Comprehensive Garage Door Services for Santa Monica Homes and Businesses

Santa Monica Expert Tips for Garage Door Spring Repair

As a homeowner, you know that life is full of unforeseen occurrences, often appearing when you least expect them. One such inconvenience is having your car stuck in the garage, particularly after a recent garage door repair. Enter Robert's Garages, dedicated to upholding industry best practices and providing outstanding advice to homeowners every time we work in a garage. These practices not only save you time and money but also emphasize our commitment to customer satisfaction.

Proven Technique #1 - Updating 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, Robert's Garages 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.

Proven Technique #2 - Picking the Right Springs

Garage doors come in various weights and sizes, necessitating the use of the correct springs to properly balance the door. If a technician installs the wrong spring, it can damage your garage door system and cause the opener to work harder than it should. This can lead to premature opener failure and additional repair calls. DIY spring replacement can also be risky for this reason. That's why Robert's Garages technicians exclusively install the right springs for the door's weight and conduct a balance test to confirm their work.

Proven Technique #3 - Performing a Safety Inspection

Robert's Garages carries out a courtesy safety inspection for every spring repair, confirming that all hardware and moving components on your door function as they should and meet safety requirements. It's possible that some worn mechanical parts on your door, installed at the same time as the springs, are now in an unsafe state. A non-functioning spring could be a sign of a more extensive issue with your door. That's why we believe in providing a free safety inspection and upholding a secure environment for our customers as a best practice.

With our broad array of springs tailored to fit many garage door styles, we propose having a certified technician measure accurately and present an exact cost estimate. Get ahold of Robert's Garages right away to receive a specialist's evaluation and price quote for your garage door spring repair.

Garage Door Openers: Which One Matches Your Preferences?

Screw Driven Openers

Screw drive openers feature a lifting mechanism that runs on a threaded steel rod, as opposed to a chain or rubber belt. These openers perform best in locations with consistent weather and temperature conditions throughout the year. In areas with fluctuating temperatures or weather patterns, such as Santa Monica, a screw drive opener is not advised. Screw drive openers are the slowest and noisiest of all three openers but are the least expensive. If noise or slow operation was an issue with your previous opener, you might not enjoy having a screw-driven opener in your garage.

Jackshaft Openers

Jackshaft openers are unique in that they are mounted on the wall beside your garage door, connecting to the torsion spring above the door. They are an excellent choice for garages with high ceilings or when you want to clear up some ceiling space. Jackshaft openers are slightly more expensive than traditional ceiling-mounted openers.

Chain Driven Openers

Popular among Santa Monica homeowners, chain-driven openers are known for their reliability and utilize a metal chain to guide the garage door on its track. While these openers are a bit more budget-friendly than belt drives, they are also quite noisy. This can become an issue if your garage is situated below or next to your home's main living quarters. We typically do not recommend chain-driven openers due to the minimal cost savings and the absence of a lifetime warranty provided by LiftMaster® for belt drives.

Belt Driven Openers

Hailed as the top option in the garage door industry, belt-driven openers are both reliable and virtually silent. They function on a steel-reinforced belt and are slightly more costly than chain and screw-driven openers. For those in Santa Monica with garages connected to their homes or near bedrooms, a belt-driven opener guarantees that you won't be bothered by garage door noise. Many customers who opt for belt-driven openers are highly satisfied and can't imagine going back to the noise of a chain opener.

10 Powerful Reasons to Opt for Robert's Garages

1. Demonstrated Expertise: Boasting years of successful experience and a multitude of contented customers, our industry-leading professionals ensure your garage door requirements are handled efficiently and effectively.
2. Comprehensive Product and Service Offerings: Robert's Garages presents an extensive variety of products and services to meet your individual requirements. From bespoke doors to maintenance and installation services, we possess the right solution for every type of door or product you seek.
3. Professionalism and Knowledgeable Staff: Our staff members are both experienced and professional. They understand the significance of top-notch customer service and work tirelessly to ensure your time with them is enjoyable. From addressing your inquiries about garage doors to offering insights on overhead door maintenance, they're ready to help.
4. High Quality Materials: By selecting only top-notch materials, we guarantee that your garage door will be long-lasting and visually impressive. With our company in Santa Monica, rest assured that you're investing in a high-quality and valuable door.
5. Safety Commitment: Our company guarantees the proper and secure installation of your garage door. You can be confident that the installation and maintenance of your overhead door are carried out according to the strictest measures, ensuring a safe haven for you and your family.
6. Cost Effective Solutions: Robert's Garages delivers a variety of reasonably priced options for your doors and gates needs. Choose a solution that fits your financial preferences, from installations and repairs to tailor-made designs.
7. Prompt Service: In the world of garage door repair and installation, time is a valuable resource. A trustworthy Santa Monica company will guarantee that your requirements are addressed promptly and effectively.
8. Assurance of Quality: Our services and products come with a quality assurance, ensuring that any garage door repairs or installations meet the highest standards. This gives you peace of mind, knowing your investment is secure.
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 as Our Priority: Customer satisfaction is our top priority at Robert's Garages. We aim to exceed your expectations and ensure you're satisfied with our garage doors and other offerings.

Common Garage Door Repair Issues We Observe

Broken Springs: Garage door springs are a common source of issues when they break. The high tension they're under means they can break easily, so checking their condition is important when troubleshooting problems with your garage door.

Worn-out rollers: Garage door rollers can wear out over time and cause a noisy or stuck door. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for proper functioning.

Damaged Panels Replacement: If the panels on your garage door are beyond repair due to damage from weather, normal wear and tear, or impact from a vehicle or a heavy object, our team can help with replacement services.

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 is not opening or closing correctly, a faulty opener could be the cause. Contact a professional to diagnose and repair any issues with the opener.

Safety Sensor: The safety sensor is a vital safety feature of your garage door. Keep it in good condition and pay attention to its alignment to ensure your door operates correctly.

Door Repair: Addressing the Most Frequent Issues

Fading: The color of your gate can fade over time, which can be attributed to weather conditions and prolonged sun exposure. To preserve its appearance, you may need to repaint it periodically.

Rollers: If the rollers of your gate become damaged or worn out, it can impact its smooth functioning. You may have trouble opening and closing the gate. However, replacing the rollers is usually a straightforward repair that can solve the problem.

Rusting: Rusting is a common issue that results from exposure to moisture or humidity. It's important to be vigilant about checking your gate for signs of rust, especially if you live in a humid location.

Frames: Overhead doors with damaged or bent frames are prone to instability, making them a safety hazard. Immediate replacement or repair of the frame is necessary to avoid accidents and ensure safety.

Warping: Extreme weather conditions are a common cause of warping. Your gate could become misshapen if it's exposed to hot or cold temperatures.

Sagging: Wooden gates are often affected by sagging, which is primarily caused by the weight of the gate. To avoid this issue, it is recommended to use heavier hardware and secure the posts correctly.

Rotting: The lack of proper treatment or sealing of wooden gates can cause them to rot over time, resulting in the gate's weakening and eventual collapse.

Installation: A garage door that is installed incorrectly can be problematic. It can be unstable and unsafe, making prompt repairs necessary.

Hinges: When the hinges on your overhead door become damaged or misaligned, opening and closing it can become difficult. Fortunately, this is a simple repair that a professional can usually fix quickly.

Pests: Wooden gates can also fall prey to pests like termites and carpenter bees. Be vigilant and inspect the gate often for any signs of intrusion.

The Benefits of Replacing Your Santa Monica Garage Door

Although replacing your garage doors from a strict sale / resale perspective is a no-brainer, you might be wondering what other reasons there are for homeowners in Santa Monica to replace their overhead doors. Here are some of them:

Lowering Home Energy Usage

The garage door is likely the largest moving object attached to your home and can be the most energy-inefficient space due to its daily opening and closing. Even though Santa Monica, CA homeowners prioritize energy-efficient replacement windows and front entry doors, they often overlook the impact of their garage door on overall energy costs. Insulated garage doors can reduce the transfer of hot and cold air, leading to significant energy savings for your household.

Emphasize Safety and Security

In Santa Monica, many burglars enter homes through overhead doors. Are you confident that your garage door can resist attempts at forced entry? Additionally, older doors may not include safety features like automatic reversal.

Diminish Garage Door Noise

For those sleeping in rooms near or above the garage, the noise generated by overhead doors opening and closing can be quite distracting. To reduce door noise and create a seamless opening and closing process, consider Robert's Garages's ultra-quiet hinges.

Polish Your Home's Look

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

What Our Santa Monica, CA Customers Frequently Ask Us

Is it better to hire a professional for my new garage door installation?

We advocate for hiring a professional to install your garage door, as it's not a suitable do-it-yourself task. The sheer size and complexity of garage doors make them the largest moving parts in your home, and the installation process involves many intricate components. The springs, in particular, can be dangerous to connect, and proper installation is necessary for the door's performance. A professional garage door installer can efficiently complete the job while meeting safety requirements. In comparison, homeowners may spend days on the installation and encounter frustration. Furthermore, improper installation could void some warranties, making it advisable to use a professional. They can also remove your old door if you're upgrading.

Could an insulated door be a good solution for an un-insulated garage?

The use of insulated garage doors can minimize the transfer of heat or cold air through the large garage door opening, which is crucial for the following reasons:

1. Air can travel through the ceiling of the garage into the floor of the room above if your garage is below another room in your home, and insulated doors can help stabilize temperatures.
2. Insulated doors outperform non-insulated doors in both interior appearance and noise reduction.
3. Ensuring your comfort if you use your garage as a workshop.
4. Maintaining comfortable temperatures in your living area if your garage is attached to your home.

Steel or wood for garage doors?

Choosing a steel door can mean less maintenance compared to wood. Robert's Garages's steel doors come pre-painted with a baked-on coating. We recommend cleaning the exterior of the door with warm water and household detergent once a year. Our wood doors are delivered unfinished and need to be primed and painted or stained on all six sides. It's advised to visually inspect the finish once a year to determine if another coat is required.

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

Installing a sectional door is possible by adding the required track and springs, which your garage door dealer/installer can do for you. Depending on the garage's construction, some adjustments may be required. We suggest that you have your Santa Monica, CA dealer evaluate the job before installation so that any necessary modifications can be made.

Can I alter the color of my garage door after it's been installed?

Our steel doors at Robert's Garages are designed with durability and customization in mind. All our doors come pre-painted with a baked-on coating that can be repainted with any commercially available latex exterior paint. To ensure a seamless paint job, make sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and avoid using oil-based paints. Upgrade your home's curb appeal with Robert's Garages!