Your Guide to Broken Garage Door Springs

Your Guide to Broken Garage Door Springs

Your garage door endures immense strain daily. You rely on it to open and close on demand, whether automatically or manually. With so many moving parts, it will eventually experience wear and tear. Garage door springs are particularly susceptible to breaking because they lift and lower the weighty door frequently. 

If you have a broken garage door spring, AAA Garage Door is here to help — starting with this guide. 

Types of Garage Door Springs

Garage doors typically have either torsion springs or extension springs. Torsion springs are located above the garage door, and they consist of rotating coils that counterbalance the door’s weight during operation. Extension springs are situated on the sides and counterbalance the garage door’s weight by expanding and contracting when in use.

Both spring types are long-lasting, enduring between 10,000 and 20,000 cycles. Although torsion springs are costlier, they provide double the amount of cycles as extension springs. You might start noticing signs of damage when they reach their end of life.

How to Tell if Your Spring Is Bad or Broken

Failure to open your garage door is a possible indication your spring is faulty or broken. While there may be other reasons it won’t open, you can inspect the spring’s condition by checking it for separation, elongation or stretchiness. 

We strongly advise against physically touching or handling garage door springs due to the increased risk of injury and even death. Always consult a professional garage door contractor for help inspecting your springs. 

In the meantime, you can check out other signs of bad or broken springs without engaging physically. These include:

• Inspecting components inside the garage: Components such as the pulleys, rollers, cables and springs work together to open and close the door. If any of these parts are damaged, the spring may break under the door’s weight. 
• Checking for loss of tension: Springs operate with tension. Sagging and other visible signs of tension loss could indicate worn springs that need replacing.
• Performing a force-setting test: To perform a force-setting test of an automatic door, open it and place an object at the bottom as it slowly closes. The door has a sensor that should reverse upon contact with any object. If the door continues closing and doesn’t reverse to its open position, contact a professional right away — this might indicate an issue with the springs or the safety mechanism.
• Manually opening the garage door: Disconnect your automatic opener and lift the door manually. If the springs are working optimally, you’ll experience little to no resistance when you do. If the door opens with difficulty, it may be due to faulty or broken springs.

Can You Open a Garage Door With a Broken Spring?

We advise against handling a garage door with a broken spring. If you try to use the remote, excessive force may cause the motor to burn out. Manually moving the door is dangerous without the appropriate tools and experience. Safety is always a priority, and we recommend seeking help from experienced contractors before opening the door yourself. 

How to Open a Garage Door With a Broken Spring 

If you’re set on opening your garage door despite the broken spring, you can try the following.

1. Get Helping Hands

Avoid manually opening your garage door alone, especially if the spring is broken. Before starting, ask someone strong to assist you. 

2. Detach the Garage Door Opener

Find the red emergency release cord and pull it down to detach the garage door opener from the door mechanism. Once disconnected, you can manage the door manually.

3. Safeguard the Door

Keep the door in place using a vice grip or heavy wooden block to prevent it from falling.

4. Lift the Door

With your assistant’s help, lift the door from the bottom using your full body strength. You can work together to lift it in sections, using supporting objects to secure the door. Remove them carefully at each section until the door is completely open.

5. Secure the Tracks

Once open, place C-clamps between the rollers and tracks to keep the door from sliding closed. 

How to Close a Garage Door With a Broken Spring

Closing the garage door requires the same steps as opening it but in reverse. Here’s what you’ll do.

1. Find Help

Ask someone to help close the garage door by pulling it down manually. You and the person helping you should stand on opposite ends to hold the bottom corners.

2. Pull the Garage Door Down

Work in unison to slowly steer the garage door out of the horizontal rails that kept it secure, moving it down until it closes. Don’t let the door close hard or abruptly to avoid damage to components like the cables, tracks and motor.

3. Reattach the Garage Door Opener

Reconnect the garage door opener to the door mechanism. This process requires effort and may be difficult to do alone. We suggest calling a reliable garage door company to assist with your broken springs to avoid potential injury or damage.

Contact AAA Garage Door for Garage Door Spring Repairs

If left unresolved, a bad or broken spring can cause long-term issues. Avoid them by contacting a trustworthy, expert garage door contractor like AAA Garage Door. We’ll inspect your garage door and the springs and provide an overall assessment. We’ll then swiftly replace any broken springs so you can use your garage door as intended. 

Call us at 402-307-8013 or request our repair service online to get started.

More Garage Door Repair Resources

• How to make your garage door last longer
• Signs your garage door needs a repair
• Garage door panel advice
• Other common garage door problems

Why Won’t My Garage Door Stay Closed?

Garage doors protect your belongings and allow you quick, easy access to your home — if they’re working as intended. Sometimes, you may find that your garage door won’t stay shut. There is a solution to every garage-door-related hitch, however, and this helpful diagnostics guide gives you explanations and repair options for each.

Table of contents

• What’s Wrong With My Garage Door and Why?
• Why Is My Garage Door Partly Closing, Then Reopening?
• Why Won’t My Garage Door Stay Closed?
• When to Get Professional Assistance

What’s Wrong With My Garage Door and Why?

To get your garage door back to perfect working order, it’s important to first identify exactly why its behavior has changed. Garage doors that return to their open position unprompted follow one of these two patterns: they either close, stop part way and then reverse, or close and open back up again. Each of these behaviors points to different causes and fixes. We’ll examine both scenarios and explain why they happen.

Why Is My Garage Door Partly Closing, Then Reopening?

When a garage door gets halfway through closing and then seemingly changes its mind, it’s most likely an obstruction issue. Here are three components that may need some attention if your garage door does not close all the way:

Your Safety Sensors Are Misaligned

Safety sensors, also called photo or electric eyes, are installed on either side of a garage door, usually 6 inches or less from the floor. They ensure nothing is in the way of the garage door when it closes. One sensor, the emitter, produces an invisible infrared beam that sends information to its partner, the receiver. If anything blocks this beam, like a car, pet or person, the sensors will trigger the garage door to open again. While these sensors are a valuable and responsible safety feature, they can cause garage doors to stop and reopen inappropriately if they aren’t properly aligned or one of them is dirty.

Here’s how to fix misaligned sensors:

1. Check if both safety sensors are shining a solid LED light, often red or green, which indicates that the sensors are aligned.
2. If the LED lights are both shining and aren’t flashing, gently wipe both sensors down with a cloth to clear any dust, debris or spider webs.
3. If the LED lights are flashing or aren’t shining at all, they could be misaligned or damaged. It’s safest to call in a professional to repair or realign safety sensors, as live wires can be involved.

Your Door’s Path Is Obstructed

It could be that your safety sensors are just doing their job well. Garages can be home to all kinds of clutter, like DIY supplies, storage boxes and toys. If so much as a small piece of cardboard or a leaf obstructs that sensor beam, the safety mechanism will trigger the door to reopen.

Garage doors have also been fitted with auto-reverse mechanisms since the safety feature became mandatory in the United States in 1991. Even if the electric eye doesn’t sense any object on the ground in the way, the auto-reverse mechanism on the motor is force-sensitive. If it bumps against something, it will stop and retract. If your garage door’s tracks are caked with grime or debris, the auto-reverse mechanism may kick in to lift the door back up.

 Follow these steps to fix a path obstruction:

1. Ensure no objects are placed between the two safety sensors, blocking the beam.
2. Check your door tracks for build-up, remove any debris, and wipe them down with a dampened cloth.
3. Call an expert to deal with more heavy-duty track obstructions like warped metal or damage from wear and tear.

Your Garage Door Opener Is Malfunctioning

Your issue could be as simple as a pair of old batteries in your remote. It’s also possible that the connection between your garage door and your remote has been disrupted. There could be damage to the internal circuit, or, rarely, your remote could be experiencing radio interference from other remote control devices nearby, such as your neighbor’s garage door.

Fix a malfunctioning remote with these steps:

1. Try closing your garage door using the fixed button inside the garage. If it works perfectly, replace your remote’s batteries, and you should be good to go.
2. If new batteries haven’t solved the problem, reset the programming on your remote using the garage door manual’s instructions.
3. If neither solution works, your remote or wall control unit may be faulty, requiring the attention of a professional garage door specialist.

Why Won’t My Garage Door Stay Closed?

If your garage door closes all the way and reopens once it’s hit the ground, it’s likely due to damaged springs or incorrect open and close limits. Both require some tweaking of the hardware of the garage door setup. While it’s fine to have a crack at adjusting limits yourself, a practiced expert should replace or mend springs to be safe.

Your Torsion or Extension Springs Are Damaged

Extension springs are found in older garage door systems, while torsion springs are more commonly used in contemporary installations. They work differently, but both store energy to open and close the door and counterbalance its weight. If your garage door won’t stay down when closing, damaged torsion or extension springs can be the cause.

Extension Springs

Extension springs are found on either side of older or single-car garages. The springs stretch or “extend” while the door closes. If these springs are worn or misaligned, they may not be able to provide the tension necessary to make the garage door stay shut.

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are usually fitted horizontally above the opening to the garage and twist to provide energy to lift up the door. Similarly to extension springs, when torsion springs become damaged, misaligned or worn, they may lack the tension necessary to keep the door closed.

Here’s how to fix worn garage door springs:

1. Fixing torsion and extension springs requires the skills, equipment and experience of an expert in garage door system installation and repair. It can be dangerous to try to realign these springs yourself because they can store a lot of force even when damaged.
2. Ensure you discuss a regular maintenance plan with your provider to prevent spring malfunctions like this in the future.

Your Open and Close Limits Need Adjusting

Garage doors need to be programmed to know when they’re properly closed, and for that, they have a limit switch. It’s usually located either on the door tracks or the opener mechanism. If your door is programmed with a limit that is lower than the ground, it will see the ground as an obstacle and reverse to avoid it. 

Adjust your garage door limit switch by following these steps:

1. Most limit switches can be adjusted with a flat-head screwdriver or by pressing one of two buttons. Locate your switch and grab a flat-head screwdriver if necessary.
2. Use the flat-head screwdriver to twist the knobs slightly anti-clockwise, decreasing the limit. If your switch has buttons, press the “down” button.
3. Test the garage door to see if it reverses once fully closed. If it does, adjust the limit and try again.
4. Garage door brand, weight and torsion all play a role in finding the perfect limit for your door, so if you aren’t up for some trial and error, hire an expert.

When to Get Professional Assistance

When it comes to fixing components of a garage door system, hiring a professional technician will give you higher quality, longer lasting and safer results. While changing the batteries of a garage door opener might not warrant a callout, electrical wiring and high-tension springs can be a significant safety risk to even a practiced, tenacious DIYer. It’s always best to give your garage door provider a call and check if the issue you’re having needs a trained hand or if it’s one that you can take care of yourself.

AAA Garage Doors has been in business for over 25 years and employs our own team of trained garage door technicians, not subcontractors, to ensure high quality and transparency. For expert repair, replacement and installation services, request a quote for professional garage door services you can rely on.

Steel vs. Aluminum Garages

If you’re in the market for new garage doors, different materials offer different benefits. Some are more durable, while others are a smaller investment. Because the type of garage door you choose will impact everything from curb appeal to property value, it’s worthwhile to learn what each has to offer. 

In this comparison guide, we’ll explore the benefits of aluminum vs. steel doors so you can make an informed investment for your home. 

Table of Contents

• Are Steel or Aluminum Garage Doors Better?
• Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Garage Door
• Shop Quality Garage Doors from AAA Garage Doors

Are Steel or Aluminum Garage Doors Better?

Steel is the heavier, more durable option, while aluminum is a softer, lightweight metal. Even though steel is more robust, aluminum still holds a superior strength-to-weight ratio. Both metals are on the more affordable end of the garage door material spectrum. They are both durable and work well in a variety of climates. 

Still, deciding which is best for your home depends on various factors. Each of these garage door materials has unique benefits to offer. 

Benefits of Steel Garages

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. It contains less than 2.00% carbon, about 1.00% magnesium and smaller amounts of silicone, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur. Steel is an essential metal in engineering and construction. 

Steel garage doors have these benefits to offer:

• Durable: Steel is a heavier, more robust metal that can withstand a lot of wear and tear over time.
• Versatile: Steel garage doors come in various styles and designs and can manage all finishes. It can be shaped around glass panels or used to make sectional garage doors or even the traditional roll-up style. 
• Recyclable: Steel production is more eco-friendly than many other materials because the metal is recyclable. 
• Less prone to dents: Steel’s durable properties make it less likely to dent. Driving into the door will likely leave marks, but minor impacts shouldn’t affect the surface. The panel beating process also makes it possible to remove dents rather than replace the door. 
• Low-maintenance: Pre-painted steel doesn’t require much maintenance. Spraying the door panel with a hose will keep it clean all year round.

With steel garage door selections, you can choose one to four-layer constructions. The more layers, the more durable the garage door will be. Additional layers also improve insulation.

Benefits of Aluminum Garages

Aluminum is a silvery-white metal used in residential homes, automobiles, trains and more due to its versatility and playability. It is the most widespread metal on the planet, accounting for over 8.00% of Earth’s crust. 

When used to craft garage doors, aluminum offers homeowners the following benefits:

• Lightweight: Because aluminum is a lightweight metal, these garage doors are easier to install. The lighter weight also ensures the garage door opener is under less strain, so the opening system will last longer and likely require less ongoing maintenance.
• Corrosion-resistant: Aluminum garage doors are unlikely to rust and corrode due to the metal’s natural properties. 
• Recyclable: This metal is recyclable, making it a more eco-friendly option than some materials.
• Low-maintenance: An aluminum garage door is effortless to maintain. You’ll only need to spray the garage door panel with a hose to keep it clean.
• Scratch-resistant: This metal may be more prone to denting, although it is scratch-resistant. 

Aluminum garage doors offer valuable benefits and can be more versatile than steel. But when aluminum doors dents, you may need to replace it. Panel beating is not suitable because this process can cause the metal to stretch and weaken. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Garage Door

Before investing in a garage door for your home, there are a few crucial factors to consider, from short- and long-term costs to property value and more. These factors will help you decide which material offers the best investment.

Short-Term and Long-Term Costs

Metal garage doors have similar price ranges, and several factors impact these prices, including size, style and finishes.

The repair costs between steel and aluminum garage doors are also similar, with aluminum repairs being slightly more affordable in general. Both types of garage doors can last up to 30 years with routine maintenance and care, although steel doors will wear down garage opener systems quicker due to their heavier weight. So, steel may come with higher long-term maintenance costs.

Curb Appeal

Both aluminum and steel garage doors are versatile options for boosting curb appeal. You can customize them with things like glass windows, different colors and finishes, hardware and insulation. However, aluminum is a lighter, more flexible metal, so customization is easier. As a result, customized aluminum garage doors are often easier to find. 

Because a new garage door boosts curb appeal and offers security and functionality, either metal can provide a 102.7% return on investment when it comes time to sell your house.

Home Security

Garage doors offer a lot in terms of home security. The garage door secures the largest entrance to your home and the most valuable space. However, steel is a superior material when choosing a garage door to enhance safety. Because aluminum is lightweight, it is easier for criminals to break through and enter your home. Steel, on the other hand, offers maximum security. 

Even so, it’s still important to be safety conscious when investing in a steel door. Installing a garage security system is wise, and upgrading the opener system is also important. Automatic garage door openers can boost safety, as the remote signals cannot be copied. Newer models send new code signals each time the door is opened or closed, making it harder for criminals to enter your home. 

Temperature

When it comes to managing indoor temperatures, insulation is essential. Because steel is heavier in weight, it can offer more insulation than aluminum. Steel is also more durable against harsh weather conditions. 

Aluminum has a higher thermal conductivity than steel, meaning it will transfer heat more efficiently. Aluminum doors may improve indoor temperatures in winter by absorbing heat from the winter sun and transferring it into your home through the garage. Even so, steel is a superior choice to boost home insulation. When choosing either material, insulating your garage doors is the best way to help regulate indoor temperatures and keep utility costs low. 

Shop Quality Garage Doors from AAA Garage Doors

Whether you choose lightweight aluminum or durable steel garage doors for your home, AAA Garage Doors offers a wide range of quality garage doors. But if you still aren’t sure which material is the best choice, reach out to our garage door experts at 402-307-8013. We’ll recommend the best options for your home, budget and lifestyle. 

Browse our range of garage doors and garage door openers and request an estimate online. 

Types of Garage Door Openers

Garage doors are often taken for granted. Practically every day, we push a button and expect them to open with no problems. They are an integrated part of our lives that we rely on to get in and out of our homes — but we rarely consider how much convenience and ease they add to our daily lives.

It’s only when we find ourselves needing one that we truly appreciate the convenience and security they offer. Let’s take a look at the many different types of garage door openers.

Table of Contents

• Types of Garage Door Openers
• What to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door Opener 
• Chat to AAA Garage Door For Your Installation

Types of Garage Door Openers

Selecting suitable opener types is a decision that needs some thought, both around functionality and the security and convenience of your garage. AAA Garage Doors offers installation for all major brands, including Amarr, LiftMaster, Sears, Martin and Genie. Here are some of the main types of garage door openers on the market:

Chain Drive Garage Door Openers

Chain-drive openers are best suited for situations where noise is not a significant concern and when working within a tight budget. A few garage types that would suit a chain drive, where the noise won’t be a disruptive factor, include: 

• Detached garages
• Workshops
• Storage facilities

Additionally, if you have a large, heavy garage door that needs a robust and dependable mechanism, then a chain drive is your go-to option, especially if you prioritize a wallet-friendly choice.

Pros of the chain drive garage door opener include:

• Cost-effective: Chain-drive garage door openers are the best choice for budget-conscious buyers because they are among the most affordable options on the market.
• Durability and reliability: If you’re seeking a workhorse that can handle heavy lifting, chain drives are up to the task. These openers are built for endurance, capable of enduring the rigors of frequent use from larger, heavier garage doors.

However, there are disadvantages, such as the noise. The operation involves a metal chain moving along a rail, producing a distinct clanking noise that can be pretty loud. You can solve this, to a degree, with periodic maintenance. Regular lubrication of the chain can reduce noise and ensure smooth operation. 

Belt Drive Garage Door Openers

Belt-driven garage door openers are usually chosen by homeowners with attached garages and those who prioritize a peaceful living environment. If your garage is near bedrooms or living spaces, the quiet operation of a belt-drive opener can be a game-changer. The reason why? It lets you open and close your garage door without disturbing the household. Some distinct advantages you can expect with this garage door opener include:

• Quiet operation: Belt-drive garage door openers are celebrated for their near-silent operation. They use a rubber or polyurethane belt to move the trolley along the rail, creating minimal noise and a smoother drive.
• Smooth and reliable: The smooth operation of belt-drive openers is quieter and gentler on the garage door. This reduced friction lessens wear and tear on the door and its components, increasing longevity.
• Low maintenance: A chain-drive opener needs constant care and lubrication to reduce the noise level, but the belt drive is already quiet. It doesn’t need regular lubrication, making it a hassle-free option for homeowners.

The primary drawback of belt-drive openers, however, is their cost — they do tend to be more expensive than chain-drive garage door openers. However, homeowners consider the investment worthwhile for the quieter and smoother operation they offer. 

The cost isn’t the only disadvantage, though. The other reason why it is more quiet is because it is less robust. While the belt drive is reliable for most standard garage doors, it struggles with heavy or oversized doors. 

Screw-Drive Garage Door Openers

Screw-drive openers are a versatile choice with standard garage doors and moderate climate conditions. If you need your garage door to open and close quickly, these openers do just that. Their strength also makes them suitable for heavy or wooden garage doors, where other types may struggle. The pros of these openers are:

• Simplicity: Screw-drive garage door openers are known for their straightforward design and fewer moving parts. This simplicity translates to less maintenance and fewer potential points of failure.
• Speed: Another advantage is their speed. Screw-drive openers often open and close garage doors faster than other types, which can be a significant time-saver.
• Strength: These openers are versatile and suitable for most garage door types, including heavy wooden doors. They offer consistent performance, even with doors requiring more muscle to lift.

Unfortunately, these garage door openers do come with one other “s,” which is sensitivity. Screw-drive openers can be sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations. In regions with severe climate variations, professionals will have to deter this issue with proper insulation and maintenance.

Wall Mount Garage Door Openers

Wall mount door openers are an option for high-ceiling garages with limited headroom for traditional openers. It is also a good option for those prioritizing quiet and efficient operations. 

They are perfect for attached garages, particularly when bedrooms or living spaces are nearby. Let’s look at the benefits in detail:

• Space-saving: Wall-mount garage door openers are designed to be mounted on the wall beside your garage door. The innovative design frees up valuable overhead space for garages with limited ceiling clearance or for homeowners with storage racks.
• Quiet and smooth operation: Wall mount openers use a quiet belt or chain mechanism and minimize vibrations, making them perfect for attached garages where noise could be disruptive.

The convenience and space-saving features of wall-mount garage door openers do come at a premium. They tend to be more expensive than traditional overhead openers, both in terms of initial purchase and installation costs. The design, while innovative, is also complex. They have to be installed by a professional who understands this specific opener. This can add to the overall cost, but it ensures that the opener is properly set up for optimal performance.

Jackshaft Garage Door Openers

Not all garage door openers are the same, just like not all garages are not the same. In fact, some garages have unusual layouts or high-ceiling garages, maybe even limited overhead space. Standard, run-of-the-mill garage openers don’t work for these situations, but a Jackshaft could be your solution for the following reasons: 

• Space-saving design: Jackshaft garage door openers are lauded for their space-saving design. They are mounted on the wall beside the garage door, eliminating the need for overhead space that traditional openers require.
• Versatility: Unlike some doors that can only pull up a standard-size garage door, the Jackshaft is suitable for various garage door types. It can be used for standard, heavy and even a custom-made door. They are also adaptable for both residential and light commercial applications.

The benefits of space-saving and quiet operation come at a premium. Jackshaft garage door openers tend to be more expensive than traditional overhead openers, both in terms of initial purchase and installation costs. 

Direct Drive Garage Door Openers

Direct drives are another option for homeowners looking for peace and quiet from their garage. They are also a low-maintenance solution. These openers suit standard to moderately heavy garage doors, making them versatile for various applications. Consider the advantages of these openers:

• Silent operation: Some garage doors are noisy while others are quieter — direct drive openers can be practically silent. They are quieter than other openers because they have only one moving part, a stationary chain in a steel rail, which reduces noise and vibrations significantly.
• Minimal maintenance: Another benefit of only having one moving part is that there is less wear and tear. The direct drive garage door lasts longer with fewer maintenance requirements than the other types.
• Space-efficient: The compact design of direct drive openers minimizes the use of overhead space in the garage, making them suitable for garages with limited ceiling clearance.

While direct-drive openers are strong and reliable, there may be better choices for exceptionally heavy or oversized garage doors. They don’t have enough power to lift heavy doors, like some others do.

Hoist Garage Door Openers

Hoist garage door openers are used interchangeably for commercial and industrial settings where high-lift or heavy garage doors are standard. For residential applications, they are typically unnecessary unless you have a high-lift or specialized door configuration. Advantages of a hoist garage door opener include:

• Ideal for high-lift doors: Hoist garage door openers are designed to work with high-lift garage doors characterized by vertical or near-vertical tracks. The tracks allow the door to be suspended higher within the garage, giving the necessary power to lift heavy doors efficiently.
• Versatility: While primarily designed for high-lift doors, hoist openers can also work with standard and vertical lift doors.

While great for industrial use, they may be overkill for most residential homes with standard garage doors. Due to their extra power, the openers tend to be more expensive than common residential garage door openers. Installation may also require professional expertise, adding to the overall cost.

Smart Garage Door Openers

Smart garage door openers are ideal for tech-savvy homeowners who value convenience, remote access and advanced security and safety features. They are also ideal for families with multiple drivers, as each user can have their own access credentials. Additionally, if you often worry about whether you left your garage door open, the real-time alerts smart openers provide can ease your concerns. Smart garage door openers come with some notable features, such as:

• Remote control: One of the advantages of smart garage door openers is the ability to control your garage door from anywhere using a smartphone app. The remote access offers convenience, allowing you to open or close the garage door even when you’re not at home.
• Voice control: Many smart garage door openers are compatible with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. 
• Automation and scheduling: Smart garage door openers often come with additional automation features. You can set schedules to open or close the door at specific times. For instance, you can program your garage door to close automatically at a specific time each evening.
• Real-time alerts: These openers can send real-time notifications to your smartphone, informing you of any garage door activity. Whether you’re at work or on vacation, you can see who is accessing your home as soon as they open your garage. 

Smart garage door motors typically come at a higher initial cost than traditional openers due to the added technology. Homeowners must also consider that the ability to control the garage door remotely relies on a stable internet connection and the functioning of the app or voice assistant. If there are connectivity issues or the app malfunctions, it can be frustrating.

While smart motorized garage door openers offer security features, they can also be vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access if not adequately protected. It’s crucial to ensure your smart garage door opener has strong security measures in place.

What to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door Opener 

Selecting the perfect garage door opener is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It’s a decision influenced by multiple factors discussed in this section, such as:

• Priorities: What’s your primary objective for the garage door? Is it primarily for security, aesthetics, insulation or ease of use? Defining your priorities will help you narrow down your choices.
• Efficiency: Energy efficiency is a growing concern for homeowners. Opt for a garage door with good insulation to maintain comfortable temperatures in your garage and home. Good insulation can also help reduce energy costs.
• Durability: Your garage door opener should withstand the test of time and weather. Look for materials like steel, aluminum or fiberglass, which offer durability and longevity. Consider your local climate — you might find that some openers perform better in specific conditions.
• Cost: Budget is often one of the larger factors in decision-making. A high-quality garage door opener is an investment that adds value to your home, but it’s essential to balance that with your financial situation. Remember that AAA Garage Door can make the process stress-free with convenient financing packages. This helps you spread the cost and fit it comfortably into your budget while ensuring you get a top-notch product.

If you’re looking for affordability without sacrificing reliability, consider chain-drive openers, as they are one of the more budget-friendly choices, making them the most popular type of garage door openers. But if you are looking to aim for a middle ground between price and performance, belt-drive openers are often favored.

If you are more concerned about security, smart garage door openers take the lead. Their advanced connectivity and real-time alerts provide enhanced control and monitoring that none of the other garage doors can offer. Alongside them, look for openers with rolling code technology, which changes access codes with each use, adding a layer of security. Jackshaft and direct drive openers are another option, with their wall-mounted design. By keeping the opener out of sight, they are harder to tamper with.

If you have a hefty garage door, hoist openers are tailored to the task. They’re built for heavy, high garage door lifts. Screw-drive openers are another sturdy option, suitable for substantial doors like wood or custom-made ones. If you have a lighter garage door, chain-drive openers can also be adjusted to work efficiently. 

Chat to AAA Garage Door For Your Installation

At AAA Garage Door Inc. in Salt Lake, UT, we understand the importance of a reliable garage door opener and stock a variety of garage door openers suited for all budgets and garage styles. We are a family-run business with a customer-centric approach. 

Since 1994, we’ve been committed to providing our valued customers with fair and honest service. Contact us today for a quote on your garage door opener installation.

How to Keep Your Garage Cool in Summer

Just like keeping your garage warm during the frigid winter months, maintaining a cool garage space during the summer season is more than ideal — especially if you live somewhere prone to cold winters and hot summers. 

If your garage serves as a multipurpose space for work, hobbies or projects, high temperatures can cause excess sweating and discomfort, inevitably tiring you out more quickly. Luckily, we have plenty of tips for cooling down your space. Learn how to keep a garage cool in the summer with this handy guide!

6 of the Best Ways to Keep a Garage Cool

Making some slight adjustments to your garage for summer can help improve air circulation and better organize your space. Just like cold weather can affect garage door openers, sunlight and heat can also compromise their effectiveness. High temperatures can interfere with the operator motor’s sensors and wiring. 

Fortunately, insulating your garage door and practicing the other tips below can help keep warm temperatures at bay and protect these sensitive components from heat. Let’s dive in!

1. Install a Fan

Having a fan in your garage can make a world of difference. It can improve ventilation, make the space less stuffy and help push hot air out of the garage. The strong airflow from a fan can increase cooling significantly, boosting the rate of evaporation from your body. Keep in mind, however, that a fan typically works best with moderately warm temperatures. It may be ineffective if your garage is sweltering hot.

You should also note the dimensions of your garage if you’re thinking of installing a ceiling fan. If your garage ceiling is lower, a ceiling fan could interfere with your garage door opening or closing or prevent you from parking a larger vehicle in the space. The ceiling fan’s blades should be 7 to 9 feet above the floor, as well as 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling.

2. Declutter Your Space

Believe it or not, a garage full of clutter can raise the temperature in your space. Stacked boxes, bulky tools and machinery on the floor not only take up lots of space but can also block airflow, creating a hotter, more stagnant space.

An afternoon of decluttering your garage can help improve your space’s airflow and organization and make it easier to park your vehicle, of course. Installing shelves, cabinets or storage racks — if you don’t already have them — is a great way to maintain a clutter-free garage and keep the temperature in check. Remember to tidy up regularly, returning tools and boxes to their places after each use.

3. Invest in an Air Conditioner

Arguably the most obvious yet expensive solution, installing an air conditioner in your garage is a surefire way to cool down your space. You’ll want to invest in a separate unit for your garage space, like a ductless wall-mounted mini-split or window air conditioner. 

Consider a through-the-wall air conditioner if your garage has no windows. This would involve carving out a rectangular section in the wall to fit in the air conditioner. It’s quiet, highly efficient and can cool a space in just minutes. 

A mini-split works just fine without windows as well — all you’ll need is a small hole high on the wall, and you’re good to go. The main drawback of a mini-split is the additional energy expense, but using a smart AC controller can help cut down electric bill costs.

You should only opt for one of these options if you spend a considerable amount of time in the garage — that way, it’s more worth the expense. 

4. Opt for a Lighter Wall Color

You may have been told at some point that wearing dark-colored clothing in the summer makes you hotter. Likewise, the darker your garage walls are painted, the more they absorb heat. 

Try a lighter-colored paint such as white. We recommend taking up this project before the summer season arrives — preferably in spring — and you may notice your garage dropping a few degrees. It may not be the most glamorous solution, but it sure can make an impact. 

5. Improve Insulation

Insulating your garage door can increase energy efficiency and maintain a comfortable, moderate temperature, sealing your garage off from outdoor temperatures that sneak into your space. Some of the most popular and energy-efficient insulators for garage doors include:

• Aluminum: A lightweight option requiring minimal maintenance, an aluminum garage door can hold up against weather and resist rusting in coastal climates.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass garage doors are also lightweight and reliable with low maintenance requirements. The finish on most fiberglass doors resembles natural wood. 
• Steel: Steel-insulated garage doors are highly durable, long-lasting and dent-resistant, capable of withstanding the elements. However, they can corrode in coastal climates due to high salt concentration in the air, so it’s essential to treat them correctly and have the paint professionally refinished if chipping occurs.
• Wood: While wooden garage doors are typically the most costly, they offer value and a luxurious appeal to your home. They require additional upkeep and resealing to prevent mold, mildew and pests, but they can be durable and long-lasting with proper maintenance.

6. Cool Your Vehicle Before Parking

Your car heats up with use, so when you park it in the garage as soon as you arrive home, it warms up the air in your garage. Closing the garage door traps the hot air in the space, increasing the overall temperature considerably.

Instead of parking the car in your garage immediately, try leaving it in the driveway first to cool off for an hour or two — preferably in a shaded spot, if possible. Leaving it in a sunny spot can continue to heat the car. If parking your vehicle in a driveway isn’t an option, try pouring cold water over the roof of the car to accelerate the cooling process before you move it into the garage.

Prep Your Garage for Summer With AAA Garage Door

Extreme temperatures can take a toll on garage doors, but AAA Garage Door is here to help. Committed to providing superior workmanship and quality products for our customers, we handle everything from garage door and door opener installation to repair and maintenance.

Your garage door encounters a lot with the changing seasons, from extreme temperatures to intense storms to debris and pests. When you turn to us for garage door weather seal services, you can expect prompt and outstanding service that will exceed your expectations and keep those harsh temperatures in check. Request an estimate or service from AAA Garage Door today!