Frequently Asked
Questions
Find answers to common questions about our installations, repairs, and services.
Repairs & Maintenance
A garage door should ideally be inspected and serviced once a year. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of:
- Springs
- Rollers
- Bearings
- Cables
- Opener components
It also helps catch safety issues before they become expensive repairs.
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency response for stuck doors, broken springs, and other immediate safety concerns in the Ottawa region.
Standard torsion springs typically last about 10,000 cycles, which is around 7–10 years for many homes. High-cycle springs can last significantly longer depending on usage.
One open-and-close equals one cycle.
Torsion spring replacement is not recommended as a DIY project unless you have proper training and tools. Garage door springs are under very high tension and can cause serious injury if released incorrectly.
Professional technicians use:
- Specialized winding bars
- Correct spring sizing
- Proper balancing procedures
- Safety techniques for releasing tension
If your spring breaks, it’s safer to leave the door closed and call a professional.
Signs of a broken spring include:
- Loud bang from the garage
- Door only opens a few inches
- Door feels very heavy
- Opener strains or stops
- Visible gap in the spring
A broken spring should be replaced before using the door again.
Troubleshooting
This is usually caused by one of these issues:
- A broken or weak torsion spring
- Misaligned or blocked safety sensors
- Damaged rollers or tracks
- Incorrect opener force/settings
- A snapped cable
If the door feels extremely heavy when trying to lift it manually, the spring is often the problem. Avoid forcing the opener because it can damage the motor.
Common causes include:
- Safety sensors blocked or misaligned
- Something obstructing the tracks
- Opener travel limits needing adjustment
- Broken springs or cables
Check that the sensor lights are solid and nothing is blocking the beam.
This usually happens because:
- Safety sensors are dirty or misaligned
- The opener force is set too sensitive
- Something is blocking the door path
- The tracks have resistance or debris
Cleaning and aligning the sensors often solves the issue.
A crooked or uneven garage door is commonly caused by:
- A broken cable
- A damaged spring
- Bent tracks
- Roller problems
Stop using the door immediately if it’s crooked, since continued use can cause more damage.
Grinding, squeaking, or banging noises can come from:
- Worn rollers
- Loose hardware
- Dry hinges or bearings
- Failing springs
- An opener needing adjustment
Regular lubrication and maintenance can prevent many noise issues.
Installations
A typical residential installation takes about 3 to 5 hours, depending on the complexity of the door and opener system.
Absolutely. We handle the complete removal and eco-friendly disposal of your old door and hardware as part of our installation service.
Insulation & Climate
Yes. Cold weather can:
- Thicken grease and lubricants
- Cause metal parts to contract
- Make older springs weaker
- Freeze the bottom seal to the ground
Using proper garage door lubricant and seasonal maintenance helps prevent winter problems.
A cold garage during winter is often caused by poor insulation, air gaps around the door, or an older non-insulated garage door. Since the garage door is usually the largest opening in the garage, it has a major impact on temperature retention.
The insulation rating of a garage door is measured by its R-value — the higher the R-value, the better the insulation performance. Better insulation can help:
- Keep the garage warmer in winter
- Reduce drafts and outside noise
- Improve energy efficiency
- Make attached garages more comfortable
We offer R-18 insulated garage doors, which provide strong thermal performance and are a great option for homeowners looking to improve comfort and efficiency year-round.