How quickly can you fix my noisy operation?

In most cases, we can fix noisy garage door operation the same day you call. Our technicians carry common parts like rollers, hinges, and lubricants on their service vehicles.

What causes noisy operation in garage doors?

Noisy garage door operation is typically caused by worn nylon or metal rollers, lack of lubrication, loose hardware, bent tracks, or aging springs. Regular maintenance can prevent most noise issues.

Do you offer financing for new traditional door installations?

Yes! We offer flexible financing options for new garage door installations, with low monthly payments, quick approval, and terms from 12 to 60 months with no prepayment penalties.

How long does a garage door spring replacement take?

A professional spring replacement typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. We always replace springs in pairs and carry common sizes on our trucks for same-day completion.

My garage door won't open. What should I check first?

Check the power, remote batteries, safety sensor obstructions, manual lock, and wall button. If none solve the issue, common causes include broken springs, stripped gears, or disconnected cables—all requiring professional repair.

How often should I replace my garage door cables?

Cables typically last 8-15 years with proper maintenance but should be replaced immediately if you notice fraying, rust, or visible damage. We recommend inspection during your annual maintenance visit.

How long does a new garage door installation take?

A complete installation takes 3-5 hours for a single door or 5-8 hours for a double door, including old door removal, new panel assembly, opener installation, and safety testing.

What's the difference between insulated and non-insulated doors?

Insulated doors provide better temperature control (10-20 degrees difference), energy savings, quieter operation, and increased durability. For Texas homes with attached garages, insulation pays for itself in 5-10 years.

Can I add a smart garage door opener to my existing door?

Absolutely! Smart technology can be added to most openers made after 1993. Options include WiFi controllers, complete smart openers, and integration with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional maintenance annually, or semi-annually for heavy use. Regular maintenance extends door lifespan by 5-10 years and prevents costly emergency repairs.

Are garage door springs dangerous?

Yes, springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injuries if mishandled. Never attempt DIY spring repairs. We offer same-day emergency service for spring issues.

What maintenance can I do myself?

Monthly DIY tasks include visual inspection, silicone-based lubrication (not WD-40), track cleaning, balance testing, and safety sensor testing. Leave spring adjustments and major work to professionals.

Do you provide free estimates?

Yes! We provide free, no-obligation estimates with itemized parts and labor costs, multiple options, timeline, and warranty information. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

What does your warranty cover?

All work comes with a 1-year warranty covering labor, parts (manufacturer defects), and workmanship. New doors include manufacturer warranties from 1 year to lifetime depending on the model.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, all major credit cards, financing with approved credit, and digital payments. Payment is due upon completion—we never ask for full payment upfront.

Surge Protection: Protecting Your Family

December 28, 2024 7 min read

Power surges are invisible threats that can damage your garage door opener, compromise safety features, and leave your family vulnerable. In Texas, where severe thunderstorms are common, understanding and protecting against electrical surges is essential for every homeowner.

Understanding Power Surges

A power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage that exceeds the normal flow. While your home's electrical system operates at 120 volts, surges can reach thousands of volts in milliseconds. Sources include lightning strikes (direct or nearby), power grid fluctuations, large appliance cycling, and utility company switching.

Modern garage door openers contain sensitive electronic components.circuit boards, sensors, and smart features.that are vulnerable to surge damage. Even a minor surge can degrade components over time, while a major surge can cause immediate failure.

How Surges Affect Garage Door Systems

When a surge hits your garage door opener, several problems can occur. The circuit board may be damaged, causing erratic behavior or complete failure. Safety sensors may malfunction, creating a dangerous situation where the door doesn't reverse when obstructed. Smart features and programming may be lost, requiring complete reprogramming. The motor can sustain damage, leading to premature failure.

Beyond the opener, surges can affect hardwired keypads, wall-mounted controls, and any smart home integration devices connected to your garage door system.

Signs of Surge Damage

Surge damage isn't always immediately obvious. Watch for these warning signs: the opener works intermittently or behaves erratically, safety sensors don't function properly, remote controls and keypads lose programming, the opener makes unusual sounds or runs slower than normal, smart features disconnect or malfunction, and the motor runs but the door doesn't move.

If you notice these symptoms after a storm or power outage, surge damage is a likely culprit.

Protecting Your Garage Door Opener

Whole-house surge protectors offer the best protection. Installed at your electrical panel by a licensed electrician, these devices protect all connected systems from surges entering through the power lines. Cost typically ranges from $200-500 installed, a worthwhile investment considering what it protects.

Plug-in surge protectors are a more affordable option for individual outlets. Look for protectors rated for high joule absorption (2000+ joules) with indicator lights showing protection status. Replace them after any major surge event.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) provide both surge protection and battery backup, allowing your opener to complete a cycle during brief power outages. This is particularly valuable for security and convenience.

Lightning Protection Considerations

Lightning is Texas's biggest surge threat. While surge protectors help, nothing completely protects against a direct lightning strike. However, you can minimize risk by ensuring your home has proper grounding, avoiding garage door operation during thunderstorms, unplugging the opener during severe storms if possible, and considering lightning rods for homes in high-risk areas.

If lightning strikes near your home, inspect your garage door system carefully afterward, even if it appears to work normally. Latent damage may cause problems later.

Protecting Smart Garage Features

Modern smart garage door systems connect to your home WiFi and often to cloud services. This connectivity adds convenience but also vulnerability. Protect smart features by using surge protection on your router and modem, keeping firmware updated for security patches, using strong passwords for smart accounts, and considering smart devices with built-in surge protection.

If a surge damages your smart opener, you may need professional help to restore connectivity and reprogram features.

What to Do After a Surge

If you suspect surge damage to your garage door system, first test basic operation by using the wall button to open and close the door. Then verify safety sensors by placing an object in the sensor path.the door should reverse. Check remote functionality by testing all remotes and keypads. Finally, inspect the motor and listen for unusual sounds during operation.

If anything seems off, contact a professional. Operating a garage door with damaged safety features puts your family at risk.

Insurance and Surge Damage

Homeowner's insurance typically covers surge damage from lightning but may not cover damage from utility company fluctuations or internal home issues. Document your garage door system (model numbers, installation date, features) and keep receipts. If you experience surge damage, file a claim promptly with photos and professional assessments.

Professional Surge Assessment

At Haslet Garage Doors, we can assess surge damage and recommend the right solutions. Our technicians test all system components, identify damaged parts, and ensure safety features work properly before any repair. We also advise on protection measures to prevent future damage.

Don't wait for a surge to cause problems. Protect your garage door system now.and protect your family's safety and convenience for years to come.

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