Garage door questions from Fredericksburg-area homeowners
Why won't my garage door open?
The most common causes are a broken spring, misaligned or blocked safety sensors, a tripped breaker or unplugged opener, a locked wall control, or a door that's off track. If the opener hums but the door doesn't move, suspect a broken spring and stop running the opener.
How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?
Look for a gap of an inch or two in the coil of the spring on the bar above the door, a door that lifts a few inches and stops, a loud bang from the garage, or a door that's extremely heavy when lifted by hand. See our spring repair page.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
We don't recommend it. Springs and their hardware are under heavy tension. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says a door that's unbalanced, binds or sticks should be serviced by a professional.
Should both springs be replaced at the same time?
On doors with two springs, many technicians recommend replacing both, because the second spring has usually seen the same number of cycles. It's your choice. Ask the company to price it both ways.
Why does my garage door go down and then back up?
Usually the safety sensors near the floor are misaligned, dirty or blocked, or the opener's close force needs adjustment. Wipe the sensor lenses and check that their indicator lights are steady. If that doesn't fix it, call a professional.
How do I test my garage door's auto-reverse?
The CPSC recommends placing a 2x4 flat on the floor in the door's path. The door should reverse when it hits the board. If it doesn't, disengage the opener until it's repaired. See our safety checklist.
Does a garage door company need a license in Virginia?
Virginia requires a state contractor license for contracting work on a single job over $1,000. You can check any license, plus complaints and disciplinary actions, on the DPOR License Lookup at dpor.virginia.gov.
How much does garage door repair cost in Fredericksburg?
It depends on the problem, the parts and the company. We don't quote prices. Ask for the full price, including parts, labor and any trip charge, before work begins, and compare at least two companies for larger jobs.
Repair or replace my garage door?
If one part failed and the door is in good shape, repair is usually the better value. If the door itself is damaged, rusted, uninsulated or has discontinued panels, get replacement quotes. See new garage doors.
My car is stuck in the garage. What should I do?
Don't force the door or run the opener if a spring or cable is broken. Tell the company your vehicle is trapped when you call. Many prioritize those calls.
Do you repair garage doors?
No. We're a free referral service that points Fredericksburg-area homeowners to independent garage door companies. You hire and pay the company directly.
Is your service free?
Yes. Homeowners never pay us anything.