How to Fix a Stuck Garage Door

Owning a garage is so convenient, as long as the garage door is running smoothly. You rely on your garage door to go up and down on demand multiple times each day. If your garage door was installed properly, you’re used to it working without any issues. But, perhaps today, it got stuck. 

Garage doors rely on a series of interconnected parts to function properly. Their complex design can sometimes malfunction without warning. Regular garage door maintenance can help avoid these issues, but breakdowns can still happen. 

A stuck garage door can cause inconveniences in your daily routine. Sometimes there is a simple fix, and other times you may need professional repairs. These tips can help you avoid frustration and identify the root of the problem so you can get your garage back to normal right away. 

Causes of Sticking

The first step toward fixing your garage door is to figure out why it got stuck. Garage doors are powered by many different parts, which can malfunction for a variety of reasons. 

Here is a list of common problems that cause garage doors to get stuck: 

1. Dead Batteries

The first thing you should check if your garage door is stuck is the batteries in your remote. Batteries die all the time, and this is often the problem. If you swap in fresh batteries and it doesn’t help, you can start checking out other likely causes. 

2. Locked by Accident 

This may seem obvious, but have you checked the lock? Garage doors can often become locked by mistake by a child or an automatic locking system. If your garage door won’t open, take a second to check the locks before trying other solutions. 

3. Cold Weather 

Oregon winters are cold and wet, and water can collect and freeze around the springs of your garage door. A buildup of ice can put pressure on your springs, making your garage door latch stuck. Try removing the ice from the springs and see if your door becomes unstuck. Clearing the ice from your springs may be a simple fix unless they have become damaged. Use a heat gun on a low setting or a hair dryer to gently melt the ice away.

If the ice has broken the springs on your garage door, call a repair service right away. Replacing a spring yourself is extremely dangerous and is not recommended. 

4. Broken Pulley or Springs 

A pulley and spring system lifts your garage door up and down. These mechanisms pull the door along the track to open and close it. If a spring is broken or the pulley is obstructed, the garage door will not be functional. These parts can break even while the door is in motion, causing it to be stuck halfway or fully open. 

Springs are not designed to last forever. After a while, they need to be replaced. If you believe this is causing your door to be stuck, call a professional garage door repair service. They can fix the broken spring or pulley system to get your garage door running smoothly. 

5. Track Issues 

Your garage door’s track is an essential part of the opening and closing mechanism. But it’s also one of the most delicate. Rollers guide your garage door along the track to lift it up and down. If the track is disturbed, your door can easily become stuck. 

Common track issues include: 

• Blockages: Objects like rocks and leaves or even a rubber ball have been known to weasel their way into garage door tracks. Examine your tracks for any items that could be blocking the rollers from moving. Only try to clean these blockages if your garage door is in the down position to avoid the risk of injury.
• Dislodged rollers: If your garage door opens halfway and stops, your rollers may have jumped off of the track. A professional is needed to fix this problem safely.
• Damage: Regular wear and tear can add up, causing the tracks to become bent and misshapen. They can also be broken by an impact from a car or harsh weather conditions. Call a professional to make sure your garage door is fixed properly. 

6. Sensor Malfunction 

Sensors are designed to keep your garage door open if they sense an obstruction. Sometimes, sensors register a blockage like dust and other debris as an object, causing the garage door to be stuck open. Try wiping them off and test if that works. If problems persist, consult a professional for help. 

7. Inadequate Lubrication 

Proper lubrication is required for your door to function smoothly. If your garage door has been making a lot of noise lately, you may not have enough. Poor lubrication will cause your door to get stuck, but the solution is simple. Apply lubricant to the tracks, hinges, rollers and springs after cleaning the components. Do this when the door is in the down position. 

Stuck up, Down or Halfway? 

The spot where your garage door is sticking can help you troubleshoot the cause of the problem. You can rule out certain malfunctions depending on where it is jammed.

Stuck Up

Common causes for a garage door that is stuck in the up position include: 

• You have malfunctioning garage sensors.
• There’s a broken spring.
• There’s an electrical issue with the garage door opener.
• Remote batteries need to be replaced.

Stuck Down

Common causes for a garage door that is stuck down include: 

• There are broken parts, like hinges, cables or rollers.
• The garage door is locked.
• Rollers are out of the tracks.
• Remote batteries need to be replaced.

Stuck Halfway

Common causes for a garage door that is stuck halfway include: 

• An obstruction is blocking the rollers on the tracks. 
• There’s a jam in the spring and pulley system. 
• The pressure on the garage door opener needs an adjustment.  

Contact Oregon City Garage Door to Fix a Jammed Garage Door 

If your garage door is stuck, you can look at the areas listed above to identify the problem. Check the locks, clean out the tracks, apply lubricant and attempt a few other easy fixes. However, making major repairs to your garage door can be dangerous if you do not have experience. Trust your garage door to the professionals for a quick and easy fix. 

At Oregon City Garage Door, our professionals provide high-quality prompt and friendly service. Our experts are available to inspect your residential or commercial garage door and find the right solution to make your garage fully functional again. We also offer garage door maintenance and tune-up services to prevent your garage door from getting stuck again in the future. 

If your garage door is having issues that you can’t seem to fix, call in the experts. Schedule a service with Oregon City Garage Door today! 

The Pros and Cons of Garage Door Windows

Are you trying to decide whether to buy a garage door with or without windows? There’s no right or wrong answer, but you should consider the pros and cons of having windows in your garage doors before making your purchase.

Pros of Garage Doors With Windows

Are the windows worth it? Sometimes. You can find reasons for and against buying garage doors with windows or installing windows on your garage doors.

Some reasons to purchase a new garage door with windows include:

• Natural light: Garages are naturally dark, and by adding windows to your garage doors you can bring in natural light. You’ll have less need to turn the lights on in the garage because of it, which also saves on energy costs. If you want to use your garage as a workout location or plan to employ the workbench for home improvement projects, remember that creating a brighter space with natural sunlight will make the area more appealing and help it feel bigger.
• Attractive design aesthetics: If you want to increase the curb appeal of your house, adding garage doors with windows is a great way to do it. Garage doors with windows look attractive and can set your home apart from others on the block with a little extra curb appeal. You can even choose garage doors with windows that look similar to the windows on your house. This type of design symmetry will attract potential buyers if you put the house on the market.

Cons of Garage Doors With Windows

Should a garage have windows? Not necessarily.

Some reason to purchase a garage door without windows include:

• Insulation: Insulation keeps the warm air in the garage during the winter and the hot air out in the summer. The more insulation you have, the more temperature control you’ll enjoy. Garage doors with windows have less insulation, as glass panes don’t provide the same protection as a solid door. They can let in sunlight that warms the garage, but they’ll do so in both winter and summer.
• Potential cost: If you’re upgrading your doors to add windows, expect it to get expensive. Altering existing garage doors costs a lot, and you could potentially cause damage to your door in the process. You’ll need to determine whether updating the garage doors will makes them unbalanced. The engineering in these systems is easy to throw off because it involves such a precise calculation, and the weight of the door will change when you add windows.

Are Garage Doors With Windows Safe?

Many individuals have privacy and safety concerns about buying garage doors with windows. The safety of your home may depend on the size of the windows. If they’re small and located near the top of the garage door, people won’t be able to see much inside your garage.

However, if you have big windows, someone could see into your garage, which may lead to theft. If you’re concerned about safety concerns, it may be best to stick with doors that have smaller windows located higher on the door or choosing a model with frosted windows.

No matter what kind of door you have in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect solution by browsing the wide selection at Oregon City Garage Door. View our inventory now!

Ways to Cool Your Garage in the Summer

Why is my garage so hot? You step into your garage and you immediately start to sweat. While most garages get hot, there’s always a way to cool them off. Learn more below about why the temperature in your garage temperature rises so high and the best way to cool a garage in the summer.

Why Do Garages Get So Hot in the Summer?

Summers everywhere can get hot and humid, turning the garage into an uncomfortable place. Trying to work out how to cool a garage in Oregon can be difficult. There are two main reasons garages feel like saunas in the summer. The first is a lack of ventilation and the second is the lack of insulation.

That said, other factors can play into the problem, as well. If your garage is full of objects, built with concrete flooring or has lots of heat-generating vehicles and equipment, your garage might be holding onto more heat. Here are some common reasons your garage is getting hot in summer.

Lack of Insulation

Poor insulation is the main cause of a hot garage. With inadequate insulation, warm air seeps into the garage as the cold air escapes, meaning your space can’t maintain a comfortable temperature level. This increases your energy bill and makes your garage uncomfortable.

In the summer months, uninsulated garages are naturally warmer since they don’t have the ability to keep the hot air out. Properly insulated garage doors and walls help maintain the garage’s temperature as the outside air fluctuates, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter. In addition to improved temperature control, you can enjoy several benefits of insulating your garage.

• Lower energy bills: Insulating your garage keeps the heat out and helps lower your energy costs. Your HVAC system won’t constantly try to maintain the climate level as the garage warms up.
• Noise management: Insulation softens the outside sound heard in the garage. Additionally, an insulated door will be quieter when it opens and closes.
• Storage item protection: Managing the garage’s indoor temperature prevents vehicles and items stored inside from being subjected to extreme temperatures.

Air rises, entering cracks and crevices around the garage door, warming and cooling the garage by mixing with the outdoor temperatures. If left unsealed, these garage door gaps could also let in water, animals and wind, ruining your stored garage items.

Lack of Ventilation

Lack of ventilation is a common problem, especially in windowless garages. Without air circulation, the garage feels hot and stuffy. A soft breeze can decrease the temperature and improve comfort. Removing the hot air through a turbine or mechanical system is an excellent way to provide ventilation.

Without ventilation, your garage traps warm air — and potentially, toxic fumes from vehicles. This mixture can be hazardous and should be removed from the space. To improve ventilation and remove the hot air and fumes, add a mechanical air mover or windows and vents to the garage walls. You’ll enjoy cleaner, cooler air.

Location and Color

Your garage’s location impacts the amount of sunlight it receives. A south- or west-facing garage is more exposed during peak heat periods, which means it gets hotter inside.

The garage door and roof color can also impact the internal temperature — darker garages often absorb more sunlight. Lighter colors can help reflect light, preventing it from absorbing into your garage. Similarly, your home’s exterior may conduct or repel heat depending on its color.

Heat-Generating Objects

If you’ve just parked your car, the engine’s heat will radiate out and increase the garage temperature because it emits heat long after it stops running.

Operating electrical equipment such as dryers and washing machines also elevates heat levels, and cluttered items block airflow and keep air stagnant and warm. If your garage is full of objects and contains operational appliances, you’ll likely feel more heat inside during the summer.

7 Garage Cooling Solutions

No one likes a heated garage. Check out these tips on how to cool off your garage.

1. Park Your Car Outside

Parking your car outside in the shade after driving home provides some time for the engine to cool down. That way, it won’t emit as much heat when you move it into the garage for the night. Leave it outside for at least a few hours into the evening for the heat of driving to dissipate.

2. Use Garage Ventilation Systems

The simplest ventilation option for a garage is windows. They have many advantages, such as opening and allowing fresh air to circulate. Tinted and UV-protective windows also help reduce the light and heat entering your garage.

Fan-driven airflow systems are another efficient solution that comes in multiple varieties:

• Passive ventilation systems: A standard method for cooling garages, passive ventilation systems often consist of a turbine roof or wall vent that uses natural winds to help circulate air through the garage.
• Active ventilation systems: These mechanically circulate garage air. They are either separate or integrated with the house’s ventilation system. They’re more expensive and should be installed professionally to prevent your electrical circuit from overloading.

3. Leave the Garage Open for a Few Hours

If your garage door lacks windows, leave it open for a while in the evening to let hot, stagnant air escape. Move home improvement projects and hobbies outside while you allow air to circulate naturally for a few hours. Make sure you close the door if you plan to leave home.

4. Circulate Air In Your Garage

Install a ceiling fan, pedestal fan or air conditioner in your garage. If you opt for a fan as your primary, permanent cooling solution, it’s best to choose an industrial-strength model. You have a couple of options for ways to increase air circulation in your garage:

• Fans: Install a ceiling fan to help cool the garage or place several pedestal or box fans along the sides of the garage ceiling for more circulation. Fans pull and push air inside and outside to create a flow, so place them near vents and open windows if possible.
• Air conditioning: Adding an air conditioning unit is the quickest way to lower your garage’s temperature. You can also use a portable air conditioner, but make sure you take measurements and select the correct size.

5. Upgrade Your Garage Insulation

Insulation works to keep your garage cooler in the summer and retain heat during the winter. Insulate your garage door and walls to keep the heat out and reduce the temperature. A new, insulated garage door can help reduce your energy costs by placing less pressure on your HVAC cooling system.

Proper insulation and weatherstripping protect your garage from extreme temperatures and weather damage. Preventing the elements from entering protects your garage from heat, cold, animals and water damage, so it stays secure year-round.

6. Place a Dehumidifier in Your Garage

A humidifier regulates the air’s humidity by extracting moisture from it. It also prevents musty odors caused by excessive heat buildup in the garage. These devices are helpful in summer, as they maintain comfortable humidity levels and make the heat feel more tolerable. Place the dehumidifier away from direct sunlight or attach it to a portable air conditioner for optimal results.

7. Consider Repainting Your Garage Door

Darker garage doors tend to absorb heat more than lighter colors. Consider repainting your door’s exterior to repel the harsh summer heat, especially if your garage receives large amounts of direct sunlight during the day.

Contact Us to Insulate Your Garage Door and Keep the Heat Out

Even with temperatures at their hottest, there are ways to cool your garage in the summer. Let Oregon City Garage Door help you! We sell a range of new insulated garage doors designed to keep your garage more comfortable all year round — all while protecting your belongings and lowering your utility bills.

We have been trusted for reliable garage door service in numerous counties and cities in Portland, including Beavercreek, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Tualatin, Tigard and more!

Tips to Keep Children Safe Near Garage Doors

It’s no secret that the garage isn’t the safest place for young children. You’ve probably already childproofed any drawers or cabinets in your garage to keep your kids from accessing sharp tools or cleaning agents. You also know not to leave power tools plugged in. But how can you childproof a garage door?

Garage door child safety starts with you as a parent, just like any other kind of safety you teach your kids about. Not only are there garage door safety tips you should share with your children, but you should also perform regular maintenance to keep children safe near garage doors.

How to Childproof Garage Doors

From regular maintenance to features designed specifically with safety in mind, here are some steps you can take to childproof a garage door:

1. Inspect Your Garage Door Often

Even if your door is operating smoothly, you should be on the lookout for any broken cables or springs and get them fixed immediately.

2. Test the Reversing Mechanism

This is an essential safety feature for a garage door, so if you don’t have one, you should look into it. With this feature, your garage door will automatically reverse if there is anything in its path.

Test it at least once a month using an object like a piece of wood, and make sure the door reverses as soon as it comes in contact with the object. Contact your garage door service provider right away if the mechanism fails.

3. Keep the Garage Door Opener Out of Reach

You might consider enlisting the help of a technician to reposition your garage door opener so that children can’t reach it and touch the buttons. Placing a cover on top is also a good idea.

4. Seal Any Gaps With Rubber

Adding seals will keep small hands from getting stuck in gaps in panels — and it helps with insulation, too.

Garage Door Safety Tips for Children

Once you know how to childproof your garage door and keep up with maintenance, your work is halfway done! Here are some garage door safety tips you should share with your children:

1. Never play near garage doors. It’s easy to bump into hinges and joints that can injure your child as well as cause damage to the door. Not only that, but someone could press a button — either accidentally, or not knowing that children are nearby — and close the garage door. Make sure kids understand this and remember to keep a safe distance from the door.
2. Don’t press any buttons. Younger children, in particular, may need to be reminded not to press the button to open or close the garage door. Just like pushing buttons on the stove, this is a task for adults to handle.

Your garage door might be a stylish, functional feature of your home, but it’s also a complex mechanical system. Practice garage door safety around your child and keep your door well maintained so that it can protect your home for years to come.

Oregon City Garage Door is your trusted local company for all garage door needs in Portland and the surrounding areas! Give us a call at 503-632-3070 or contact us for childproofing and other garage door services today.

How a New Garage Door Can Decrease Energy Costs

Like most people, you’ve probably been wondering how you can make your home more energy-efficient. You might want to lower your household’s carbon footprint or decrease your energy costs — maybe both!

Whatever your reason, you’ve probably heard a lot of different advice on things you can do to accomplish your goal. One notable factor that many people underestimate is the role a new insulated garage door can play when it comes to your home’s energy efficiency.

What Is an Energy-Efficient Garage Door?

An energy-efficient garage door is one that will lower the energy costs in your household because it helps regulate the temperature in your home.

Which garage doors are most energy-efficient?

The most energy-efficient garage doors are made up of multiple layers of steel and insulation, with the most effective materials for insulation being polystyrene and polyurethane.

When it comes to efficiency, an insulated garage door will go a long way toward keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Insulated garage doors prevent the air in your home from escaping, thus saving energy.

How Can a New Garage Door Decrease Energy Costs?

If you’re looking for ways to make your garage more energy-efficient, here are a few reasons you should start with your garage door:

1. It Regulates the Temperature in Your Home

You probably don’t spend the bulk of your time in your garage, but it’s still an extension of your home. If your garage is not insulated, heat and cold air can radiate from your garage into the rest of your house through shared walls. If you find yourself adjusting your thermostat constantly, this could be the reason!

You can save time and lower energy costs by upgrading to an insulated garage door.

2. It Lowers Energy Usage – And Ultimately Energy Costs

This one may seem obvious, but it’s true: lower energy usage translates to lower energy costs. But how can a new garage door lower energy usage?

You may have noticed a pattern here — it all comes back to the insulation. According to the EPA, properly insulating and air sealing a home can lower heating and cooling costs by 15%. It’s easy to overlook your garage door when it comes to insulation, but it can make a significant difference.

3. It Can Make Your Car Battery More Efficient

Your car probably isn’t what you had in mind when it comes to decreasing energy costs in your garage, but it’s a great bonus! Extreme heat in the summer is hard on your car’s battery.

Elevated temperatures can cause liquid in the battery to evaporate, shortening its lifespan.

An insulated garage door will keep the heat at bay so your car battery can go the distance.

Update Your Garage Today

Are you ready to cut costs and improve your home’s energy efficiency with an insulated garage door? Contact Oregon City Garage Door today! We have plenty of options to choose from, including our Energy Series as well as our collection with Intellicore® for even more insulation.

Give us a call at 503-632-3070 if you’re looking for a new energy-efficient garage door or contact us online. We proudly offer service throughout the Portland area, and we provide free estimates for new garage door installations.

Don’t wait — start lowering your energy costs today!