Garage Door FAQ

The most common signs of a broken spring are a loud bang from the garage (the spring snapping under tension), a door that will not open or feels extremely heavy when you try to lift it manually, visible gaps in the spring coil above the door, or cables that are hanging loose or have unwound from the drum. If you suspect a broken spring, do not attempt to operate the door. Call (757) 482-9350 for same-day spring replacement. Learn more about spring replacement.

A garage door that will not close, or reverses immediately after hitting the floor, is almost always caused by one of three things: misaligned or blocked photo-eye sensors (the small sensors near the floor on either side of the door), incorrect down-force settings on the opener, or a fault in the opener logic board. Check that nothing is blocking the sensor beam and that both sensor lights are solid. If the problem persists, call us and we will diagnose and fix it on the same visit.

Grinding noises usually indicate worn rollers, a bent track, or insufficient lubrication on the spring shaft. Squeaking is typically worn nylon rollers or dry hinges. Both are early warning signs that maintenance is overdue. Left unaddressed, these issues escalate into more expensive repairs. A maintenance visit will identify and resolve the cause.

Do not attempt to force the door open or closed. A door off track can shift suddenly and fall, causing injury or significant damage. Disconnect the opener if the door is in a safe position, and call (757) 482-9350 for a same-day repair. Off-track repairs are one of the most common calls we receive across Chesapeake and Hampton Roads.

Repair costs vary depending on what has failed. Spring replacement typically ranges from $150 to $350 for a standard residential torsion spring pair. Cable replacement is usually $100 to $200. Opener repairs range from $75 for minor adjustments to $300 or more for a logic board replacement. We provide a written quote before any work begins - no surprises. Call (757) 482-9350 for a same-day assessment.

Yes. A garage door stuck open overnight is a security emergency and we prioritise these calls. Call (757) 482-9350 for urgent garage door repair in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and surrounding areas. View emergency repair in Chesapeake.

Most single residential door installations take three to four hours. A double door takes four to five hours. We handle removal of the old door, installation of the new door sections, tracks, springs, cables, and opener, then full safety testing before we leave. Learn more about our installation service.

Costs vary by material, size, and insulation level. As a general guide: a standard single insulated steel door starts from around $900 to $1,800 installed. A double insulated door ranges from $1,400 to $3,000. Aluminium and glass full-view doors start from around $2,500. We provide free written estimates with no obligation. Call (757) 482-9350 to book.

For any garage attached to your home, or used as a workshop, gym, or living space, an insulated door makes a significant difference to comfort and energy bills - particularly important in the Hampton Roads climate where summer heat gain through an uninsulated door is considerable. For a detached garage used only for storage, a non-insulated door is a cost-effective choice.

Yes. Old door removal and disposal is included as part of every installation service.

In most cases yes. We carry a wide range of styles and finishes from Amarr, Clopay, CHI Overhead Doors, Wayne Dalton, and other leading manufacturers. If you bring us a photo of your existing door we can usually find a close or exact match. Call (757) 482-9350 to discuss.

A chain drive opener uses a metal chain to move the trolley along the rail. It is reliable and cost-effective but produces more noise. A belt drive uses a reinforced rubber belt and is significantly quieter - the preferred choice for an attached garage or any garage beneath a living space. For a detached garage where noise is not a concern, a chain drive is perfectly adequate. View opener options.

A smart opener connects to your home Wi-Fi and lets you open, close, and monitor your garage door from a smartphone app from anywhere. You can also receive alerts when the door opens or closes, check whether it is open or closed remotely, and in some cases grant access to other people. We install Guardian (ADH), LiftMaster, and Genie smart openers. Learn more about smart openers.

First, replace the battery in the remote - this is the cause of most remote failures. If a new battery does not fix the issue, the remote may need reprogramming or replacing. We supply and programme compatible replacement remotes for all major opener brands. Call (757) 482-9350 with your opener make and model. View remote options.

Yes. We install and repair LiftMaster openers including belt drive, chain drive, jackshaft, and smart series models. We are also a Guardian (ADH) authorised dealer and install Genie and Linear openers. View all opener options.

We recommend a professional maintenance visit once a year for a typical residential door. High-use doors, rental properties, and commercial overhead doors benefit from a visit every six months. An annual tune-up costs a fraction of a spring or cable replacement and significantly extends the life of every component. Learn more about maintenance.

A Garage Door Enterprises tune-up covers spring tension check, cable and drum inspection, full lubrication of springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks, roller and hinge inspection, balance test, safety sensor alignment and test, opener force and limit settings adjustment, and weather seal inspection. View the full maintenance service.

Yes. Applying a garage door lubricant (not WD-40, which is a solvent) to the torsion spring coils, hinges, rollers, and track every six months is a worthwhile DIY task that reduces noise and wear. However, it does not substitute for a professional inspection of spring tension, cable condition, balance, and safety sensor function.

Garage Door Enterprises covers Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Smithfield and Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News, and northeastern North Carolina including Currituck County and Elizabeth City. View our full service area and ZIP codes.

Yes. Every repair carries a two-year parts and labor warranty. If a repaired component fails within two years, we return and correct it at no additional charge.

Yes. We install and repair commercial sectional steel doors, rolling steel doors, high-lift systems, and commercial operators for warehouses, loading docks, auto shops, retail premises, and other commercial properties. View commercial services.

Yes. Garage Door Enterprises offers financing through Acorn Finance. You can check your rate online with no impact to your credit score. Learn more about financing options.