Garage Door Opener Repair and Replacement
A properly functioning garage door opener is essential for convenience, security, and peace of mind. However, like any frequently used mechanical device, garage door openers can develop issues over time that require repair or replacement. West Coast Garage Doors has over 25 years of experience diagnosing and resolving any problem with your opener to keep your system running smoothly.
Common Problems with Garage Door Openers
There are several common issues that can arise with garage door openers:
Failing To Open or Close Properly
If your opener fails to open or close your door fully, there are a few potential culprits to check:
- Check the power source – Make sure the unit is plugged in and the outlet or breaker is supplying consistent power.
- Test the wall switch – If the remote isn’t working, try the switch or keypad that is typically mounted inside your garage. If those work, the remote likely needs a new battery or needs to be reprogrammed.
- Inspect the safety sensors – There is a pair of sensors that project infrared beams to detect obstructions. If dirty or misaligned, those sensors will prevent normal operation.
- Check for binding – Inspect along the track for dirt, debris or damage that could cause binding and prevent smooth travel.
- Test the disconnect – There is an emergency release cord that disconnects the door for manual operation. Accidentally triggering this could explain why the opener isn’t engaging.
If you’ve checked all of these common issues and the door still fails to operate properly, it’s a sign that a repair or replacement may be needed. Our expert technicians have advanced diagnostic tools to troubleshoot even complex issues with openers.
Strange Sounds
Unusual noises like loud humming, grinding or screeching sounds typically indicate a mechanical problem in the works. This could be connected to worn bearings, a bent track or binding in the gears.
These types of sounds usually start subtly but get louder over time if left unaddressed. The earlier you can have an expert technician diagnose the origin of the noise, the more likely we can take care of it with a minor repair. Ignoring strange noises risks allowing more significant damage to transmission components.
Remote Control Issues
If the wall switch works but your remote or keyless entry pad doesn’t, the problem likely lies with the remote system. Some steps to try:
- Change remote batteries
- Check programming/reset opener
- Replace lost or broken remotes
If new batteries and resetting programming don’t restore function, the remote itself (or the opener system that interacts with remotes) may need professional attention. We carry all major brands’ replacement remotes in our trucks for convenient swap out when yours fails.
Problems with Sensors
The safety sensors prevent doors closing when an obstruction is detected. Issues arise when sensors fall out of alignment, get dirty, or develop faults. Professional adjustment or replacement of faulty sensors gets everything working properly again.
Safety sensor problems can also cause remote controls or wall panels to be non-responsive. Even if your door seems to open and close fine without remotes, it is imperative to have sensor issues checked by a garage door technician to ensure safety and full functionality is restored.
Signs It’s Time for Professional Attention
While minor issues can often be addressed with basic troubleshooting, there are scenarios when it’s imperative to call a qualified garage door technician for assistance:
Increased Problems & Breakdowns
If an opener is experiencing issues more frequently, it likely signals wear or damage needing repair by a specialist. Delaying service often results in more extensive repairs down the line.
We recommend annual inspections to keep garage door systems, including openers, in peak condition. This preventative maintenance often catches minor problems before they cascade into major issues.
Unusual Noises & Sounds
Grinding, loud humming and other atypical sounds usually signify underlying problems needing professional diagnosis and repairs. Strange noises should never be ignored.
In addition to being bothersome, odd sounds indicate parts wearing down. Identifying and addressing small issues early keeps cost and hassle minimal compared to letting problems spiral.
Flashing Indicator Lights
Many openers have indicator lights that illuminate when issues arise. Consistently flashing lights, even without noticeable operational problems, indicates a problem likely requiring professional garage door opener repair services.
Don’t overlook flashing LED lights on openers. While functioning fine now, this usually precedes operational failure. Getting out ahead of the issue prevents getting stuck with a door you can’t open or close.
Safety Concerns
Some issues present safety hazards if improperly addressed. For instance, broken garage door springs can cause cables to snap and fly dangerously. Only qualified experts with proper tools and training can safely handle these repairs.
Likewise, if safety sensors aren’t working properly or doors aren’t reversing course appropriately, it risks damage to property and injury to pets or people. Have sensor adjustments and maintenance done professionally rather than tackling it yourself.
Why Choose West Coast Garage Doors?
With over 25 years serving Southwest Florida, West Coast Garage Doors has the expertise, equipment and inventory to properly evaluate and fix any issue with your garage door opener.
Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Our qualified technicians complete rigorous training and background checks, giving you complete peace of mind. We carry full licensing, bonding and insurance for every job.
Emergency 24/7 Repair Service
As a family-owned business, we treat every customer like our own. That’s why we provide around the clock assistance for any garage door emergency, big or small.
Quality Craftsmanship & Materials
We don’t cut corners or take shortcuts in our work. Our team uses top brands like Chamberlain, LiftMaster and Genie opener units as well industry leading replacement parts to deliver reliable, long-lasting opener repairs and installation.
Upfront Pricing & Financing
We provide flat rate quotes based on the job and flexible financing options through third party partners to make any necessary garage door opener repairs fit within your budget.
Never any hidden fees or surprise add-ons. We believe pricing transparency and honesty establishes trust and long term relationships.
Recommended Preventative Maintenance
To keep garage door openers in reliable functioning order, we advise customers have yearly tune-ups performed. Our technicians thoroughly inspect all components, check and adjust sensors, lube movable parts and identify potential problems early.
Investing around $100 yearly helps avoid unexpected breakdowns and extends the service life of openers, often allowing 10-15 years of smooth operation.
Common Garage Door Opener Repairs
While new opener installation is often needed after around 15 years of use, many issues arising with existing openers can be addressed with professional repair services:
Motor/Mechanism Repair
The motor, gears, sprockets and carriage can all experience mechanical wear and tear over years of cycling your door. Precise adjustments or part replacements by a trained technician can restore everything back into smooth operation.
Belt/Chain Repair
With repeated use spanning years, the drive belt or chain can stretch, loosen or even snap. Trained professionals determine if adjustment, tightening or full belt/chain replacement is required to get your opener working properly again.
Logic Board/Electronics
Like any electronic system, fuses, circuits, boards and other components can short or fail over time. Our experts troubleshoot any electronic issues and provide exactly the necessary fixes whether it’s fuse, capacitor or full logic board replacement.
Remote Control Repair/Replacement
Remotes naturally take day-to-day abuse and batteries gradually lose power. Technicians determine whether remote control problems stem from programming issues, low batteries or actual hardware failure. We stock most major brands’ replacement remotes for fast swap outs.
Sensor Adjustment & Replacement
The safety beams preventing doors closing on people or property are critical but prone to misalignment or failure over years of use. We properly diagnose sensor issues and can realign, replace lenses or swap out sensor units as needed.
When To Consider New Opener Installation
If your opener is over 15 years old, replacement is likely the most cost-effective option compared to continuing expensive annual repair costs as parts fail. Some clear indicators signal installing a new opener is the best route:
Failing to Open/Close Properly
Despite tuning and adjustments, an inability to properly open or shut typically indicates the lifting mechanism is too worn out for repairs to provide a lasting solution.
Noise & Vibration
Loud grinding, shaking during operation or other signs of mechanical failure mean components are too deteriorated for effective repair. A new opener ensures smooth, quiet operation.
Unavailable Parts
Openers eventually reach ages when replacement parts are no longer manufactured. Finding a suitable new opener matching your existing setup is the only step when parts can’t be sourced.
With regular opener models lasting 10-15 years, lack of available components for repairs is inevitable. Upgrading avoids getting stuck unable to fix failures.
Outdated Technology
Upgrading an opener over 15-20 years old provides major technology benefits in safety, security and convenience. Integrated camera systems, backup power options, smartphone app control and keyless entry are just a few newer innovations unavailable in aging openers.
Energy Efficiency
The latest opener models utilize far less energy thanks to improved mechanical efficiency and lightweight materials. A new opener can pay for itself in energy savings in as little as 5-7 years of average daily use.
Supporting environmental goals, modern openers use less than half the power of units manufactured over a decade ago. Less energy wasted helps you save money monthly.
When it’s time for a new opener system, West Coast Garage Doors offers professional installation of all major brands. We size and fit the perfect WiFi-enabled opener for your needs and provide any necessary wiring.
West Coast Garage Doors Can Help
With over 25 years of experience providing local installations and repairs throughout Southwest Florida, West Coast Garage Doors is the name trusted for all garage door opener needs.
Dedicated Family Business
As third generation owners, excellent customer service is paramount. We treat each customer like family – building relationships spanning years and even decades..
Extensive Training & Expertise
Our technicians complete hours annually refreshing skills and learning newest advancements. Ongoing education ensures our team fixes issues quickly and correctly.
Cutting Edge Equipment
We continually invest in advanced diagnostic systems, specialty tools and high tech testing gear allowing identifying problems other companies can miss.
Large In-Stock Inventory
With massive warehouse stock, we have parts on hand for most common opener repairs. Quick access prevents waiting weeks for ordering and saves customers money through fewer trips/service calls.
Call us at (239) 478-2665 for:
- 24/7 Emergency Service – We’re always available for urgent after hours repair calls.
- Experienced Technicians – Our seasoned experts can fix any garage door issue.
- Trusted Local Business – Our dozens of 5-star reviews speak to our trustworthiness.
- Upfront Affordable Pricing – We provide fair quotes for every repair and installation job.
- Quality Craftsmanship – We use only the best replacement parts and materials.
For expert garage door opener installation, maintenance or repair, trust the seasoned professionals at West Coast Garage Doors. Call us today for prompt, reliable service that gets your door working again!