Frequently Asked Questions
Garage door and opener product information, troubleshooting common garage door problems and do-it-yourself answers.
Garage door and opener product information, troubleshooting common garage door problems and do-it-yourself answers.
Garage Door Opener Frequency Issue
Once in a while the NAVY uses the same frequency as most common garage door opener receivers use and this causes many remotes to malfunction. The only way to test if your opener is having this problem is to try your remote while standing in your garage. If it works properly while you are in your garage then this is most likely the problem. If it doesn't work outside or inside your garage, no matter how close you are, it might be a different issue that warrants a service call. Here are a couple links to news articles about this issue. Watch the video on the NAVY transmitter issue on the right of the page. Here is another article from the San Diego Union Tribune on August 4th, 2010. Here is another older article from the Union Tribune. Thanks for your continued understanding of this unavoidable issue.
Once in a while the NAVY uses the same frequency as most common garage door opener receivers use and this causes many remotes to malfunction. The only way to test if your opener is having this problem is to try your remote while standing in your garage. If it works properly while you are in your garage then this is most likely the problem. If it doesn't work outside or inside your garage, no matter how close you are, it might be a different issue that warrants a service call. Here are a couple links to news articles about this issue. Watch the video on the NAVY transmitter issue on the right of the page. Here is another article from the San Diego Union Tribune on August 4th, 2010. Here is another older article from the Union Tribune. Thanks for your continued understanding of this unavoidable issue.
NEW Door Questions
Q. I am looking for a new garage door, what do you recommend?
Q. I am looking for a very safe garage door, which brand do you recommend?
Q. I am looking for a very dependable garage door, which brand do you recommend?
Q. I am looking for a garage door that will last over 10 years, which brand do you recommend?
Q. I am looking for a new garage door, what do you recommend?
Q. I am looking for a very safe garage door, which brand do you recommend?
Q. I am looking for a very dependable garage door, which brand do you recommend?
Q. I am looking for a garage door that will last over 10 years, which brand do you recommend?
Troubleshooting Questions
Q. My garage door opens halfway and stops.
Q. Door closes with remote but won't open
Q. My garage door closes all the way to the ground and then bounces back up.
Q. Door opens by itself in the middle of the night.
Q. My door seems heavy.
Q. My light bulbs won't turn off.
Q. My garage door is making loud noises.
Q. My garage door is very slow to open.
Q. I can see daylight coming in under my garage door.
Q. My garage door won't close at certain times of the day.
Q. My garage door remote doesn't work, but the wall button does.
Q. The arm detached from my garage door.
Q. My garage door shakes and wobbles when it opens and/or closes.
Q. I changed the battery in my garage door remote opener and now nothing works.
Q. My opener sounds like it is running, but nothing happens.
Q. I have to hold down the wall button to close my garage door.
Product, Ordering and Installation Questions
Q. Do you ship your custom doors outside of San Diego?
Q. What is involved in a Tune-Up?
Q. I need a new opener, which one do you recommend?
Q. How long does a garage door opener typically last?
Q. How do I program homelink in my car?
Q. My garage was recently broken into. What can I do to make my garage door more of a security feature?
Q. What are the basic measurements for an opening for a new sectional garage door?
Q. I have a Martin garage door with a lifetime warranty, do you service them?
Q. I have an I-Drive garage door opener, can you fix it or recommend a company that does?
Q. I just had a new garage door opener installed, what is the best way to take care of it?
Q. What type of paint can I use on my garage door?
Q. How do I clean graffiti off my door?
Q. Can I put a mail slot in my garage door?
Q. What type of light bulbs should I use in my garage door opener?
Q. Do you sell OTC openers for the do-it-yourself homeowner?
Q. What is the difference between the garage door openers that you sell and the ones that the big box retailers sell?
Q. Do you sell torsion springs to do-it-yourselfers?
Q. Do you build or install one piece wood or steel garage doors?
Q. How do I put my door in manual mode?
Q. What colors are available on your steel doors?
Q. What is headroom and how much headroom do I need?
Q. What are standard sized doors?
Q. What difference does the gauge of a steel garage door mean?
Q. How is the price of a garage door figured?
Q. Can I paint my steel door?
Q. My steel garage door is scratched, do you sell touch-up paint?
Q. Can I use an existing garage door opener with my new garage door?
Q. My garage door opens halfway and stops.
Q. Door closes with remote but won't open
Q. My garage door closes all the way to the ground and then bounces back up.
Q. Door opens by itself in the middle of the night.
Q. My door seems heavy.
Q. My light bulbs won't turn off.
Q. My garage door is making loud noises.
Q. My garage door is very slow to open.
Q. I can see daylight coming in under my garage door.
Q. My garage door won't close at certain times of the day.
Q. My garage door remote doesn't work, but the wall button does.
Q. The arm detached from my garage door.
Q. My garage door shakes and wobbles when it opens and/or closes.
Q. I changed the battery in my garage door remote opener and now nothing works.
Q. My opener sounds like it is running, but nothing happens.
Q. I have to hold down the wall button to close my garage door.
Product, Ordering and Installation Questions
Q. Do you ship your custom doors outside of San Diego?
Q. What is involved in a Tune-Up?
Q. I need a new opener, which one do you recommend?
Q. How long does a garage door opener typically last?
Q. How do I program homelink in my car?
Q. My garage was recently broken into. What can I do to make my garage door more of a security feature?
Q. What are the basic measurements for an opening for a new sectional garage door?
Q. I have a Martin garage door with a lifetime warranty, do you service them?
Q. I have an I-Drive garage door opener, can you fix it or recommend a company that does?
Q. I just had a new garage door opener installed, what is the best way to take care of it?
Q. What type of paint can I use on my garage door?
Q. How do I clean graffiti off my door?
Q. Can I put a mail slot in my garage door?
Q. What type of light bulbs should I use in my garage door opener?
Q. Do you sell OTC openers for the do-it-yourself homeowner?
Q. What is the difference between the garage door openers that you sell and the ones that the big box retailers sell?
Q. Do you sell torsion springs to do-it-yourselfers?
Q. Do you build or install one piece wood or steel garage doors?
Q. How do I put my door in manual mode?
Q. What colors are available on your steel doors?
Q. What is headroom and how much headroom do I need?
Q. What are standard sized doors?
Q. What difference does the gauge of a steel garage door mean?
Q. How is the price of a garage door figured?
Q. Can I paint my steel door?
Q. My steel garage door is scratched, do you sell touch-up paint?
Q. Can I use an existing garage door opener with my new garage door?
Q. I am looking for a safe, dependable, long-lasting garage door, what do you recommend?
A. There are many different brands out there to choose from although we recommend Martin Garage Doors first and foremost. Along with their amazing variety of color options and styles, Martin Doors are the safest doors on the market. make sure to look at the many Advantages of Martin Garage Doors or stop by our NEW showroom to experience them for yourself.
A. There are many different brands out there to choose from although we recommend Martin Garage Doors first and foremost. Along with their amazing variety of color options and styles, Martin Doors are the safest doors on the market. make sure to look at the many Advantages of Martin Garage Doors or stop by our NEW showroom to experience them for yourself.
Q. My garage door opens halfway and stops.
A. A couple of items could lead to this scenario. It might be the force on your opener needs adjusting, the opener needs to be lubricated or the door might not be balanced so it is putting undo stress on your opener. These problems can be easily fixed with our annual garage door Tune-up.
A. A couple of items could lead to this scenario. It might be the force on your opener needs adjusting, the opener needs to be lubricated or the door might not be balanced so it is putting undo stress on your opener. These problems can be easily fixed with our annual garage door Tune-up.
Q. Door closes with remote but won't open.
A. Either the batteries in your remote might need to be replaced or the receiver might be sending a weak signal; you might have to replace your receiver.
A. Either the batteries in your remote might need to be replaced or the receiver might be sending a weak signal; you might have to replace your receiver.
Q. My garage door closes all the way to the ground and then bounces back up.
A. The limit switch has probably gone bad.
A. The limit switch has probably gone bad.
Q. Door opens by itself in the middle of the night.
A. There could be a short in the wiring, or a stuck button on your remote or the wall opener.
A. There could be a short in the wiring, or a stuck button on your remote or the wall opener.
Q. My door seems heavy.
A. You probably need to have the door balanced, and the tension reset on the springs.
A. You probably need to have the door balanced, and the tension reset on the springs.
Q. My light bulbs won't turn off.
A. Either there is a broken wall button or the logic board might have gone bad.
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A. Either there is a broken wall button or the logic board might have gone bad.
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Q. My garage door is very slow to open.
A. Several factors could lead to this problem. There might be a broken spring, the opener might need some lube or the door is not properly balanced.
A. Several factors could lead to this problem. There might be a broken spring, the opener might need some lube or the door is not properly balanced.
Q. I can see daylight coming in under my garage door.
A. The weather seal on the door may need to be replaced if it is worn out or a larger weather seal might need to be installed. This option varies depending on which brand of garage door you have.
A. The weather seal on the door may need to be replaced if it is worn out or a larger weather seal might need to be installed. This option varies depending on which brand of garage door you have.
Q. My garage door won't close at certain times of the day.
A. You might have a photo sensor being blocked by sunlight. This can be fixed by changing out sensors.
A. You might have a photo sensor being blocked by sunlight. This can be fixed by changing out sensors.
Q. My garage door remote doesn't work, but the wall button does.
A. Make sure your wall button lock (if you have one) is not on. Check the batteries in your remote, if you have two remotes and they both stopped working there is most likely a problem with the receiver.
A. Make sure your wall button lock (if you have one) is not on. Check the batteries in your remote, if you have two remotes and they both stopped working there is most likely a problem with the receiver.
Q. The arm detached from my garage door.
A. A bolt has probably come loose or the door arm has pulled away from the door itself. Call our Toll-Free number to schedule a service call. 1-888-366-7639.
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A. A bolt has probably come loose or the door arm has pulled away from the door itself. Call our Toll-Free number to schedule a service call. 1-888-366-7639.
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Q. My garage door shakes and wobbles when it opens and/or closes.
A. The hardware is probably worn out, you should have it examined.
A. The hardware is probably worn out, you should have it examined.
Q. I changed the battery in my garage door remote opener and now nothing works.
A. You will have to reprogram your remote. Refer to original programming guide, or depending on manufacturer, you can visit them online.
A. You will have to reprogram your remote. Refer to original programming guide, or depending on manufacturer, you can visit them online.
Q. My opener sounds like it is running, but nothing happens.
A. First verify that the part of your garage door opener that has the red rope hanging down from it is moving and that it hasn't been disengaged. If that is engaged then a service call is necessary. Call our Toll-free Number to schedule. 1-888-366-7639.
A. First verify that the part of your garage door opener that has the red rope hanging down from it is moving and that it hasn't been disengaged. If that is engaged then a service call is necessary. Call our Toll-free Number to schedule. 1-888-366-7639.
Q. I have to hold down the wall button to close my garage door.
A. It sounds like your photo sensors are not aligned, you might want to check those first. See if you have a blinking light on one side, you have to move them until you have a solid light; if that does not work please call us back to schedule service
A. It sounds like your photo sensors are not aligned, you might want to check those first. See if you have a blinking light on one side, you have to move them until you have a solid light; if that does not work please call us back to schedule service
Q. Do you ship your custom doors outside of San Diego?
A. We sell and install garage doors in San Diego County, California. If you're looking for a custom wood sectional garage door or a specialty steel garage door, we can arrange for shipping to your address, at an additional cost. You would need to arrange to have the garage door installed by a professional garage door installer in your area. Also, custom wood doors are heavier than a standard steel door, and normally require a fork lift or a crew large enough to manually unload the garage door. When shipping doors, the doors are packaged in a wood crate for added protection, thus adding to the overall weight of the door.
A. We sell and install garage doors in San Diego County, California. If you're looking for a custom wood sectional garage door or a specialty steel garage door, we can arrange for shipping to your address, at an additional cost. You would need to arrange to have the garage door installed by a professional garage door installer in your area. Also, custom wood doors are heavier than a standard steel door, and normally require a fork lift or a crew large enough to manually unload the garage door. When shipping doors, the doors are packaged in a wood crate for added protection, thus adding to the overall weight of the door.
Feel free to contact us to discuss options.
Q. What is involved in a Tune-Up?
A. Our Tune-Ups include a thorough inspection, lubrication of moving parts and minor adjustments. See a complete list of items covered in our garage door Tune-ups here.
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A. Our Tune-Ups include a thorough inspection, lubrication of moving parts and minor adjustments. See a complete list of items covered in our garage door Tune-ups here.
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Q. I need a new opener, which one do you recommend?
A. We recommend the Lift Master line of garage door openers, they are user friendly and the most reliable. We install 1/2hp models which carry a lifetime warranty on the motor and 1yr warranty on all moving components.
A. We recommend the Lift Master line of garage door openers, they are user friendly and the most reliable. We install 1/2hp models which carry a lifetime warranty on the motor and 1yr warranty on all moving components.
Q. How long does a garage door opener typically last?
A. Typically a garage door opener lasts 5-15 years. The number of years varies based on the model and how well it has been maintained.
A. Typically a garage door opener lasts 5-15 years. The number of years varies based on the model and how well it has been maintained.
Q. How do I program homelink in my car?
A. The homelink web site has easy to understand programming instructions, and a video! www.homelink.com
A. The homelink web site has easy to understand programming instructions, and a video! www.homelink.com
Q. My garage was recently broken into. What can I do to make my garage door more of a security feature?
A. The first thing you should do after your garage has been broken into, or you have lost a remote is reprogram your remotes. You can find instructions on your manufacturers web site. To reduce the risk of future break-ins, contact our customer service department to get the latest in garage door security options.
A. The first thing you should do after your garage has been broken into, or you have lost a remote is reprogram your remotes. You can find instructions on your manufacturers web site. To reduce the risk of future break-ins, contact our customer service department to get the latest in garage door security options.
Q. What are the basic measurements for an opening for a new sectional garage door?
A. Rough opening sizes are 1" under the size, width and height . However the most important measurement that may effect installation is inside your garage. We offer a free estimate for measuring.
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A. Rough opening sizes are 1" under the size, width and height . However the most important measurement that may effect installation is inside your garage. We offer a free estimate for measuring.
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Q. I have a Martin garage door with a lifetime warranty, do you service them?
A. The parts for a Martin Door are typically covered under warranty, but we will have to get authorization through Martin. The labor however is not part of your warranty.
A. The parts for a Martin Door are typically covered under warranty, but we will have to get authorization through Martin. The labor however is not part of your warranty.
Q. I have an I-Drive garage door opener, can you fix it or recommend someone that a company that does?
A. Yes we are Wayne Dalton certified to work on all Wayne Dalton products.
A. Yes we are Wayne Dalton certified to work on all Wayne Dalton products.
Q. I just had a new garage door opener installed, what is the best way to take care of it?
A. To keep your new opener running in perfect condition we recommend having your door serviced once a year.
A. To keep your new opener running in perfect condition we recommend having your door serviced once a year.
Q. What type of paint can I use on my garage door?
A. We recommend you contact a reputable, licensed painting contractor. To have your door stained we recommend you call Paul Hall. His number is 760-630-2444. (Stain Grade Doors ONLY)
A. We recommend you contact a reputable, licensed painting contractor. To have your door stained we recommend you call Paul Hall. His number is 760-630-2444. (Stain Grade Doors ONLY)
Q. How do I clean graffiti off my door?
A. We recommend you contact a reputable, licensed painting contractor.
A. We recommend you contact a reputable, licensed painting contractor.
Q. Can I put a mail slot in my garage door?
A. In most cases we can install a mail slot after a release and placement consent has been obtained from the post office.
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A. In most cases we can install a mail slot after a release and placement consent has been obtained from the post office.
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Q. What type of light bulbs should I use in my garage door opener?
A. To keep from melting your lens cover, we recommend using a 60-watt or lower bulb. Your opener will say 100 watt is OK, but we find it might eventually melt the lens cover.
A. To keep from melting your lens cover, we recommend using a 60-watt or lower bulb. Your opener will say 100 watt is OK, but we find it might eventually melt the lens cover.
Q. Do you sell OTC openers for the do-it-yourself homeowner?
A. Yes, we sell openers OTC, however, having the opener professionally installed keeps it warranted. You save $95 installing it yourself but void the warranty.
A. Yes, we sell openers OTC, however, having the opener professionally installed keeps it warranted. You save $95 installing it yourself but void the warranty.
Q. What is the difference between the garage door openers that you sell and the ones that the big box retailers sell?
A. The openers we sell are professional brand openers that are constructed with solid beam rail technology. Garage door openers sold at big box retailers are constructed with a butted together rail that flexes, is louder when operating and less reliable for long-term use. If you have a problem with an opener you buy at a retail outlet you will have to take it down and return it for the warranty. You will typically save $80 purchasing from a retail store. We can furnish and install a professional grade opener for $359 in about one hour and it will be warranted for one year.
A. The openers we sell are professional brand openers that are constructed with solid beam rail technology. Garage door openers sold at big box retailers are constructed with a butted together rail that flexes, is louder when operating and less reliable for long-term use. If you have a problem with an opener you buy at a retail outlet you will have to take it down and return it for the warranty. You will typically save $80 purchasing from a retail store. We can furnish and install a professional grade opener for $359 in about one hour and it will be warranted for one year.
Q. Do you sell torsion springs to do-it-yourselfers?
A. No, we do not want to see any of our customers get hurt. This is something that should be done only by a qualified technician. We charge $199 for one spring replacement and $289 for the replacement of 2 springs. It is very dangerous to replace these springs. There is a lot of pressure and if it is not done correctly it can cause severe bodily damage.
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A. No, we do not want to see any of our customers get hurt. This is something that should be done only by a qualified technician. We charge $199 for one spring replacement and $289 for the replacement of 2 springs. It is very dangerous to replace these springs. There is a lot of pressure and if it is not done correctly it can cause severe bodily damage.
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Q. Do you build or install one piece wood or steel garage doors?
A. Yes, we build and install one piece wood and steel garage doors. Please contact us for further details.
A. Yes, we build and install one piece wood and steel garage doors. Please contact us for further details.
Q. How do I put my door in manual mode?
A. Simply pull the red cord that is hanging from the middle of your garage door opener. Depending on the model opener, you will pull the red cord straight down or towards the door.
A. Simply pull the red cord that is hanging from the middle of your garage door opener. Depending on the model opener, you will pull the red cord straight down or towards the door.
Q. What colors are available on your steel doors?
A. Today standard colors for steel doors are white, almond, brown or taupe (also called Sandstone.)
A. Today standard colors for steel doors are white, almond, brown or taupe (also called Sandstone.)
Q. What is headroom and how much headroom do I need?
A. Headroom is the distance between the top of the door and the lowest point of the ceiling or any obstruction such as a garage door opener rail, pipes or duct work. A standard door and opener installation requires 15 inches of headroom. In a low headroom situation, we can install a door and opener in as little as 5 inches.
A. Headroom is the distance between the top of the door and the lowest point of the ceiling or any obstruction such as a garage door opener rail, pipes or duct work. A standard door and opener installation requires 15 inches of headroom. In a low headroom situation, we can install a door and opener in as little as 5 inches.
Q. What are standard sized doors?
A. Standard door widths are 8', 9', 10', 12', 14', 15' 15'6", and 16'. 18' is considered oversized. Some models can be custom ordered in 2" increments. Standard door heights are from 6' to 7'. Anything over 7' is considered oversized. Some residential model doors are now available in extended heights up to 12'.
A. Standard door widths are 8', 9', 10', 12', 14', 15' 15'6", and 16'. 18' is considered oversized. Some models can be custom ordered in 2" increments. Standard door heights are from 6' to 7'. Anything over 7' is considered oversized. Some residential model doors are now available in extended heights up to 12'.
Q. What difference does the gauge of a steel garage door mean?
A. The gauge is the thickness of the steel. The higher the number the thinner the steel. For example, 24-gauge steel is thicker than 26-gauge steel. However , a thinner door may have insulation which is what really matters.
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A. The gauge is the thickness of the steel. The higher the number the thinner the steel. For example, 24-gauge steel is thicker than 26-gauge steel. However , a thinner door may have insulation which is what really matters.
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Q. How is the price of a garage door figured?
A. The price you pay for a garage door depends on a number of factors including the type, size, construction materials, and additional design options.
A. The price you pay for a garage door depends on a number of factors including the type, size, construction materials, and additional design options.
Q. Can I paint my steel door?
A. Steel doors can be painted with any high quality exterior latex paint. Wood doors must be painted or stained prior to installation. Most models are available primed from the factory. Garage Door Enterprises recommends that wood doors be repainted every 1 to 2 years.
A. Steel doors can be painted with any high quality exterior latex paint. Wood doors must be painted or stained prior to installation. Most models are available primed from the factory. Garage Door Enterprises recommends that wood doors be repainted every 1 to 2 years.
Q. My steel garage door is scratched, do you sell touch-up paint?
A. Yes. Touch-up paint is available for most doors.
A. Yes. Touch-up paint is available for most doors.
Q. Can I use an existing garage door opener with my new garage door?
A. We recommend replacing the opener to ensure that the unit is equipped with all of the latest safety features required by law today to ensure the safety of your family and pets.
A. We recommend replacing the opener to ensure that the unit is equipped with all of the latest safety features required by law today to ensure the safety of your family and pets.