Garage Door FAQ

1. Why do springs break?

Torsion springs are under constant tension and are rated for 10,000-12,000 open and close cycles of the garage door. On average, a door operates around 1,100 cycles a year, meaning that the average spring lifetime is 9-11 years. With age and use, fatigue and the formation of small fractures in the spring will eventually cause it to snap. It works like how a pop can lid will break after bending it back and forth enough times. The torsion spring is similar but with a much longer lifetime.

When a spring breaks in a double spring garage door setup, it is highly recommended to replace both springs, as the one that did not break will be close to the end of its lifetime.

We offer same-day replacement of springs! Call us to have a repair technician on his way.

2. Why does my garage door not close with the remote or wall-station? (opener just clicking/flashing)

The clicking and flashing of the light on the operator is an indication that the safety sensors are out of alignment or obstructed. Check that they are both in line with a clear view of each other and that the wiring has not been damaged. If it still does not function properly, the sensors may need to be replaced. Call us to set up an appointment for a technician to replace the sensors and provide technical support to ensure the door closes safely in the meantime.

3. Why does the opener make noise but the door does not move?

There are two common causes for this issue. The first is that the manual release has been pulled and the door may be disengaged from the traveler, locking the door in manual operation (see photos for reference).

The second common cause is that the gear and sprocket assembly may have sheared off in the motor. Usually, this will be accompanied by a loose or slack drive chain as well. We carry most common assemblies in our service vehicles, and the technicians can assess and repair this on the spot.

4. What does R-value mean?

R-Value is a measure of thermal resistance. It can be defined as how good are the insulation properties of a material. The higher the R-Value, the better the insulation properties. However, an R-16 is not twice as good as an R-8, in fact, it is only 5% better energy-wise.

5. What maintenance does a garage door require?

Garage doors are almost maintenance-free. Most of them only require lubrication every 4 to 6 months of the pivot points and springs. A visual inspection of the hinges, tracks, rail, and cables is recommended as part of the maintenance to prevent expensive repairs in the future.

We offer preventive maintenance services and inspections. Call to set up an appointment today!

6. Why can’t I lift my door manually?

An excessive weight of the door may be due to a broken cable or spring (see reference photo of a broken spring). Another common cause is that the door may be engaged to the operator and locked in the closed position. Call us to get your springs or cables replaced today!

7. My door is tilted and stuck halfway through. What do I do?

Broken garage doors can be dangerous if not handled by professionals. Do not touch it and keep children or pets away from it as it might be about to fall. The cause of this issue is a cable that broke or is out of the drum. Call us to get it safely repaired; we offer 24/7 services.

8. Why does my remote only work close to the operator?

The battery on the remote might be almost depleted. Another common cause is a LED bulb in the operator head, which may generate electromagnetic interference with it. If so, remove the LED bulb and replace it with a CFL or incandescent bulb.

9. How do I use the Wi-Fi functionality?

Download for free the MyQ app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. It will guide you step-by-step through the setup.

10. Why isn’t MyQ app working?

The most common cause might be that there is no Wi-Fi/poor Wi-Fi signal in the garage. If you have a dua—band router, you may be trying to connect to a 5GHz network. The operator will not connect to this bandwidth as it works with the 2.4GHz bandwidth. If the issue persists, call the Liftmaster Technical Support Center at 1-800-528-5880.

11. I hit my garage door and a panel is bent. How do I fix it?

Damaged garage doors can be very dangerous if not handled by professionals. Call us and get it repaired right away; we’re available 24/7 to address your garage door FAQ and ensure your safety.