How quickly can you fix my slow movement?

We understand the frustration of a slow-moving garage door—it's not just inconvenient, it can also indicate underlying problems. In most cases, we can diagnose and repair slow movement issues on the same day you call. Common causes of slow movement include: - **Worn rollers**: Metal rollers wear out over time and create friction - **Lack of lubrication**: Dry tracks and hinges slow operation - **Spring fatigue**: Aging springs lose tension gradually - **Opener issues**: Motor wear or incorrect settings - **Track misalignment**: Bent or shifted tracks create resistance Our technicians carry common replacement parts on their trucks, allowing for immediate repairs in most situations. For Thompson and surrounding areas, we offer 30-minute response times for priority calls. **Cost estimate**: Most slow movement repairs range from $75-250 depending on the cause. We always provide upfront pricing before beginning any work. Call (440) 693-2268 to schedule your repair today.

What causes slow movement in garage doors?

Slow garage door movement can stem from several issues, some simple and some requiring professional attention: **Common Causes:** 1. **Lack of Lubrication** The most common cause. Hinges, rollers, springs, and tracks need periodic lubrication with garage door-specific lubricant (not WD-40). We recommend lubricating every 3-6 months. 2. **Worn Rollers** Steel rollers typically last 10,000-15,000 cycles before showing wear. Nylon rollers last longer but can also degrade. Worn rollers create friction and noise. 3. **Spring Fatigue** Torsion springs have a rated lifespan (usually 10,000-20,000 cycles). As they age, they lose tension gradually, making the door harder to lift and slower to move. 4. **Track Problems** Bent, misaligned, or dirty tracks create resistance. Debris buildup is common after storms or construction. 5. **Opener Settings** Modern openers have adjustable speed settings. These may need adjustment after seasonal temperature changes. 6. **Weather Conditions** Cold weather thickens lubricants and causes metal to contract, leading to slower operation in winter. **What You Can Do:** - Apply garage door lubricant to hinges and rollers - Clean tracks with a damp cloth - Check for visible debris or obstructions **When to Call a Professional:** - If lubrication doesn't help - If you hear grinding or scraping sounds - If the door is off-track - If springs appear worn or damaged Regular maintenance prevents most slow movement issues. Thompson Garage Doors offers tune-up services that keep your door operating smoothly year-round.

Do you offer financing for new fiberglass door installations?

Yes! Thompson Garage Doors offers flexible financing options to make your new fiberglass garage door installation affordable. **Our Financing Options:** 1. **0% Interest Promotions** Qualifying customers may access promotional periods with 0% interest for 12-18 months. This allows you to spread payments without additional costs. 2. **Low Monthly Payment Plans** Extended payment plans with competitive rates make premium doors accessible. Payments as low as $50/month on qualifying purchases. 3. **Quick Approval Process** Most applications receive approval within minutes. We work with multiple lenders to find options that fit your situation. **Benefits of Financing:** - Install now, pay over time - Keep cash available for other needs - Upgrade to better insulation or features - Include opener replacement in the same payment **Why Choose Fiberglass Doors?** Fiberglass garage doors are excellent for Northeast Ohio because they: - Resist denting and rusting - Handle temperature extremes well - Require minimal maintenance - Offer good insulation options - Come in various styles and colors **What's Required:** - Valid ID - Basic credit check (soft pull for pre-qualification) - Proof of income may be requested **Getting Started:** During your free estimate appointment, we'll discuss financing options and help you find a plan that works for your budget. Many customers are surprised at how affordable a new door becomes with financing. Contact us at (440) 693-2268 to schedule your free estimate and learn more about financing options.

Crush Prevention Systems: Protecting Your Family

2023-12-28 9 min read

# Crush Prevention Systems: Protecting Your Family

Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home, weighing anywhere from 150 to over 400 pounds. Without proper safety systems, it poses significant risks.especially to children and pets. Understanding crush prevention systems helps you ensure your family's safety and know when maintenance is needed.

The Importance of Garage Door Safety

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, garage doors cause thousands of injuries annually. Most involve fingers caught between door sections, but more serious incidents can occur when doors close on people or objects. Modern safety systems are designed to prevent these accidents.

Required Safety Features

Since 1993, federal law requires all garage door openers to include specific safety features:

1. Auto-Reverse Mechanism

The door must automatically reverse when it contacts an obstruction while closing. This mechanical safety feature uses resistance sensing to detect when the door hits something.

How It Works: The opener motor monitors resistance. When the door encounters an obstacle, resistance increases dramatically, triggering an immediate reversal.

Testing Auto-Reverse: 1. Place a 2x4 flat on the ground in the door's path 2. Press the close button 3. The door should reverse upon contact

If it doesn't reverse or requires significant pressure, the opener needs adjustment or replacement.

2. Photo-Eye Sensors

Since 1993, all openers must include photo-eye sensors that detect objects in the door's path before contact occurs.

How They Work: Two sensors (transmitter and receiver) are mounted 4-6 inches above the floor on either side of the door. An invisible infrared beam runs between them. If anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, it immediately reverses.

Testing Photo-Eyes: 1. Start closing the door 2. Wave an object (like a broom) through the beam path 3. The door should reverse immediately

Common Photo-Eye Problems: - Misalignment (indicated by blinking LED lights) - Dirty lenses, Sun interference, Wiring issues

3. Manual Release

All automatic openers must have an emergency release that allows manual operation during power outages or opener failure. This is typically a red cord hanging from the opener trolley.

Know How to Use It: 1. Ensure the door is closed (for safety) 2. Pull the red release cord down and toward the motor 3. The door can now be lifted manually 4. To re-engage, simply operate the door normally.the trolley will reconnect

Additional Safety Features

Timer-to-Close

Some openers include automatic closing after a set time (1-10 minutes). This prevents accidentally leaving the door open overnight.

Battery Backup

Battery backup systems allow door operation during power outages.important for entering or exiting your home and maintaining security.

Motion-Detection Lighting

Built-in lights activate when motion is detected, improving visibility and deterring intruders.

Smartphone Monitoring

Smart openers alert you when the door opens, allow remote closing, and provide activity logs.

Keeping Your Family Safe

Regular Testing

We recommend testing safety features monthly: - Auto-reverse function, Photo-eye sensors, Manual release mechanism

Educate Children

Teach children: - Never play with remote controls, Never stand under a moving door, Never race the door, Never touch panels while the door moves, Always keep fingers away from section joints

Maintain Clear Zones

Keep the area around the door clear: - No toys or bicycles near the door path, Ensure photo-eyes aren't blocked, Maintain clear visibility when operating the door

Watch for Warning Signs

Contact a professional if you notice: - The door doesn't reverse when contacting objects, Photo-eyes don't stop a closing door, The door moves unevenly or makes unusual sounds, Any visible damage to cables, springs, or hardware

Upgrading Older Openers

If your opener was manufactured before 1993, it may lack modern safety features. We strongly recommend upgrading to a current model that includes:

- Both auto-reverse and photo-eye protection, Rolling code technology for security, Battery backup, Timer-to-close function, Quiet belt-drive operation, Smart home compatibility

The cost of a new opener is minimal compared to the peace of mind from knowing your family is protected.

When Safety Systems Fail

If your safety systems aren't working properly:

1. Don't ignore the problem.a malfunctioning door is dangerous 2. Use the manual release to operate the door safely 3. Contact a professional immediately

Thompson Garage Doors provides same-day safety inspections and repairs. Never attempt to adjust springs, cables, or opener mechanisms yourself.these repairs require professional training and tools.

Our Safety Commitment

Every service call from Thompson Garage Doors includes a safety inspection. We check all safety features and alert you to any concerns. Your family's safety is our top priority.

Schedule Your Safety Inspection

Don't wait for an accident to evaluate your garage door's safety systems. Contact Thompson Garage Doors at (440) 693-2268 to schedule a comprehensive safety inspection.

Our factory-trained technicians will: - Test all safety features, Adjust sensitivity settings, Clean and align photo-eyes, Inspect all mechanical components, Provide recommendations for any needed upgrades

Protect your family with properly functioning safety systems. Call today!

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