Q: Types of garage door springs, when should i replace a garage door spring, what type of spring is better torsion or extension?
A: The two types of springs used on garage doors today are extension and torsion springs. Extension springs are attached on either side of the door and stretch along the horizontal track when the door is closed. Torsion springs are typically located just above the top section of the door and are mounted to the header. They are wound springs and do not expand or contract when the door is moved. Torsion springs are a better choice because they balance the weight of the door better than extension springs for smoother operation and safety.
Q: Should I purchase a new garage opener or repair my old one?
A: Many garage door openers can be repaired and may be a less expensive option. However, there are times when opener replacement is recommended. According to LiftMaster, one of the leading manufacturers of garage doors openers, all garage door openers manufactured prior to 1993 should be replaced, rather than fixed. This is to ensure the highest degree of customer safety and satisfaction due to a Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) law. Many garage door openers prior to 1993 are not equipped with infrared sensors or other external entrapment protections devices and do not meet today’s standards for garage door opener safety.]
Q: What is the difference between a chain drive, belt drive, screw drive and direct drive for garage door openers?
A: Garage door openers have different systems that open a garage door. A chain drive uses a chain as the mechanism to help open/close a door; a belt drive a belt mechanism; a screw drive a corkscrew rod; and a direct drive attached directly to the torsion bar to help open/close a garage door. Belt drive openers tend to be quieter than chain drive openers. Screw drive openers are known to require less adjustment over time. Direct drives take up less space in your garage.
Q: What is so special about Direct Current (DC) garage door opener?
A: DC stands for direct current. This allows the opener to only run when it is in use opening and closing a garage door, resulting in additional energy efficiency for the home. Additionally, DC openers have soft start and stop features to help smooth the travel of the door and cut down on noise.
Q: Do I need a lock on my garage door?
A: If an electric garage door opener has been installed on your door, it may not be necessary to have a lock. Properly installed, electric openers can function as the lock, making it impossible for the intruder to lift your door from the outside. If you have an older opener, check to see if your door can be lifted from the outside.DASMA, the trade association for the garage door industry, discourages homeowners from attaching a lock when an opener has been installed, because too frequently, a child or other family member will accidentally lock the door. If someone tries to open the door using the electric opener, the opener will pull against the lock causing the door to be damaged. If no opener is installed on your garage door, a lock is highly recommended. A standard residential door is sold without locks since most garage doors are used with garage door openers. Optional locks may be purchased from a garage door dealer.
Q: I’ve lost/broken a remote for my garage opener. Where to purchase a new garage door opener?
A: Contact MASTER Garage Doors to find more information.
or contact your local garage door dealer to purchase a new remote. You can find your garage door opener contact information online, in garage door opener warranty booklet.
Q: Can I purchase a wireless keypad entry to my existing garage door opener?
A: Depending on the type of garage door opener and the year purchased, a keypad entry should be available for your garage door opener. Contact us to get more information. We have a wide selection of wireless keypads, including most popular Liftmaster universal 387LM keyless entry.
Q: When should i replace a garage door with a new one?
A: If your garage door does not operate, the door is a potential hazard. Do not try to fix on your own, instead contact a professionally trained garage door dealer. Another reason to replace a garage door is to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Garage door replacement ranks first in the upscale project category, recouping over 97% of the job cost when the home is sold! Garage door replacement has been named the highest return on investment (ROI). Lastly, your current garage door may be fading, sagging and just in need of a replacement. If you have a wood garage door that needs re-painting, replacing it with a new pre-painted steel garage door may be a better value. Painting a garage door adds significant weight to a door which may affect the spring and the performance of the garage door and opener.
Q: How to properly measure garage door:
A: 1. Measure the width of the door opening at the widest point. This is the distance between the right and the left sides of the finished opening. The inside of the garage door should be framed with 2’x6’ wood jambs.
1. Measure the height of the door opening at the highest point. This is the distance between the top of the finished opening and the garage floor.
2. Measure the width of the areas beside the openings. Around 3-3/4’ is required on each side for installation of the vertical track.
3. Measure headroom space: the area between the ceiling to the top of the door opening. Carriage House Doors require 15” of headroom and all other doors require 12” of headroom of the door installation. An additional 3” is required for an opener
4. Measure the distance from the garage opening to the rear of the garage.
Q: What is the best garage door?
A: Each homeowner has unique needs for a new garage door based on the desired styling, the level of care & maintenance required, the energy efficiency and the location of the garage in one’s home. Steps to determine which garage door suits you best:1. Determine the material that best suits the care & maintenance that you desire. Most of garage door manufacturers offer garage doors made from steel, wood composite, wood and aluminum.
2. Choose the door design that best complements your home, including window, color and decorative hardware options.
3. Determine the level of energy efficiency and noise reduction that best suits your needs depending on if you have a room above or adjacent to your garage or have children that play inside of the garage. Most doors are available with option- insulated and non insulated.
Q: Why would I choose a steel garage door?
A: Steel garage doors offer strength, security, energy efficiency and the best value. Due to advanced manufacturing, steel garage doors are less costly than other types of garage doors and are offered in a variety of designs and colors to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Most steel garage doors are pre-painted in a variety of colors, and top garage door manufacturers will provide warranty for paint finish against fading and discoloration.
Q: Why would I choose a wood garage door?
A: Since garage doors were first built, garage doors have been made out of wood because they offer the most personalized and decorative options. Wood doors provide security and insulation, but tend to be higher priced due to its individual customization in manufacturing. Wood doors can be painted or stained to match the exact look you desire. The challenge with wood doors is their tendency to expand and contract with changes in temperature. Wood garage doors are an excellent choice when you want the natural, warmth and beauty of wood to match your entry door and home.
Q: What is a carriage house door?
A: A Carriage House door is a type of garage door that replicates the look of doors found on carriage houses in the early 19th and 20th Century. Designs are available from steel and wood. Garage door look like it swing opens, but it actually moves as standard overhead door.
Q: I want a garage door that is safe for my family/kids/pets. What garage doors are the safest?
A: Garage door is the largest moving object in your home and safety definitely should be a concern when selecting a new garage door. Most new garage doors are equipped with various safety features like pinch protection or photo-eye safety reversal system to enhance overall safety for the homeowners
Q: Are there any special size garage doors available? Do you offer unusual size doors for custom-build garages?
A: Yes. We offer residential doors in widths between 6' to 20' and in heights between 6'6" and 12'.*
*Not all door models are available in this range of widths.
Q: What is the minimum space (headroom) required to install a sectional garage door?
A: Standard headroom applications require 12" to 18" of space between the bottom of the opening header and the unobstructed ceiling. However, many manufacturers provide solution for custom-built applications. A variety of special track options is available and makes it possible for many unusual garages to be fitted with doors. By using low-headroom track, it is possible to install a door with a garage door opener in an area that has as little as 9-1/2" of headroom.Other special track applications include:
1) Vertical lift track, for use in situations where the ceiling is extremely high and the garage door has room to lift straight up.
2) Follow-the-roofline track, which is used when the ceiling of the garage is pitched at the angle of the roof, making it desirable for the door to follow the same angle, thus providing additional overhead room.
3) Hi-lift track, which is used when the ceiling is unusually high, but the door must still retract to a horizontal position.
Q: Is it possible to replace a broken window in garage door?
A: Master garage door provides window replacement service for your door, but only for selected models. Some models may need full panel replacement.