Trusted Garage Door Repair Services for Atherton, CA Homeowners

Atherton Garage Door Spring Repair: Tried and Tested

Unanticipated events are a common part of being a homeowner, and they tend to arise at the most inopportune times. One such event is finding your car locked inside the garage, especially shortly after a garage door repair. That's when ToN Garage Door Repair takes action, abiding by the best practices in the industry to offer top-quality advice to homeowners each time we set foot in a garage. These practices contribute to long-term savings in both time and money, and customer satisfaction remains our primary focus.

Preferred Method #1 - Swap Out Both Springs

Most garage doors are equipped with two springs that were installed together. When one spring breaks, it's probable that the other spring is nearing the end of its life as well. To avoid future issues, unsafe garage door use, and damage to your garage door opener, ToN Garage Door Repair generally suggests replacing both springs. Just as you would change both car tires if one were to burst, it's essential to maintain high-value equipment such as garage doors and vehicles by replacing both garage door springs.

Preferred Method #2 - Identifying Correct Springs

A range of weights and sizes for garage doors necessitates the use of appropriate springs to achieve the correct balance. If the wrong spring is installed, it can damage the garage door system and cause undue stress on the opener. This can lead to premature opener failures and additional repair appointments. For this reason, DIY spring replacements can also be dangerous. Our Atherton, CA technicians focus on installing the right springs based on the door's weight and perform a balance test to confirm their work.

Preferred Method #3 - Carrying Out a Safety Inspection

With each spring repair, ToN Garage Door Repair provides a free safety inspection to verify that all hardware and moving parts of your door are functioning properly and meet safety standards. Since the hardware may have been installed at the same time as the springs, it's possible that some worn mechanical components on your door pose a safety risk. A faulty spring could suggest a more serious problem with your door. This is why offering a complimentary safety inspection and ensuring a secure environment for our customers is considered a best practice.

As we maintain a large stock of springs compatible with various garage door types, we encourage you to consult with a professional technician for precise measurements and a definitive price quote. Reach out to ToN Garage Door Repair now to have an experienced technician supply a garage door spring repair estimate.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Garage Door Opener

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 Atherton 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 wall-mounted units installed next to the garage door and connected to the torsion spring above it. They're an ideal option if your garage has high ceilings or if you simply want to free up ceiling space. Jackshaft openers come at a slightly higher cost than ceiling-mounted openers.

Chain Driven Openers

Chain powered openers are widely used and highly dependable. These openers function by moving the garage door on its track using a metal chain. Although chain drives are somewhat more cost-effective than belt drives, they are popular among ToN Garage Door Repair customers. However, the downside of chain drive openers is their noise, which may be an issue if your garage is situated below or near the main living spaces in your home. We typically advise against these openers since the small savings do not justify the drawbacks. Additionally, LiftMaster® does not provide a lifetime warranty for the chain like it does for the belt on belt drives, and the motor is much louder.

Belt Driven Openers

Belt drive openers are highly regarded in the garage door industry as the top type of opener. They are not only as dependable as chain drives but are also virtually silent. Operating on a steel-reinforced belt, they are a bit more expensive than chain and screw drive openers. For Atherton residents with attached garages or those close to bedrooms, a belt-driven opener guarantees you won't be bothered by garage door noise. Customers who opt for belt drive openers are often extremely satisfied and find it difficult to return to noisier chain openers.

Unveiling 10 Reasons to Rely on ToN Garage Door Repair

1. Proven Experience: With a successful history spanning many years and countless satisfied clients, our industry-leading experts ensure that your garage door needs are managed effectively and efficiently.
2. Diverse Products and Services: ToN Garage Door Repair provides an array of products and services tailored to your specific needs. From custom-built doors to repair and installation services, we have the ideal solution for any door or product you need.
3. Skilled and Courteous Staff: Our employees are both well-informed and professional. They appreciate the significance of excellent customer service and work to ensure your interactions with them are pleasant. From addressing your concerns to providing guidance on door upkeep, they're available to help.
4. Premium Materials: We use only the highest quality materials to ensure your doors and gates are durable and aesthetically pleasing. With our company in Atherton, you can have peace of mind knowing you're investing in a valuable product.
5. Safety: Our company ensures that your door is installed correctly and safely. This means that you can rest assured that the installation and maintenance of your garage door have been done to the strictest standards, resulting in a safe and secure environment for you and your family.
6. Cost-Effective Solutions: ToN Garage Door Repair provides numerous economical alternatives for your overhead door requirements. Discover a solution that aligns with your budget, covering installations, repairs, and bespoke designs.
7. Expedited Support: When dealing with overhead door repairs or installations, time matters. A reputable Atherton firm will ensure your needs are handled swiftly and proficiently.
8. Quality Guarantee: By offering a quality guarantee for our services and products, we ensure that any garage door repairs or installations are performed to the highest standards. This allows you to trust that your investment is safeguarded.
9. Warranty: Our warranty coverage provides added peace of mind for your investment, ensuring that any malfunction or accidental damage to your garage door is taken care of. This helps to lessen any worries or financial burdens associated with a faulty door.
10. Satisfaction is Our Goal: ToN Garage Door Repair aims to ensure your satisfaction with our garage doors and other offerings. We strive to exceed your expectations and provide exceptional service.

Common Overhead Door Repair Issues We Face Regularly

Broken Springs: If your garage door isn't functioning properly, the springs could be the problem. They're under high tension and can break easily, so checking their condition is crucial.

Worn-out rollers: The garage door rollers can become worn out over time, leading to a noisy or stuck door. Regular inspection and replacement can keep your door functioning correctly.

Damaged panels: The panels on your garage door can become damaged from weather or normal wear and tear, or a hit by a vehicle or a heavy object.

Misaligned tracks: If the tracks that your garage door runs on become misaligned over time, it can cause significant issues, including getting stuck or falling off entirely.

Faulty Opener: If your garage door is not opening or closing correctly, the opener could be at fault. It's important to call a professional to inspect and diagnose the problem.

Safety Sensor: One of the most frequent problems that garage doors encounter is a misaligned safety sensor. This issue can occur when an object or a child accidentally hits the sensor, preventing the door from closing correctly. To prevent this problem, it's crucial to keep an eye on the sensor.

Door Repair: Addressing the Most Frequent Issues

Warping: If your gate is exposed to extreme weather conditions, warping may occur, causing it to become misshapen due to hot or cold temperatures.

Fading: Over time, weather conditions and exposure to sunlight can cause the color of your gate to fade. To maintain its appearance, you may need to repaint it every few years.

Hinges: Your gate may be difficult to open or close due to misaligned or damaged hinges. Luckily, this is usually a simple fix for a professional to address.

Rusting: The frequent problem of rusting is caused by moisture or humidity exposure. Those residing in humid regions should be extra careful to look for any rust signs on their gate.

Rotting: Unsealed or untreated wooden doors can rot over time, causing them to weaken and potentially collapse.

Installation: A poorly installed garage door can create significant issues. It can be unstable and dangerous, making it necessary to fix it as soon as possible.

Rollers: Damaged or worn-out rollers can negatively impact your gate's functionality. It may become challenging to open and close the gate correctly. Replacing the rollers is often a simple repair that can resolve the problem.

Pests: Wooden gates may also be vulnerable to pests, such as termites and carpenter bees. It is important to regularly inspect them for signs of infestation.

Sagging: Sagging is a prevalent problem for wooden doors, typically caused by their weight. To avoid this, use heavy-duty hardware and make sure the posts are securely fastened.

Frames: A damaged or bent frame on an overhead door can cause the entire structure to become unstable, making it a serious safety hazard. It's important to address the issue and repair or replace the frame promptly.

The Most Compelling Reasons to Replace Your Garage Door in Atherton

If you're considering replacing your garage doors, don't just think about the resale value. There are plenty of other reasons for Atherton residents to consider. Here are just a few:

Efficient Home Energy

As the largest moving object on your home, the garage door's daily opening and closing makes it the least energy-efficient space. Replacing old garage doors with insulated ones can significantly lower energy costs for Atherton, CA homeowners.

Raise Your Home's Attractiveness

Take note of the size of your garage doors in relation to your home's front. Upgrading them in Atherton can greatly improve your home's curb appeal without costing a fortune.

Muffle Garage Door Sound

The opening and closing of overhead doors can be a loud and distracting experience, particularly for those sleeping in rooms located next to or above the garage. To reduce door noise and ensure a smooth opening and closing operation, consider ToN Garage Door Repair's ultra-quiet hinges.

Make Safety and Security Priority One

Garage doors are a common point of entry for burglars in Atherton. 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.

The Most Commonly Asked Questions by Our Atherton, CA Clients

Is it necessary to hire a professional for the installation of my new garage door?

At ToN Garage Door Repair, we maintain that garage door installation should not be attempted as a DIY project. Given that a garage door is the largest moving item in your home and consists of numerous small components, the installation process is quite complex. Connecting the springs can be especially hazardous, and the door's performance depends on proper installation. Expert garage door dealers/installers can usually complete the task in a matter of hours, ensuring all safety measures are met. In contrast, most homeowners spend several days on installation, often experiencing frustration. Furthermore, improper installation may void certain warranties, so we advise having a professional handle the task. Another benefit of employing a professional garage door dealer/installer is the disposal of your old door when replacing it.

Should you go for an insulated door if your garage lacks insulation?

If you install insulated doors for large garage door openings, you can prevent the transfer of heat or cold air. This is important if your garage is attached to your home or used as a workshop, as it helps to maintain comfortable temperatures. Additionally, insulated doors are quieter and more visually appealing than non-insulated ones.

1. Compared to non-insulated doors, insulated doors have a more appealing interior and produce less noise.
2. Comfort is crucial when using your garage as a workshop.
3. Insulated doors play a key role in balancing temperatures in the room above when the garage is positioned beneath another room.
4. Insulated doors keep the air in the garage from traveling to the living area.

Which garage door material is superior - steel or wood?

Compared to wood doors, steel doors generally require less maintenance. ToN Garage Door Repair's steel doors come pre-painted with a baked-on coating from the factory. For best results, we recommend cleaning the exterior of the door once a year with warm water and a household detergent. Our wood doors are unfinished and must be primed and painted or stained on all six sides when delivered. We recommend inspecting the door's paint or stain finish once a year to determine if another application is necessary.

Is it recommended to replace my one-piece garage door with a sectional garage door?

A sectional door can be installed by your garage door dealer/installer by adding track and springs to fit the door. Other modifications may be required, depending on your garage's construction. We advise having your Atherton, CA dealer evaluate the job beforehand to ensure all necessary changes are made.

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

At ToN Garage Door Repair, our steel doors are pre-painted with a baked-on coating that can be repainted using a range of commercially available latex exterior paints. It's important to follow the paint manufacturer's instructions and avoid oil-based paints.