How long do garage door springs last?

Standard torsion springs are rated for approximately 10,000 cycles, which typically translates to 7-10 years of service life with normal residential usage (3-4 cycles per day). High-cycle springs rated for 15,000-25,000 cycles can last 15-20+ years. Extension springs generally have a shorter lifespan of 10,000-15,000 cycles due to their design.

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

Torsion spring replacement is extremely dangerous and should only be performed by trained professionals. The springs are under tremendous tension (150-200 pounds of force), and improper handling can result in serious injury or death. Extension springs are slightly less dangerous but still require proper safety equipment and knowledge.

If you're an experienced DIY'er, we sell torsion springs and all necessary hardware at our online parts store. However, we strongly recommend professional installation for safety reasons.

What warranty do you offer on repairs?

Our warranty coverage varies by component and service. Standard repairs come with a workmanship warranty, and all parts are backed by manufacturer warranties. We also offer optional lifetime warranty springs that are guaranteed for as long as you own your home. Contact us for specific warranty details on your repair or installation.

Do you offer lifetime warranty springs?

Yes! Our lifetime warranty torsion springs are rated for 25,000 cycles (17-20+ years) and are guaranteed for as long as you own your home. These heavy-duty springs use thicker wire gauge and increased coil length to last 2-3 times longer than standard springs. Learn more on our Lifetime Warranty Springs page.

Why won't my garage door open/close?

There are several common causes:

• Broken spring: The most common cause. If one or both springs break, the door becomes too heavy for the opener to lift.
• Opener issues: Dead batteries in remote, disconnected power, or opener motor failure.
• Photo-eye sensors: Misaligned or dirty safety sensors prevent the door from closing.
• Track obstruction: Something blocking the door's path in the tracks.
• Broken cables: Lift cables can snap, preventing proper operation.
• Locked manually: The manual lock handle may be engaged.

My garage door is making noise - what's wrong?

Different noises indicate different problems:

• Squeaking/squealing: Typically worn rollers or hinges that need lubrication or replacement.
• Grinding: Often indicates worn opener gears or chain drive issues.
• Rattling: Loose hardware, nuts, or bolts throughout the door system.
• Popping/cracking: Could be spring issues or binding in the tracks.
• Banging: Door hitting stops or rollers jumping out of tracks.

Most noise issues can be resolved with proper lubrication and adjustment during routine maintenance.

Why is my garage door crooked/uneven?

An uneven or crooked door typically indicates a broken spring (on two-spring systems, one side fails first), broken cable, or worn/damaged rollers on one side. This is a safety concern that should be addressed immediately, as continued operation can cause additional damage or injury. Never operate a crooked door - call for professional repair.

Do you offer emergency garage door repair?

Yes! We understand that garage door failures don't happen on a convenient schedule. We offer priority emergency service for urgent situations like broken springs, doors stuck open overnight, or safety concerns. Call us at 281-579-8400 and let us know it's an emergency. Learn more on our Emergency Service page.

How quickly can you get to me?

Response times vary based on current service demand and your location within the Houston Metro area. For standard service calls, we typically schedule within 1-3 business days. Emergency repairs are prioritized and we make every effort to reach you the same day or next day. Call us for current availability.

Do you offer same-day service?

We offer same-day service when availability permits. Emergency situations receive priority scheduling. Contact us early in the day for the best chance of same-day service. Our service area covers the entire Houston Metro, and travel time affects same-day availability for locations farther from our home base.

How often should I service my garage door?

We recommend annual professional maintenance to keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently. Regular maintenance includes lubricating moving parts, tightening hardware, inspecting springs and cables for wear, testing safety features, and adjusting door balance. Annual service helps catch small problems before they become expensive repairs.

What areas do you serve?

Preferred Doors LLC proudly serves the entire Houston Metro area, including:

If you don't see your city listed, give us a call - we likely service your area!

How do I know if I need a new garage door opener?

Signs you may need a new opener:

• Opener is 15+ years old and lacks modern safety features
• Excessive noise during operation (grinding, screeching)
• Door reverses or stops randomly
• Remote works inconsistently
• Visible wear on gears or chain/belt
• Repeated repairs are becoming costly
• You want smart home features (WiFi, smartphone control)

Modern openers are quieter, safer, and more reliable than older models. If your opener predates 1993, it lacks mandatory safety features.

Can you repair any brand of opener?

Yes! We service and repair all major garage door opener brands including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, Craftsman, Linear, Overhead Door, Wayne Dalton, and more. We stock common replacement parts and can source specialized components for older or less common models.

How long do garage door openers last?

The average garage door opener lasts 10-15 years with regular use and proper maintenance. Belt drive openers tend to last slightly longer than chain drive models due to fewer moving metal parts. Factors affecting lifespan include usage frequency, door weight and balance, environmental conditions (extreme heat/cold, humidity), and whether the opener is properly sized for your door.

Why won't my opener remote work?

Common remote issues and solutions:

• Dead battery: The most common cause. Replace with a fresh battery.
• Out of range: Remote signal weakens over time. Try standing closer.
• Antenna issue: The opener's antenna wire may be damaged or positioned incorrectly.
• Remote needs reprogramming: The signal can be accidentally erased.
• Interference: LED bulbs, wireless devices, or nearby radio signals can interfere.
• Lock mode activated: Some openers have a lock/vacation mode that disables remotes.

How do I know if I need a new garage door?

Consider replacement if you notice:

• Visible structural damage (dents, warping, rot on wooden doors)
• Door is 20+ years old and showing age
• Repeated repairs are becoming costly
• Significant rust on steel doors
• Panels are no longer available for your door model
• Poor energy efficiency (drafts, gaps)
• Outdated appearance affecting curb appeal
• Safety concerns (no pinch protection, damaged sections)

A new garage door can improve your home's appearance, energy efficiency, and security while increasing property value.

How long does door installation take?

A standard single-car garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours. A two-car door installation usually takes 6-8 hours. Installation time varies based on door type (insulated vs non-insulated, custom vs standard), whether we're replacing an existing door or installing in a new opening, complexity of the opener installation, and any necessary repairs to the opening or framing. We complete most installations in a single visit.

Do you remove my old door?

Yes! Complete removal and disposal of your old garage door and all related hardware is included in our installation service. We'll safely disconnect and remove the old door, springs, tracks, and opener (if being replaced), haul away all materials, and leave your garage clean and ready for the new installation.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). Payment is due upon completion of service. For larger projects like new door installations, we may require a deposit at scheduling with the balance due upon completion.

Do you offer financing?

We're currently evaluating financing options to make garage door repairs and installations more affordable for Houston-area homeowners. Check our Financing Options page for the most current information, or call us at 281-579-8400 to discuss payment arrangements for larger projects.