FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about garage door repair and locksmith services.
General Questions
What areas do you service?
Our service area ranges from the Greater Portland Metropolitan area through Salem.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, we provide free estimates for most services, including new garage door installations, repairs, and locksmith work. You can call us or submit a request through our website to schedule a visit or virtual consultation.
How quickly can you schedule service?
We offer same-day and next-day appointments in most areas, especially for emergency repairs. For non-urgent projects like installations or upgrades, we’ll work with your schedule to set a convenient time.
Are your technicians licensed and insured?
Yes, all of our technicians are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We also ensure they’re professionally trained and background-checked for your safety and peace of mind.
Do you offer garage door and locksmith services for commercial properties?
Yes, we provide both residential and commercial garage door and locksmith services, including overhead door installations, keyless entry systems, high-security locks, and more.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, debit cards, checks, and digital payments. Financing options may also be available for larger projects like new door installations.
Garage Doors Repair Questions
Why won’t my garage door open or close all the way?
If your garage door won’t fully open or close, it could be due to misaligned sensors, broken springs, damaged cables, or a malfunctioning opener. It’s best to schedule a professional inspection to identify and safely resolve the issue before further damage occurs.
Is it safe to repair a garage door on my own?
Garage door repairs—especially involving springs or cables—can be extremely dangerous without the right tools and training. DIY repairs may void warranties or cause injuries. Always contact a licensed technician for professional service.
Why is my garage door making loud or grinding noises?
Unusual noises often indicate worn-out rollers, loose hardware, or a lack of lubrication. Ignoring these sounds can lead to bigger problems. A garage door tune-up or parts replacement usually solves the issue quickly and quietly.
What should I do if my garage door is stuck halfway?
First, avoid forcing the door open or closed. Check for visible obstructions or sensor misalignment. If the problem isn’t obvious, disconnect the opener and call a garage door repair technician for a full safety inspection and solution.
How long does it take to complete a garage door repair?
Most standard repairs, like spring or cable replacement, can be completed in 1–2 hours. More complex issues may take longer. We aim for same-day service in most cases to minimize downtime and inconvenience.
Garage Doors Springs Questions
How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?
A broken spring usually causes the door to suddenly stop working. Signs include a loud snap or bang from the garage, the door feeling extremely heavy, or the opener straining or failing to lift the door. You might also see a visible gap in the spring coil.
Can I open my garage door if the spring is broken?
It’s strongly discouraged. Lifting a door with a broken spring can cause injury or damage to the opener. If necessary, two people may lift it manually with extreme caution, but it’s safest to wait for a professional garage door technician.
How long do garage door springs last?
Standard springs typically last around 10,000 cycles (1 cycle = open and close), which equates to 7–10 years for most homes. High-cycle springs, which can last up to 25,000 or more cycles, are recommended for high-use doors.
Should both garage door springs be replaced at the same time?
Yes, it’s best practice to replace both springs at once. Springs wear out at the same rate, so if one breaks, the other is likely close to failing. Replacing them together ensures balanced operation and prevents uneven strain on the door.
Can garage door springs be repaired or should they be replaced?
Garage door springs are not repaired—they are replaced. Once a spring breaks, it cannot be safely or effectively fixed. A new, properly sized and calibrated spring should be installed by a trained professional.
How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring?
Spring replacement costs vary based on door size, spring type, and labor. Typical costs range from $250 to $450 per spring, including parts and labor. We provide free estimates and use high-quality, properly rated springs for safe, long-lasting performance.
Garage Doors Openers Questions
How long should my existing garage door opener last?
Your garage door opener should last about 10-15 years, depending on maintenance and usage.
How do I program the garage door opener to my vehicle?
There should be instructions with your vehicle that can provide this information. If you are not able to program the opener to your vehicle, we provide this service as well.
Should I repair or replace my broken garage door opener?
Depending on the issue with the opener, we could recommend replacing it. The cost of the repair could at times be comparable to the cost of replacing the opener itself.
Why is my remote not working?
The remote may not be working if the battery in the remote is dead, if the remote is faulty or if there is an issue with the garage door opener.
Why do I have to hold my wall button down for the garage door to close?
There could be an issue with the sensors. They could be obstructed, misaligned, have dirty eyes or loose wires.
My garage door is very noisy when it opens and closes, what could be the problem?
Your garage door may need some maintenance. It may require some lubrication as well as some other light adjustments.
Why do heavy-duty doors need a special opener?
Heavy-duty doors require a more powerful opener to handle their increased weight and size. Standard openers may struggle or wear out faster with heavy doors. A model like the LiftMaster 87802 is built for such doors, offering a powerful chain drive and a robust DC motor capable of handling the extra load smoothly and efficiently.
New Garage Doors Questions
How do I know if it’s time to replace my garage door?
If your garage door is old, frequently breaks down, looks worn, or lacks modern safety features, it might be time for a replacement. In neighborhoods like Alberta Arts, Sellwood-Moreland, or St. Johns, where older homes are common, updating your garage door can enhance both function and curb appeal, especially in Portland’s wet, changing weather.
What types of garage doors do you install?
We install a wide range of residential and commercial garage doors, including traditional steel doors, carriage-style doors, modern glass and aluminum doors, wood-look composite doors, and insulated options from top brands like C.H.I., Amarr, Wayne Dalton, and Northwest Door.
Can I customize my new garage door?
Yes! We offer full customization options, including color, window layout, panel design, insulation level, decorative hardware, and even smart garage door opener integration. You can design a door that fits your home’s style and performance needs.
How long does garage door installation take?
Most garage door installations in the Portland area are completed in one day. We handle everything from removing your old door to professionally installing the new one, so you can enjoy a smooth, stress-free upgrade.
Do I need to replace my garage door opener with the new door?
Not always, but it’s often recommended. If your opener is more than 10 years old, lacks safety features, or isn’t compatible with the new door, we may advise upgrading to a modern, quieter, and more secure opener, like a LiftMaster belt-drive or wall-mount model.
What kind of insulation is available for garage doors?
We offer insulated garage doors with polystyrene or polyurethane cores for improved energy efficiency, noise reduction, and durability. Insulated doors are especially beneficial if your garage is attached to your home or used for storage or workspace.
Do new garage doors come with a warranty?
Yes. Most new garage doors come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 5 years to lifetime coverage, depending on the brand and model. We also include a labor warranty and offer optional extended protection plans for added peace of mind.
Can you remove and haul away my old garage door?
Yes, we handle the full process — including removal and disposal of your old garage door — as part of your installation service. We’ll leave your space clean, safe, and ready to use.
How can I schedule a garage door installation in the Portland metro area?
Simply contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate. D&L Garage Doors proudly serves all of Portland and surrounding communities, including Sherwood, Clackamas, Oregon City, and Vancouver WA. We’ll help you choose the right door and take care of everything from start to finish.
Will a new garage door increase my property value in Portland?
Definitely. Garage door replacement is one of the top ROI home improvements in Portland. Whether you’re selling in Eastmoreland, Nob Hill, or Brentwood-Darlington, a new, attractive, and energy-efficient garage door can improve your home’s resale value and curb appeal.
Commercial Garage Doors Questions
What brands of commercial garage doors and openers do you offer?
We proudly offer high-quality commercial garage doors from industry-leading brands, including C.H.I. Overhead Doors, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, Northwest Door (NWD), and openers from LiftMaster. These manufacturers are known for their durability, reliability, and performance under high-usage conditions. Whether you need doors for a warehouse, service bay, or retail location, we provide solutions that meet both structural and aesthetic requirements.
How is a commercial garage door installed, and should I hire a professional?
Yes, professional installation is strongly recommended. Commercial doors are large, heavy, and under high spring tension, which can pose safety risks if not handled properly. Our expert installers ensure all components—from tracks and torsion springs to safety systems—are installed correctly for smooth and secure operation. Most standard installations are completed within one day, though custom or oversized setups may take longer.
How durable are commercial garage doors, and how long do they last?
Commercial garage doors are designed for tough daily use and can last 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance. Brands like C.H.I., Amarr, and Wayne Dalton use heavy-gauge steel, reinforced tracks, and high-cycle torsion springs to ensure longevity and durability. For high-traffic locations, upgrading to 25,000–100,000 cycle springs can greatly extend the door’s service life.
What should I do if my commercial garage door needs repair?
Common commercial garage door repair issues include broken springs, worn rollers, frayed cables, and dented panels. If a spring breaks or the door won’t open, contact a trained technician immediately—never attempt these repairs yourself due to safety risks. Most components can be replaced individually, and damaged sections can often be swapped without replacing the entire door.
Can I use a LiftMaster opener with my commercial garage door?
Yes. LiftMaster commercial openers are compatible with nearly all commercial doors. Choosing the correct model with appropriate horsepower and features is crucial. Proper installation includes reinforcing the top section of the door to prevent damage and to meet warranty standards. All LiftMaster commercial openers meet UL 325 safety standards and integrate seamlessly with safety devices.
Can I customize a commercial garage door’s size, color, or design?
Absolutely. We offer complete customization—choose from various panel styles, window placements, insulation levels, track configurations, and hundreds of color options. Many doors can be built to exact dimensions, including oversized or high-lift applications. We’ll help you design a door that fits your building, branding, and operational needs.
What warranties come with commercial garage doors?
Warranty coverage depends on the brand and model. Many commercial doors come with multi-year warranties on door sections, and select models offer limited lifetime coverage. Coverage for springs, hardware, and finish may vary. We’ll provide clear warranty details for every product we install, and we always recommend regular maintenance to keep warranties valid.