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.

Preparing Your Garage Door for Fall: Essential Tips

2024-01-10 7 min read

# Preparing Your Garage Door for Fall: Essential Tips

As summer fades and fall arrives in Northeast Ohio, it's time to prepare your garage door for the cooler months ahead. Proper fall maintenance ensures reliable operation throughout winter and can prevent costly emergency repairs when you need your door most.

Why Fall Maintenance Matters

Temperature fluctuations, increased moisture, and falling leaves all impact your garage door's performance. Metal components contract in cold weather, lubricants become less effective, and weatherstripping may crack. A thorough fall check-up addresses these issues before they become problems.

Your Fall Maintenance Checklist

1. Visual Inspection

Start with a careful visual inspection of your entire garage door system:

- Door panels: Look for cracks, dents, or warping - Springs: Check for rust, gaps in coils, or stretching - Cables: Inspect for fraying or wear - Tracks: Ensure they're straight and securely mounted - Rollers: Look for worn or chipped rollers - Hinges: Check for rust or loose hardware - Weatherstripping: Examine the seal around all edges

2. Clean the Tracks

Debris accumulates in tracks throughout summer. Use a damp cloth to wipe down tracks, removing leaves, dirt, and buildup. Never use lubricant on tracks.this can cause doors to slip and operate unsafely.

3. Lubricate Moving Parts

Apply garage door lubricant (not WD-40) to:

- Springs (both torsion and extension) - Rollers (metal rollers only, not nylon) - Hinges at pivot points, Lock mechanisms, Bearing plates

Proper lubrication prevents squeaking and ensures smooth operation in cold weather when metal contracts and lubricants thicken.

4. Test the Balance

Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door to waist height. A balanced door stays in place or moves slightly. If it falls or rises significantly, the springs need adjustment.call a professional.

5. Inspect Weatherstripping

The rubber seal at the bottom of your door (and around the frame on some doors) prevents drafts, moisture, and pests from entering. Replace cracked or brittle weatherstripping before temperatures drop.

Signs you need new weatherstripping: - Visible light under the closed door, Drafts or cold spots near the garage door, Water infiltration during rain, Pest evidence (droppings, nests)

6. Test Safety Features

Modern garage doors have safety features required by law:

Auto-reverse test: Place a 2x4 flat on the ground in the door's path. When closing, the door should reverse upon contact.

Photo-eye test: Wave an object through the photo-eye beam while the door is closing. It should reverse immediately.

If either test fails, contact a professional immediately.these are critical safety features.

7. Check the Opener, Test the battery backup if equipped, Replace remote batteries, Verify the opener light works, Listen for unusual sounds, Check mounting brackets for security

8. Insulation Considerations

If your garage is attached to your home or you use it as workspace, fall is an excellent time to consider insulation upgrades:

- Insulated door panels improve energy efficiency, Weatherstripping upgrades reduce drafts, Bottom seals prevent cold air infiltration

9. Professional Tune-Up

While DIY maintenance is valuable, nothing replaces a professional inspection. Our technicians identify issues you might miss and can adjust springs safely.

Thompson Garage Doors Fall Special: Free tune-up with any installation this season!

Preparing for Winter Weather

Beyond maintenance, prepare for winter conditions:

- Clear the area: Remove summer items that block door operation - Check drainage: Ensure water drains away from the door - Test in cold weather: After the first frost, verify smooth operation - Know emergency procedures: Review manual release operation

Common Fall Problems

Sluggish Operation

Cold temperatures thicken lubricants and cause metal to contract. Fresh lubrication and a tune-up typically resolve this.

Door Sticking

Humidity changes can cause wooden doors to swell or warp. Metal doors may have track alignment issues from temperature fluctuations.

Increased Noise

Components that worked silently in summer may squeak in fall. Lubrication usually solves this, but persistent noise warrants professional attention.

Schedule Your Fall Tune-Up

Don't wait for problems to develop. Contact Thompson Garage Doors at (440) 693-2268 to schedule your fall maintenance appointment. We serve Thompson and all surrounding communities with prompt, professional service.

Prepare now and enjoy worry-free garage door operation all winter long!

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