How quickly can you fix my sensor issues?

In most cases, we can diagnose and repair sensor issues the same day you call. Our technicians carry common sensor parts in their service vehicles, allowing for quick repairs. For standard sensor alignment or cleaning, repairs typically take 30-60 minutes. If your sensors need replacement, we stock most common brands and can usually complete the job in a single visit. Emergency sensor repairs are available 24/7 for situations where your garage door won't close properly, which can be a security concern.

What causes sensor issues in garage doors?

Garage door sensor issues typically stem from several common causes. Misaligned sensors are the most frequent problem—they can be knocked out of position by accidental bumps from bikes, trash cans, or lawn equipment. Dirty sensor lenses blocking the infrared beam are another common culprit, especially in dusty garages. Damaged wiring from weather exposure, pests chewing on cables, or general wear can interrupt the signal. Power surges can affect the electronic components, and age-related wear eventually affects all sensors. Sun interference can also cause issues when direct sunlight hits the sensors at certain times of day. Our technicians will diagnose the exact cause and recommend the most cost-effective solution, whether that's a simple realignment, cleaning, or full replacement.

Do you offer financing for new fiberglass door installations?

Yes! We offer flexible financing options to make your new fiberglass garage door installation affordable. We partner with leading financing providers to offer competitive rates and terms that fit various budgets. Options include 0% interest for qualified buyers on shorter terms, and low monthly payment plans for larger projects. The application process is quick and can often be completed during your free in-home estimate. Most customers receive approval within minutes. Contact us for details on current financing promotions and to see if you qualify. We believe every homeowner deserves a beautiful, functional garage door, and we work hard to make that accessible.

What's included in your maintenance service?

Our comprehensive maintenance service includes a thorough 25-point inspection covering all critical components of your garage door system. We professionally lubricate all moving parts including springs, hinges, rollers, and bearing plates using specialized lubricants designed for garage door systems. Spring tension is carefully adjusted to ensure proper door balance. All safety features are tested, including the auto-reverse mechanism and photo-eye sensors. We inspect the opener system, including the motor, chain or belt, and remote functionality. Weather seals are examined for wear and proper function. This preventive care extends your door's lifespan by years, prevents costly emergency repairs, and ensures safe operation for your family.

Are you licensed and insured?

Absolutely. Garage Door North Wilkesboro is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of North Carolina. All our technicians are factory trained on major garage door brands and many hold master technician certifications. Our insurance coverage protects you and your property while we work—this includes general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage for our team. We're happy to provide proof of insurance upon request. This protection, combined with our commitment to quality workmanship, gives you complete peace of mind on every job.

What warranty do you offer?

We stand behind our work with a comprehensive -year warranty on all labor and parts we install. This means if anything related to our workmanship fails within that period, we'll fix it at no additional cost to you. Additionally, manufacturer warranties on new doors and openers typically range from 1 year to lifetime depending on the product and component. For example, many premium door sections carry lifetime warranties, while springs and openers typically have 1-5 year manufacturer coverage. We'll explain all warranty details before any work begins so you know exactly what's covered.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours, including removal of the old door. This timeframe can vary based on factors like the complexity of the installation, whether we're installing a new opener, and any modifications needed for the door opening. We always aim to complete installations in a single day so you're not left without a functioning garage door overnight. Our team arrives with all necessary materials and equipment, and we clean up completely when finished.

What brands do you service and install?

We service and repair all major garage door brands including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI Overhead Doors, Raynor, and many others. For openers, we work with LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, Craftsman, and more. As an independent company, we're not locked into any single brand, which means we can recommend the best door for your specific needs and budget rather than pushing a particular manufacturer. This also means we can service and repair virtually any garage door you currently have.

Preparing Your Garage Door for Fall: Essential Tips

2024-01-10 Sarah Williams

Why Fall Maintenance Matters

As temperatures drop across North Wilkesboro and the Blue Ridge foothills, your garage door faces new challenges. Cold weather affects lubricants, metal components contract, and increased use during holiday seasons puts extra stress on your system. At Garage Door North Wilkesboro, we've seen firsthand how a little fall preparation can prevent costly winter breakdowns and keep your family safe throughout the cold months.

Visual Inspection Checklist

Start your fall maintenance with a thorough visual inspection. Walk around your garage door and look for:

Weather stripping condition: Check the rubber seal at the bottom of your door and the weather stripping around the frame. Cracked, brittle, or missing seals let in cold air, rain, and pests.
Panel damage: Look for dents, cracks, or warping in the door panels. Even small damage can worsen quickly in freezing temperatures.
Rust or corrosion: Inspect metal components including tracks, hinges, and springs for signs of rust, which spreads faster in humid fall weather.
Cable condition: Look at the lift cables for fraying or wear. Never touch or attempt to repair cables yourself—the tension can cause serious injury.
Track alignment: Check that tracks are properly aligned and securely mounted to the wall.

Lubrication: The Most Important Step

Proper lubrication is essential for cold-weather operation. When temperatures drop, standard lubricants can thicken and become less effective, causing squeaking, binding, and increased wear. Here's what to lubricate:

What to Lubricate:

Springs: Apply a light coating of garage door lubricant (not WD-40) to torsion or extension springs.
Hinges: Lubricate the pivot points on all hinges where panels connect.
Rollers: If you have metal rollers, apply lubricant to the bearings. Nylon rollers don't require lubrication.
Bearing plates: Apply lubricant to the bearing plates on either side of the spring system.
Lock mechanism: If your door has a manual lock, lubricate the lock cylinder and moving parts.

Pro Tip: Use a silicone-based or lithium-based garage door lubricant specifically designed for cold weather. Avoid using WD-40 or grease, which can attract dust and gum up in cold temperatures.

Testing Safety Features

Your garage door's safety features are critical, especially as children spend more time playing indoors. Test these features monthly:

Auto-Reverse Test:

Place a 2x4 board flat on the ground in the door's path.
Close the door using the remote or wall button.
When the door contacts the board, it should immediately reverse.
If it doesn't reverse, adjust the force settings or call for service.

Photo-Eye Sensor Test:

Start closing the door from the open position.
Wave your foot or an object through the sensor beam (about 6 inches off the ground).
The door should stop and reverse immediately.
Clean dirty sensors with a soft cloth and realign if necessary.

Weather Seal Replacement

The weather seal at the bottom of your garage door is your first line of defense against cold drafts, rain, leaves, and rodents looking for winter shelter. If your seal is cracked, compressed, or missing sections, fall is the perfect time to replace it.

At Garage Door North Wilkesboro, we stock weather seals for all major door brands and can typically install a new one during a routine service call. A properly sealed door can noticeably reduce energy costs by preventing heated air from escaping through gaps.

Balancing Your Door

A properly balanced garage door is essential for safe operation and opener longevity. To test your door's balance:

Close the door completely.
Disconnect the opener by pulling the emergency release cord.
Manually lift the door to about waist height and let go.
A balanced door will stay in place with slight movement. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment.

Warning: Never attempt to adjust garage door springs yourself. The high tension can cause severe injury or death. Always call a professional for spring work.

Preparing the Opener

Your garage door opener works harder in cold weather. Help it perform reliably by:

Replacing remote batteries before they die in cold weather (cold drains batteries faster)
Testing the wall button and keypad functionality
Checking that the opener light works for those dark winter evenings
Listening for unusual sounds that might indicate motor wear

Schedule Professional Maintenance

While DIY maintenance helps, nothing replaces a professional tune-up. Our 25-point inspection covers everything from spring tension to safety sensor alignment. We catch small problems before they become expensive repairs and ensure your door is ready for whatever winter brings to North Wilkesboro.

Contact Garage Door North Wilkesboro today to schedule your fall maintenance. We serve North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro, Boone, Lenoir, Statesville, and all surrounding communities with next-day service availability.

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