warranties, so we advise utilizing a professional's expertise. They can also dispose of your old door if you're having a new one installed.

Is an insulated door a good investment for a garage that is not insulated?

Insulated doors can help reduce the transfer of heat or cold air through the large garage door opening. This is important if your garage is connected to your home or used as a workspace, as it maintains comfortable temperatures. Additionally, insulated doors have a more attractive interior and are generally quieter than non-insulated doors.

1. Insulated doors generally offer a more visually pleasing interior and produce less noise than non-insulated doors.
2. Comfort is a top priority for a garage used as a workshop.
3. For garages located below other rooms, insulated doors are essential for maintaining temperature stability in the room above.
4. Maintaining comfortable temperatures in your living area if your garage is attached to your home.

Steel vs. Wood - Which one should I choose?

Steel doors often require less maintenance compared to wooden doors. RVJ Overhead Doors's steel doors come with a pre-painted, baked-on coating. It's recommended to clean the exterior of the door at least once a year using warm water and a common household detergent. Our wood doors come unfinished and require priming and painting or staining on all six sides upon delivery. We suggest visually inspecting the finish of wooden doors once a year to determine if another finish application is necessary.

Is it possible to swap out my one-piece garage door for a sectional garage door?

To install a sectional door, your garage door dealer/installer can install the necessary track and springs. Depending on your garage's structure, some changes may be needed. It is recommended that you have your Lowell, MA dealer examine the project before installation to perform any required modifications.

What kind of paint should I use to paint my new garage door?

Yes, all our steel doors at RVJ Overhead Doors 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.