FAQ

Basics About Garage Doors

How to protect your garage door during cold weather?

Cold weather can wreak havoc on your garage door. After all, the metal pieces that enable your door to move will contract in cold weather, which could prevent your garage door from opening or break your garage door’s springs.

Using lubricant is the best way to protect your garage’s metal components during cold weather. For best results, apply some lubricant to the pulleys, bearings, springs, and shuttles. If your lubricant freezes, use a grease solvent and then reapply some lubricant. 

What is a commercial garage door?

Both commercial and residential garage doors allow people and vehicles to enter and leave their garages, but there are some major differences between them. For one, commercial garage doors are generally larger than residential garage doors. After all, trucks may need to load and unload supplies from large semi-trucks, whereas residential garage doors are usually around seven feet tall since they only need to accommodate sedans, SUVs, and pick-up trucks.

It’s also worth noting that commercial garage doors require standard, full vertical, or high-lift types, whereas residential doors can use standard or low-headroom lift types due to their weight. Plus, commercial garage doors require more energy to open than lighter residential doors. 

 

Though commercial garage doors are more expensive than their residential counterparts, they are incredibly durable and are ready to withstand heavy use. 

What are some garage door alternatives?

If you aren't a fan of traditional garage doors, don’t worry! There are plenty of alternatives to choose from. For example, a roll-up screen could keep the sun and bugs out. On the other hand, sheet metal doors could provide more protection.

More stylish garage door alternatives include barn doors, carriage doors, sliding doors, faux wood doors, fiberglass doors, tilt-up doors, and folding doors. 

Why are garage doors so expensive?

Garage doors are pricey, but they are worth the money. After all, they protect and secure your vehicles from the elements.

As for why they’re so expensive, we blame the fact that so many materials are required to create a functional garage door. Not only do you need the door itself, but you also need tracks, springs, cables, and rollers. Automatic garages also need a door opener, which has many smaller parts. 

 

What's more, supply problems have driven up the cost of everything from lumber to steel, impacting garage door prices in the process. Given how many moving parts and components are required to create a properly working garage door, the garage door supply chain has experienced more issues in recent years. 

Which garage door type is best?

When it comes to garage doors, the “best” type is mostly subjective. Roll-up doors are secure, making them a popular choice. However, barn door garage doors can add some extra flair to a garage. Steel garage doors are durable and cheap, but custom wood garage doors can be beautiful. The best garage door type depends on what you want in a garage door.

All About Lubrication 

How to lubricate door springs?

Lubricating garage door springs is an essential part of garage door upkeep that not only facilitates a smooth, quiet opening but also extends your garage door’s life. Luckily, it’s not too difficult.

To lubricate your garage door’s springs, spray lubricant over them or use a wipe. Just make sure to evenly coat the springs. 

Should you call an expert?

While it's certainly possible to lubricate your own garage doors, it’s always better to have an expert take a look. After all, while you may lubricate your garage doors once or twice a year, experts have likely done it thousands of times. They are very familiar with proper garage door maintenance and can do everything faster and more safely than you can. They might even stop potential problems in their tracks!

How to grease garage door rollers?

Before greasing your garage door rollers, cut the power! Then, you can remove any grease from the garage door tracks and start greasing the rollers. Use even layers, and don’t apply too much at once. You can always add more later, so only apply thin coats of lubricant.

No matter which type of rollers your garage door has, you should avoid using oil-based lubricants and immediately wipe off any excess grease with a clean cloth. 

How to remove grease from garage door tracks?

You can use a damp rag to remove grease, dirt, and debris from garage door tracks. If you come across thick dirt or difficult-to-reach places, you can turn to an old toothbrush or a vacuum cleaner — and if neither of those are doing the trick, you can always use an automotive brake cleaner. This will quickly loosen the grime in your garage door tracks.

How to lube the rollers by yourself?

After you’ve shut off the power, cleaned the grease from the garage door tracks, and inspected each roller to ensure none are cracked, misshapen, worn down, or otherwise in need of replacement, you can lube your rollers.

If your garage door has steel rollers, apply the lubricant directly onto the ball bearings on the rollers’ innermost part. Then, wipe off any excessive grease to prevent your door from becoming unbalanced. 

 

If you have nylon rollers with exposed bearings, you apply the lubricant to the exterior of where the rollers and shaft meet. Wipe off any lubricant that gets on the nylon. 

 

If you have nylon rollers with sealed ball bearings, you won’t have to lubricate them. 

All About Garage Door Repairs 

When should you replace your commercial garage door?

No matter how well you maintain your commercial garage door, there will come a time when you need to replace it. You may need to replace your garage door if:
  • It regularly breaks down.
  • It has been dented, cracked, misaligned, or otherwise damaged.
  • It’s causing insulation issues in your garage.
  • It’s old or worn out.
  • You want to upgrade to a newer, better-looking door.

Where does Kraus Garage Door Crew install, fix, and bring your garage door?

The Kraus Garage Door Crew services residential garage doors on-site.
We have the best repair technicians in New Jersey and service many towns and cities in the area. Our Morristown, New Jersey office is open Sunday – Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Do garage door parts for repair include rollers, tracks, cables, and springs?

Depending on the problem, you may need rollers, tracks, cables, and springs to repair your garage door. However, sometimes the problem can be as simple as a rusted spring, meaning purchasing replacement rollers, cables, and tracks would be a waste of money, so it really depends.

When should you call a garage door repair service?

It may be time to call a garage door repair service if:
  • Your garage door won’t open
  • Your garage door stalls when opening
  • Your garage door won’t completely close
  • You can’t manually lift your garage door when the release is disengaged
  • Your garage door has come off its track
  • Your garage doors’ panels are broken or damaged

Can roller garage doors be repaired?

Yes. In most cases, roller garage doors can be repaired. For example, if a roller is damaged or comes off the track, the fix is pretty simple and likely won’t cost much. However, if the door has incurred significant damage, it may be cheaper to replace it.

What is the most common problem with garage doors?

Garage doors can often become stuck in the open position, the closed position, or somewhere in between. Other common garage door problems include:
  • Old or broken door springs
  • Worn bearings or rollers
  • Obstructed sensors
  • Garage door opener remote problems

What is the life expectancy of a garage door?

The average garage door will last 15 to 30 years. However, a variety of factors can impact your garage door’s longevity, including the type of door, the brand, the climate you live in, how often it is professionally maintained, and how many times you use your garage each day. Proper balance and regular professional inspections and maintenance sessions can increase your garage door’s lifespan.

Is it safe to repair a garage door yourself?

You should leave garage door repairs to the experts. If something goes wrong, the door could crash down or a part could malfunction, which could seriously injure you. Plus, if you aren’t a garage door expert, you may create more expensive problems for yourself down the line.

How much is it to repair a spring on a garage door?

Garage door spring prices vary, depending on the company you go with and your location, but it generally costs $150-$350 per door. If there is no damage, your repair service will only need to lubricate the springs, which could cost less than $100.
Kraus Garage offers years of experience at an affordable price. So, next time you need to repair a spring on your garage door, talk to us!

Is replacing a garage door worth it?

Garage door replacement can seem expensive, but it’s definitely worth it. After all, there’s nothing more frustrating than having a malfunctioning garage door that won’t keep your vehicle safe.

Plus, a garage door replacement is an excellent investment. It could return nearly 98% of its cost in the form of a higher selling price should you decide to sell your home in the near future! Similarly, a new garage door could increase your home’s listing price by up to 4%! 

Why should a garage door be repaired by experts?

Experts should repair garage doors because they know what they’re doing! They can discover the root of an issue and resolve it much faster — not to mention safer — than someone who is brand new to garage doors can. With help from a garage door repair expert, your garage door will look and operate at its best in no time.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a garage door opener?

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

In some cases, repairs might be minor and will have a cost that reflects that. If you have a new but malfunctioning garage door opener, the fix would be as simple as reconnecting a wire or tightening a part. Generally, repairs that are $150 - $300 are worth it.

 

In cases where the repair cost exceeds $300, it might make more sense to simply replace the garage door opener. It may cost more upfront, but you’ll have a newer, higher-quality garage door opener and may save money in the long run.

How often should garage doors be serviced?

Preventive maintenance will keep your garage door looking and operating like new, so you should service your garage doors at least once a year, even if nothing is wrong.
However, it’s best to service your garage door system every six months to ensure everything functions well all year round.

When should I repair my garage door instead of getting a replacement?

If you have a new garage door with minor repairs that cost less than $300, you should likely repair your garage door instead of replacing it. However, if you have an expensive repair or your door is already old, you might as well replace it.

How long does it take to fix a broken garage door?

If you need a spring replaced, an expert can complete the job in 30 minutes to an hour. However, more complex repairs may take longer.

How long does it take a professional to install a garage door?

It will generally take 4-6 hours to install a new garage door and garage door opener.
However, if the replacement door is compatible with the existing structure, the installation process may be even faster.

How much should it cost to replace two garage door springs?

Professional garage door spring installation can range from as low as $150 to as high as $350. This price includes the cost of the springs and labor.

Can you install a new garage door on old tracks?

You shouldn’t install a new garage door on old tracks because garage door tracks are designed for specific garage doors. Every system has a different offset, meaning old tracks and new garages don’t generally mix well. In fact, using old garage door tracks can be a dangerous mistake.

How do I choose a garage door repair?

When choosing a garage door repair service, do your due diligence. You don’t want someone who knows next to nothing about garage doors doing work for you!

Review how long a company has been in business, and make sure to read reviews or ask your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors for referrals. Think about guarantees and warranties. If you have an uneasy feeling about one company, remember there are plenty of other fish in the sea!

 

If you need a quality garage door repair service, look no further than Kraus Garage. With over 24 years of experience installing and repairing garage doors, we are ready to ensure your garage door is in tip-top shape. We can do everything from lubricating springs to repairing electric openers.

Should you always replace both garage door springs?

If only one garage door spring breaks, it can be tempting to save some money by only replacing one spring. However, it’s best to replace both garage door springs. This will ensure your garage door remains balanced, as two brand new springs are better matched to share the wear and tear than one new spring and an old one.

How do you fix a garage door that won't work?

If your garage door isn’t working, there are a few things you can do. Applying lubricant can often help. Sometimes clearing the safety sensors will do the trick. Other times, you may need to check and clean the springs, cable, tracks, and rails.
However, the best thing to do is call up an expert. They’ll likely be able to tell exactly what’s wrong and can fix it quickly.

Should you lubricate garage door rollers?

Yes, lubricate garage door rollers twice a year to ensure your garage door opens smoothly and quietly. Regular lubrication can also prevent your garage door from jumping the tracks and parts from wearing out prematurely.

How do burglars break in through garage doors?

Unfortunately, people can break into garage doors in a matter of seconds. Burglars just need a tool to pry open the top edge of the door and a wire coat hanger. Then, they can slip the hanger through the opening, grab the cord with the hanger’s hook, and pull.

How many years do garage door springs last?

On average, garage door springs will last 10,000 cycles of opening and closing. For people that use their garage four times a day, springs will last around seven years. Of course, springs can break much earlier under certain circumstances, and many people have to replace their garage door springs every three to five years.
For example, if you use your garage door more than four times a day or have a heavier garage door, your springs will wear out faster. If you live in a cold or humid environment, your springs may rust and weaken much more quickly.

Is it better to repair or replace a garage door opener?

If your garage door opener has stopped working or is experiencing problems, it’s probably better to just replace it. In some cases, a repair may make sense. For example, if you have a new garage door opener that is malfunctioning but still under warranty, it makes sense to hire a repair service.
However, given how far security measures have improved within the last few years, purchasing a replacement is likely the best way to go in most cases.

How do I service my automatic garage door?

We recommend turning to an expert when it’s time to service your automatic garage door. After all, if you aren’t familiar with servicing automatic garage doors, you may accidentally do more harm than good.
If your automatic garage door needs servicing, Kraus Garage, the leading New Jersey garage company, is ready to help! We offer fast and professional service, 100% work guarantees, and free project estimates.