Our Garage Door Services for Portland Area Homes & Businesses

Portland Guide to Exceptional Garage Door Spring Repair

Life's unexpected events are no stranger to homeowners, and they often seem to happen at the worst possible times. Imagine discovering your car stuck in the garage shortly after a recent garage door repair. That's when Wilson Brothers Overhead Doors steps up, following industry-leading best practices to deliver exceptional advice to homeowners every time we visit a garage. Adhering to these practices ultimately saves time and money, and our top priority is always customer satisfaction.

Best Practice #1 - Double Spring Replacement

Garage doors typically have two springs that are installed concurrently. When one spring fails, it often indicates that the other spring is approaching its life's end as well. In order to avert upcoming disruptions, potential dangers, and harm to the garage door opener, Wilson Brothers Overhead Doors usually suggests swapping both springs. Just as replacing both car tires after one fails is important, it's crucial to maintain valuable equipment like garage doors and automobiles by changing both garage door springs.

Best Practice #2 - Identifying 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 Portland, OR 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 - Conducting a Safety Inspection

Whenever Wilson Brothers Overhead Doors performs a spring repair, we also offer a free safety inspection to ensure that all hardware and moving parts on your door are in proper working condition and meet safety standards. Since the hardware was likely installed simultaneously with the springs, some worn mechanical components on your door could be unsafe. A malfunctioning spring may be a symptom of a more severe issue with your door. This is why we consider providing a complimentary safety inspection and maintaining a safe atmosphere for our clients a best practice.

Given that we carry a wide variety of springs to cater to the diverse types of garage doors, we recommend having a professionally trained technician take accurate measurements before providing an exact price quote. Reach out to Wilson Brothers Overhead Doors today to have an expert technician give you an estimate for garage door spring repair!

What's the Best Type of Garage Door Opener for You?

Belt Driven Openers

Widely considered the best type of opener in the industry, belt-powered openers are as reliable as chain drives and nearly noiseless. They operate on a steel-reinforced belt and are somewhat more expensive than chain and screw-powered openers. For homeowners in Portland with attached garages or those close to bedrooms, a belt-powered opener ensures that you won't be disturbed by garage door noise. Many customers who select belt-powered openers are extremely satisfied and find it challenging to go back to the noise of a chain opener.

Chain Driven Openers

A common choice in Portland, 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.

Screw Driven Openers

Operating on a threaded steel rod instead of a chain or rubber belt, screw-driven openers work best in locations with consistent weather and temperatures throughout the year. However, for residents in Portland with variable weather patterns, a screw-driven opener may not be the most suitable option. These openers are the slowest, loudest, and most affordable of all three types. If you prioritize a quiet and fast opener, a screw-driven opener may not be the right choice for you.

Jackshaft Openers

Ideal for Portland residents with high garage ceilings or those looking to free up ceiling space, jackshaft openers are mounted on the wall next to your garage door and connect to the torsion spring above it. While they are somewhat more expensive than ceiling-mounted openers, they provide a unique and space-saving solution.

Wilson Brothers Overhead Doors: 10 Key Reasons We Stand Out

1. Proven Experience: Our years of successful practice and numerous happy customers guarantee that our top professionals in the industry will address your garage door concerns in the most efficient manner possible.
2. Versatile Products and Services: Wilson Brothers Overhead Doors presents an assortment of products and services to fulfill your distinct needs. Our capabilities range from custom-designed doors to repair and installation services, ensuring we have the ideal solution for any door or product requirement.
3. Knowledgeable Staff: Our team members possess both expertise and professionalism. They value outstanding customer service and work towards making your experience with them positive. They're ready to answer any questions you have about doors and gates and provide tips on maintaining your overhead door.
4. High Quality Materials: Our company focuses on utilizing the best materials on the market for your garage door, guaranteeing its durability and beauty. Rely on our company in Portland to supply you with a valuable and long-lasting door.
5. Safety: Our company ensures that your garage door is installed accurately and securely. This means you can have confidence that the installation and maintenance of your overhead door meet the highest standards, providing a safe environment for you and your family.
6. Cost-Effective Solutions: Wilson Brothers Overhead Doors presents various wallet-friendly choices for your doors and gates necessities. Identify a solution that matches your financial constraints, including installation, repairs, and custom creations.
7. Efficient Services: Time plays a crucial role in the repair or installation of doors and gates. A distinguished Portland company will guarantee that your needs are met in a timely and effective manner.
8. Quality Assurance: We offer quality assurance for our services and products, guaranteeing that any doors and gates repairs or installations are completed to the highest standards. This ensures the protection of your investment, giving you peace of mind.
9. Overhead Door Protection: With our warranty coverage, you can enjoy added protection for your overhead door investment, reducing the financial burden and stress associated with any malfunctions or accidental damage.
10. Customer Satisfaction First: At Wilson Brothers Overhead Doors, we prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you're delighted with our products and services, and we go above and beyond to exceed your expectations.

Common Garage Door Repair Issues We Face Regularly

Broken Springs: When your garage door isn't functioning correctly, it's crucial to check the condition of the springs. They can break easily due to the tension they're under.

Worn-out Rollers: The rollers that aid in opening and closing your garage door can become worn out over time. This can lead to a noisy or stuck door.

Damaged Panels: Weather, normal wear and tear, and heavy impacts from vehicles or objects can all damage the panels on your garage door over time. Regular maintenance and repair can help prevent further damage.

Misaligned Tracks: Misaligned tracks can cause your garage door to malfunction and fall off its tracks. Regular inspection and repair of the tracks can prevent this issue.

Faulty Opener: If your garage door is not opening or closing correctly, the opener could be at fault. It's important to call a professional to inspect and diagnose the problem.

Safety Sensor: A misaligned safety sensor is a common issue with garage doors. Objects or children can hit the sensor, causing it to shift out of place and affect the door's proper closure. To avoid this problem, it's crucial to pay attention to the sensor.

The Most Typical Overhead Door Problems Requiring Repair

Fading: The gate's color may fade due to weather conditions or prolonged exposure to the sun. To maintain the new look of your garage door, you may need to repaint it every few years.

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

Rusting: Rusting is a common issue that results from exposure to moisture or humidity. It's important to be vigilant about checking your gate for signs of rust, especially if you live in a humid location.

Hinges: The difficulty you may experience with opening and closing your overhead door may be due to misaligned or damaged hinges. Don't worry, though, as this is a quick and easy fix for a professional.

Rotting: When wood doors are not appropriately treated or sealed, they can deteriorate and rot. This can cause them to become weak and eventually collapse.

Installation: The consequences of poor installation can be severe, particularly with gates that could become unsafe and unstable. It is essential to fix these problems as soon as possible.

Rollers: Functional rollers are crucial for your gate's smooth operation. Once they are damaged or worn out, opening and closing the gate can become difficult. Thankfully, replacing the rollers is usually an easy fix.

Frames: The damage or bending of a garage door frame can make the entire structure unstable, creating a serious safety hazard. Repairing or replacing the damaged frames promptly is critical.

Sagging: If your gate is made of wood, sagging is a common issue that you may face. This can be prevented by using more robust hardware and ensuring that the gate posts are securely anchored.

When is it Time to Replace Your Portland Garage Door? Top Reasons to Consider

While it's true that replacing your garage doors can have a positive impact on your home's resale value, there are other reasons for Portland residents to consider. Here are some examples:

Lessen Garage Door Noise

Are you tired of the loud noise from your garage door? Wilson Brothers Overhead Doors offers ultra-quiet nylon hinges that can reduce the noise and provide a smooth and noise-free operation for your garage door.

Efficient Home Energy

Being the most massive moving object connected to your home, the garage door can be the least energy-efficient room due to its frequent opening and closing. While homeowners in Portland, OR usually focus on energy-efficient replacement windows and front entry doors, the effect of the garage door on total energy costs is often underestimated. Installing insulated garage doors can reduce the transfer of hot and cold air, leading to substantial energy savings.

Never Compromise on Safety and Security

A significant number of home break-ins in Portland happen through overhead doors. Are you certain that your garage door cannot be easily manipulated by intruders? Moreover, older doors may lack automatic reversal, a crucial safety feature.

Raise Your Home's Attractiveness

Consider how much space your garage doors occupy on your home's exterior. Upgrading them in Portland can have a considerable impact on your home's curb appeal at a modest cost.

Most Common Questions from Our Portland, OR Customers Addressed

Do I have to hire a professional for the installation of my new garage door?

We caution against attempting garage door installation as a do-it-yourself project, given the technical nature and potential hazards involved. Garage doors are the most substantial moving components in your home, and proper installation is vital for their performance. Connecting springs, for example, can be extremely dangerous. Professionals can efficiently install a garage door in just a few hours while ensuring safety precautions are followed. Conversely, homeowners may spend days on the installation, often leading to frustration. Moreover, improper installation might invalidate some warranties, so it's best to have a professional manage the task. They can also dispose of your old door if you're getting a new one.

Is it recommended to install an insulated door in a non-insulated garage?

The use of insulated doors can minimize the transfer of heat or cold air into your garage through the large garage door opening. This is crucial if your garage is located below another room in your home, as it helps to stabilize temperatures in that room. Moreover, insulated doors are quieter and more visually appealing than non-insulated ones.

1. Insulated doors minimize the transfer of air between the garage and your living area.
2. For a garage-turned-workshop, keeping comfort in mind is vital.
3. Insulated doors play a key role in balancing temperatures in the room above when the garage is positioned beneath another room.
4. Insulated doors are also quieter and more attractive than non-insulated doors.

Which is better for a garage door - steel or wood?

Choosing a steel door can mean less maintenance compared to wood. Wilson Brothers Overhead Doors's steel doors come pre-painted with a baked-on coating. We recommend cleaning the exterior of the door with warm water and household detergent once a year. Our wood doors are delivered unfinished and need to be primed and painted or stained on all six sides. It's advised to visually inspect the finish once a year to determine if another coat is required.

Can my one-piece garage door be upgraded to 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 Portland, OR dealer assess the job beforehand to ensure that any required modifications are made before installation.

Can a garage door be painted after installation?

At Wilson Brothers Overhead Doors, our steel doors are pre-painted with a baked-on coating that can be repainted using a range of commercially available latex exterior paints. It's important to follow the paint manufacturer's instructions and avoid oil-based paints.