Frequently Asked Questions

Most garage door springs last between 7 to 10 years or approximately 10,000 cycles of opening and closing. Heavy daily use, extreme temperature fluctuations common in San Antonio, TX, and lack of maintenance can shorten their lifespan. At JT Doors, we inspect springs during repairs to assess remaining life and prevent unexpected failures.

Loud grinding or squeaking usually indicates worn rollers, lack of lubrication, or misaligned tracks. Metal-on-metal friction from dried-out moving parts is the most common culprit. Regular maintenance and proper lubrication can eliminate most noise issues and extend your door's operational life.

While it's technically possible, replacing both springs at once is strongly recommended. If one spring breaks, the other has experienced the same wear and will likely fail soon. At JT Doors, we replace springs in pairs to ensure balanced operation and prevent another service call within weeks.

Torsion springs mount horizontally above the door and use torque to lift it, while extension springs run along the tracks and stretch to provide lift. Torsion springs typically last longer, operate more smoothly, and are safer. Professional replacement of either type requires precise tension adjustments for safe operation.

High Texas temperatures can cause metal components to expand, affecting door alignment and spring tension. Extreme heat may also dry out lubricants faster, leading to increased friction and wear. At JT Doors, we account for local climate conditions when adjusting tension and recommend weather-appropriate maintenance schedules.

Consider upgrading if your opener is over 15 years old, lacks safety features like auto-reverse sensors, operates loudly, or requires frequent repairs. Modern openers offer smartphone connectivity, battery backup, and improved security features. Upgrading enhances both convenience and safety for residential and commercial properties.

Energy-efficient garage doors feature insulated panels with high R-values, weatherstripping to seal gaps, and quality materials that resist heat transfer. In San Antonio's hot climate, insulated doors help maintain cooler garage temperatures and reduce cooling costs for attached spaces. Proper installation ensures the insulation performs as designed.

Uneven opening typically results from broken or imbalanced springs, damaged cables, or misaligned tracks. This issue creates uneven tension that can strain the opener and cause further damage. At JT Doors, we diagnose the root cause and perform precise adjustments to restore smooth, balanced operation.

Professional installation of a standard residential garage door typically takes 4 to 6 hours, including removal of the old door if needed. Complex custom installations or commercial doors may require additional time. Proper installation ensures correct alignment, smooth operation, and long-term reliability of all components.

Commercial maintenance includes inspecting and lubricating all moving parts, testing safety features, checking track alignment, adjusting spring tension, and examining cables and rollers for wear. Regular maintenance for commercial properties prevents costly downtime and extends the lifespan of industrial doors that experience frequent daily cycles.

Yes, individual panels can often be replaced without changing the entire door, especially if the damage is isolated and the door model is still available. However, color matching older doors can be challenging, and structural damage may require full replacement. At JT Doors, we assess whether panel repair or full replacement offers better long-term value.

Emergencies include broken springs that prevent door operation, doors stuck open exposing your property to security risks, opener malfunctions trapping vehicles, or any safety sensor failure. At JT Doors, we offer 24/7 emergency service in San Antonio and surrounding areas to address urgent issues that compromise security or safety.