My Blog

Category: Home Service

  • DIY Garage Door Spring Repair: Why Most Experts Strongly Warn Against It

    DIY Garage Door Spring Repair: Why Most Experts Strongly Warn Against It

    When your garage door suddenly won’t open, slams shut, or makes a loud bang that echoes through the house, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a broken garage door spring. At that moment, many homeowners jump online searching for garage door spring repair near me or even wondering if this is a quick DIY fix they can handle themselves.

    At Afford-A-Door inc, we hear this question all the time and the short answer is this: most experts strongly warn against DIY garage door spring repair, and for very good reasons. Let’s walk through why this job is so risky, what can go wrong, and when calling a professional is not just safer, but actually more affordable in the long run.

    Why Garage Door Springs Are So Dangerous

    Garage door springs may look small, but they do all the heavy lifting. Whether you have a torsion system mounted above the door or extension springs running along the tracks, these components are under extreme tension.

    When a spring snaps or fails, that stored energy has to go somewhere and that’s where serious injuries and property damage happen.

    Common Risks of DIY Garage Door Spring Repair

    • Springs can snap back violently, causing broken bones or deep injuries
    • Improper handling can damage the door, tracks, or opener
    • Incorrect spring installation can cause the door to slam shut unexpectedly
    • The door may become dangerously unbalanced after a failed repair

    This is especially true with garage door torsion spring repair, which requires specialized tools, precise measurements, and experience to handle safely.

    But I Watched a Video  Why DIY Guides Can Be Misleading

    Online tutorials make garage door spring replacement look deceptively simple. What they often leave out is:

    • The exact torque needed for your specific door
    • The difference between residential and commercial garage door spring repair systems
    • How to safely secure a door when a spring is already broken
    • What happens if the wrong spring size is installed

    A small mistake during overhead garage door spring repair can turn a simple fix into an emergency situation fast.

    Repair vs. Replacement: What Most Homeowners Don’t Realize

    One of the biggest DIY misconceptions is assuming a spring just needs an adjustment. In reality, most issues involve:

    In these cases, garage door spring repair vs replacement isn’t really a choice replacement is the only safe option. Attempting a temporary fix often leads to repeat failures or further damage.

    How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

    On average, standard springs last 7–10 years, or about 10,000 cycles (one open and close equals one cycle). Heavy-use households or commercial properties may see failures sooner.

    Signs of a broken garage door spring include:

    • The garage door won’t open and feels extremely heavy
    • A visible gap in the spring
    • Loud snapping or banging noise
    • Crooked or uneven door movement

    If you notice any of these, attempting to force the door open can make things worse and far more expensive.

    The Real Cost of DIY vs. Professional Repair

    Many homeowners look up how much does garage door spring repair cost because they’re hoping DIY will be cheaper. In reality, failed DIY attempts often lead to:

    • Damaged garage door openers
    • Bent tracks or panels
    • Additional labor costs to fix improper installations

    What About Professional Pricing?

    Professional garage door spring repair cost is often more affordable than people expect, especially when you consider:

    • Proper spring sizing and installation
    • Warranty-backed parts
    • Same-day service options
    • Long-term safety and reliability

    At Afford-A-Door inc, we focus on affordable garage door spring repair without cutting corners because safety should never be cheap.

    Emergency Situations: When Waiting Isn’t an Option

    A broken spring can trap your vehicle inside the garage or leave your home vulnerable. That’s why professional services offer:

    • Emergency garage door spring repair
    • Same day garage door spring repair
    • 24 hour garage door spring repair for urgent situations

    Trying to handle an urgent garage door spring repair yourself during an emergency only increases the risk.

    Why Hiring a Local Professional Is the Smart Move

    A trusted local garage door spring repair company brings more than tools they bring experience. Professional technicians understand:

    • Torsion vs. extension spring systems
    • Proper garage door spring installation techniques
    • Safety protocols for residential and commercial doors
    • How to prevent repeat failures with heavy duty garage door springs

    This ensures your door operates smoothly, quietly, and safely for years to come.

    Final Thoughts: Why Experts Say Don’t DIY This One

    We love a good DIY project but garage door spring repair services are not the place to experiment. The risks are real, the consequences are serious, and the cost savings are often an illusion.

    If your door won’t open, you’re dealing with a broken garage door spring, or you’re searching for garage door spring repair near me, your safest move is to call a professional who can handle the job correctly the first time.

    At Afford-A-Door inc, we’re here to provide reliable, affordable, and safe solutions so you don’t have to put yourself or your family at risk.Need help now? Reach out to your local experts and get your garage door back on track safely and stress-free.

  • How to Make Your Garage Door Last 20 Years: Expert Maintenance Tips

    How to Make Your Garage Door Last 20 Years: Expert Maintenance Tips

    If you’re like most homeowners, you rely on your garage doors every single day often more than your front door. Whether you use them for quick exits on busy mornings or to safely store your vehicles and belongings, your garage doors are one of the hardest-working systems in your home. And just like any frequently used appliance, they need a little care to stay in peak condition for decades.

    At All American Overhead Garage Door, we’ve spent years helping homeowners extend the life of their residential garage doors, overhead garage doors, and even commercial garage doors. Today, we’re sharing expert-backed, easy-to-follow maintenance tips that can help your garage door last 20 years or longer.

    Why Garage Door Maintenance Matters

    A garage door might look simple on the outside, but its internal system springs, cables, rollers, tracks, and openers works together like a machine. Without proper garage door maintenance, even the highest-quality steel garage doors, wood garage doors, or insulated garage doors can wear down prematurely.

    Routine maintenance also helps prevent:

    • Costly garage door repair
    • Unexpected breakdowns (like when your garage door won’t open)
    • Emergencies related to broken garage door springs
    • Early garage door replacement
    • Safety hazards caused by garage door off track situations

    Let’s dive into the expert maintenance steps that protect your investment long-term.

    1. Lubricate All Moving Parts at Least Twice a Year

    If you’ve ever dealt with a noisy garage door, lubrication is often the first and easiest fix. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to rollers, hinges, and tracks helps reduce friction and prevents early wear.

    What to lubricate:

    • Hinges
    • Steel rollers
    • Springs
    • Bearings
    • Tracks (wipe clean first)

    This simple habit keeps your automatic garage doors running smoothly year after year.

    2. Inspect and Tighten Hardware

    Your garage door moves hundreds of times per year. Over time, vibration can loosen the nuts, bolts, and screws that hold it all together.

    A quick visual inspection helps catch small issues before they become major problems requiring garage door repair or garage door cable repair.

    3. Test the Balance and Springs

    A door that’s out of balance puts stress on your opener and tracks, often leading to early failure. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may need adjustment.

    ⚠️ Important: Never attempt garage door spring replacement yourself. Torsion springs are under extreme tension and require a trained technician.
    This is a perfect time to call your trusted local garage door company, such as All American Overhead Garage Door.

    4. Keep Your Garage Door Opener in Top Shape

    Your garage door opener plays a huge role in long-term performance. Whether you use a LiftMaster garage door opener, Chamberlain, Genie, or a modern smart garage door opener, regular care is essential.

    Opener maintenance checklist:

    • Check the safety reversing sensors
    • Replace old batteries in your garage door remote
    • Listen for unusual grinding or straining noises
    • Schedule professional garage door opener repair if needed

    When it’s time for an upgrade, ask us about garage door opener installation for a quieter, more efficient system.

    5. Clean and Weatherproof the Door

    Whether you have aluminum garage doors, wood garage doors, or custom garage doors, cleaning the surfaces helps prevent corrosion, fading, and wear.

    A few quick tips:

    • Wash with mild soap and water
    • Refinish wood doors every 1–2 years
    • Check weatherstripping for cracks or gaps
    • Replace worn seals to protect insulation

    This is especially important for insulated garage doors, which keep your home more energy-efficient.

    6. Schedule a Professional Garage Door Tune-Up Every Year

    Think of this as your garage door’s annual physical. A professional tune-up ensures that:

    • Springs are properly tensioned
    • Tracks are aligned
    • Rollers are in good condition
    • Cables aren’t fraying
    • Safety systems are fully functional

    At All American Overhead Garage Door, we offer comprehensive garage door services, including same-day garage door repair, emergency garage door repair, and yearly tune-ups designed to extend the life of your system.

    7. Know When to Call the Pros

    Sometimes DIY maintenance just isn’t enough. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to search for help whether you’re looking for garage door repair near me, garage door installers near me, or a trusted local garage door company:

    • The door is shaking or jerking
    • You hear loud bangs or grinding
    • Your garage door opener struggles to lift
    • The door is crooked or off track
    • You have a broken garage door spring
    • The door reverses for no reason

    Ignoring these signs can lead to costly damage or worse, safety hazards.

    Why Choose All American Overhead Garage Door?

    We specialize in:

    • Garage door installation
    • Garage door replacement
    • Garage door opener installation & repair
    • Custom and modern garage doors
    • Roll-up garage doors, sectional garage doors, and carriage-style garage doors

    When you work with us, you’re partnering with a team that prioritizes safety, longevity, and customer-first service. Our goal is to help your garage door last 20 years or more with proper care and expert support.

    Final Thoughts: A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

    Your garage door is one of the largest and most frequently used mechanical systems in your home. With a few simple care habits and the help of trained professionals you can keep your garage doors running smoothly for decades.