Quality Garage Door Repair Services for Boston Homes & Businesses

Boston Guide to Exceptional Garage Door Spring Repair

Life's little surprises frequently catch homeowners off guard, often happening at the most inopportune moments. A perfect example is finding your car trapped in the garage, especially soon after a garage door repair. That's where First Boston Garage Doors shines, adhering to the highest standards of industry best practices, ensuring that we give exceptional advice to homeowners each time we visit a garage. By following these practices, we save you time and money while making customer satisfaction our top priority.

Best Practice #1 - Updating 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, First Boston Garage Doors 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 - Finding the Ideal Springs

A range of weights and sizes for garage doors necessitates the use of appropriate springs to achieve the correct balance. If the wrong spring is installed, it can damage the garage door system and cause undue stress on the opener. This can lead to premature opener failures and additional repair appointments. For this reason, DIY spring replacements can also be dangerous. Our Boston, MA technicians focus on installing the right springs based on the door's weight and perform a balance test to confirm their work.

Best Practice #3 - Carrying Out a Safety Assessment

First Boston Garage Doors 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.

Considering our ample stock of springs for an array of garage door types, we recommend consulting a professional technician for precise measurements and a trustworthy price estimate. Touch base with First Boston Garage Doors now to obtain an expert technician's appraisal and quote for garage door spring repair.

The Pros and Cons of Different Garage Door Openers: Which One is Best for You?

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 Boston 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

A common choice in Boston, chain-powered openers are dependable and use a metal chain to maneuver the garage door along its track. These openers are slightly less expensive than belt drives but are also noisy. This can be an issue if your garage is located below or adjacent to your home's primary living spaces. We typically do not recommend chain-powered openers due to the minor cost savings and the lack of a lifetime warranty provided by LiftMaster® for belt drives.

Jackshaft Openers

Jackshaft openers are mounted on the wall next to your garage door, attached to the torsion spring above the door, instead of being centrally mounted on the garage ceiling. Ideal for garages with high ceilings or those looking to free up ceiling space, the cost of a jackshaft opener is slightly higher than a ceiling-mounted opener. First Boston Garage Doors highly recommends this option for specific garage configurations.

Screw Driven Openers

Utilizing a lifting mechanism that runs on a threaded steel rod rather than a chain or rubber belt, screw drive openers work optimally in areas with constant weather and temperature conditions throughout the year. For those in Boston with variable weather patterns, a screw drive opener might not be suitable. These openers are the slowest and noisiest of all three types and are the most affordable. If noise and speed are important factors for you, a screw-driven opener may not be the best choice.

10 Benefits of Partnering with First Boston Garage Doors

1. Solid Experience: Our strong background, characterized by a successful track record and numerous happy clients, guarantees that our industry-leading experts will handle your garage door needs with the highest efficiency.
2. Extensive Range of Products and Services: First Boston Garage Doors delivers a wide array of products and services to address your distinct needs. We can supply everything from customized doors to repair and installation services, guaranteeing the ideal solution for any door or product you need.
3. Knowledgeable and Attentive Employees: Our staff members are both informed and professional. They recognize the value of outstanding customer service and work towards making your experience with them a positive one. They're prepared to answer your questions and provide guidance on maintaining your door.
4. High Quality Materials: By selecting only top-notch materials, we guarantee that your garage door will be long-lasting and visually impressive. With our company in Boston, rest assured that you're investing in a high-quality and valuable door.
5. Safety Assurance: We guarantee the proper and safe installation of your door. This means you can trust that your garage door's installation and maintenance adhere to the strictest standards, creating a secure environment for you and your family.
6. Cost Effective Solutions: First Boston Garage Doors delivers a variety of reasonably priced options for your doors and gates needs. Choose a solution that fits your financial preferences, from installations and repairs to tailor-made designs.
7. Prompt Service: Repairing or installing a garage door demands prompt attention. A dependable Boston enterprise will ensure your needs are catered to quickly and competently.
8. Quality Guarantee: By providing a quality guarantee for our services and products, we make sure that any garage door repairs or installations meet the highest standards. This gives you the confidence that your investment is well-guarded.
9. Comprehensive Door Warranty: We provide a comprehensive warranty coverage that safeguards your door investment against any malfunction or accidental damage, giving you peace of mind.
10. Unmatched Satisfaction Guarantee: First Boston Garage Doors is dedicated to providing unparalleled customer satisfaction with our range of products and services. We stand behind our work and guarantee your satisfaction with our overhead doors and gates.

Frequently Encountered Overhead Door Repair Issues

Broken Springs: The tension in garage door springs means they're prone to breaking. Checking their condition is essential when troubleshooting issues with your garage door.

Worn-out rollers: Garage door rollers can wear out over time and cause a noisy or stuck door. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for proper functioning.

Panel Damage Prevention: Protect your garage door panels from damage caused by weather, regular use, and heavy impacts from vehicles or other objects.

Misaligned tracks: Falling off tracks is a safety hazard that can be caused by misaligned tracks. Regularly check and maintain the tracks to prevent this from happening.

Faulty Opener: If you suspect a problem with your garage door opener, it's best to seek professional assistance for troubleshooting and repair.

Safety Sensor Obstructions: The safety sensor can become obstructed by objects or children playing. Make sure the area around the sensor is clear to avoid issues with door closure.

Common Door Problems That Need Repairing

Hinges: When the hinges on your overhead door become damaged or misaligned, it can make opening and closing the door difficult. Luckily, this is a repair that can be easily fixed by a professional.

Installation: The improper installation of a garage door can cause many problems. It can be dangerous and unstable, requiring swift attention.

Sagging: The weight of wooden gates often causes them to sag, leading to issues. Preventing this requires using sturdier hardware and properly securing the gate posts.

Rotting: Wooden doors can rot over time if they aren't treated or sealed correctly. This can cause them to weaken and ultimately collapse.

Rollers: To keep your overhead door running smoothly, its rollers must be functioning correctly. When the rollers become worn or damaged, it can be difficult to open and close the door. Thankfully, roller replacement is usually a simple repair.

Rusting: Humidity or moisture exposure can cause rust, which is a frequent problem. If you reside in a humid location, it's important to keep a close watch on your overhead door and check for rust indications.

Frames: Garage door frame damage or bending can lead to instability in the entire structure, posing a significant safety hazard. It's essential to replace or repair any damaged frames as soon as possible.

Pests: Wooden gates are susceptible to pest infestations, like termites and carpenter bees. Regular checks should be carried out to identify any signs of damage.

Warping: If your gate is exposed to extreme weather conditions, warping may occur, causing it to become misshapen due to hot or cold temperatures.

Fading: Fading of the gate color is a common occurrence caused by weather conditions or excessive exposure to the sun. To ensure that your gate looks fresh, you may need to apply a fresh coat of paint every few years.

Is Your Boston Garage Door Due for Replacement? Here's What You Need to Know

From a strict sale / resale perspective, replacing your garage doors is a no-brainer, but what other reasons should Boston homeowners keep in mind when considering this upgrade? Here are a few:

Increase Your Home's Charm

Look at your home from a distance. Have you ever noticed how much of your home's front is occupied by your overhead doors? Upgrade them in Boston to enhance your home's curb appeal without spending much.

Don't Sacrifice Safety and Security

A high percentage of home burglaries in Boston involve overhead doors. Do you feel secure with your current garage door's ability to prevent break-ins? Furthermore, outdated doors may not have safety features like automatic reversal.

Quieten Your Garage Door

The sound of overhead doors opening and closing can be a source of annoyance, especially for those residing in rooms near or above the garage. First Boston Garage Doors offers ultra-quiet hinges for a noise-free and seamless opening and closing experience.

Reduce Home Energy Use

Overlooked by many, the impact of the garage door on a home's energy costs is often ignored. However, upgrading to insulated garage doors can lead to significant energy savings and lower bills for Boston, MA residents.

Boston, MA Customers' Frequently Asked Questions

Is it advisable to hire a professional for my new garage door installation?

At First Boston Garage Doors, we advocate for professional installation of garage doors, as it is not a suitable DIY task. A garage door is the biggest moving component in your home, and its installation requires technical expertise due to the numerous small parts involved. Attaching the springs is particularly perilous, and a properly installed door is crucial for optimal performance. Professional garage door dealer/installers can typically finish an installation within a few hours, while ensuring that safety protocols are followed. In contrast, most homeowners require several days for installation and often experience frustration. Additionally, improper installation might nullify certain warranties, so we suggest hiring a professional. They can also take care of disposing of your old door when replacing it.

Is it a good idea to opt for an insulated door for a garage that has no insulation?

If you install insulated doors for large garage door openings, you can prevent the transfer of heat or cold air. This is important if your garage is attached to your home or used as a workshop, as it helps to maintain comfortable temperatures. Additionally, insulated doors are quieter and more visually appealing than non-insulated ones.

1. Insulated doors have a more attractive interior and are generally quieter than non-insulated doors.
2. Temperature regulation in the room above the garage is achieved with the help of insulated doors when the garage is below another room.
3. Ensuring your comfort if you use your garage as a workshop.
4. Insulated doors keep the air in the garage from traveling to the living area.

Factors to consider when choosing between steel and wood garage doors?

Steel doors often require less maintenance compared to wooden doors. First Boston Garage Doors's steel doors come with a pre-painted, baked-on coating. It's recommended to clean the exterior of the door at least once a year using warm water and a common household detergent. Our wood doors come unfinished and require priming and painting or staining on all six sides upon delivery. We suggest visually inspecting the finish of wooden doors once a year to determine if another finish application is necessary.

Is it recommended to replace my one-piece garage door with a sectional garage door?

Installation of a sectional door involves fitting track and springs to accommodate the door. Depending on your garage's structure, additional alterations may be necessary. We suggest having your Boston, MA dealer assess the job beforehand to ensure that any required modifications are made before installation.

Is it safe to paint a newly installed garage door?

At First Boston Garage Doors, we believe that your home deserves the best. That's why all our steel doors are pre-painted with a factory-applied baked-on coating that can be repainted to your liking. We recommend using commercially available latex exterior paints, as long as you follow the paint manufacturer's instructions. Avoid using oil-based paints, and enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting finish that enhances your home's value and style.