3 Signs it’s Time to Upgrade Your Garage Door Motor

Shuts Off Completely

Slow or Weak Pull

You may notice a screeching or grinding noise when opening and closing your garage door which normally happens when there is excess demand on the motor, which will cause the door to open and close slowly. Eventually, the excess strain on the motor will cause the motor to shut off and not work at all. This could be incredibly dangerous if it shuts off during a cycle as it could collapse causing injury or damage which we always want to avoid. Should you notice a slow or weak pull by the motor, or any peculiar noises, it may be time for an upgrade as this is a sign it’ll likely shut off completely soon.  

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Flickering Lights When Using

In addition to a slow or weak pull, your garage door motor lights may flicker when the motor is under increased stress from working to lift the door or lower it slowly. Both the light for the garage, as well as the small light(s) on the back of the motor may flicker. This should be an immediate warning sign it may be time for a motor replacement. The longer the flickering continues, the higher the chance of an electrical or mechanical failure.

Conclusion

We’re Here to Help

We hope we were able to assist in helping determine the source of the air leak. We understand it is frustrating having an issue that isn’t able to be identified easily. Again, should you determine you need a seal replacement or total door replacement, give us a call today! 

Having other issues? Look at our other resources for potential help

The post Should I Replace My Garage Door Motor? appeared first on Today Garage Door Services | Serving Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Arizona.

What to Consider When Planning a Garage in Phoenix

When designing a new garage, there is more to think about than just how it looks. Your garage door’s size, style, spring system, motor type, and even the remote all play an important role in the overall functionality and long-term value. Each decision can impact costs, convenience, and curb appeal.

This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider before beginning your garage door installation project in the Phoenix area.

Choosing the Right Garage Door Size and Style

Start by considering how many vehicles you plan to store. Will it be a single-car, 2-car, or multi-vehicle garage? Are you focused on maximizing curb appeal or working within a specific budget?

Lucky for you, we  have two detailed articles written to assist you in answering these questions and more! 

Garage Door Springs: High Cycle vs Standard

In Phoenix, garage doors see frequent use, especially during the hot summer months. Choosing the right springs is critical for long-term performance and safety. Springs counterbalance the door, and poor-quality ones can wear out quickly.

We recommend high cycle torsion springs for most homeowners in the area. They contain more coils than standard springs, allowing them to store the same amount of tension while lasting significantly longer.

High cycle springs can last up to five times longer than standard versions. This is a smart investment for any Phoenix homeowner planning to use their garage door frequently.

If you need garage door spring replacement or installation, we offer professional service throughout the Phoenix metro area.

Choosing a Garage Door Motor in Phoenix

Your garage door motor is the backbone of your system. For homeowners in the Phoenix area, we recommend Chamberlain motors, specifically their LiftMaster line. These openers are known for their durability, quiet operation, and long-lasting performance.

Chamberlain’s website also makes it easy to compare models, pricing, and reviews. You can explore their full range of garage door openers at Chamberlain.

If you need help selecting the right motor or want to schedule a professional installation in the Phoenix area, contact us today.

Selecting a Garage Door Remote

Universal remotes are typically the most convenient choice. Simply verify compatibility with your garage door opener by checking the product information on the back or bottom of the motor.

If you already have a remote and are scheduling a motor installation with us, we can program the remote for you at the time of service.

New Garage Door Needed? A Buyer’s Guide To Choosing The Right Door!

This blog will help you understand what to think about and plan when it comes to getting a new garage door. From budgeting to steps it takes to getting a new garage door. 

What’s the Average Garage Door Size?

This blog will help you understand the sizing of garage doors. It’s not normally something we know just off the top of our head, so we want to make it easy for you to understand what size will suit you best. 

Work with a Local Garage Door Expert in Phoenix

At Today Garage Door Services, we proudly serve homeowners throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and surrounding cities. Whether you are constructing a new garage or replacing an existing door, our experienced technicians will help you make the best choice for your home.

We offer:

• Free estimates
• Licensed and insured service
• High-quality products from trusted brands

Call us today to schedule your garage door consultation in the greater Phoenix area!

The post New Construction in Phoenix: A Guide to Choosing the Ideal Garage Door appeared first on Today Garage Door Services | Serving Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Arizona.

Getting Started

Here are 5 questions to consider to help determine which door fits your needs best: 

1. Which garage door do you currently have? 

2. What’s your budget?

3. Which door fits your budget?

4. When do you need it installed?

Identify your timeline. Will you need this done immediately or would you rather schedule for a future date that better fits your schedule? Here at Today Garage Door Services can accommodate both!

5. How can you schedule an install appointment? 

Give us a call today or submit a request through the link below or and we can schedule a time to come out and install – whether it’s today, tomorrow, or any future date!

The post Guide to Selecting Your Next Garage Door appeared first on Today Garage Door Services | Serving Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Arizona.

Choosing the right garage door size is important when it comes to your garage’s functionality and the convenience of it. Whether you’re just replacing an existing garage door or building a whole new garage, learning more about standard garage door sizes can help you make an informed decision and that’s why we put together this guide to help you understand the standard garage door sizes. 

Different Types of Garage Doors

Single-Car Garage Door

Single-car garage doors are usually 8 feet wide by 7 feet or 8 feet tall. This sizing fits most standard vehicles and will provide plenty of space for easy entry and exit. There are some single-car garages doors that come in 9 feet wide by 7 feet high to help with some larger vehicles.

Two-Car Garage Door

For your traditional two-car garage, there are a few different options for widths. For a two-car garage, the standard door size is usually 16 feet wide by 7 feet high. The most common coming between 16 feet or 18 feet wide by 7 feet or 8 feet tall. These sizings allow two vehicles to park, enter, and exit with space to opening car doors or move things around as needed. 

Three-Car Garage Door

Three-car garages have a bit more flexibility by having one large door or a combination of smaller doors along the whole garage. A common size for a single three-car garage door is 24 feet wide by 7 feet high leaving space to comfortably fit your vehicles.

Alternatively, you might see configurations with two doors, one 16 feet wide by 7 feet high and another 8 feet wide by 7 feet high, or three individual doors, each 8 feet wide by 7 feet high.

These options allow for various combinations to fit your specific needs whether it’s a side of the garage for storage or simply fitting three different vehicles in your garage. 

Custom Garage Doors

Now normally the garage doors we’ve already mentioned meet most homeowner’s needs, custom garage doors are available for those who have unique requirements or wishes. These custom doors can be tailored to fit unusual garage dimensions, oversized vehicles, or specific design preferences you have for your garage. When planning a custom garage door, make sure to consider the following: 

1. The dimensions of your vehicles. 
2. The architectural style of your home. 
3. Any special features you might want, such as windows or insulation.

RV/Oversized Garage Door

This is a bit more specific but for those who own recreational vehicles (RVs) or large trucks, the standard garage door might not be tall enough at only 8 feet or 9 feet. RV garage doors are typically 12 to 14 feet high and 10 to 12 feet wide which allow the larger height and width RVs park safely and conveniently.

What to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door

Now when selecting your garage door sizing or repairing/replacing your current garage door, there are a few things you should consider when doing so. 

What’s nice about us here at Today Garage Door Services, we offer competitive labor rates. Once you select your perfect door, give us a call and we can get you in right away! 

Available Garage Door Options 

The world is your oyster when it comes to selecting your ideal door. Once you determine your garage door size, you can step on over to this product sheet offered by our friends at Cloplay. On this page, you will be able to view everything from the material type to the shape of the windows, all the way down to creating your own custom color pallet for your door. Who doesn’t love options like that?

Conclusion

Understanding standard garage door sizes is essential for selecting the right door for your garage and overall ease of living when dealing with cars and storage. Whether you need a single-car door, a two-car door, or a custom solution, knowing the typical dimensions and considerations can help you make the best choice for your needs. 

If you’re struggling with finding what you need or just decide to get your current garage door repaired, reach out and we can help with all your garage door needs. 

The post What’s the Average Garage Door Size? New Garage Door Guide appeared first on Today Garage Door Services | Serving Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Arizona.

Garage Door Spring Job Backstory

We received a call from a customer who was experiencing a broken garage door spring system that was causing counterbalance issues with their garage door. This is a common call we receive here at Today Garage Door Services and in this case, we were able to successfully replace the broken Wayne Dalton Torquemaster with a high cycle standard torsion shaft with external springs. 

Before Garage Door Spring Replacement

Cable Under Pressure

When we got to the location, the garage door cable was under intense pressure and so much so that it became unwound. When this happens, it can be extremely dangerous as garage door spring can “explode”, acting as a metal whip flying through the air potentially causing damage or hurting those that are in the garage at the time.

Right Spring Failed

We also realized that the original door did not have a centralized spring system which caused the individual right side garage door spring to fail as the door was not properly counterbalanced. When garage doors aren’t properly counterbalanced, it causes one side to experience more “weight” causing it to wear faster and eventually break or need replacing.

Right Drum System Failed

When all of the above happens, it causes the right side drum system to fail and then caused the cable to spin around the horizontal bar, no longer tightly bound and unable to help lift the garage door back in place.

After Garage Door Spring Replacement

Centralized Spring System Installed

Once we got to work on the garage door, you can now see there is now a centralized spring system along with the properly wound drum systems on the left and right. The door is now properly counterbalanced with equal tension on both sides of the door allowing both sides to lift the door “equally”.

Cables Perfectly Wound

You can see an oversized right side drum that has the cables perfectly wound around it. The inside and outside rings are larger than the spool which will help keep the cables tight and decrease the chances they unwind.

Properly Counterbalanced Door

This is the centralized high cycle spring system. This is paramount in keeping the door properly counterbalanced as it distributes equal tension to both sides of the door. 

We’re Here to Help

If you recently have had an issue with you garage door or think you might have a similar issue, give us a call or fill out a form for a spring and or drum replacement today! We can help get your garage door back to working condition. Need another service? We also offer multiple other garage door repair services and can help get your door repaired the same day you give us a call!

Having other issues? Look at our other resources for potential help

The post What Does a Garage Door Spring Replacement Look Like?  appeared first on Today Garage Door Services | Serving Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Arizona.

What Do Garage Door Cables Actually Do?

Many people have no idea what garage door cables actually do, they just know it’s part of the garage operating system. Garage door cables connect the spring line to the garage door. The cables connect to the door at the bottom brackets which are located on each side of the door.

Their purpose is to bear the weight of the garage and run in tandem across from one another while being fixed onto the shaft at the same point.

Why Are Garage Door Cables Important?

The cables hook up to the drums connected to the torsion shaft above your door. Each is having force exerted by the wound up springs. The spring line components (drums, cables, springs, and torsion shaft ) each work together to do 2 main jobs:

1. Counterbalance the weight of the garage door
2. Keep the door level during operation

Without the cables and the spring line components working in sync, you will experience counterbalance issues and your door may not actually sit level when closed. 

Time For A Cable Replacement?

Determining factors of whether or not it may not be time to replace your cables include visible fraying/damage, one side seems to be exerting more force than the other, the door is visibly imbalanced, or the door will not close all the way. Each of these could be urgent warning signs it’s time to replace your cables, likely with varying urgency. 

Out of all the issues you could have with your door, issues with your cables are the most dangerous. If one or both cable systems fail and snap, they tend to explode resulting in tiny pieces of metal flying through the air at high speeds including the cable(s) flying through the air like a metal whip. With that being said, should you notice any of the warning signs, give us a call ASAP to come out for a replacement. We will be able to safely identify and address the issue. 

Having other issues? Look at our other resources for potential help

The post Garage Door Cables: Function, Importance, and Replacement appeared first on Today Garage Door Services | Serving Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Arizona.