How quickly can you fix my stuck doors?

We offer next-day service for most repairs, and priority emergency service is available for urgent situations. When you have a stuck garage door that's compromising your home security or trapping your vehicle, we understand time is of the essence. Our experienced technicians carry common parts on their trucks, so many repairs can be completed in a single visit. For non-emergency repairs, we typically schedule within 24-48 hours of your call. Emergency service is available 7 days a week for situations that can't wait.

What causes stuck doors in garage doors?

Stuck garage doors can be caused by several factors. The most common causes include: broken torsion or extension springs (these bear the door's weight and when they break, the door won't move), misaligned or damaged tracks (the door can't move smoothly if the tracks are bent or out of alignment), worn or damaged rollers (these can cause the door to bind), broken cables (cables help lift the door and can snap from wear), opener malfunctions (electrical or mechanical issues with the motor unit), and obstructions in the track or safety sensor path. Our technicians will diagnose the exact cause and provide a clear explanation before any work begins.

Why is my garage door making so much noise?

A noisy garage door is usually a sign of wear or lack of maintenance. Common causes include: dry or worn rollers (especially nylon rollers that need replacement), loose hardware (bolts and screws can vibrate loose over time), worn hinges (these can squeak or grind), chain drive issues (chains can become loose or dry), and unbalanced door (puts stress on the system causing strain sounds). Regular maintenance including lubrication can often solve noise issues. If the noise persists, it may indicate a more serious problem that should be addressed before it leads to a breakdown.

How long does a typical repair take?

Most common repairs can be completed in 1-2 hours. Simple fixes like adjusting springs, replacing rollers, or reprogramming openers often take under an hour. More complex repairs like replacing springs or cables typically take 1-2 hours. Panel replacement or track repair may take 2-3 hours depending on the extent of damage. Our technicians will provide a time estimate when they diagnose the problem, so you know what to expect.

Do you offer financing for new contemporary door installations?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options to make your new garage door installation affordable. We understand that a new garage door is a significant investment in your home. Our financing programs offer competitive interest rates and flexible terms to fit various budgets. Options include 12-month same-as-cash promotions, low monthly payment plans, and extended terms for larger projects. Contact us for details on our current financing programs and to see which option works best for your situation.

How long does a new garage door installation take?

A standard single or double garage door installation typically takes 3-5 hours. This includes removing the old door, installing the new door and all hardware, setting up the opener, and testing everything to ensure proper operation. More complex installations (custom doors, unusual sizes, or significant framing work) may take longer. We'll provide a detailed timeline during your consultation.

What brands and styles do you carry?

We carry a wide selection of garage doors from leading manufacturers. Our inventory includes steel, aluminum, wood, and composite doors in various styles including contemporary, traditional, carriage house, and modern designs. We can match virtually any home style and budget. During your free consultation, we'll show you options that work for your home and discuss the pros and cons of each material and style.

Do you remove and dispose of my old door?

Yes, complete removal and disposal of your old garage door is included in our installation service at no extra charge. We handle all the heavy lifting and ensure proper disposal or recycling of materials. You won't have to worry about dealing with your old door after we're done.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional maintenance at least once per year. An annual tune-up includes lubricating all moving parts, checking spring tension and balance, inspecting cables and hardware, testing safety features, and tightening loose components. Between professional visits, homeowners should visually inspect the door monthly and listen for unusual sounds during operation. Regular maintenance can extend your door's lifespan significantly and prevent costly emergency repairs.

Can I maintain my garage door myself?

Many basic maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners, including: visually inspecting the door and hardware monthly, keeping tracks clean and free of debris, applying garage door lubricant to rollers, hinges, and springs (avoid WD-40), testing the auto-reverse safety feature monthly, and keeping the photo-eye sensors clean. However, some tasks like spring adjustment, cable replacement, and track alignment should only be done by professionals due to safety risks. Never attempt to repair or adjust springs yourself – they're under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.

What's included in your maintenance service?

Our comprehensive maintenance service includes: complete door and opener inspection, lubrication of all moving parts with professional-grade lubricant, spring tension check and adjustment, balance testing and correction, safety sensor testing and alignment, hardware tightening, track inspection and cleaning, weatherstripping inspection, and a detailed report of the door's condition with recommendations. This service typically takes 30-45 minutes and can prevent up to 90% of common garage door problems.

Do you provide free estimates?

Yes, we provide free, no-obligation estimates for all services. For repairs, we'll diagnose the problem and provide a detailed quote before any work begins. For installations, we offer free in-home consultations where we'll measure your opening, discuss your options, and provide a complete quote. There's never any pressure, and you'll know exactly what to expect before we start.

What warranties do you offer?

We stand behind our work with a 1-year warranty on all labor. This covers any workmanship issues that arise after our service. Additionally, parts and doors carry their own manufacturer warranties, which vary by product but often range from 1 year to lifetime coverage for certain components. We'll explain all warranty coverage before your service so you know exactly what's protected.

Are your technicians licensed and insured?

Absolutely. Troy Garage Doors is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. All our technicians are background-checked, factory-trained, and certified. This protects you and your property throughout the service process. Our insurance coverage means you're never liable for any accidents or damage that might occur during our work.

Size Measurement Guide: What Every Homeowner Should Know

2024-01-05 6 min read

Whether you're planning a garage door replacement or a new installation, accurate measurements are essential for a successful project. Incorrect measurements can lead to doors that don't fit, increased costs, and delays. This comprehensive guide will help you measure your garage door opening like a professional.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Garage doors are not one-size-fits-all. They come in standard sizes, but your opening may require a custom fit. Getting measurements wrong can result in:

Ordering the wrong size door
Gaps that let in drafts, pests, and moisture
Doors that don't operate properly
Additional construction costs to modify the opening

Tools You'll Need

Before you start measuring, gather these tools:

A quality tape measure (at least 25 feet long)
A ladder for reaching high points safely
A pencil and notepad or smartphone for recording measurements
A level (optional but helpful)

The Essential Measurements

1. Width of the Opening

Measure the width at the widest point of the opening, from one inside edge of the frame to the other. Take measurements at both the floor level and at the height where the door will seal. If there's a difference, use the larger measurement and note both.

2. Height of the Opening

Measure from the floor to the underside of the header (the beam across the top of the opening). Again, measure on both sides as floors and headers can be uneven. Use the larger measurement.

3. Side Room (Sideroom)

This is the space on either side of the opening for the vertical tracks. Measure from the edge of the opening to the nearest obstruction (wall, pipe, etc.) on each side. Standard tracks require about 3.75 inches, though some systems need more.

4. Headroom

Measure from the top of the door opening to the ceiling or nearest obstruction. This space is needed for the horizontal tracks and opener. Standard installations require 10-12 inches, though low-headroom options are available for spaces with less clearance.

5. Backroom (Depth)

Measure the depth of the garage from the door opening to the back wall. Your garage door, when fully open, will extend into this space. Generally, you need depth equal to the door height plus 18 inches.

Standard Garage Door Sizes

While custom sizes are available, most residential garage doors fall into these standard dimensions:

Single car: 8' x 7', 9' x 7', or 10' x 7'
Double car: 16' x 7', 18' x 7', or 16' x 8'
RV/Oversized: Various sizes up to 20' wide and 12' tall

Tips for Accurate Measuring

Measure twice, record once
Round up to the nearest 1/4 inch
Check for level and plumb, an out-of-square opening affects installation
Note any obstructions like lights, outlets, or pipes
Take photos of the opening and surrounding area

When to Call a Professional

While measuring is something most homeowners can do, there are situations where professional help is valuable:

The opening appears to be out of square
You're considering a non-standard door type
There are potential obstruction issues
You're unsure about any of your measurements

At Troy Garage Doors, we offer free in-home consultations where our experts will take precise measurements and help you choose the perfect door for your home. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

## Related guides - [Garage Door Springs in Troy: When to Replace and Why It Can't Wait](/blog/garage-door-springs-troy-when-to-replace) - [Garage Door Cost & Pricing in Troy: What Homeowners Overpay](/blog/garage-door-cost-pricing-troy-what-homeowners-overpay) - [Garage Door Cost & Pricing in Troy: What to Expect](/blog/garage-door-cost-pricing-troy) - [Every garage door service we offer](/services) - [Garage door service in Methuen, MA](/service-areas/methuen-ma) - [Garage door service in Worcester, MA](/service-areas/worcester-ma)

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