Garage door questions and answers
Why won’t my garage door close with the remote, or why does it go down part way and then open again?
If your garage door starts to close but then reverses or won’t close at all with the remote, the most common cause is a problem with the safety sensors near the bottom of the door. Dust, misalignment, or blocked sensors will cause the opener to think something is in the way. Other possible issues include damaged garage door tracks, worn rollers, or a faulty garage door opener. Homeowners in Minneapolis often see this problem when their garage doors are out of alignment. To avoid frustration (and keep your home secure), schedule a professional garage door repair. Aspen Garage Doors can inspect your sensors, opener, and tracks to get your garage door closing smoothly and safely.
Why does my garage door only open a few feet and feel too heavy to lift manually?
When a garage door only rises part way and becomes extremely heavy to lift, it usually means a broken garage door spring. The springs carry the weight of the door, so when one breaks, the opener can’t do the job on its own and the door feels impossible to lift by hand. This is a common garage door repair issue for homeowners in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities. Because springs are under high tension, attempting a DIY fix can be dangerous. The safest solution is to call a professional garage door repair company like Aspen Garage Doors for same-day broken spring replacement and safe, reliable operation.
If one section of my garage door is damaged, do I have to replace the entire garage door?
Not always. In many cases, a single damaged garage door panel can be replaced without installing a brand-new door. If the damage is minor and the rest of the garage door is in good condition, replacing just one section can be a cost-effective solution. However, if your garage door is older, has multiple damaged panels, or the style has been discontinued, it may make more sense to install a new garage door. Aspen Garage Doors offers garage door panel replacement and full garage door installation throughout Minneapolis and the Twin Cities. We’ll inspect your door and recommend the best option to restore both function and curb appeal.
What is the difference between a belt drive and chain drive opener?
A chain drive garage door opener uses a metal chain to move the door along its track. Chain drives are the most common type of opener — they’re affordable, durable, and will last for years, but they can be a little noisy.
A belt drive garage door opener uses a reinforced rubber belt instead of a chain. Belt drives are just as reliable but much quieter, which makes them a great choice if your garage is attached to your home or close to a bedroom. Many Twin Cities homeowners choose belt drive openers for the smooth, nearly silent operation. If you’re deciding between the two, give us a call at (612) 900-0054 and we’ll help you find the best fit for your garage.
I have a solid garage door and would like to make the top section glass, is this possible?
Yes, in many cases you can replace the top panel of a solid garage door with one that has glass windows. This upgrade is a popular option for homeowners who want to add natural light to their garage without replacing the entire door. The availability depends on your door’s brand and model, but most standard doors can be modified with a matching window section. We recently installed a new glass top section for a homeowner in Minnetonka who wanted more light in their garage workshop. If you’d like to explore this option, call us at (612) 900-0054 and we can let you know what’s possible for your specific door.
I’m in the west metro, what areas do you serve for garage door repairs?
Aspen Garage Doors serves the entire Twin Cities metro, with a focus on the west metro where we can often provide same-day service. Homeowners in Golden Valley, Minnetonka, Plymouth, and nearby suburbs frequently call us for emergency garage door repairs. If you’re unsure whether we cover your neighborhood, give us a call at (612) 900-0054 and we’ll confirm.
How fast can you fix a broken garage door spring?
A broken spring can make your garage door unusable, so we try to make those calls a priority. In many cases, we can get out the same day to get your door back up and running. Recently, we replaced a spring for a homeowner in Minnetonka in the morning and another in Plymouth later that day, both done in under two hours.
Do you install new garage doors, or just do repairs?
We do both. If your current door just needs a repair, we’ll fix it. But if it’s time for a full replacement, we’ll help you choose a new garage door that fits your home and budget. For example, last month we installed a modern steel door in Maple Grove and a wood carriage-style door for a homeowner in St. Louis Park.
Can you replace or repair a garage door opener?
Yes, we service and install most major brands of garage door openers. If your remote isn’t working, the motor quit, or the sensors are out of line, we can troubleshoot and repair the issue. In some cases, it makes more sense to replace the opener, and we can handle that too. Just last week, we repaired an opener in Golden Valley and installed a new one in Crystal.
Why is my garage door making loud grinding or squeaking noises?
Grinding or squeaking sounds often mean the door needs maintenance. Worn rollers, loose hardware, or lack of lubrication are common causes. A quick tune-up usually solves the problem and prevents bigger repairs down the road. We recently fixed a noisy door for a homeowner in New Hope. If your garage door is getting louder, it’s best to have it checked.
Do you offer free estimates for garage door service?
Yes, we provide free estimates for both repairs and new garage door installations. If you’re in the west metro, we can often come out the same day to take a look and give you options. Call us at (612) 900-0054 to schedule your free estimate or click the Get a Quote button above and we'll get back to you.
How do I prevent my garage door from freezing to the ground in winter?
The bottom seal of your garage door can freeze to the driveway when snow or slush melts and then re-freezes. To prevent this, keep the area in front of the door as clear and dry as possible, and consider applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rubber seal before a deep freeze. If the seal is old or worn, we can replace it with a new weather-resistant one — something we’ve done for many west metro homeowners in Minnetonka and Golden Valley during the winter months.
How much does it cost to repair a garage door?
The cost of garage door repair depends on the problem, but most homeowners find it’s less expensive than they expect. Common repairs like broken springs or cables are usually straightforward, while larger issues like replacing panels or an opener can cost more. We’re always upfront with pricing and can provide an estimate before any work begins.
Is it better to repair my garage door or replace it?
That depends on the age and condition of your door. If it’s a newer door with just a broken spring or minor damage, a repair is usually the best option. But if the door is older, worn out, or has significant damage, replacement may save money in the long run. Recently, a homeowner in Edina chose to replace an older wood door, while another in Plymouth saved money with a simple repair.