How quickly can you fix my broken springs?

In most cases, we can fix broken springs the same day you call. Our service vehicles are stocked with the most common spring sizes, and our technicians are trained to handle all types of residential and commercial springs. During business hours, we typically arrive within 30-minutes in our primary service area. For emergency calls outside business hours, we aim to be there within 2 hours. The actual repair usually takes 30-60 minutes once we arrive. We recommend calling as soon as you notice a problem – a broken spring means your door is inoperable and potentially unsafe.

What causes broken springs in garage doors?

Garage door springs break due to several factors. The most common cause is simple wear and tear – springs are rated for a specific number of cycles (typically 10,000), and once they reach that limit, failure becomes likely. Other contributing factors include: rust and corrosion from humidity and temperature changes; lack of maintenance (springs should be lubricated twice yearly); poor quality springs from the original installation; temperature extremes common here in New Hampshire; and imbalanced doors that put extra stress on the springs. Our climate in the Upper Valley is particularly hard on springs due to the wide temperature swings between seasons.

Do you offer financing for new custom door installations?

Yes, we offer several financing options to make your new garage door affordable. We partner with leading financing companies to provide: 0% interest for 12 months on qualified purchases; low monthly payment plans up to 60 months; quick approval process (often same-day); no prepayment penalties. A new custom garage door is a significant investment that can increase your home's value by 4% or more. We believe everyone should have access to quality garage doors, which is why we work to find financing solutions that fit your budget. Ask our technicians about current promotions and financing specials.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional maintenance at least once per year, ideally in the fall before winter weather arrives. However, homes that use their garage door frequently (more than 4 times daily) or in harsh conditions should consider twice-yearly service. Between professional visits, homeowners should: visually inspect springs and cables monthly; test the auto-reverse feature monthly; lubricate moving parts every 3-4 months; listen for unusual sounds during operation. Our annual maintenance program includes two visits per year and provides the best protection for your investment.

What brands of garage doors do you install?

We install garage doors from all major manufacturers including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, and many others. We're not locked into any single brand, which means we can recommend the best door for your specific needs and budget. Whether you want an insulated steel door, a beautiful wood carriage house style, a modern aluminum and glass design, or an economical non-insulated option, we have access to it. We'll help you compare options and choose the door that best fits your home's style, your climate needs, and your budget.

Is it safe to repair a garage door myself?

While some minor maintenance tasks like lubrication are safe for homeowners, most garage door repairs are dangerous and should be left to professionals. The springs that lift your door are under tremendous tension – enough to cause serious injury or death if mishandled. Even seemingly simple repairs can lead to problems if done incorrectly. Additionally, improper repairs can void your door's warranty and may not meet local building codes. Our technicians are trained, insured, and equipped with the proper tools. For your safety, please call us for any repair beyond basic maintenance.

What is your warranty coverage?

We stand behind our work with one of the best warranties in the industry. All labor is covered by our 10-Year warranty. Parts warranties vary by manufacturer but typically range from 1 year to lifetime depending on the component. Our spring installations come with a minimum 3-year warranty on parts. If anything we install or repair fails due to workmanship issues, we'll fix it at no charge. We've been in business for over 40+ years because we do things right the first time – and we stand behind that commitment.

Do you provide emergency service?

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency service for urgent garage door issues. Common emergencies include: broken springs leaving your door inoperable; door off track creating a safety hazard; opener failure when you need to leave for work; security concerns from a door that won't close. Our emergency line is always answered by a real person who can dispatch a technician to your location. While we try to maintain fair pricing even for after-hours calls, emergency service may carry a modest additional fee during nights and weekends. For true emergencies affecting your safety or security, call us anytime at (978) 440-2754.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A typical residential garage door installation takes 3-5 hours for a single door, or 5-8 hours for a double door. This includes removing the old door and hardware, installing the new door, setting up the opener (if included), programming remotes, and testing all safety features. Custom or commercial installations may take longer. We always complete installations in a single visit – you won't be left without a functional garage door overnight. Before we leave, we'll demonstrate proper operation and answer any questions you have about your new door.

What areas do you serve?

We proudly serve the entire Upper Valley region, including Lebanon, Hanover, White River Junction, Windsor, Claremont, Newport, Plainfield, Cornish, Charlestown, Springfield, Ascutney, and surrounding communities in both New Hampshire and Vermont. Our headquarters is in Lebanon, NH, which allows us to reach most locations within 30 minutes. If you're unsure whether we service your area, please give us a call – we may be able to accommodate you even if you're slightly outside our normal coverage area.

Garage Door Safety Mistakes Lebanon Homeowners Make (And How to Fix Them)

2026-07-04 7 min read

Most homeowners don't think about their garage door until it stops working or, worse, causes an injury. By then, it's too late. The good news: garage door safety in Lebanon doesn't require expensive upgrades or complicated fixes. It requires awareness and a willingness to address problems before they become dangerous. Let's talk about the mistakes I see most often and what you can do right now.

The Photo Eye Myth

Here's what I hear constantly: "My garage door has a safety feature, so it's safe." Not quite. Your photo eye (the sensor near the bottom of your door frame) only works if it's actually functioning. I've walked into homes where the photo eye was blocked by dirt, a fallen leaf, or a misaligned bracket for months. The homeowner had no idea.

A photo eye that doesn't work means your garage door won't reverse if a child, pet, or object is in the way. Test yours today. Stand in the doorway (safely, not under the door) and wave your hand in front of the sensor while the door closes. It should stop and reverse. If it doesn't, call us for a same-day inspection. Don't wait.

The cost of a photo eye replacement runs between $150 and $250. Compare that to a hospital bill.

Auto-Reverse: The Feature You Have But Don't Understand

Your garage door opener has an auto-reverse mechanism. It's supposed to stop and reverse the door if something blocks it. But here's the catch: it only works if the door is properly balanced and the opener is correctly adjusted.

An out-of-balance door puts extra strain on your opener's reversal mechanism. Over time, it weakens. A poorly calibrated force setting means the door might not reverse when it should. This is exactly why testing matters. Visit our guide on how to test your garage door safety features in Lebanon to learn the specifics.

**Need garage door safety in Lebanon today?** Call 19784402754. we cover same-day service across the area.

Child Safety: The Conversation Nobody Wants to Have

I've repaired doors in homes with young children where the remote control was sitting on a shelf within reach. I've seen garage doors without working reversals in driveways where kids play. These aren't bad parents. They're just unaware.

Your garage door opener's remote is not a toy. Keep it out of children's hands. Teach kids that the garage is not a play area. Make sure your opener has the latest safety features, including reversals and sensors. If your opener is more than 10 years old, it likely lacks modern safety standards. Check out our breakdown of garage door openers in Lebanon to see what's available and how much an upgrade costs.

Spring Failure: The Accident Waiting to Happen

Garage door springs last between 7 and 9 years, depending on use. When they fail, the door becomes a 400-pound dead weight. If someone is underneath when it happens, the result is serious injury or worse.

You can't fix this yourself. Springs are under extreme tension. I've seen DIY attempts end with trips to the ER. If your door is sagging, moving unevenly, or won't open properly, a spring has likely failed. Learn the warning signs of spring failure before disaster strikes so you know exactly what to watch for.

Getting an Honest Estimate

Safety repairs aren't something to shop around for based on price alone. A cheap estimate might mean corners are being cut. At Garage Door Lebanon, we provide transparent pricing with no surprises. A photo eye replacement costs what it costs. A spring replacement costs what it costs. We tell you upfront.

Visit our services page to see what safety work we handle, then schedule a free quote today. We'll assess your door, explain what needs fixing, and give you an honest estimate with no pressure.

Your Next Step

Garage door safety isn't complicated, but it does require attention. Test your photo eye this week. Make sure your remote is out of reach. Check that your door moves smoothly and reverses when it should. If something seems off, don't guess. Call us. Same-day service is available throughout Lebanon and surrounding areas.

Your family's safety is worth a 15-minute inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my garage door won't reverse? Stop using the door immediately. This is a critical safety failure. The auto-reverse mechanism may be broken, or the door may be out of balance. Call a professional for inspection and repair before anyone gets hurt.

How often should I test my garage door safety features? Test your photo eye and auto-reverse monthly. It takes two minutes and could prevent serious injury. Many homeowners test quarterly or before seasonal changes when the door works harder.

Can I replace a garage door spring myself? No. Springs are under extreme tension (up to 200 pounds of force per spring). DIY replacement causes serious injuries and deaths every year. Always hire a licensed professional for spring work.

How much does a photo eye cost to replace? A photo eye replacement typically costs between $150 and $250, including labor. The sensor itself is inexpensive, but proper alignment and testing add to the service time.

What's the difference between a photo eye and an auto-reverse? A photo eye is a sensor that detects objects in the door's path. An auto-reverse is the mechanism that stops and reverses the door. Both are required for modern garage door safety.

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