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.

How to Test Your Garage Door Safety Features in Lebanon, NH

Name: Garage Door Lebanon
Address: 1 Pine St, Lebanon, 03766, US
Telephone: 19784402754
Price range: $$

2026-06-29 7 min read

Your garage door has safety features you've probably never tested. The auto-reverse mechanism and photo eye sensors are required by federal law, but that doesn't mean they're working. Testing them takes five minutes and could prevent a serious injury or worse.

Why Your Garage Door Safety Features Matter

Most homeowners don't think about their garage door until it stops working. By then, if the safety systems have failed, you're operating a heavy door with no protection. A standard residential garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. When it closes, it falls with enough force to cause severe injury or death if something goes wrong.

The auto-reverse system forces the door to reverse direction if it encounters an obstruction. The photo eye sensors detect motion in the door's path and trigger a stop. Together, these aren't optional upgrades. They're legally mandated safety features. But they deteriorate over time from dust, moisture, and winter salt in the Lebanon area. Testing them regularly keeps your family safe.

The Obstruction Test: Auto-Reverse

Place a wooden block or rolled-up towel on the garage floor directly in the door's path. Close the door using the remote or wall button. The door should reverse direction immediately upon contact with the object. It shouldn't pause, grind, or push harder. If it doesn't reverse instantly, your auto-reverse mechanism has failed and needs professional repair.

This test should take the door about one second to reverse. If it takes longer, the safety response is too slow. Don't ignore this. Call a technician to inspect the door's sensors and logic board. Many homeowners delay this repair to save money, but the cost of skipping it isn't worth the risk. We offer same-day estimates for safety concerns like this across Lebanon and surrounding towns.

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

The Photo Eye Test: Making Sure Your Sensors Work

The photo eye sensors sit on both sides of the garage door, about six inches above the floor. One sends a beam. The other receives it. When something breaks that beam, the door stops or reverses. Over time, dust, cobwebs, or misalignment can block the beam without you noticing.

Test it like this. Close the door halfway, then slowly wave your hand in front of one of the sensors. The door should stop moving. If it doesn't, the eye is blocked or misaligned. Clean the sensor lens with a soft cloth and try again. If that doesn't work, the sensor itself may have failed. A replacement photo eye costs far less than an emergency room visit, and we can install one same day in most cases.

Checking Alignment and Cleanliness

Garage door sensors need a clear line of sight. Leaves, dirt, and winter road salt accumulate on the lenses here in Lebanon, especially after storms. Wipe both sensors clean with a dry cloth every month. Make sure nothing blocks the beam between them.

If the sensors are misaligned, you'll see a blinking light on one or both units instead of a steady glow. Realignment is tricky and usually requires a professional. Garage Door Lebanon technicians can realign sensors and test the entire safety system as part of a routine maintenance visit. If you're not sure whether your door is safe, learn more about our safety inspection services.

When to Call a Professional

Some safety problems are DIY fixable. Cleaning sensors and testing the auto-reverse are tasks any homeowner can do. But if your door fails either test, stop using it and call a technician. A malfunctioning garage door isn't just inconvenient. It's a liability and a hazard.

If your garage door is older than ten years, the safety components may be nearing the end of their service life. Springs last 7 to 9 years and wear out predictably, but sensors and reversing mechanisms can fail suddenly. If you'd like a professional assessment of your door's safety status and repair needs, check our pricing guide to understand typical costs before you call.

Your Next Step

Testing your garage door's safety features takes five minutes and requires no tools. Do it today. If anything fails the test, don't delay repair. This isn't an area where saving money makes sense. Call us at 19784402754 or schedule a free quote online to book a safety inspection. We'll test everything, explain what we find, and give you an honest estimate for any repairs needed.

Your family's safety depends on a functioning garage door. Make the test part of your routine maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I test my garage door safety features? Test both the auto-reverse and photo eye at least once per month. If you have young children or pets, test weekly. Dust and misalignment happen gradually, and regular testing catches problems early.

What does a blinking light on the photo eye mean? A blinking or red light indicates the sensors are misaligned or the beam is blocked. Clean the lenses first. If the light remains off or red, the sensors may be damaged and need replacement by a professional.

Can I adjust the auto-reverse sensitivity myself? Modern garage doors have auto-reverse sensitivity adjustments on the opener unit, but changing these settings without proper training can make the door unsafe. Have a technician adjust it for you to ensure it meets current safety standards.

How much does it cost to replace a photo eye sensor? A single photo eye sensor replacement typically costs between $75 and $150 plus labor. Parts are inexpensive, but professional installation ensures proper alignment and functionality. Get an estimate from us at no charge.

What if my garage door opener is too old to have safety features? Older openers may lack auto-reverse or photo eye sensors. If your door is pre-1993, you should upgrade the opener to meet current federal safety requirements. We can discuss replacement options during a free consultation.

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