How quickly can you fix my slow movement?

In most cases, we can diagnose and repair slow garage door movement the same day you call. Slow movement is typically caused by worn rollers, lack of lubrication, track alignment issues, or spring tension problems. Our technicians arrive with fully stocked service vehicles, allowing us to complete most repairs in a single visit. For emergency situations, we offer 24/7 service and can often arrive within 1-2 hours.

What causes slow movement in garage doors?

Slow garage door movement can be caused by several factors: 1) Worn or damaged rollers creating friction, 2) Lack of proper lubrication on hinges, springs, and tracks, 3) Misaligned tracks forcing the door to work harder, 4) Weak or broken springs not providing adequate counterbalance, 5) Opener motor issues or incorrect force settings, 6) Debris in the tracks impeding movement. Our comprehensive inspection identifies the root cause and provides targeted solutions.

Do you offer financing for new custom door installations?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options to make new garage door installations affordable. We partner with several financing companies to provide competitive rates and payment plans that fit your budget. Many customers qualify for 0% interest promotional periods. During your free in-home estimate, our design consultant can explain all available financing options and help you find the best solution for your situation.

What areas do you serve?

We proudly serve the greater Seacoast region including Dover, Rochester, Portsmouth, Newmarket, Durham, Exeter, Hampton, Seabrook, Berwick, Rollinsford. If you're in a neighboring community not listed, give us a call – we likely serve your area too.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard residential garage door installation typically takes 3-5 hours, including removal of the old door, installation of the new door and hardware, opener setup, and final adjustments. More complex installations, such as custom doors or those requiring structural modifications, may take longer. We'll provide a time estimate during your consultation.

Do you offer emergency services?

Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency garage door repair services. Whether your door won't close at midnight or a spring breaks on a holiday weekend, we're here to help. Emergency calls are prioritized, and we typically arrive within 1-2 hours of your call.

What warranty do you provide?

We stand behind our work with a comprehensive 10-year warranty on all installations and repairs. This covers both parts and labor. Additionally, manufacturer warranties on doors and openers typically range from 1-lifetime depending on the product. We'll explain all warranty coverage during your service.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional maintenance once per year for optimal performance and longevity. However, if your door sees heavy use (more than 6 cycles per day) or is exposed to harsh conditions, semi-annual maintenance may be beneficial. Between professional visits, you can perform simple maintenance like lubricating hinges and watching for unusual noises.

Can you repair any brand of garage door?

Yes, our technicians are trained and equipped to repair all major garage door brands including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, Raynor, and more. We also service all opener brands including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, and Craftsman. We maintain a large inventory of common parts to complete most repairs in a single visit.

How do I know if I need a repair or replacement?

Several factors influence this decision: Age (doors over 15-20 years old may benefit from replacement), Frequency of repairs (if you're calling for repairs multiple times per year, replacement may be more cost-effective), Safety features (older doors may lack modern safety features), Energy efficiency (new insulated doors significantly reduce energy costs), and Curb appeal (a new door can transform your home's appearance). During our free inspection, we'll provide honest recommendations based on your specific situation.

Material Selection Guide: What Every Homeowner Should Know

9 min read

# Material Selection Guide: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Choosing the right material for your garage door is one of the most important decisions you'll make during the selection process. Each material offers distinct advantages and considerations that can affect everything from curb appeal to energy efficiency to long-term maintenance costs. This comprehensive guide will help you understand your options and make an informed decision.

Steel Garage Doors

Steel remains the most popular choice for residential garage doors, and for good reason. Modern steel doors offer an excellent combination of durability, security, and value.

Advantages of Steel: - Exceptional durability and dent resistance, Low maintenance requirements, Available in virtually unlimited colors and styles, Can mimic the appearance of wood grain, Excellent security properties, Wide range of insulation options, Most affordable option for quality doors

Considerations: - Can rust if the finish is damaged, Dents may be visible on certain finishes, May not suit historic homes seeking authentic materials

Steel doors are available in single-layer, double-layer, and triple-layer construction. For our New Hampshire climate, we strongly recommend at least a double-layer insulated door to help regulate garage temperatures and reduce energy costs.

Aluminum Garage Doors

Aluminum doors have gained popularity in recent years, particularly for contemporary and modern home styles. They offer a sleek, sophisticated appearance that's hard to achieve with other materials.

Advantages of Aluminum: - Lightweight, putting less strain on the opener and hardware, Rust-resistant, ideal for coastal areas, Modern, clean aesthetic, Can incorporate large glass panels for natural light, Low maintenance requirements, Recyclable and environmentally friendly

Considerations: - More susceptible to dents than steel, Generally more expensive than steel, May not suit traditional architectural styles, Glass panels can reduce privacy

Aluminum doors with glass panels are particularly popular for homes with modern or contemporary architecture. They can transform a garage into an architectural statement while flooding the space with natural light.

Wood Garage Doors

For homeowners seeking authentic beauty and timeless appeal, wood garage doors remain the gold standard. Nothing matches the warmth and character of genuine wood.

Advantages of Wood: - Unmatched natural beauty and curb appeal, Can be custom designed to any specification, Suitable for historic homes and traditional styles, Can be refinished to change appearance, Excellent insulation properties (especially thick panels)

Considerations: - Highest maintenance requirements, Must be sealed and refinished periodically, Susceptible to rot, warping, and insect damage, Most expensive option, Heavier weight requires robust hardware

Popular wood species include cedar, redwood, mahogany, and hemlock. Cedar is particularly valued for its natural resistance to rot and insects, making it a practical choice for our humid Northeast climate.

Fiberglass and Composite Doors

Fiberglass and composite materials offer unique advantages that make them worth considering for certain applications.

Advantages: - Can realistically mimic wood grain appearance, Resistant to salt air (great for coastal properties) - Won't rot, warp, or attract insects, Lighter weight than wood, Lower maintenance than real wood

Considerations: - Can become brittle in extreme cold, May fade over time with UV exposure, Limited style options compared to other materials, Can crack on impact

Insulation Considerations

Regardless of material, insulation is a critical factor for our New Hampshire climate:

Polyurethane Insulation: Highest R-value per inch, bonds to the door for added rigidity Polystyrene Insulation: Cost-effective option, slightly lower R-value Non-Insulated: Only appropriate for detached garages or mild climates

For attached garages, we recommend a minimum R-value of 12. This provides meaningful energy savings and helps regulate temperature fluctuations that can affect stored items and any living space above the garage.

Making Your Decision

When selecting a garage door material, consider these factors:

1. Architectural Style: Your door should complement your home's design 2. Climate: Our coastal location affects material durability 3. Budget: Consider both initial cost and long-term maintenance 4. Usage: How often the door operates affects hardware needs 5. Energy Efficiency: Insulation needs for attached vs. detached garages

Expert Consultation

At Somersworth Garage Doors, we help homeowners navigate these choices every day. Our showroom displays examples of each material type, and our design consultants can help you visualize options for your specific home. We offer free in-home estimates where we can assess your current situation and recommend the best solutions for your needs and budget.

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