Frequently Asked Questions

Garage door repair costs vary depending on the specific problem, but here are typical price ranges for common repairs:

• Spring Replacement: $200-$300 (for both springs)
• Cable Repair: $150-$250
• Opener Repair: $100-$350 depending on the issue
• Track Repair: $125-$200
• Panel Replacement: Varies by door type and panel
• Roller Replacement: $100-$200

Most repairs fall in the $150-$400 range. We provide free estimates and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. The exact cost depends on the parts needed and complexity of the repair.

Garage door spring lifespan depends on the quality of the spring and how often you use your garage door:

• Standard Springs: 7-9 years or approximately 10,000 cycles (opening/closing)
• High-Cycle Springs: 15-20 years or 25,000-50,000 cycles

Factors that affect spring life include:

• Frequency of use (average household uses garage door 3-4 times per day)
• Quality of the spring (higher-quality springs last longer)
• Proper installation and balance
• Climate conditions (extreme temperatures can affect spring life)
• Regular lubrication and maintenance

We install high-cycle springs that outlast standard springs by 2-3 times, providing better long-term value.

We strongly recommend against DIY garage door spring replacement. Here's why:

• Safety Risk: Garage door springs are under extreme tension (200+ pounds of force). If released improperly, they can cause serious injury or death.
• Special Tools Required: Professional spring replacement requires specialized winding bars and other tools most homeowners don't have.
• Proper Training Needed: Our technicians receive extensive training on safe spring replacement procedures.
• Risk of Improper Installation: Incorrectly installed springs can fail prematurely or cause door imbalance.
• Warranty Issues: DIY installation may void manufacturer warranties.

Professional spring replacement typically costs $200-$300 and is completed in about an hour. The safety and peace of mind are well worth the cost. Call Rob's Garage Door at 734-301-5959 for safe, professional spring replacement.

There are several common reasons why a garage door won't close completely:

• Misaligned Safety Sensors: Photo-eye sensors on either side of the door must be aligned and unobstructed. Check if sensor lights are on and aligned.
• Incorrect Limit Settings: The opener's down-limit switch may need adjustment.
• Obstruction in Track: Dirt, debris, or objects blocking the track prevent smooth operation.
• Broken or Worn Springs: Weak springs can't properly counterbalance the door weight.
• Bent Track: Damaged tracks prevent the door from moving smoothly.
• Opener Malfunction: Problems with the opener motor or circuit board.

Quick Checks:

• Look for anything blocking the sensors or tracks
• Wipe sensor lenses clean
• Check if sensor lights are illuminated
• Try closing the door manually to see if it operates smoothly

If these quick checks don't solve the problem, call for professional diagnosis and repair.

Professional garage door installation typically takes:

• Single-Car Door: 4-6 hours
• Double-Car Door: 6-8 hours
• Custom or Complex Installations: May take longer

Installation Process Includes:

• Removal and disposal of old garage door
• Installation of new tracks, springs, and hardware
• Door panel installation and alignment
• Opener installation or reconnection
• Final adjustments and balance testing
• Safety feature testing
• Operation demonstration and maintenance guidance

We complete most installations in a single day, so you're not without garage access for long. Complex installations requiring structural modifications may take additional time.

Yes! Rob's Garage Door offers same-day service for most garage door repairs throughout Southeast Michigan.

We understand that garage door problems disrupt your daily routine and can create security concerns. That's why we prioritize fast response times:

• Call us at 734-301-5959 before noon and we'll often schedule service the same day
• Emergency situations (door won't close, creating security risk) receive priority response
• We carry common parts on our trucks for faster repairs
• Most repairs are completed in a single visit

For non-emergency repairs, we'll schedule service at your convenience, typically within 1-2 business days.

Watch for these warning signs that indicate your garage door needs professional attention:

• Loud Noises: Grinding, squeaking, scraping, or banging sounds during operation
• Slow Operation: Door takes longer than normal to open or close
• Uneven Movement: Door moves jerkily or one side moves faster than the other
• Door Reverses: Door starts closing then reverses before touching the floor
• Visible Spring Damage: Gap in the torsion spring above the door
• Frayed Cables: Cables show signs of wear or fraying
• Door Sagging: One side of the door hangs lower when partially open
• Difficulty Opening: Manual operation feels heavier than usual
• Opener Runs But Door Doesn't Move: Indicates broken springs or other mechanical failure
• Excessive Shaking: Door vibrates excessively during operation

Don't wait for complete failure! Addressing these warning signs early prevents more expensive repairs and improves safety. Call for professional inspection if you notice any of these symptoms.

Consider Replacement If:

• Door is over 15-20 years old
• Requires frequent repairs (repair costs add up)
• Multiple panels are damaged
• Door lacks modern safety features (auto-reverse, sensors)
• Severe rust or rot affecting structural integrity
• Door no longer matches your home's updated style
• Poor insulation driving up energy costs
• You're planning to sell your home soon (new door increases value)

Repair Is Usually Better For:

• Broken springs or cables (common wear items)
• Bent or misaligned tracks
• Opener problems or upgrades
• Single damaged panel (panels can be replaced individually)
• Doors less than 10 years old
• Otherwise well-functioning doors with isolated problems

Our Honest Assessment: We'll inspect your door and provide an honest recommendation. Sometimes a simple repair extends your door's life by many years. Other times, replacement is the more cost-effective long-term solution. We'll explain your options and let you make the informed decision.

Garage Doors:

• Clopay: America's favorite garage door brand, known for quality and style options
• Amarr: Premium doors with excellent insulation and durability
• CHI: Value-oriented quality doors
• Wayne Dalton: Innovative designs and reliable performance

Garage Door Openers:

• Chamberlain: Industry leader in opener technology and smart features
• LiftMaster: Professional-grade openers with exceptional reliability

As authorized Chamberlain partners, we specialize in Chamberlain and LiftMaster openers. These brands offer:

• Superior reliability and performance
• Smart home integration (WiFi, MyQ technology)
• Excellent warranty coverage
• Battery backup options
• Whisper-quiet belt drive models

Our extensive experience with these products means faster installation, better service, and access to manufacturer support.

Professional Maintenance: Once Per Year

We recommend scheduling professional garage door maintenance annually. Annual service includes:

• Lubricating all moving parts (springs, rollers, hinges, tracks)
• Tightening all hardware and fasteners
• Testing and adjusting door balance
• Inspecting springs and cables for wear
• Checking and adjusting opener settings
• Testing all safety features
• Cleaning tracks and sensors
• Identifying potential problems before they become expensive repairs

Monthly Homeowner Maintenance:

• Visual inspection of springs, cables, rollers, and tracks
• Test the auto-reverse safety feature (place object in door's path)
• Test manual release to ensure it works
• Listen for unusual noises during operation
• Keep tracks clear of debris

Benefits of Regular Maintenance:

• Extends garage door lifespan
• Prevents unexpected breakdowns
• Maintains warranty coverage
• Ensures safe operation
• Quieter, smoother performance
• Lower long-term costs by catching problems early

Coverage depends on the cause of damage and your specific policy:

Usually Covered:

• Damage from storms, hail, or fallen trees
• Damage from vehicle accidents (yours or someone else's)
• Vandalism or break-in damage
• Fire damage

Usually NOT Covered:

• Normal wear and tear
• Spring or cable failure from age
• Lack of maintenance
• Opener malfunctions

Our Recommendation: Check with your insurance agent about your specific coverage. We can provide detailed invoices and documentation if you need to file a claim. For most routine repairs and maintenance, insurance doesn't apply, but we offer competitive pricing and flexible payment options.

Torsion Springs:

• Located above the door, mounted on a metal shaft
• Work by twisting/torquing when door moves
• More common on modern garage doors
• Last longer (15,000-20,000 cycles or more)
• Safer when they break (stay contained on shaft)
• Better balance and smoother operation
• More expensive to replace

Extension Springs:

• Located above horizontal tracks on both sides
• Work by stretching and contracting
• Common on older or lighter doors
• Shorter lifespan (10,000 cycles typically)
• Require safety cables to prevent injury if broken
• Less expensive to replace

Both types can be dangerous when breaking and should only be replaced by professionals. We service and replace both torsion and extension springs safely and efficiently.

Yes, in most cases we can match replacement panels to your existing door color, though there are some considerations:

Best Case Scenario:

• Your door is from a major manufacturer still in business (Clopay, Amarr, CHI, Wayne Dalton)
• The model and color are still available
• Door is less than 10 years old

Potential Challenges:

• Fading: Older doors may have faded, so new panels might look slightly different even when color-matched
• Discontinued Models: Some older door models/colors have been discontinued
• Custom Colors: Original custom colors may be difficult to match exactly

Our Process: We'll identify your door's make, model, and color code. If an exact match isn't available, we'll discuss alternatives including replacing multiple panels for a more uniform appearance or considering full door replacement if the match would be very noticeable.

We're honest about what's achievable and will show you options before ordering.

Loud garage doors typically result from:

Most Common Causes:

• Lack of Lubrication: Dry springs, rollers, and hinges create grinding/squeaking noises
• Worn Rollers: Metal rollers wear out and become noisy; nylon rollers are quieter
• Loose Hardware: Nuts, bolts, and hinges vibrate when loose
• Chain Drive Opener: Chain drives are inherently louder than belt drives
• Worn Hinges: Create squeaking and grinding sounds
• Opener Problems: Worn gears in opener motor

Solutions:

• Professional lubrication of all moving parts
• Replace metal rollers with quieter nylon rollers
• Tighten all hardware and fasteners
• Replace worn hinges
• Upgrade to belt drive opener for whisper-quiet operation
• Add vibration isolation to opener mount

Some noise is normal, but excessive noise usually indicates maintenance is needed. We can often dramatically reduce noise levels through proper service and upgrades.

Yes, we service commercial garage doors for businesses throughout Southeast Michigan, though our primary focus is residential service.

Commercial Services We Provide:

• Overhead door repair and maintenance
• Commercial opener service and installation
• Spring and cable replacement
• Rolling door service
• Safety compliance inspections
• Emergency repair service

Commercial Experience:

• Loading dock doors
• Warehouse overhead doors
• Auto shop bay doors
• Storage facility doors
• Small business overhead doors

For large commercial projects or specialized industrial doors, we can provide referrals to commercial door specialists. Call us at 734-301-5959 to discuss your commercial door needs.