A1 Affordable Garage Door Services

7 Warning Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are About to Break (And Why You Can't Ignore Them)

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:47:20 GMT

7 Warning Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are About to Break

Most homeowners assume the motorized opener is what lifts their garage door. In reality, the opener just guides it. The true heavy lifters of your garage door system are the springs .

Garage door springs are under immense, constant tension. They counterbalance the massive weight of the door, allowing it to glide up and down smoothly thousands of times over their lifespan. But because they endure so much stress, they eventually wear out.

When a spring snaps, it isn't just an inconvenience—it can cause catastrophic damage to your door, destroy your opener, and pose a severe physical danger to anyone nearby. Fortunately, springs rarely fail without giving you a heads-up.

Here are the seven most common warning signs that your garage door springs are on their last legs.

1. The Door Feels Unusually Heavy (or Looks Crooked)

Garage door springs are calibrated to make a 200-pound door feel like it weighs about 10 pounds. If a spring is failing and losing its tension, that weight will suddenly return.

What to look for: If you pull the emergency release cord and try to lift the door manually, it feels incredibly heavy or completely dead weight.
The visual cue: The door sags noticeably on one side when opening or closing. This usually means one spring has weakened or broken while the other is still trying to do the work.

2. Loud Bangs, Squeaks, or Grinding Noises

3. Sluggish, Jerky, or Hesitant Movement

While garage doors are naturally a bit noisy, you should always pay attention to new, alarming sounds.

What to listen for: High-pitched squeaking, intense creaking, or a grinding noise as the metal coils rub together awkwardly.
The ultimate red flag: A sound like a loud gunshot or a firecracker from the garage. This is the unmistakable sound of a torsion spring snapping violently under pressure. If you hear this, do not attempt to open the door.

A healthy spring system allows your door to move in one fluid, continuous motion. As springs fatigue and lose their elasticity, the door's movement will suffer.

What to look for: The door stutters, shakes, or moves much slower than it used to. It might seem like it's "catching" on something invisible as it travels up or down the tracks.

4. Visible Gaps in the Spring Coils

You don't always have to wait for a performance issue; sometimes, a simple visual inspection will tell you everything you need to know.

What to look for: Look up at the torsion spring (the long coil mounted horizontally above the closed door). If you see a distinct gap of a few inches dividing the spring into two pieces, the spring is completely broken.
Other signs: Heavy rust, deep corrosion, or visible fraying on extension springs (the springs that run along the upper tracks) mean their structural integrity is compromised.

5. The Door Only Opens Partially (Or Slams Shut)

Springs provide the lifting power and the controlled resistance needed to let the door down gently. Without them, gravity takes over.

What to look for: The opener lifts the door a few feet off the ground and then gives up, stopping completely.
The "Guillotine" Effect: Worse, when the door is closing, it drops much faster than normal or outright slams into the concrete. This is highly dangerous and means the springs are providing zero resistance.

6. Your Opener is Struggling or Burning Out

Springs provide the lifting power and the controlled resistance needed to let the door down gently. Without them, gravity takes over.

What to look for: The opener lifts the door a few feet off the ground and then gives up, stopping completely.
The "Guillotine" Effect: Worse, when the door is closing, it drops much faster than normal or outright slams into the concrete. This is highly dangerous and means the springs are providing zero resistance.

7. They Are Past Their Expiration Date

Garage door springs don't last forever. They are rated by "cycles" (one cycle equals one full opening and closing of the door).

The timeline: Most standard builder-grade springs are rated for 10,000 cycles. For a family that uses their garage door as their primary front door (opening it 3 to 5 times a day), those springs will typically last 7 to 10 years .
The takeaway: If you know your springs are around a decade old, it is significantly cheaper and safer to replace them proactively rather than waiting for them to snap and trap your car inside.

WARNING: Never Attempt DIY Spring Repair

Garage door springs hold a massive amount of stored kinetic energy. If handled improperly, or if the wrong tools are used, a spring can snap and cause severe lacerations, broken bones, or worse.

Spring replacement is strictly a job for trained professionals with the right equipment.

Protect Your Home and Your Family

Paying attention to these warning signs can prevent unexpected breakdowns, serious injuries, and costly secondary damage to your garage door system.

Are you hearing strange noises or dealing with a heavy, struggling garage door? Don't wait until a spring snaps completely. The experts at A1 Affordable Garage Door Services are ready to help.

Call us today at 972-877-5774 or schedule your inspection online to get fast, reliable, 24/7 service in Plano , Frisco , McKinney , Allen , Dallas , and the surrounding North Texas communities!

6 Warning Signs Your Garage Door Motor is Failing (And What to Do Next)

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:58:35 GMT

6 Warning Signs Your Garage Door Motor is Failing (And What to Do Next)

Your garage door motor is the unsung hero of your home, lifting hundreds of pounds multiple times a day with just the push of a button. But like any heavy-duty mechanical system, it has a lifespan.

Dealing with a broken garage door is incredibly frustrating and can pose a serious safety hazard. The good news? Garage door openers rarely fail without warning. By recognizing the early symptoms of a failing motor, homeowners can avoid being trapped in their garages and save money on what could otherwise become a major, costly repair.

Here are the six most common warning signs that your garage door opener needs professional attention.

1. Unusual or Loud Noises During Operation

A healthy garage door opener should operate relatively quietly. While chain-drive systems make some noise, a sudden change in the sound of your door is a major red flag.

What to listen for : Grinding, squealing, rattling, or rhythmic clicking.
Why it happens : These sounds usually indicate stripped internal gears, a stretched drive belt, or parts desperately in need of lubrication. It can also mean the door is off-track, forcing the motor to grind against unnecessary friction.
The Fix : Don't ignore it. What starts as a minor squeak can quickly escalate into a burned-out motor. A professional tune-up and inspection can usually resolve this before the motor dies completely.

2. Unpredictable or Erratic Movement

5. The "Phantom Operation" (Opening on Its Own)

4. Stalling or Stopping Mid-Cycle

3. Sluggish, Jerky, or Straining Operation

When you press the button and absolutely nothing happens—no lights, no sounds, no movement—you are dealing with a total system failure.

What to look for : A completely dead unit that doesn't respond to remotes, keypads, or the wall switch.
Why it happens : This could be as simple as a blown GFCI outlet or tripped circuit breaker, but if there is power to the unit, the motor itself or the main circuit board has died, often due to age or power surges.
The Fix : Check your breaker box first. If power isn't the issue, it’s time to call the experts. A qualified technician can tell you if repairing the logic board makes sense or if a full opener replacement is the more cost-effective, long-term solution.

A garage door that opens and closes without anyone pressing a button is a massive security risk for your home.

What to look for : You wake up or come home to find your garage door wide open, despite knowing you closed it.
Why it happens : This "phantom" operation is usually caused by a shorted circuit board, a stuck button on one of your remotes, or radio frequency interference from nearby electronics.
The Fix : First, remove the batteries from all your remotes and check the wall console for stuck buttons. If the problem persists, you need a professional to inspect the opener's internal wiring and logic board to secure your home.

Few things are more stressful than a garage door that gives up halfway, leaving your home exposed and your car trapped.

What to look for: The door goes up or down a few feet and completely stops, requiring you to manually pull the emergency release to move it.
Why it happens : This is often a built-in safety mechanism. If the door becomes too heavy due to a broken spring or cable, the motor will detect the overload and shut down to prevent starting a fire or destroying the opener.
T he Fix : Stop using the automatic opener immediately to prevent permanent damage to the unit. Call a repair professional to inspect the springs and cable tension.

If your door looks like it's struggling to lift its own weight, the motor is likely on its last legs.

What to look for : The door moves much slower than it used to, shudders violently as it travels up the tracks, or seems to pause and strain.
Why it happens : As motors age, they lose their lifting power. However, this can also be caused by a broken torsion spring or worn-out rollers forcing the motor to do more heavy lifting than it was designed to handle.
The Fix : You can check the tracks for obvious debris, but persistent jerking means the door is unbalanced or the motor is failing. Operating a straining motor will eventually cause it to overheat and burn out.

A reliable garage door should respond the exact same way every time you press the remote or wall switch. If your door has developed a mind of its own, the system is failing.

What to look for : The door only opens occasionally, reverses direction immediately after touching the ground, or requires multiple button presses to work.
Why it happens : Erratic behavior is almost always electrical. It points to a failing logic board, damaged wiring, or misaligned safety sensors.
The Fix : Avoid DIY electrical repairs. Garage door systems involve high-voltage components and strict safety mechanisms. Have a certified technician diagnose the logic board and sensor alignment.

6. Complete Unresponsiveness

Don't Wait for a Complete Breakdown

Catching these warning signs early gives you the advantage. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs not only extend the life of your garage door motor but also keep your home secure and your family safe.

Is your garage door motor showing any of these warning signs? Don't wait until your car is trapped inside. The experts at A1 Affordable Garage Door Services are ready to help.

Garage Door Inspection Checklist for Texas Homeowners

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:36:23 GMT

Garage Door Inspection Checklist for Texas Homeowners

To keep your garage door working smoothly, maintenance is a must. Maintenance extends the life of your garage door—while helping you avoid expensive garage door repair. We have provided a garage door inspection checklist for Texas homeowners to help keep your garage door functional for years to come.

Any repair that requires working with the torsion springs is extremely dangerous for anyone who is inexperience and untrained.

1. Perform the Door Balance Test

Unbalanced garage door = extra stress on parts

How to Do a Door Balance Test:

Disconnect garage door opener by pull on the emergency release cord hanging from the garage door open.
Manually lift up the garage door up, only halfway, then let go. If the garage door goes down or up, then it is unbalance. If it is stays where you left it, then it’s perfectly balanced.

If unbalanced, contact a professional garage door technician. It is extremely dangerous for an inexperienced person to repair a unbalanced garage door.

2. Inspect Door Panels

Damage to the panels can affect the alignment of the garage door. Inspect for damaged panels for proper performance and insulation.

Check Panels for…

Dents
Cracks
Rust
Peeling paint
Warping

3. Inspect the Weather Stripping

Proper weather stripping helps to keep garage insulated and pest out.

Check Weather Stripping for…

Brittleness
Crack
Missing stripping/seal gaps

4. Lubricate Moving Parts

Lasting maintenance involves lubrication. A garage door lubricant helps to keep parts functional and working smoothly. It is important to use a silicone or lithium-based garage door lubricant—avoid WD-40.

Lubricate Garage Door Parts:

Hinges
Rollers
Springs
Bearings

5. Inspect the Cables and Springs

Any cables or springs repair should be performed by an experience professional. If you have any faulty springs or cable, do not try to perform a DIY project.

Check Garage Door Springs and Cables for…

Corrosion
Rust
Spring gapping
Frayed cables
Broken cables

6. Inspect Tracks

Misaligned garage door tracks can result in derailment, if the tracks have a bend or excessive debris.

Inspect Garage Door Tracks for…

Rust
Bends
Warping
Loose connections

For Maintenance:

Clean out any debris
Wipe down track with mild detergent and a damp cloth

7. Inspect Rollers

For preventative maintenance, it is recommended to replace garage door rollers around 7 years or earlier.

Inspect Garage Rollers for…

Cracks
Chips
Out of track rollers

This quick checklist for a garage door inspection is a good preventative, though for a thorough inspection contact a professional. Have a question about your inspection? Give us a call at A1 Affordable Garage Door Services to speak with a garage door specialist. Serving Dallas and surrounding areas like Addison , Carrollton , Frisco and more! Contact us today at 972-877-5774 .

Belt vs. Chain Garage Door Opener: The Pros and Cons

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:32:08 GMT

Belt vs. Chain Garage Door Opener: The Pros and Cons

The debate on the two most common garage door openers —belt vs chain—depends solely on your home and specific needs. Let’s review the pros and cons of the belt and chain garage door opener to help you choose the best fit for your home.

Belt Drive Garage Door Opener: Pros and Cons

The belt drive opener connects to the trolley and works in response to the motor to open and close the garage door. This common garage door open is popular for its speed, low maintenance, and quiet operation. It is known for having less maintenance and noise than a chain drive garage door opener.

While many people like the pros of the belt drive garage door opener, they can change mind after hearing the cons. The lifespan can be shorter due to its lightweight motor and rubber belt. It is easier to install the belt garage door opener, though it may more expensive in the long run if you have to get a belt replacement. Although the cons of a belt drive can outweigh the pros to some people, many people prefer the belt drive over the chain drive garage door opener. Fortunately, longer warranties come with belt drive garage door openers.

Chain Drive Garage Door Opener: Pros and Cons

The chain drive opener connects a chain to the motor, which pulls on the trolley to open and close the garage door. Homeowners like the chain drive opener for its long lifespan and affordability. If you need your garage door opener to be more affordable and last a long time, the chain drive may be the best option if you can tolerate the cons.

The cons of a chain drive opener are usually listed as slow, loud, and maintenance. It is less expensive than a belt drive, but has a shorter warranty. Though it can last longer, it needs regular lubrication to keep it running in its best condition.

So, which garage door opener is the best for your home? It all come down to personal preference and needs. If you still need more help deciding between a belt vs drive garage door opener, give a call at A1 Affordable Garage Door Service . We can answer all your questions and get you garage door opener replacement that will last for years to come.

Expert Garage Door Repair : Serving Plano , Dallas , McKinney , Allen & Surrounding Areas

Top 5 Reasons Your Garage Door is Not Working

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:25:44 GMT

Top 5 Reasons Your Garage Door is Not Working

You already know that a broken garage door is an inconvenience, but you may not know the cause for your malfunctioning garage door. Let’s review the top 5 reasons why your garage door won’t work.

1. Problem with Your Garage Door Opener

A simply reason could be that your garage door opener is not working, which could be from being out of range from the door or needing a battery replacement. If your garage door opener or your remote opener does not work, then you may need to reprogram your opener. You can attempt this by pressing and holding the learn button until you see a blinking light, then pressing your opener button to reprogram your remote.

2. Photo Eye Sensors Issue

The photo eye sensors, located on either side of your garage, transmits an invisible beam to detect when something is in the path of garage door. Issues with the sensors can occur from an object being in the way, dirt on the lenses, or misaligned sensors. If you suspect dirt on the sensors, you can clean them by using a soft, damp cloth. If sensors have been bumped, it may be as simple as measuring the distance from the floor to the sensor on either side to manually fix alignment.

3. Broken Garage Door Springs

If your have heard a loud noise, such as a firecracker noise coming from your garage, then you have a broken spring. The springs support the heavyweight of your garage door, so without them, your door won’t work at all. Call the professionals at A1 Affordable Garage Door Services, if you spot a broken spring above your garage door. Torsion springs are extremely dangerous, especially if you are inexperienced, leave any spring replacement to the professionals.

4. Worn Garage Door Cable

When garage door cables begin to wear out it can lead to very dangerous incidents, such as the garage door crashing down. Worn or broken cables should be left to a trusted garage door professional. If you know you have a broken spring or cable, it is time to call for the expert in garage door repair.

5. Track is Not Properly Aligned

Just how the photo eye sensors need to be aligned, the garage door tracks have to be properly aligned in order to work. Misaligned tracks are a serious issue and should be resolved to prevent further damage to your garage door. Any gap between the rail and rollers is a sign that the tracks are not aligned. This should be resolved by a professional garage door tech due the heavyweight of the door.

Still don’t know what is causing your garage door to not work? Call us at A1 Affordable Garage Door Services in Plano , TX to schedule a garage door appointment. Have a garage door emergency? We offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair services for those unexpected garage door problems. Contact us now . We are happy to help!

What Causes Garage Door Brackets to Break

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 02:05:50 GMT

What Causes Garage Door Brackets to Break

Brackets on garage doors m ay be small, but they play an important role in keeping your garage door functioning properly. Garage door brackets must keep the door in place while it opens or closes, which is a lot of work considering how heavy garage doors are. So, what can cause your garage door brackets to break?

Let’s discuss some of the causes for your garage door brackets to break:

Causes for Broken Garage Door Brackets

Low Quality Brackets

Brackets are affordable, just be sure not to buy the cheapest brackets. Poor-quality brackets are a common cause of broken brackets on garage doors. You want the best quality brackets to ensure that they can hold the heavy weight of your garage door and last for a long time.

Mismatched Brackets

Garage door brackets must be the same type, or else you risk your door becoming unbalanced. Unevenly distributed weight can rip off the brackets. So, it is vital to have the same type and size brackets on the whole garage door.

Avoiding Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance for your garage door includes oiling your brackets. This is a commonly overlooked maintenance with garage doors, but it can have a big impact on the function of your door. Be sure to keep up with your garage door maintenance!

If you have a broken garage door bracket, give us a call at A1 Affordable Garage Door Repair and Services in Plano. We can help get your garage door functioning like it should, to get you in and out of your garage with ease! We provide 24/7 garage door emergency repair to Plano and surrounding areas like Frisco , The Colony , Flower Mound , Allen , Melissa , Celina , and more.

What is an ORB? (Operator Reinforcement Bracket)

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 01:53:23 GMT

What is an Operator Reinforcement Bracket (ORB)?

An ORB (Operator Reinforcement Bracket) is a needed accessory that better connects your garage door to your garage door opener.

What is standard, and probably on your door right now, is a small ‘nose-piece’. This connects the tow-arm of your opener to the garage door itself. When you open or close your garage door, this nose-piece is the single point of stress. It is pulling up or pushing down on the garage door.

The problem with these nose-pieces is that they are undersized for their task. Too often, this is the failing point of your door. Over time, stress is placed in a very small area of the top of your door, causing it to flex, bend, and eventually split.

Splits in the panels of a garage door are the most severe of problems. This can cause the door to become non-operational and need replacement.

What Does an ORB Look Like?

To avoid this problem and save your door, an ORB is recommended in place of the standard nose-piece. The ORB is a thick bracket, 21” long, that reinforces the entire top panel of the door, redistributing the stress of being pulled and pushed by the opener across the entire length of the panel.

By having an ORB installed on your garage door, you avoid the possibility of your door splitting along the top panel. Or having the nose-piece rip out from your door completely.

Whether your door is new or older. Installing a single 8 x 7 or a large 18 x 8 garage door, an ORB is a quick, easy, and inexpensive option. Additionally, that will extend the life, make it run smoother, and operate more reliably.

Garage Door Parts Showroom Plano, TX

We have many other parts for your garage door or opener located in our showroom. Our showroom is in Plano, Texas. Our showroom also carries several gate operator parts and accessories. We service all of the Dallas area, including repairing garage doors in Lewisville , TX.

Why Did My Garage Door Brackets Break?

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 20:48:39 GMT

Why Did My Garage Door Brackets Break?

A typical 16 x 7 residential garage door weighs around 150 pounds. Add insulation to that

which pushes the weight up to around 200 pounds or more. Garage door brackets are small but play a vital part in the function of your garage door. These heavy garage doors are joined to the door mechanism by door brackets. When your garage door opens and closes, the brackets hold your garage door in place by connecting the door to the sliding mechanism. Brackets allow the door to bend at each section as it opens or closes. There are many reasons brackets break, and neglecting the condition of your garage door brackets is not a good idea. It only takes one malfunctioning garage door bracket to create a situation that makes your garage door inoperable. A defective garage door bracket can cause your garage door not to open or close at all.

Reasons Garage Door Brackets Break

Let’s look at some of the reasons why garage door brackets break.

Lack of Maintenance

Noise and squeaky garage door brackets are one of the most common

problems. The noise comes from the friction caused by the brackets due to a lack of lubrication.

Occasionally, you will need to oil your garage door brackets so they are resistant to rust. To fix

the problem, use a silicon-based spray.

Poor Quality Brackets

Garage door brackets that are made with low-quality materials are

naturally prone to breaking sooner than brackets made from high-quality materials. Garage door hinges are very affordable. Buying the best brackets upfront will save money down the road. Mismatched Garage Door Brackets – When replacing a single garage door bracket, make sure the replacement bracket or hinge is the same type as the rest of the brackets. Mismatched

brackets could unbalance the door by distributing the weight of the garage door unevenly.

Conclusion

Call A1 Affordable Garage Door Services today if you suspect your garage door

brackets are wearing out or need to be replaced. Our skilled garage door professionals can help

keep your garage door functioning properly. A1Garage door repair serves Plano and surrounding areas like Flower Mound , Frisco , Colleyville , Lewisville and more.

Are your Pool Chemicals Stored in the Garage?

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 20:43:00 GMT

Should Pool Chemicals Be Stored in the Garage?

A relaxing day at the swimming pool is a great way to stay cool and refreshed in this HOT Texas summer heat. I’m sure you’re wondering why I am talking about pools especially from a garage door repair company. It’s simple, pool chemicals rust garage doors, torsion springs and any hardware that is on your garage door and garage door opener not to mention your car (if you park inside the garage). The high concentration of chemicals keeps your pool clean from bacteria, but is also strong enough to corrode substances such as steel and copper.

If you have a pool or your neighbor does, where are the pool chemicals stored? Most homeowners keep the pool chemicals in the garage. It’s a logical place to keep them. There out of site but still convenient to be able to take care of the pool.

The pool chemicals should be kept outside in a container that doesn’t have metal. A good example would be like a hard plastic container that can be used as a bench to sit on. Why would I store my pool chemicals outside and not in the garage?

When you store your pool chemicals inside the garage over time any metal that is inside your garage will start to rust. When the parts on the garage door and garage door opener start to rust, it interferes with the function of both the garage door and the garage door opener. The contacts on the garage door opener become rusted, the opener may not work properly, the hinges become rusted, they start to rip or tear, the torsion springs above your door start to rust, the life expectancy is shortened drastically. I am sure you get the picture.

Why Does It Matter?

You’re thinking, but the pool chemicals have a cover, so why would that matter? If you walk into a store that sells pool chemicals, what does it smell like? Pretty strong chemical smell, right? The employees don’t go around and open all the containers to get that smell, do they? Of course not, the chemicals “leak” out of the container, and when it is in a closed space, it can be pretty overwhelming. Your garage is closed all day and night, where do the chemicals go? On your metal hardware, like your Garage Spring and Garage Door, if it is outside, it can dissipate into the air and be blown away by the wind. This can possibly cause your garage door or Spring to wear out prematurely.

If you or someone you know has pool chemicals in their garage, please let them know what may be happening to the parts of their garage door or garage door opener. Better yet, forward this article to them to let them know.

Enjoy the rest of your summer floating in your pool!

LiftMaster Error Code 4-6 | What Should I Do?

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 01:32:50 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

So, your LiftMaster garage door opener ha s the error code 4-6? We can help y ou self-diagnose why your garage door opener is giving you the 4-6 error code and what to do about it.

Understanding LiftMaster Error Codes

The “up” and “down” arrows on your LiftMaster will determine what error code your garage door

opener is experiencing. This is done through particular light patterns to specify what the problem is. For the LiftMaster 4-6 error code, the “up” button will flash 4 times, and the “down” button will flash 6 times. This error code usually happens when you try to close your garage door.

The LiftMaster Error Code 4-6 is related to your safety sensors. With this error code, your garage door will not work properly. Garage door safety sensors are required by law for the safety of consumers, so when there is something wrong with your sensors, your garage door system will stop working. There must be two garage door safety sensors on either side of your garage door; if there are not, the garage door opener will have a 4-6 error code.

Possible Causes for the Error Code 4-6

Blocked Sensor

Most commonly, for a regularly functioning garage door, it will have this error code if there is dirt or debris on your garage door sensors. Try cleaning your sensors with a damp paper towel. Also, it can be an object in the path of the sensor, which can prevent the door from closing.

Misaligned Sensors

If the sensors are misaligned, the door will not close. Check the receiving sensor for a solid green light; this ensures that your garage door sensors are correctly aligned.

Incorrectly Installed Sensors

The installation of safety sensors is crucial. If sensors are not installed correctly, installed on the wrong side, or not installed at all, then the garage door opener will not function. Check the sensor wires for damage or splitting and ensure that the black and white wires are correctly connected to the corresponding colors.

If you still have not found the solution to your error code, then it is time for the professionals to take over. Give us a call at A1 Affordable Garage Door Repair to schedule an appointment today. We provide Garage door repairs to Frisco , McKinney , The Colony , Allen , Melissa , and surrounding areas.

Genie vs LiftMaster Garage Door Openers

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 01:23:41 GMT

Genie vs LiftMaster Garage Door Openers

When it comes to making a long-term decision about which new garage door opener to get, knowing the best products that are available is very important. Both Genie and LiftMaster garage door openers are companies that have been around for over 40 years, and their longevity in the market is proof that their reliability with customers is outstanding.

When deciding between the two, you must first decide what kind of opener, and at what price, works best for you. Genie's reputation as the industry-leader comes from their past models — those being the ones from the early to late ’90s. These were great openers, many of which are still in garages today. However, after a company buy-out (Overhead bought Genie in 2002), the quality of Genie products has been in sharp decline.

Modern-day Genie garage door openers are less expensive than their predecessors, but the overall quality, noise level, and life of their new products are not what they used to be.

Enter, LiftMaster. LiftMaster has seen its garage openers go from good to better, to best over the last 10 years. As Genie's products have gotten cheaper in quality, LiftMaster has improved. With their new 8550W Belt Drive, LiftMaster can claim that they have the best opener on the market today. Its whisper-quiet operation, durability, and built-in features like battery back-ups and wi-fi make LiftMaster the easy choice for almost any consumer.

Genies’ similar product, the 3024 belt drive, is similar in quietness. However, this does not come with the same quality motor that LiftMaster has. Also, the Genie 3024 does not have built-in WI-FI capabilities or a battery backup system. Both of which place their model behind its competition.

Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or are looking for a professionally installed garage door opener, the best use for your money, both in the short-term and the long-term, is going to be LiftMaster. The professional line of garage door openers.

There are many additional accessories to add to a garage door opener, like an outside keypad. If you're trapped inside your garage, learn how to get out quickly. A1 Affordable Garage Door Repair services Plano and surrounding areas like Addison , Carrollton , McKinney , and more.

5 Reasons Why Your Old Garage Door Opener Needs to Be Replaced

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 01:18:07 GMT

Why Your Old Garage Door Opener Needs to Be Replaced

Garage door openers don’t last for ever, and many homeowners never consider the possibility of replacement. The lifespan of most garage door openers is between 10 to 20 years. This depends highly on the type of garage door opener you have, usage of the garage door opener and how well-cared for it is. Like all machines, they eventually require repair or replacement. Here are some signs thy your garage door is failing.

Unusual Noises

During operation, if your garage door opener is making a grinding noise it may be related to the chain or belt on the door opener. Older garage door models were made with larger and more noisy components instead of the much quieter chains and belts that the newer models have.

1993 Consumer Product Safety Commission Requirement for Garage Door Openers

January 1993, the CPSC issued final rules for automatic residential garage door openers. The new rules require that automatic garage door openers manufactured must have two sensors on either side of the door to prevent the door from closing on an object, child, or pet. Any interference with the beam running between the two sensors will cause the door to stop and reverse. If your garage door opener was manufactured and installed before this ruling, it’s time to replace your garage door opener.

Battery Backup

Safeguard your family and garage with a battery backup garage door opener. New garage door openers come with a battery backup system that is designed to open and close during a power outage. Although you may only use this once or twice a year it’s worth the peace of mind.

Garage Door Keypad

Garage door keypad provides both security and accessibility. Newer models have keypads located right outside the garage door on the side of the wall. The outside keypad is used to open and close your garage door from the outside. Garage door keypads are dependable, secure, and convenient.

Home Security

Older garage door opener models have fixed codes that use radio frequency identification devices to be hacked, which allowed burglars to your home. Newer models use rolling codes which the code changes each time the door is operated, enhancing security. If your garage door is an older model, make sure to check its security features so your home is secure and protected.

Call A1 Affordable Garage Door Repair Services today for any garage door issues you may be experiencing. Whether you need a garage door replacement or repair, call us today at A1 Affordable Garage Door Repair Services and let us help you with your garage door repairs and replacements. We serve Plano and surrounding areas like Frisco , Allen , Addison , and more.

3 Types of Garage Door Openers: Belt, Chain, Screw

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 20:07:52 GMT

What are the 3 Types of Garage Door Openers?

There are three types of garage door drives to choose from: belt, chain, or screw. The type of garage door opener you choose is largely based on the homeowner’s preference. Although no specific garage door opener is better than the other, it comes down to customizing the opener to your variety of needs. Each drive has its own set of advantages to consider.

Belt Drive Garage Door Openers:

Garage doors openers that are belt-driven use a belt instead of a chain to move the garage door. Belt drivers are considered to be the luxury option of garage door openers due to being much quieter and sleekness. Belt drive openers use the same mechanism as the chain drive, but instead of chains, it has a high-tensile rubber belt, which is much quieter than their chain counterparts.

Chain Drive Garage Door Openers:

Chain driven garage doors use a metal chain to open the garage door instead of a belt. They are built to handle heavy and frequently used doors with ease. This style is widely used in residential garages because of its affordability and being readily available. Chain drive units are among the oldest drive units that implement a chain to push the trolley connected the J-shaped arm, and the J end is connected to the garage door.

Screw Drive Garage Door Openers:

A screw drive garage door opener uses a rod that is steel threaded upon which the trolley rides. The threaded bar is similar to the threaded bar of a screw that provides the motion that opens and closes the garage door. The advantages of having a screw driven garage door is it tends to be easier to maintain because of fewer moving pieces, and it tends to be quieter than chain-driven garage door openers.

Call A1 Affordable Garage Door Repair Services today for all your garage door opener needs. We have served our customers for years and are ready to assist you in outfitting your home with the correct garage door opener. We service Plano , Frisco , Allen , McKinney and surrounding areas with their garage door needs.

Why your Garage Opener is Beeping

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 01:01:46 GMT

Why your Garage Opener is Beeping

Reason for a Beeping Garage Door Opener

The latest garage door openers have a way to connect to Wi-Fi and include a battery backup for when there is no electricity. If your garage door opener with a battery backup is beeping it is usually to inform you about your battery back or similar issues. The length and number of the beeps determine the reason for the beeping. Commonly, the garage door opener is programmed to beep either every 30 seconds or every 2 seconds depending on the issue.

Why is My Garage Door Opener Beeping Every 2 Seconds?

If the LED screen of your garage door opener shows a solid orange light it indicates that the opener is using a backup battery due to a power loss. The power outage can be due to your home losing power or a problem with your electrical outlet. So, if you have power to the rest of your house, the issue is most likely caused by the electrical outlet that the garage door opener is connected to. You can check it by testing another gadget in the same outlet of the opener. Still not working? You may need to get a professional electrician scheduled to check out your outlet for the cause of the problem.

Why is My Garage Door Opener Beeping Every 30 Seconds?

If the LED screen lights up solid red, your battery back is completely out of power and must be replaced. There is no way to recharge battery backups for garage door openers. Check your local hardware store for a backup battery replacement. If the LED screen is flashing orange, your battery backup is low on power. Now, would be a time to consider buying a battery backup for when your battery is completely out of power.

How to Stop Garage Door Opener When it is Beeping?

Tired of hearing that annoying beeping sound? You don’t have to wait for the problem to be addressed. There is a simple fix for how to stop the beeping from your opener. First, unplug your garage door opener from the outlet to find the battery backup. Second, remove the battery backup, then plug in the opener again until you have a battery replacement.

If you have any garage door questions or if your in need of a garage door repair contact A1 Affordable Garage Door Repair Services serving most of the Dallas Metroplex including r epairing garage doors in Princeton tx .

Are Your Garage Door Torsion Springs Balanced Properly?

Fri, 30 May 2025 00:56:24 GMT

Garage Door Torsion Springs

Should You DIY Garage Door Springs?

There are many aspects to understand about garage door torsion springs and their replacement. Numerous websites and videos showing you how to change them yourself, using galvanized or oil soaked, some will count the number of coils within a certain measurement to determine the wire diameter of the torsion spring, some will use a spring gauge to determine the wire diameter of the torsion spring, and some will look at the color coding i.e. yellow, red, green etc. This can be somewhat overwhelming to an untrained service technician or “Do it Yourselfer”. It looks simple enough… how hard can it be???

But wait….

What if these methods don’t give you the correct wire diameter and spring size, show the proper technique to install safely, or worse yet, the garage door had the wrong torsion springs on it to begin with. We find this all too often in the field that the garage door has the wrong torsion spring or springs, not wound properly or not wound at all. As a homeowner how can you tell if they are the correct torsion springs that are installed on your garage door?

Unfortunately… you can’t.

Truly the most efficient and proper way to make sure the correct torsion springs are on the garage door is to weigh it and calculate the correct IPPT (Inch Pounds Per Turn). Yes, weigh it. It is a counter balance system and if it is off balance the garage door is not going to work properly. Now most companies will “manipulate” the garage door torsion spring(s) and make it work. However, the homeowner will not know this and over the long haul there will be issues with the garage door and/or garage door opener.

Some Examples of Garage Door and Garage Door Openers Problems:

Excessive wear on the garage door opener gear and sprocket shaft assembly.
Garage door opener up and down force settings set to high.
Cable coming off of the torsion drum and causing the garage door to come off track.

How Can I Tell if My Garage Door Torsion Springs Are Properly Balanced?

With the garage door in the down position pull your emergency release cord and disengage the garage door opener from the garage door opener rail.
Lift your garage door half way up manually. Two panels should be above the header and two panels below the header.
Release your hand from the garage door.
If your garage door starts to roll down your garage door torsion springs need to be adjusted. (Call a professional)
If your garage door stays in place it would appear that your garage door is balanced. Now…
Lift the garage door all the way up to the open position.
If the garage door “sucks” up in the header quickly and takes a lot of effort to pull down then you may have an issue. (Call a professional)
If the garage door lifts smoothly and stays up in the header without rolling back down, your garage door torsion springs are balanced.
If the garage door starts to roll back down the tracks, the garage door torsion springs need to be adjusted. (Call a professional)

WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPLACE OR ADJUST GARAGE DOOR TORSION SPRINGS ON YOUR OWN. THEY ARE UNDER EXTREME PRESSURE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. COULD CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH!

Wooden Garage Door Maintenance

Fri, 23 May 2025 00:46:36 GMT

Garage Door Maintenance for Wood Garage Doors

A wooden garage door adds an extra level of visual appeal to the exterior of your house. The beauty of the wood is sophisticated and eye-catching, which makes it a popular choice. If you are wondering how to keep that rich wood color, there are few simple routine maintenances that you can follow.

How To Care for Your Wooden Garage Door

Clean the Wood

Cleaning your wooden garage door accomplishes two benefits: It makes wooden garage doors look their best, and it makes any damage visible for the homeowner to address. The purpose is to clean the top layer of the wooden garage door (exterior and interior) without removing the finish. You will want to avoid any aggressive scrubbing.

To clean a wooden garage door, it does not need any expensive cleaners to get the job done. You can simply use a common household item—dish soap and water with a soft cloth or sponge (avoid any abrasive scrubbers). Dish soap works great because it is designed to break up oil, which helps to fight any grime and dirt.

If your garage door is due for a new finish, you can clean it, allow it to completely dry, then apply a quality finish.

Inspect the Wood

Inspecting your wooden garage door is often done when you clean it, but you can do it more frequently to ensure the condition of the wood. You should look for things such as rot, chips, and cracks. Also, be sure to check for termites or any other damage from pests.

If you discover any damage to the wood, get the problem addressed soon to help preserve its quality. Have termites? Call a pest control. Have rot or cracks? Call a garage door professional.

Lubricate the Parts

Taking care of wooden garage doors can also require mechanical maintenance. The garage door parts need just as much care as the wood exterior. If your garage door is screeching when it is in motion, look into buying a silicone lubricant at your local hardware store. Be careful to not over-lubricate the parts, read the directions to ensure the proper application. Over-oiling can cause more harm than good.

If your Wooden garage door needs repair or maintenance. Contact us at A1 Affordable Garage Doors Repairs. Serving Plano and surrounding Areas like Frisco , McKinney , Melissa and more!

Why is My Garage Door Opening Halfway?

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:38:34 GMT

Why is My Garage Door Opening Halfway?

Garage door s open and close numerous times throughout each year. With that usage, you are bound to experience a malfunction at one point or another. A garage door that only opens halfway is a common issue. Continue reading to help identify why your garage door is stopping halfway.

How to Identify Why a Garage Door is Opening Halfway?

First, close your garage door then pull the emergency release cord. The emergency release cord is the card hanging in the center of the garage near the garage opener. By releasing the cord, it will disconnect the opener trolley from the garage door. Next, attempt to open the garage door manually, if it doesn’t open, then there is something wrong with the door. If it opens with no problem, then you most likely experiencing a problem with your garage opener.

Reasons Why My Garage Door Is Not Opening All the Way

There are a few reasons why a garage door opens only halfway:

Weather conditions; extreme heat or cold
Worn parts or mechanics
Warped railing
Broken springs or drums
Debris blockage

Extreme heat or cold can cause railing to contract or expand. Though it is not just limited to the railing, other parts of the garage can wear out or malfunction from the weather conditions. Worn parts on a garage door m ay need to be replaced to fix the issue. If your garage door has a broken spring or damaged drum, it could be causing the garage door to open only halfway. Cables could be tangled or the railing could have a blockage.

There are several reasons why a garage door is stopping halfway. The best thing to do if you are experiencing a garage door that won’t open all the way is to reach out to a professional garage door technician. Have a garage issue? Give us a call at A1 Affordable Garage Door Services .

Why LiftMaster is One of the Best Garage Door Openers

Fri, 09 May 2025 00:31:53 GMT

Why LiftMaster is One of the Best Garage Door Openers

LitfMaste r is a well-known garage door opener manufacturer. There are several reasons why LiftMaster is a leading garage door opener. Let’s discover the top reasons why LiftMaster is among the best of garage door openers for your home.

Reasons to Trust LiftMaster for Your Garage Door Opener

Quality

LiftMaster is committed to manufacturing high-quality garage door openers, remotes and accessories. This set them apart from most of their competitors. With high-quality comes durability, longevity, and reliability. LiftMaster garage door openers are designed be used on a frequent basis while lasting for the many years to come.

Reliability

Since LiftMaster products are top quality, they are more than reliability for homeowners. This gives them an advantage against other lower end garage door openers. Homeowners want to have a garage door that will open and close when they need it, so a dependable opener is a must.

Innovation

Not only are they quality and reliable, but LiftMaster is always searching for the latest, innovative technologies. They strive to keep ahead of other companies when it comes to innovation. Along with constantly enhancing their products to improve user experience. With LiftMaster, you will find a selection of cutting-edge features, such as Wi-Fi and remote used via smartphone. LiftMaster ensures safety and performance with thorough testing, such as weather conditions, sensor detection, and advanced safety features.

Options

LiftMaster have a wide range of models to choose from. Whether basic or high-end, there is a model that will fit your specific preferences and needs. Are you looking to get a new LiftMaster installation or have more questions about LiftMaster. Feel free to give us a call at A1 Affordable Garage Door Repair or check out our garage door showroom in Plano , TX. We will happy to let you demo the garage door openers for yourself! We provide Garage door repair for Plano , Frisco , Flower Mound , McKinney , The Colony , and surrounding areas.

Garage Door Rollers

Fri, 02 May 2025 20:18:12 GMT

Are Your Garage Door Rollers Loud, Squealing, or Screeching?

Garage door rollers: Every Garage door has them and most people don’t know what they are or what to call them. It’s the part of the garage door that helps it go up and down every day.

What I’m talking about are Garage Door Rollers or “Wheels”. There are several different kinds of rollers for a garage door, nylon (plastic) rollers, 7 ball bearing steel rollers, 10 ball bearing steel rollers and 11 ball bearing neoprene rollers. Garage door rollers are an intrical part of a working garage door in that if they are not “rolling” damage can happen to the garage door as well as the garage door opener.

A frequently asked question is, How do I maintain the garage door rollers and How do I know when it’s time to replace them?

There is no simple answer, ask yourself, How often do I use the garage door on a daily basis? Most homeowners use their garage door on an average of two to four times every day. More if they have children or work out of the home. Lubricating them quarterly is recommended.

I am sure you change the oil in your car on a regular basis right? If you don’t, the vehicle will eventually start to have repair problems that can be costly. A little maintenance can go a long way. The same is true with your garage door and it’s parts.

How Can You Tell When It’s Time to Replace Rollers

The “wheel” will be wobbling, squealing, dragging and/or rubbing up and down the track. It’s now time to replace them with better quality garage door rollers and extend the life of your garage door and garage door opener. The homeowner can replace the rollers on their own with a little instruction. Better quality rollers will last a long time with lubrication and maintenance.

Taking just 5 minutes to lubricate the rollers every three to four months will add years to the life of your garage door.

The Difference Between the Rollers.

Nylon Rollers

Nylon (plastic) rollers are like a match box car. They have a metal shaft with a piece of plastic for the wheels. Over time the wheels stop rolling and they start to drag or “squeal”. When your garage door “wheels” drag on the track it puts a lot of undue wear and tear on your garage door opener. Sometimes when the “Wheels” are dragging flat spots will form on the roller making an awful sound when the garage door goes up and down. Builder grade garage doors frequently come with this type of roller.

7 BB Steel Rollers

7 BB (Ball Bearing) steel rollers are like the old time roller skates that we used to strap over our tennis shoes. (Ok I am dating myself!) They wear out quickly and sometimes within six months of the garage door moving up and down. Builder grade garage doors often come with this type of roller because they are very “inexpensive”.

10 BB Steel Rollers

10 BB (Ball Bearing) steel rollers have been used for many years and are usually still in good shape. They have ten small ball bearings rolling inside the “Wheel” up and down the track when your door is opening and closing. They are a great “Wheel” and last a long time if they are maintained properly. They need to be lubricated to keep the ball bearings rolling instead of dragging. These rollers are mostly replacement rollers after a garage door has had some problems and a service technician recommends to replace them.

11 BB Neoprene Roller

11 BB (Ball Bearing) steel neoprene rollers are like inline skates. They are very quiet rolling up and down the track. They are a great “Wheel” and will be like the 10 BB steel roller with no noise, they need to be lubricated with a garage door spray made specifically for garage doors. These rollers only come with brand new garage doors from some garage door companies. Not all companies use these type of rollers, several of them will use 10 BB steel rollers.

Now that you understand what a garage door roller is and the types that are available, the next question would be...

How Do You Lubricate Your Garage Door Rollers?

It is recommended if a product like WD40 is used – to use that at least once a month to keep everything lubricated properly. Spraying the rollers, hinges and big torsion spring located above your garage door is recommended. WD40 is a great product, it just doesn’t last long on garage door parts because it is made to displace water not lubricate parts or use a lubricant specifically designed for a garage door.

DO NOT USE ANY LITHIUM TYPE SPRAY!

Lithium will attract dirt, debris and overtime will stick to the tracks. When that happens the garage door will not roll up or down properly.

How to Lubricate Your Garage Door Correctly

The best lubricant to use on a garage door has No Silicone and a penetrating oil to truly lubricate the garage door parts, such as rollers, hinges and the big torsion spring located above the garage door. Lubricate your garage door quarterly to get the most life out of it.

Save the life of your Garage Door! I f yo u need your Garage Door Repair or Replacement Contact us today at A1 Affordable Garage Door Repair Services. We Service Plano and surrounding areas like The Colony , Sasche , Wylie , and more!

Why is My Garage Door Off Track?

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:58:24 GMT

Why is my Garage Door Off Track?

Why is My Garage Door Off Track?

When a garage door comes off track it requires a garage door technician. Don’t operate it until it is addressed by a professional. An off-track garage door can cause major damage to the door if you continue to open and close it. There are several reasons for a garage door coming off the track, here are some possible problems that can cause it:

Your Garage Door Spring is Broken

A broken spring causes a garage door to carry the weight on one side. Once a spring break, the spring on the opposite side is left to support all the weight. This can result in the garage door coming off track. Garage door springs are under serious tension and must be resolved by a garage door technician. Do not attempt to replace the spring as a DIY project. Some projects are safer and smarter to leave it to the professionals. It’s safer and will save you time in the long run.

Your Garage Door Rollers are Worn

Other times, garage door springs may be functioning perfectly fine, but the rollers are worn out. Rollers allow your garage door to smoothly move up or down the tracks. When rollers are worn out, they no longer function properly and become wobbly. In a worst-case scenario, rollers can come off completely or get locked in place.

Your Garage Door has a Loose Part

Garage doors open and close every day, multiple times a day. So, it is possible for a nut or bolt to come loose from simply daily use. Loose parts can cause a garage door to not operate properly. When a garage door is not working properly, it can have problems, such as coming off track.

Your Garage Door Experienced Damage

Sometimes damage happens from an accident. For example, accidentally hitting the garage door while reversing out of the garage, something falling on the garage door tracks, or someone running a car into the garage door. These are common mistakes that can cause the garage door to come off track.

Contact A1 Affordable Garage Door Services today. Serving Dallas and surrounding areas like Addison , Carrollton , Frisco and more! Contact us today at 972-877-5774 .

What Causes Hinges to Break

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 19:52:50 GMT

What Causes Hinges to Break

Little hinges swing big garage doors …Small in size, hinges are essential to the proper function of your garage door. Should they break or wear out, opening the garage will be difficult, if not impossible. Even worse, broken hinges can cause serious damage to the garage door itself. Look for signs of deterioration and get them fixed before you are faced with a major repair bill.

What Causes Hinges to Break

Your garage door hinges are subjected to a great deal of stress every time you open and close the garage door, and even more so when someone backs into it or hits the garage door. The best type of hinge to have with this type of heavy wear and tear over the course of their life is commercial grade hinges. These are full size and manufactured of heavy steel. They should last for about 10-15 years of normal use. Hinges made of thinner metal, builder grade, may be initially cheaper to purchase but will not hold up as long as commercial grade quality hinges.

Trouble Signs

The first sign of trouble is often a wobbly or missing screw. Three damaged garage door hingesThis may sound like a simple problem. In reality, though, the reason why screws holding garage door hinges in place become loose is that the metal plate (see torn end stile picture on right) they fit into has deteriorated.

When this is the case, a temporary fix for your garage door hinge may be a replacement of the screw with a nut and bolt.

Other trouble sources are bent or cracked garage door hinges, or damage as the result of impact. If the hinges have not been properly maintained, they may become rusted or corroded by pool chemicals stored in the garage.

Potential Damage to Your Garage Doors

Whether you have loose, rusted, or broken garage door hinges, stop using your garage door until the hinges have been replaced. You may want to park in the driveway or on the street. Enter your garage through the door from your house when you need access to stored items in the garage. Otherwise, you may run the risk of serious damage to your garage doors.

Broken hinges are capable of bending the garage door tracks or damaging the panels. The longer you wait to repair or replace the hinges, the more likely it is that you’ll end up needing to replace the garage door. An expense you may want to live without unless you’re in the market for a new garage door.

How to Solve the Problem

When the problem is a deteriorated end stile, try replacing the screw(s) with nuts and bolts. If the problem is the hinge is completely broken, use a commercial grade hinge to get your garage door back in working order. A builder grade hinge can be purchased from a hardware store or a commercial grade hinge can be purchased from a garage door company.

If you want to attempt the job yourself, prices range from approximately $5-$20 each. To have a professional garage door service technician replace the broken hinge, an estimate repair cost may run between $130-$160 for one hinge, additional if more than one hinge is replaced, including parts and labor.

SAFETY WARNING : Do not attempt to repair torsion springs yourself, serious damage or life threatening situations can occur. Leave this job for a trained garage door technician!

Garage Door Hinge Maintenance

Once your new garage door hinges are installed be sure to inspect them regularly at least twice a year for indications of wear and tear. In addition, all moving parts of your garage door, including the hinges, should be lubricated with a non-silicone garage door spray on a regular basis. This basic maintenance will keep them functioning smoothly and prevent corrosion.

A1 Affordable Garage Door Repair Services carries commercial grade hinges in their showroom in Plano as well as garage door lubricant with no silicone. Stop by today and learn how to check your garage door.

How Do Mice Get in Your Garage?

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:45:54 GMT

How Do Mice Get in Your Garage?

Mice in your garage can be awful! They like a warm place to nest. When the weather starts to change the biggest and best shelter is the Garage (Attics too!). Why you ask? Because the garage is a very large area they can come and go without being detected easily. Holes at the bottom of garage doors in the corners are the most common area for them to enter.

Mice in Your Garage

Garages in North Texas are used as a big storage area with cardboard boxes, furniture and other household items. This is a prime location to live and “chew” electrical wiring, cardboard boxes, paper and other household items.

What’s in your Garage for Mice to chew on?

Mice are particularly common in the garage. If you find one in your garage, you’re likely to find more. When your garage door was open, it’s possible that it “snuck” in, but they probably found some other way in. Listed below are some preventive steps to help keep mice out of your garage.

Stay Mice-Free in Your Garage:

Tighten seals around access points. If there are openings leading from the outside of your house to the garage, you’re going to want to find a way to cover them up or reduce the opening width.
Check the attic. Do you have mice in your attic? If so, they are likely to have an easy path between the garage and the attic. Sealing all access from the outside to your garage is not effective if the mice are already inside the attic.
Another way out of your garage to drive pests is to make it less attractive. We have little reason to leave if mice go in search of food and find it.
Check the rubber seal at the bottom of your garage door for damage or holes. It helps to seal the opening of your garage while keeping your door and the ground beneath each other from being damaged.
An added bonus is to put steel wool in each end of the bottomseal. Mice Do Not like to “chew” the steel wool!

This is one of the areas where rodents are often trying to “chew” through. If your garage seal is damaged or flat, contact us at A1 Affordable Garage Door Services to get it fixed right away and help prevent mice and other critters from getting into your garage.

Pros and Cons of Wooden Garage Doors

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 19:14:43 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Why Is My Garage Door Opening by Itself?

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 19:06:40 GMT

Why Is My Garage Door Opening by Itself?

Although rare, it is possible fo r your garage door to mysteriously open by itself. There are a few scenarios where your garage door might be opening on its own and how to address the problem.

Reasons for Why Garage Door is Opening by Itself

Sensor Malfunction

Since 1993, federal law has required that garage doors must have safety features such as garage door sensors. This safety feature opens the garage door during the closing cycle when it detects objects in the way. Physical sensors may be on older doors which causes the door to reverse automatically when the door touches an object. Motion-eye sensors are on most newer doors and are fixed on either side of the garage door about six inches above the ground. The reversal mechanism kicks in when an object passes through the sensor’s line of sight. Misaligned, worn or dirty sensors can malfunction resulting in the garage door opening on its own. If your sensors are aligned and clean with nothing blocking the door but your door is still opening unexpectedly, call a garage door specialist to evaluate the situation and make repairs.

Garage Door Remote Malfunction

Most garage door units come with a keypad located on the exterior, an interior button and car remotes. Examine the buttons on all remotes to determine if any are stuck in the “pushed” position. The buttons can easily get stuck if they are dirty so make sure they are clean and free of debris. If cleaning the remote buttons doesn’t solve the issue, check the keypad housing to determine if there are any frayed connections needing to be replaced.

Radio Frequency Interference

Most garage door openers function at frequencies between 300 MHz and 390 MHz. The most common frequencies are 300 MHz, 310 MHz, and 315 MHz. When an electronic appliance or device in your home or near your property is emitting the same radio frequency interference will occur causing your garage door to open or close. This doesn’t require a specialist to fix, just removing the source of the other radio frequency should eliminate the problem. Garage door openers that may match your neighbor’s garage door frequency would cause your garage door to open. Their remote could be interfering with your door. Give your neighbor a call to determine if they are on the same frequency. Reprograming the unit should correct the issue.

Our team at A1 Affordable Garage Door Repair Services can diagnose the issue and repair any problems. Call us today at 972-877-5774 . Serving Plano , Lewisville , Addison , and surrounding areas.

Broken Garage Door Cables and How to Fix it

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:07:06 GMT

How to Fix a Broken Garage Door Cable

Garage door cables are located on the sides to lift and lower the garage door easily. Eventually over time wear and tear can cause the cables to snap or lose tension by fraying. Upon inspection if you identify a slack in the cable that wasn’t there before or a snapped cable, it’s crucial to take steps to ensure the safety of you and your family. Read on to discover what steps to take to replace your garage door cable yourself.

How to Fix a Broken Garage Door Cable

Garage Door Cables and What They Do

Garage door cables connect your garage door to pulleys and springs by running from the bottom and up along the sides. The cables wrap around the pulleys when the garage door is opening and unwind when the garage door is closing. This action turns the pulleys and causes the springs to stretch.

Cables serve as a key function in your garage door system. Cables along with springs are considered the most important parts of the garage door system. With malfunctioning cables and springs an automatic garage door opener would not have the ability to lift the door.

Signs of a Snapped or Damaged Garage Door Cable

Strange Noises – Listen for grinding, squeaking, other noises that are not normal.
Garage Door is Stuck – When you attempt to open or close the garage door, nothing works. Best to call a garage door professional immediately.
Garage Door is Shaking – An unstable garage door is a sign of instability and can be deadly if it comes crashing down. A professional garage door specialist should be notified.

How to Open Your Garage Door with a Broken Cable

Garage doors are extremely heavy and can cause serious injury. Keep in mind at any time the cable can completely break causing damage to anyone close by.

It is possible to open your garage door with a snapped cable, but it is not recommended but only in case of an emergency. Only in case of an emergency take the following steps.

Pull the emergency release cord to disconnect your garage door from the opener.
Manually open the door using the handle located at bottom of door.
Using a clamp or vice hold the door open in place.

Remember only in case of an emergency are you to attempt to open your garage door. Call A1 Affordable Garage Door Repair for any repairs or replacement necessary for your cables and all other garage door needs. We Service Plano and Surrounding areas like Anna , Flower Mound , Lewisville , Rockwall , and more.