Garage Door Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of garage door repair varies based on the specific issue, parts needed, and your location. Our service call fee is $89, which includes a full diagnostic and safety inspection. Most common repairs range from $149.99 to $599.99. For example, spring replacements typically cost $149.99-$599.99, while cable replacements range from $129.99-$299.99. We always provide a detailed quote before performing any work.

D&L Garage Doors provides service in four main regions: Portland Metro (including Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, etc.), Salem & Mid-Valley (including Salem, Keizer, Albany, etc.), SW Washington (including Vancouver, Camas, etc.), and Idaho & Eastern Oregon (including Boise, Meridian, Nampa, etc.). We have physical offices in Portland, OR and Boise, ID.

We provide comprehensive garage door services including: repair, installation, spring replacement, opener repair and installation, cable replacement, track repair, panel replacement, maintenance tune-ups, weatherseal installation, and emergency services. Our technicians are fully trained and equipped to handle all major brands and types of garage doors.

We strongly advise against DIY spring repair. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if improperly handled. Our technicians have specialized tools and training to safely replace springs. Additionally, incorrect installation can damage your door system and void warranties. For your safety, always call a professional for spring replacement.

When a garage door comes off its tracks, our technicians will first assess the cause (often misaligned tracks, damaged rollers, or cable issues). The repair process typically involves disconnecting the opener, carefully lifting the door back onto the track, realigning tracks if bent, and replacing any damaged components. We also perform a full system check to prevent the issue from recurring. This is a technical repair that requires professional expertise to ensure the door operates safely.

Noisy garage doors are typically caused by worn rollers, loose hardware, insufficient lubrication, or worn hinges. Our solution involves a comprehensive approach: tightening all hardware, replacing worn rollers (often with nylon rollers for quieter operation), lubricating all moving parts, and replacing worn hinges or bearings. In some cases, we may also recommend vibration isolation for the opener or installing a belt drive opener for quieter operation.

A standard garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours for a single door. This includes removing the old door, installing the new door, connecting and testing the opener, and making any necessary adjustments. Custom installations or doors with special features may take longer. We always ensure the installation is complete and the door is operating perfectly before we leave.

Selecting the right garage door involves considering material (steel, wood, aluminum, etc.), insulation requirements, design style, budget, and long-term maintenance. Our approach is to first understand your needs, preferences, and budget. We then provide options that match your home's architectural style while offering the best value. We can show you samples, provide brochures of various options, and offer expert guidance based on your specific climate and usage patterns.

We offer a full range of garage door openers including chain drive, belt drive, and direct drive models with varying horsepower options. Smart openers with Wi-Fi connectivity and battery backup are also available. We primarily install LiftMaster (Chamberlain), Genie, and Linear openers, selected for their reliability and warranty coverage. Our technicians will help you choose the right opener based on your door size, weight, usage frequency, noise concerns, and desired features.

We recommend professional garage door maintenance at least once a year to ensure safe and reliable operation. This includes checking springs, cables, rollers, and other moving parts, adjusting the door balance, lubricating components, and testing safety features. For doors used frequently (more than 5 times daily) or in extreme weather conditions, twice-yearly maintenance may be beneficial.

Homeowners can safely perform basic maintenance tasks including: visual inspection of cables, rollers, and springs (without touching); testing the door balance (with the opener disconnected); lubricating moving parts with silicone-based or garage door-specific lubricant; cleaning tracks with a cloth (never lubricating them); testing safety sensors; and tightening accessible hardware. Leave spring adjustments, cable repairs, and any parts replacement to professionals.

To maximize your garage door's lifespan: schedule annual professional maintenance; lubricate moving parts every 3-6 months; keep tracks clean but not lubricated; avoid hitting the door with vehicles; wash painted surfaces yearly with mild detergent; test and adjust the force settings on your opener periodically; replace the weather seal when it shows wear; and address small issues before they become major problems. With proper care, a quality garage door can last 20-30 years, while openers typically last 10-15 years.

If your garage door won't open, first check: power to the opener (test the wall button and plug in another device); the opener disconnect cord hasn't been pulled; the door isn't locked manually; the springs aren't broken (look for a gap in the spring); and the photo-eye sensors aren't blocked or misaligned (check for lights on both sensors). If these checks don't resolve the issue, call us for same-day service. Never force a door open as it could cause injury or further damage.

When a door won't close or reverses immediately, the most common causes are: misaligned or blocked safety sensors (check for steady lights on both sensors); obstruction in the door's path; misadjusted close limit or force settings; bent tracks or damaged rollers; or a malfunctioning logic board in the opener. Try cleaning the photo eye sensors with a soft cloth, removing any obstacles, and checking for steady lights on both sensors. If the door still won't close, contact us for service.

Yes, D&L Garage Doors offers emergency and same-day service for urgent garage door issues. We prioritize situations where customers are locked in or out of their garage, security is compromised, or the door is completely non-functional. Our emergency service is available in all our service regions, though response times may vary based on your specific location and current service volume.