A few common questions we get asked as a garage door company..

When we’re at a job site, it is 100% normal for homeowners to ask questions and want to learn about their garage door! We love these conversations because they show that homeowners care about their investment. Since we hear many of the same questions every week, we thought we’d compile the answers right here.

Here are the top questions we get asked, answered simply and honestly.

1. "Can I just replace one panel, or do I need a whole new door?"

Usually, yes! You can replace just one panel.

For example if you accidentally backed into the bottom section, you don't necessarily need to buy an entire new door. If your door model is still in production, we can order a matching section and swap it out. If your door is older (10-15+ years), the manufacturer might have discontinued that model. 

2. "Why is my garage door so loud?"

It’s usually metal rubbing on metal, the rollers, or the garage door opener.
Most builder-grade garage doors come with metal rollers and standard hinges. Over time, lubrication dries up, and you’ll experience the screeching sound likely coming from your hinges.
90% of the time, lubricating the garage door and replacing old rollers can fix this instantly.
We can swap your old rollers for nylon rollers with ball bearings and transform the sound from a freight train to a whisper.

3. "How long should my garage door springs last?"

About 7 to 10 years (or 10,000 cycles)

Springs are rated by "cycles." One cycle is the door going up and coming back down. The standard spring is rated for 10,000 cycles.

For example, if you use your door 4 times a day (leave for work, come home, kids take bikes out, put bikes back), that’s about 1,500 cycles a year. That gives you roughly 7 years of life. If you use the door as your front door, they may break sooner.
We can install "high-cycle" springs that last significantly longer if you are a heavy user!

4. "Is an insulated door really worth the extra money?"

Yes, because it’s not just about temperature. It's about strength. And noise level.

People think insulation is only for keeping the garage warm in winter. While that’s true, an insulated door is also much quieter and far more durable. The insulation acts as a stiffener for the steel panels, making the door feel solid rather than flimsy. If you kick a non-insulated door, it sounds like a gong and might dent. If you kick an insulated door, it feels like a solid wall. That durability is worth the upgrade alone.

6. "How often do I really need to service my door?"

Once a year is ideal.

Think of your garage door like your teeth. You brush them yourself (lubricating the door), but you still go to the dentist for a checkup. An annual tune-up allows us to adjust the spring tension, balance the door, and spot fraying cables before they snap. It’s preventive medicine for your home.

If your garage door is making a noise you can't describe, or have a question we didn't cover?, just ask! At Element Doors and Garages, we are always happy to help.