Garage Door FAQ

New garage door sales and installation

For most of us, business and home owners, purchasing a new garage door can feel a little intimidating. Garage doors are a big purchase, and with the lifespan of a modern garage door, it’s a purchase that you’ll have to live with for many years. The right garage door can revitalize your home, or enhance the brand of your business. A poor decision may leave you with a feeling of regret.

To help you make the right decision, we’ve got the answers to many of the most frequently-asked-questions for garage door buyers. Hopefully, by using this guide you can make a better, more informed decision about your garage door. We can help you find, maintain, repair and preserve a door you can cherish for years to come.

What type of garage door should I get?

It’s up to you and your needs and wants! Things to consider when deciding what type of garage door is right for you is the style, will it fit your home and design ideals? What type of finish do you want? How many windows is right for you, balancing security and design. What’s your budget? Other items to consider include insulation, material, size, wind resistance, tracks, and installation. There’s a lot to consider. Make sure to discuss your needs and options with a knowledgeable professional like the ones at Billings Overhead Door. For more information, you can also visit Clopay’s buying guide.

How long should a garage door last?

Depending on the door, maintenance, and the environment the lifespan of a garage door is between 15-30 years. Keep in mind, this is an average, and damage as well as your maintenance routine will have an impact on the lifespan of your door.

How much is a garage door?

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a new garage door in Montana is $2,000. This will vary depending on preferences, but Billings will work with you to find a garage door that meets your needs within your budget.

Should I get an insulated or non-insulated garage door?

Insulated garage doors increase home values, save energy costs, make less noise, are durable, and provide stable year-round garage temperatures. Non-insulated garage doors are cheaper, and are better suited for mild climates or detached garages.

Deciding whether to purchase an insulated or non-insulated garage is dependent on what matters most to you. Are the added benefits of an insulated garage door worth the additional cost? Still not sure? Billings can help. Give us a call and we can see which is best for you.

How long should a garage door opener last?

Depending on the door, maintenance, and usage the average garage door opener lasts between 10-15 years.

A simple, routine maintenance check can keep your garage door opener running efficiently for many years, plus save you the hassle and expense of purchasing and installing a new opener. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to the team at Billings for help.

What is a Carriage House Garage Door?

There’s a good reason why so many homeowners love Carriage House garage doors. They are a perfect combination of rustic charm and modern convenience, characteristics people love to see in a garage door. Visit our residential garage doors and take a look at the Canyon Ridge, Coachman, Grand Harbor, Reserve Wood, and other Carriage House garage doors!

What is a Modern Garage Door?

Modern garage doors are often made from wood, steel, or aluminum. Complimentary modern and contemporary styles feature horizontal windows to give the door a sleek appeal. Many homeowners looking to upscale their home or make a great impression on visitors will turn to the striking design of modern garage doors. Check out our Canyon Ridge Modern and Avante collections!

What is a Roll-Up Garage Door?

Roll-up garage doors are metal panels or sections that coil up when opening the door instead of running along a track system. They are typically used in commercial, manufacturing, or industrial settings. Check out our Roll-up Sheet Doors.

What is a Sectional Garage Door?

A sectional garage door are made up of panels connected by hinges. As the door opens and closes, wheels at the edge of each panel gives it the ability to roll on a vertical track. Sectional garage doors are the most common type of garage door across the U.S.

What other types of Garage Doors are there?

The six types of garage doors are:

Roll-up – made of horizontal sheets or panels that roll up inside the garage instead of running along a horizontal track system
Sectional – the most common type of garage door and is made up of a handful of horizontal panels joined by hinges allowing the door to bend to follow the track
Slide to the side – bending at one side and operates by moving parallel to the wall
Side-hinged – also known as “swing doors”, they are doors hinged at the side and open outwards
Tilt-up/up and over canopy – made of a single panel, the door is tilted back and up to the top of the ceiling by swinging out and up
Tilt-up/up and over retractable – similar to the tilt-up/up and over canopy, the tilt-up/up and over retractable is tilted back and up to the top of the ceiling, but are suspended separately from the frame meaning it won’t protrude past the building.

What types of materials are used to make garage doors?

Garage doors are typically made of:

Wood – garage doors made of wood are visually appealing, highly customizable, and durable
Steel – steel garage doors are strong and durable while offering protection against denting and cracking
Aluminum – aluminum garage doors are lighter than steel, but resistant to rust and ncorrosion making them good options for areas high in moisture
Fiberglass – garage doors made of fiberglass are generally cheaper than wood, provide better insulation than steel, and won’t corrode

Are there any other things I should know about when selecting a garage door?

There are a lot of options and things to consider when selecting a garage door. Rather than purchasing and installing a new garage door on your own, we strongly suggest reaching out to the experts for help. With years of experience and training in selecting the right door, they can provide invaluable aid in your decision. In addition, installing a door is a complex and potentially dangerous project. Get it done right the first time with help from a professional.

Garage door service/maintenance

Because a garage door is such a vital and important part of your home, it’s a good idea to set up a regular maintenance plan for your door. After all, the garage door protects and secures the largest entrance in your home, and it is often the most visible feature of your home from the road. Take the time to keep your door in good working condition. In the long run, it will save you money and frustration.

Why won’t my garage door close?

There are several things to check if your garage door won’t close. Here’s our short list:

Is there anything blocking the door?
If you have a garage door opener, are the sensors are lined up and are they clean? Dirt can impede function of the sensors.
Are the springs broken or damaged?
Are the tracks damaged?
Can you check the travel limits? These determine how far the door should travel. If the door is travelling too far or has limited movement, then it won’t close correctly.

If you continue to have issues getting your garage door to close, give us a call!

Why won’t my garage door open?

In case you’re having trouble getting your garage door to open, check these things:

Is the garage door opener plugged in? Check the power on the opener
Still no power? Check the circuit breaker to see if there is power to the garage.
Is there damage or a problem with your garage door remote? Check the keypad to see if it is working.
Is the sensor dirty, or are the sensors misaligned on the garage door opener?
Is the door is still on track? If the door is not on the track correctly, it may not open.
Is the torsion spring broken?

If you have any of these problems, or if you’ve done your own investigation, then we can help. Give us a call!

Why is my garage door so loud?

Over time your garage door could start to make more noise than you’re used to. If so, lubricating the rollers, springs, and hinges will help. If that doesn’t seem to reduce the noise, tightening the track bolts and lag screws may do the trick. For more information check out Clopay’s methods to fixing a noisy garage door.

How often should I service my garage door?

It’s best practice to service your garage door at least once a year. This will help prolong the life of your garage door, and save you money in the long run.

What repairs can I make myself?

A garage door has a lot of moving parts, and due to the tension and force required for the smooth function in the springs of the door, it can also be very dangerous. Simple repairs like a damaged panel involve little risk, but if you have any doubt or the repair is complex, make sure to contact a professional.

Should I repair or replace my garage door?

Repairing your garage door is best when the damage is minimal and your garage door is on the lower end of the 15-30 year lifespan. If damage is too great to repair or it’s on the ladder end of 15-30 years old, it may be time to look into purchasing a new garage door.

Garage door openers

For many, especially in inclement weather, a garage door opener is the pinnacle of convenience. With the right garage door opener in good working condition, you have nothing to worry about. The wrong opener, or one that is damaged, can be a nagging source of frustration. Let’s go over a few common questions we hear about garage door openers.

What other types of garage door openers are there?

The types of garage door openers include:

Wall mount – found on the side of the garage door and is typically used when there is high or oddly shaped ceilings
Belt drive – uses a belt to move the door. Typically, quieter than chain driven openers
Chain drive – uses a chain to move the door and lower cost than a belt drive
Screw drive – uses a steel threaded rod on which a trolley rides
Smart – connects to a Wi-Fi network and has the ability to be controlled through on app on a smartphone or other devices

Is a smart garage door opener safe?

Due to the technological safety features such as advanced encryption for data, access from your phone, and real-time notifications if it opens or closes – a smart garage door is typically VERY safe. Make sure to read and follow the instructions that come with your garage door opener. If you have any questions or concerns, then contact a professional who can review the opener with you.

What kinds of convenience options can I select for my garage door opener?

There are various options at your disposal to enhance your garage door opener. You can choose from:

Battery backup – an extra battery that can be used when the power is out
Keyless entry – a keypad that can be programmed for a custom code set by the user to open and close the garage
Smart technology – Wi-Fi enabled garage door allowing control from a smartphone or other device
Extension kits (for taller garages) – standard sizes for single garage doors are 8 ft wide by 7 ft tall or 9 feet wide by 7 feet tall. The standard size for a double garage door is 16 ft wide by 7 feet tall. Garages larger than the standard will need an extension kit which adds additional railing to your garage door tracks.
Overhead lights – used for extra lighting in your garage

Check out what garage door opener options we have!

How is maintenance and repair handled for my garage door opener?

Similar to a garage door, make sure to lubricate the chain and moving parts. You should also inspect the rollers and weather-stripping to determine if they need replacing.