Trusted Garage Door Services for Long Beach, CA Homeowners

Long Beach Garage Door Spring Repair: Industry-Recommended Techniques

For homeowners, life has a way of presenting unforeseen challenges, often at the most inconvenient moments. One such setback is discovering your car immobilized in the garage, especially if you recently had a garage door repair. Morton Family Garages is committed to following the industry's best practices to offer exceptional advice to homeowners every time we assess a garage. These practices can ultimately save you time and money, as we always prioritize our customers' needs.

Best Practice #1 - Renewing Both Springs

Typically, garage doors have two springs that were installed simultaneously. When one spring fails, it's likely that the other spring is also approaching the end of its life. To prevent future complications, dangerous garage door operation, and potential garage door opener damage, Morton Family Garages usually advises replacing both springs. Just as you would change both tires on your car if one were to blow out, properly maintaining high-value equipment like garage doors and vehicles involves replacing both garage door springs.

Best Practice #2 - Choosing the Correct Springs

The wide variety of garage door weights and sizes calls for the use of suitable springs to achieve the right balance. If a technician uses an improper spring, it can cause damage to the garage door system and make the opener work harder than necessary. This can lead to premature opener malfunction and more repair requests. Attempting a DIY spring replacement is also hazardous for the same reason. Our Long Beach, CA technicians are committed to installing the correct springs for the door's weight and conducting a balance test to ensure their work.

Best Practice #3 - Undertaking a Safety Examination

Morton Family Garages carries out a courtesy safety inspection for every spring repair, confirming that all hardware and moving components on your door function as they should and meet safety requirements. It's possible that some worn mechanical parts on your door, installed at the same time as the springs, are now in an unsafe state. A non-functioning spring could be a sign of a more extensive issue with your door. That's why we believe in providing a free safety inspection and upholding a secure environment for our customers as a best practice.

We carry an extensive range of springs to accommodate the various types of garage doors. We recommend having a professionally trained technician take precise measurements before providing you with an exact price quote. Get in touch with Morton Family Garages today to have a skilled technician give you an estimate for garage door spring repair!

Garage Door Openers: Which One Matches Your Preferences?

Jackshaft Openers

Jackshaft openers are unique in that they are mounted on the wall beside your garage door, connecting to the torsion spring above the door. They are an excellent choice for garages with high ceilings or when you want to clear up some ceiling space. Jackshaft openers are slightly more expensive than traditional ceiling-mounted openers.

Belt Driven Openers

Belt drive openers are highly regarded in the garage door industry as the top type of opener. They are not only as dependable as chain drives but are also virtually silent. Operating on a steel-reinforced belt, they are a bit more expensive than chain and screw drive openers. For Long Beach residents with attached garages or those close to bedrooms, a belt-driven opener guarantees you won't be bothered by garage door noise. Customers who opt for belt drive openers are often extremely satisfied and find it difficult to return to noisier chain openers.

Chain Driven Openers

Commonly used, chain-driven openers are reliable and run the garage door on its track using a metal chain. These openers are a bit more affordable than belt drives, making them a popular choice in Long Beach. However, they tend to be noisy, which is not ideal if your garage is situated below or adjacent to the main living areas of your home. We generally don't recommend these openers, as the small savings don't justify the noise and lack of a lifetime warranty offered by LiftMaster® for the belt drives.

Screw Driven Openers

Screw drive openers feature a lifting mechanism that runs on a threaded steel rod, as opposed to a chain or rubber belt. These openers perform best in locations with consistent weather and temperature conditions throughout the year. In areas with fluctuating temperatures or weather patterns, such as Long Beach, a screw drive opener is not advised. Screw drive openers are the slowest and noisiest of all three openers but are the least expensive. If noise or slow operation was an issue with your previous opener, you might not enjoy having a screw-driven opener in your garage.

10 Reasons Why Morton Family Garages Should Be Your Go-To Choice

1. Confirmed Competence: With years of successful experience and a wealth of happy customers, our leading experts in the industry will manage your garage door needs in the most effective way possible.
2. Assorted Products and Services: Morton Family Garages delivers a wide variety of products and services designed to meet your individual needs. Our offerings include everything from bespoke doors to repair and installation services, ensuring we have the right solution for any door or product you need.
3. Knowledgeable Staff: Our employees are well-informed and maintain a professional demeanor. They appreciate the value of superior customer service and strive to make your experience with them enjoyable. From fielding your concerns about overhead doors to sharing tips on garage door care, they're at your service.
4. Premium Materials: We use only the highest quality materials to ensure your doors and gates are durable and aesthetically pleasing. With our company in Long Beach, you can have peace of mind knowing you're investing in a valuable product.
5. Safety First: We prioritize the correct and safe installation of your doors and gates. This means that you can have peace of mind knowing that the installation and maintenance of your garage door adhere to the highest standards, fostering a secure environment for your loved ones.
6. Cost Effective Solutions: Morton Family Garages brings you an assortment of value-driven possibilities for your overhead door requirements. Explore a solution that accommodates your budget, ranging from installation services and repairs to customized designs.
7. Prompt Service: Time is of the essence when it comes to repairing or installing a garage door. A reputable Morton Family Garages Long Beach will ensure that your needs are taken care of promptly and efficiently.
8. Excellence Guaranteed: We guarantee excellence in our services and products, ensuring that any doors and gates repairs or installations are executed to the highest standards. This provides you with the assurance that your investment is well-guarded.
9. Warranty: By offering warranty coverage, we give your investment additional security. This warranty ensures that any malfunction or accidental damage to your overhead door is covered, reducing stress and financial concerns related to a faulty door.
10. Exceeding Your Expectations: Morton Family Garages is dedicated to providing top-notch service for your garage doors and gates, and we aim to exceed your expectations with every interaction. Our team is knowledgeable and professional, ensuring that you receive the highest level of service possible.

The Most Frequent Overhead Door Repair Problems We Encounter

Broken Springs: When your garage door isn't functioning correctly, broken springs could be the cause. Check the condition of the springs as a first step.

Worn-out rollers: As time passes, the rollers that aid in the opening and closing of your garage door can wear out. This can lead to a noisy or stuck door.

Damaged Panels Replacement: If the panels on your garage door are beyond repair due to damage from weather, normal wear and tear, or impact from a vehicle or a heavy object, our team can help with replacement services.

Misaligned Tracks: If your garage door is stuck, misaligned tracks may be the culprit. Check the tracks to ensure they're in the proper position.

Faulty Opener: A faulty garage door opener can cause problems with the opening and closing of your door. It's important to seek professional assistance if you suspect an issue with the opener.

Safety Sensor: Garage doors often face an issue with their safety sensors. Any object or playful children may accidentally hit the sensor and cause it to shift out of alignment, thereby hindering proper door closure. Therefore, it's important to remain mindful of the sensor and its alignment.

Door Repair: Identifying the Most Common Issues

Hinges: Your gate may be difficult to open or close due to misaligned or damaged hinges. Luckily, this is usually a simple fix for a professional to address.

Fading: Sun exposure and weather conditions can cause your gate's color to fade over time. To maintain the new look of your garage door, consider repainting it every few years.

Pests: Another concern with wooden doors is the possibility of pest infestations, such as termites and carpenter bees. Regular inspections are essential to identify any signs of intrusion.

Installation: Incorrect installation can lead to significant problems, especially with gates that may become unstable and hazardous. It is crucial to address these issues quickly.

Rollers: Your gate's rollers play a critical role in its proper functioning. If they are damaged or worn out, you may face difficulty in opening and closing the gate. Replacing them is a simple repair that can resolve the issue.

Frames: A damaged or bent frame on an overhead door can cause the entire structure to become unstable, making it a serious safety hazard. It's important to address the issue and repair or replace the frame promptly.

Rusting: Exposure to moisture or humidity can lead to rust, a common issue. If you reside in a humid area, it's crucial to monitor your overhead door for rust indications.

Sagging: Sagging is a prevalent problem for wooden doors, typically caused by their weight. To avoid this, use heavy-duty hardware and make sure the posts are securely fastened.

Warping: Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause warping, which can misshape your gate due to weather conditions.

Rotting: Wooden gates may rot over time if they are not treated or sealed appropriately, which can lead to weakness and eventual collapse.

When to Replace Your Garage Door in Long Beach: A Guide

It's a no-brainer to replace your garage doors from a strict sale / resale perspective, but what other reasons do Long Beach homeowners have for replacing their overhead doors? Here are a few examples:

Diminish Garage Door Noise

Garage doors can be quite noisy during opening and closing operations, which can be a significant concern for homeowners who have bedrooms located near or above the garage. If you're looking for a noiseless solution, Morton Family Garages offers ultra-quiet nylon hinges that ensure a smooth and quiet garage door operation.

Ensure Safety and Security

A significant number of burglaries in Long Beach involve garage doors. Do you believe that your current garage door is tamper-proof against malevolent intruders? Also, if your garage door is not up-to-date, you may not have access to the most recent safety advancements, such as automatic reversal that lifts the door when it senses an obstacle.

Efficient Home Energy

While many Long Beach, CA residents focus on energy-efficient windows and doors, the garage door is often overlooked. Replacing it with insulated overhead doors can lead to significant energy savings and lower bills.

Beautify Your Home

Have you ever taken a closer look at your home's appearance? Your overhead doors in Long Beach take up a significant amount of space in front. Upgrading them can greatly improve your home's curb appeal without breaking the bank.

Our Long Beach, CA Customers' Most Pressing Questions

Should I hire a professional to install my new garage door?

At Morton Family Garages, we maintain that garage door installation should not be attempted as a DIY project. Given that a garage door is the largest moving item in your home and consists of numerous small components, the installation process is quite complex. Connecting the springs can be especially hazardous, and the door's performance depends on proper installation. Expert garage door dealers/installers can usually complete the task in a matter of hours, ensuring all safety measures are met. In contrast, most homeowners spend several days on installation, often experiencing frustration. Furthermore, improper installation may void certain warranties, so we advise having a professional handle the task. Another benefit of employing a professional garage door dealer/installer is the disposal of your old door when replacing it.

Can an insulated door be useful for a garage that is not insulated?

The transfer of heat or cold air through the large garage door opening can be minimized by installing insulated doors. This is essential if your garage is attached to your home, used as a workshop, or located below another room in your house. Additionally, insulated doors are quieter and more visually appealing.

1. With insulated doors, air in your garage is less likely to affect your living area.
2. Insulated doors outperform non-insulated doors in both interior appearance and noise reduction.
3. For garages located below other rooms, insulated doors are essential for maintaining temperature stability in the room above.
4. Prioritizing comfort is important for a garage functioning as a workshop.

Benefits and drawbacks of steel and wood garage doors?

Morton Family Garages's steel doors typically require less upkeep than wood doors. They come pre-painted with a baked-on coating from the factory. We suggest cleaning the door's exterior with a common household detergent and warm water at least once a year. Our wood doors are unfinished and must be primed, painted, or stained on all six sides upon delivery. We recommend visually examining the paint or stain finish on wood doors once a year to see if it requires another application.

Is it possible to swap out my one-piece garage door for a sectional garage door?

If you want to install a sectional door, your professional garage door dealer/installer can make the necessary modifications by adding track and springs. Depending on the structure of your garage, other adjustments may be necessary. It is best to have your Long Beach, CA dealer evaluate the job before installation to ensure everything is properly modified.

Can I paint my new garage door once it is installed?

Yes, all our steel doors at Morton Family Garages are pre-painted with a premium factory-applied baked-on coating that can be repainted. Our doors are built to last and can accept a wide range of commercially available latex exterior paints, as long as they are applied following the paint manufacturer's recommendations. Please avoid using oil-based paints for optimal results.