FAQs

Overhead garage doors work by running on tracks or rails. The door panels are connected to rollers that move along these tracks when the door is operated. 

There are several types, including sectional doors, roll-up doors, and tilt-up doors. Each type has its own advantages and is suitable for different needs and spaces. 

Common materials include wood, steel, aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. The choice of material depends on factors like aesthetic preference, budget, and maintenance requirements. 

The lifespan of a garage door can vary based on the quality of the material and how well it’s maintained, but on average, a garage door should last between 15 to 30 years. 

Regular maintenance should include lubricating moving parts, checking for damage and wear, tightening loose hardware, and testing the balance and safety features of the door.

We recommend doing a preventative maintenance once every 6 months to 1 year (depending how often you use your door) This includes lubing moving parts (hinges & rollers) springs and the operator. Making any necessary adjustments to the tracks and door. Visually inspecting cables and door for visible wear and tear. This helps ensure the door is operating as it should and helps extend the life of your door and springs. 

Garage door springs do not have a fixed lifespan in years. They are typically rated by the number of opening and closing cycles they can complete. Many standard residential garage door springs are rated for around 10,000 cycles. If your garage door goes through four cycles per day, that can work out to roughly six to seven years of use.

How long a spring actually lasts depends on several factors, including:

• How frequently you use the garage door
• The weight and balance of the door
• New England temperature changes
• Rust and corrosion
• Whether the system receives regular maintenance

A weakening spring may cause the door to feel heavy, open unevenly, or put extra strain on the opener. If you hear a loud snap or notice a visible gap in a torsion spring, stop operating the door.

Learn more about why garage door springs break or schedule professional garage door repair.

For most residential garage doors, a professional inspection and preventive maintenance visit about once a year is a good general guideline. Doors that are used very frequently may benefit from service every six months.

Regular garage door maintenance can include:

• Lubricating appropriate moving components
• Inspecting springs and cables
• Checking rollers and hinges
• Tightening loose hardware
• Inspecting and adjusting tracks
• Testing the safety sensors
• Checking door balance
• Inspecting the opener
• Looking for visible wear or damage

Preventive maintenance gives a technician an opportunity to identify worn components before they turn into a broken spring, snapped cable, off-track door, or opener failure.

Unwin provides service for springs, rollers, cables, tracks, openers, remotes, keypads, and other garage door components. Learn more about our garage door services and repairs.

A garage door opener will commonly last around 10 to 15 years, although its actual lifespan depends on how often the door is used, how well the garage door itself is maintained, and the condition of the opener’s motor and drive system.

Signs an older opener may be approaching replacement include:

• Increasingly loud operation
• Delayed or inconsistent response
• Grinding or buzzing noises
• The door stopping unexpectedly
• Repeated repair problems
• Missing modern safety or security features
• Lack of battery backup or smart connectivity

It is also important to remember that the opener should not be doing all the lifting. A poorly balanced door or weakening spring can force the opener motor to work harder and shorten its life.

Read 5 Signs Your Garage Door Opener Is About to Fail or explore Unwin’s garage door opener installation options.

If your garage door isn’t working properly, it’s best to call a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.

Signs can include frequent breakdowns, excessive noise, slow response time, and visible wear and tear.

If your garage door uses two springs that were installed at the same time, replacing both may make sense even if only one has broken. Both springs have typically completed the same number of cycles, so the remaining spring may be approaching the end of its usable life as well.

Replacing both springs together can help:

• Keep the door properly balanced
• Reduce the likelihood of another spring failure shortly afterward
• Prevent uneven lifting
• Reduce strain on the garage door opener

That does not mean every spring system automatically requires both springs to be replaced. The correct repair depends on the type, age, condition, and configuration of your garage door system.

Garage door springs operate under significant tension and should be inspected and replaced by a trained technician.

Read more about what happens when a garage door spring breaks or contact Unwin for garage door repair.

Garage door rollers should be replaced when they become worn, cracked, damaged, loose, or no longer travel smoothly through the tracks. Their lifespan varies considerably based on the roller material, quality, door weight, and frequency of use, so condition is often more useful than age alone.

Warning signs include:

• Squeaking or grinding noises
• Shaking or jerking as the door moves
• Visible cracks or chips in the rollers
• Excessive side-to-side movement
• Rollers that repeatedly bind in the tracks
• A garage door that moves unevenly

Worn rollers do more than make noise. They can increase stress on hinges, tracks, the opener, and other parts of the door.

Rollers should be inspected as part of regular garage door maintenance. If your door has become noisy or rough while operating, contact Unwin for professional garage door service and repair.

Garage doors come in a variety of materials such as wood, vinyl, steel, fiberglass, glass each having their own advantages and disadvantages as well as appealing to different tastes, budgets and climates. 

Steel – Steel garage doors can be widely customized are known for durability, ease of maintenance and overall best bang for your buck. (Pricing: $-$$)

Wood – Wood Doors are timeless and classic. Highly customizable for a one of a kind look due to the broad range of wood species to choose from, stains and varying overlay options. It is important to consider not only the more expensive upfront cost but the cost of continued maintenance to preserve the beauty of a wood door. (Pricing: $$$-$$$$)

Fiberglass – Durable, low maintenance and similar in texture/ appearance to real wood. Not affected by moisture and wont rust. (Pricing: $$$-$$$$)

Glass – Sleek, eye catching and contemporary. Varying types of glass for a fully customizable look. Resistant to rust, customizable and allows max light flow. (Pricing: $$$-$$$$) 

Safety features to consider include auto-reverse mechanisms, motion detection lights, manual controls, and secure locking systems.

Yes, some doors are better suited for different climates. For example, insulated doors can be beneficial in cold climates.

There is no single R-value that is right for every Massachusetts garage. The best choice depends on whether the garage is attached, heated, used as living or work space, and how important temperature control is to you.

As a general rule, homeowners with an attached garage or living space above the garage should consider a well-insulated door, often in the R-12 or higher range. Higher-performing doors can offer R-values well above that, depending on their construction and insulation.

A higher R-value means the door is better at resisting heat transfer.

Consider a higher-insulation door if:

• Your garage shares walls with your home
• There is a bedroom above the garage
• You heat or cool the garage
• You use it as a workshop
• Comfort and energy efficiency are priorities

A detached garage used only for parking may not require the same level of insulation.

Browse Unwin’s residential garage doors to discuss the right insulation level for your home.

Neither option is automatically better for every home. The best choice depends on your priorities.

Belt-Drive Garage Door Openers

Belt-drive openers are known for smooth, quiet operation. They are particularly appealing for attached garages or homes with bedrooms and living spaces above or beside the garage.

They can be a good choice if you prioritize:

• Quieter operation
• Less vibration
• Smooth movement
• A garage located near bedrooms or living areas

Chain-Drive Garage Door Openers

Chain-drive openers use a metal chain to move the trolley. They are proven, durable systems and are often a practical option when budget and dependable operation are priorities.

They may be a good choice if:

• The garage is detached
• Opener noise is less important
• You want a traditional, durable drive system

Unwin services and installs both belt-drive and chain-drive garage door openers. Explore our garage door opener installations or learn more about smart garage door technology.

Many existing garage doors can be automated by installing a garage door opener. However, it’s best to consult with a professional to ensure compatibility.

The warranty varies depending on the manufacturer and model. It’s best to check with the manufacturer or your installer for specific warranty information.

If your remote is lost or stops working, you can purchase a replacement from our office or contact the manufacturer. 

In many cases, you can replace a single panel. However, if multiple panels are damaged, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire door.

Consider factors like your budget, the style of your property, the climate in your area, and your specific needs in terms of security and functionality.

A garage door that will not close can have several causes. One of the first things to check is the pair of safety sensors located near the bottom of the garage door tracks. Dirt, an obstruction, or misalignment can interrupt the sensor beam and prevent the door from closing.

Other possible causes include:

• Misaligned safety sensors
• An object blocking the door
• Damaged tracks or rollers
• Incorrect opener limit settings
• Broken or loose cables
• A malfunctioning garage door opener
• A door that has become unbalanced

If the door starts closing and immediately reverses, check the sensors and make sure nothing is in the opening. If the door is crooked, off track, or making unusual noises, do not force it closed.

Unwin provides professional garage door repair throughout Western MA. If your garage is stuck open and cannot be secured, learn more about our 24-hour emergency garage door service.

Most residential garage doors can be operated manually during a power outage by using the emergency release mechanism, typically a red cord hanging from the opener rail.

However, there is an important condition: the garage door itself must be in good working order and properly balanced.

If the spring is broken, a cable has snapped, or the door is off track, disconnecting the opener can leave you dealing with the full weight of an unstable garage door. Do not attempt to manually lift a door that feels unusually heavy, crooked, or unsafe.

Newer garage door openers may also include battery backup, which allows limited operation during a power outage without manually disconnecting the opener.

For information about newer opener technology, visit our garage door opener installation and Smart Home pages.

If the door is stuck and you cannot safely enter or secure your garage, Unwin also provides 24-hour emergency garage door service.

Other possible causes include:

• Misaligned safety sensors
• An object blocking the door
• Damaged tracks or rollers
• Incorrect opener limit settings
• Broken or loose cables
• A malfunctioning garage door opener
• A door that has become unbalanced

If the door starts closing and immediately reverses, check the sensors and make sure nothing is in the opening. If the door is crooked, off track, or making unusual noises, do not force it closed.

Unwin provides professional garage door repair throughout Western MA. If your garage is stuck open and cannot be secured, learn more about our 24-hour emergency garage door service.

You can improve the insulation by adding weatherstripping or purchasing an insulated garage door.

Garage door insulation can make a noticeable difference in Massachusetts because garages are exposed to cold winters, hot and humid summers, and large seasonal temperature swings.

Insulation is particularly valuable if your garage:

• Is attached to your home
• Has a bedroom or living space above it
• Is heated
• Is used as a workshop or hobby space
• Contains plumbing or temperature-sensitive belongings

An insulated door slows heat transfer between the garage and outdoors. It can also make the garage more comfortable, reduce noise, and add rigidity to the door.

For a detached, unheated garage used mainly for parking, a highly insulated door may be less important. For an attached garage, investing in better insulation can make considerably more sense.

Explore Unwin’s residential garage door options or review our existing garage door FAQs for more information about insulated and non-insulated doors.