How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional maintenance at least once per year to keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently. During a maintenance visit, our technicians will lubricate all moving parts, inspect springs and cables for wear, test safety features, tighten hardware, and adjust the door's balance. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your door by many years and help prevent costly emergency repairs. Between professional visits, you can help maintain your door by keeping the tracks clean, visually inspecting for worn parts, and testing the auto-reverse safety feature monthly. If you notice any unusual sounds, movements, or issues, contact us right away—catching problems early saves money and prevents inconvenient breakdowns.

Why is my garage door making loud noises?

Garage door noises can have several causes, and the type of sound often indicates the problem: Squeaking or squealing usually indicates dry or worn rollers, hinges, or bearings. This is often solved with proper lubrication or roller replacement. Grinding often points to worn gears in the opener or issues with the track. This needs professional attention before the problem worsens. Popping or snapping may indicate a problem with the torsion springs. This is a safety concern and should be inspected immediately. Rattling is often caused by loose hardware. A simple tune-up to tighten bolts and screws usually solves this. Banging when closing means the door may be unbalanced or there could be an issue with the springs providing inconsistent tension. Don't ignore new or worsening noises. While some issues are minor, others can be signs of impending failure or safety hazards.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 3-5 hours for a single door or 4-7 hours for a double door. This includes removing your old door, installing the new door and hardware, setting up the opener, programming remotes, and testing all safety features. Factors that can affect installation time include the condition of existing hardware, the type of door (doors with windows, special insulation, or custom features may take longer), structural issues if the opening requires modifications, and weather conditions. We always aim to complete installations in a single visit so you can start enjoying your new door right away. We'll provide a time estimate during your free in-home consultation based on your specific situation.

Protect Your Home: Garage Door Security Tips

Name: Garage Door Oak Harbor
Address: 10 E Fakkema Rd, Oak Harbor, WA, 98277, US
Telephone: 360-437-6226
Price range: $$

2023-12-28 7 min read

Your garage door is the largest opening into your home, and unfortunately, it's often the weakest link in home security. According to FBI statistics, an estimated 9% of home burglaries occur through the garage. The good news is that with a few smart upgrades and habits, you can dramatically improve your garage door security.

At Garage Door Oak Harbor, security is a priority in every installation and repair we perform. Here's our comprehensive guide to protecting your home through your garage.

Understanding the Vulnerabilities

Before we discuss solutions, let's understand how burglars exploit garage doors:

Emergency release exploitation: The most common method. Burglars use a coat hanger or similar tool to reach the emergency release cord through a gap at the top of the door, disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door.

Opener code theft: Older openers use fixed codes that can be captured and replayed. Even rolling code systems can be vulnerable to sophisticated attacks.

Physical force: Weak doors or locks can be forced open with minimal tools.

Social engineering: Thieves watch for routines, open garage doors left unattended, or visible remote controls in parked cars.

Essential Security Upgrades

1. Secure the Emergency Release

The emergency release is a critical safety feature, but it's also a security vulnerability. Here's how to secure it:

Install an emergency release shield: This affordable device prevents coat hanger attacks by blocking access to the release cord from outside.

Use a zip tie: A temporary solution—thread a zip tie through the emergency release lever. It prevents the cord from being pulled while still allowing you to break the zip tie in a true emergency.

Consider a smart emergency release: New products allow the release to be disabled remotely and only activated with a key or smartphone.

2. Upgrade Your Opener Technology

If your garage door opener is more than 10 years old, it's time for an upgrade. Modern openers offer significant security advantages:

Rolling code technology: Each time you use your remote, the opener generates a new code. This makes code capture attacks virtually impossible.

Smartphone control: Monitor and control your door from anywhere. Receive alerts when the door opens or is left open.

Timer-to-close: Automatically closes the door after a set period if you forget.

Vacation mode: Disables remote control operation entirely.

Camera integration: Some openers include built-in cameras for visual verification.

3. Reinforce the Physical Door

A strong opener means nothing if the door itself is weak:

Upgrade to a solid-core door: Flimsy aluminum doors can be bent or cut. Steel doors with reinforced sections provide much better security.

Install a deadbolt lock: For doors with manual locks, a quality deadbolt adds significant protection.

Add a slide lock: Also called a side lock, these bars prevent the door from opening even if the opener is compromised.

Consider security bars: Interior security bars make forced entry extremely difficult.

4. Protect Exterior Entry Points

If your garage has a service door or windows:

Reinforce the service door: This should be as secure as your home's front door—solid core with a deadbolt and reinforced strike plate.

Cover windows: Use frosted film or curtains to prevent burglars from seeing what's inside (including the emergency release cord).

Add window sensors: Integrate with your home security system.

Smart Security Habits

Technology is only part of the solution. Good habits are equally important:

Never Leave the Door Open Unattended

It sounds obvious, but an open garage is an invitation. If you're working in the yard, keep the door closed. If you need ventilation, open it only partially and stay within sight.

Hide Your Remote

Never leave a garage door remote visible in your car. Burglars check parked cars in driveways. Either use a smartphone app, a keychain remote you keep with you, or hide the remote in the glove compartment.

Light Your Garage

Darkness is a burglar's friend. Install motion-activated lights both inside and outside your garage. Smart lights can simulate occupancy when you're away.

Lock the Interior Door

The door between your garage and house should always be locked, even when you're home. If a burglar gets into your garage, this buys time and may deter them from going further.

Close the Door Immediately

Don't wait until you're inside to close the garage door. Close it as soon as your car is clear. The time your door is open is the time you're vulnerable.

Advanced Security Integration

For maximum protection, integrate your garage door with your home security system:

Door sensors: Alert you when the door opens or is left open.

Cameras: Record activity inside and outside the garage.

Smart home integration: Create automations like lights turning on when the door opens after dark.

Professional monitoring: Security companies can dispatch help if something suspicious occurs.

Special Situations

Vacation Security

When you're away: - Unplug the opener or use vacation mode - Use smart plugs to simulate lights and activity - Have a neighbor keep an eye on things - Don't announce your absence on social media

After a Break-in Attempt

If you suspect your security has been compromised: - Change all opener codes immediately - Inspect for damage or tampering - Consider upgrading vulnerable components - Report the incident to police