How quickly can you fix my sensor issues?

In most cases, we can resolve sensor issues during a single service visit, typically within 1-2 hours. Sensor problems often stem from misalignment, dirty lenses, or wiring issues—all of which our technicians can diagnose and repair quickly. If sensor replacement is needed, we stock common sensors on our service vehicles for same-day repair. For more complex electrical issues that may be affecting your sensors, additional diagnostic time may be required. We offer next-day service appointments, and emergency service is available 24/7 for urgent situations where your garage door won't close due to sensor problems.

What causes sensor issues in garage doors?

Garage door sensor problems can arise from several common causes. The most frequent is misalignment—the two sensors at the bottom of your door must be precisely aimed at each other, and even a small bump can knock them out of alignment. Dirty or dusty sensor lenses are another common culprit; regular cleaning can prevent many issues. Wiring problems, including loose connections, damaged wires from pests or lawn equipment, or corroded terminals, can interrupt the sensor signal. Direct sunlight hitting the sensor lens can also cause false readings, making the door think there's an obstruction. Finally, sensors can simply wear out over time—most sensors last 10-15 years with proper care. During our service calls, we thoroughly inspect all potential causes to provide a lasting solution.

Do you offer financing for new industrial door installations?

Yes, we understand that a new garage door installation is a significant investment, and we offer several financing options to make it more accessible. We partner with trusted financing providers to offer low-interest and no-interest payment plans for qualified customers. Terms typically range from 6 to 60 months, with rates starting as low as 0% APR for shorter terms. The application process is quick and can often be completed during your free consultation. We also accept all major credit cards. Our goal is to ensure every homeowner can enjoy the safety, security, and curb appeal benefits of a new garage door without financial stress. Contact us for current financing offers and to learn which options best fit your budget.

What is your service area?

We proudly serve the entire Willamette Valley region, including Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon, Sweet Home, Brownsville, Halsey, Harrisburg, Junction City, Monroe, and Tangent. Our home base in Shedd allows us to provide fast service throughout the region. If you're located outside these areas, give us a call—we may still be able to help depending on the scope of your project.

How long does a typical garage door installation take?

A standard single garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours from start to finish. Double garage doors generally require 6-8 hours. This includes removing your old door, installing the new door sections and hardware, mounting and connecting the opener (if included), balancing and adjusting the system, and testing all safety features. More complex installations involving structural modifications or custom doors may take longer. We always provide a time estimate during your consultation, and our team works efficiently to minimize disruption to your day.

What warranty do you offer?

We stand behind our work with a comprehensive 1-year warranty on all labor and installation. This covers any issues related to our workmanship or installation. Additionally, the products we install come with manufacturer warranties that typically range from 3 years to lifetime depending on the component. Springs usually carry a 3-5 year warranty, while premium doors may have 10-year or lifetime warranties on certain components. We'll explain all warranty coverage during your service visit and provide documentation for your records.

Do you offer emergency services?

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency garage door service for urgent situations. If your garage door is stuck open and compromising your home's security, won't close during severe weather, has fallen off its tracks, or has a broken spring that's preventing operation, call us immediately. Our emergency technicians are equipped to handle urgent repairs and can often resolve the issue on the first visit. There's no extra charge for nights, weekends, or holidays on emergency calls—we believe security shouldn't cost extra.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional maintenance at least once per year to keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently. Annual service includes lubrication of all moving parts, inspection of springs, cables, and hardware, safety feature testing, balance adjustment, and visual inspection for wear or damage. Regular maintenance can prevent 80% of garage door emergencies and extend the life of your door system by several years. Many customers schedule their annual maintenance in fall to prepare for winter weather.

Are you licensed and insured?

Absolutely. Shedd Garage Doors is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of Oregon. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage to protect both our customers and our team. As an IDEA (International Door Association) member and OSHA-compliant company, we adhere to the highest safety standards in the industry. We're happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.

Can you repair any brand of garage door?

Yes, our certified technicians are trained to repair and service all major garage door brands and models, including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, Overhead Door, CHI, Raynor, and many others. We also service all major opener brands including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, Craftsman, and Linear. Whether you have a residential or light commercial door, we have the expertise and parts to get it working properly.

Preparing Your Garage Door for Winter: Essential Tips

2024-01-10 7 min read

As temperatures drop in the Willamette Valley, your garage door faces unique challenges that can affect its operation, lifespan, and your home's energy efficiency. Proper winter preparation protects your investment and ensures reliable operation throughout the coldest months of the year.

Why Winter Preparation Matters

Cold weather affects your garage door system in multiple ways. Metal components contract, lubricants thicken, weatherstripping stiffens, and springs become more brittle. Without proper preparation, these factors can lead to sluggish operation, unusual noises, or even complete failure when you need your garage door most.like on a freezing morning when you're trying to get to work.

Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping

The weatherstripping around your garage door is your first line of defense against cold air, moisture, and pests. Check the bottom seal (also called the astragal), the side seals, and the top seal for these issues:

Cracks or splits: Damaged weatherstripping loses its ability to seal effectively.
Hardening or brittleness: Rubber weatherstripping degrades over time and loses flexibility.
Gaps when door is closed: Even small gaps allow cold air infiltration and energy loss.
Visible light: If you can see daylight around your closed door, the seals need attention.

Replacing weatherstripping is a relatively simple and inexpensive maintenance task that pays dividends in energy savings and comfort.

Lubricate All Moving Parts

Cold temperatures cause standard lubricants to thicken, making your garage door work harder. Before winter arrives, apply a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant to:

Roller stems and bearings
Hinges (the pivot points)
Spring coils (extension and torsion springs)
Opener rail or chain/belt
Lock mechanisms

Avoid using WD-40 as a lubricant.it's actually a solvent that can strip away existing lubrication. Choose products specifically designed for garage door systems.

Test Balance and Spring Tension

Proper door balance is crucial for safe, efficient operation. To test your door's balance, disconnect the opener by pulling the emergency release handle. Manually lift the door halfway and let go. A properly balanced door should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs may need adjustment.a job best left to professionals due to the extreme tension involved.

Check and Test Safety Features

Your garage door's safety features become even more important in winter when ice and snow can affect operation. Test these systems monthly:

Photo-eye sensors: Place an object in the door's path and attempt to close. The door should reverse.
Auto-reverse mechanism: Place a 2x4 flat on the ground in the door's path. The door should reverse upon contact.
Emergency release: Ensure the emergency release handle and mechanism operate smoothly.

Insulation Considerations

If your garage is attached to your home or houses temperature-sensitive items, consider insulation upgrades:

Insulated door panels: If your door isn't already insulated, consider upgrading to an insulated model.
Insulation kits: Retrofit insulation kits can improve the R-value of existing doors.
Garage heating: For attached garages, even a small heater can prevent temperature extremes that stress your door system.

Clear and Protect the Threshold

Snow, ice, and debris accumulation at the door threshold causes multiple problems. Keep this area clear and consider installing a threshold seal if you don't have one. These seals create a barrier against water, snow, and cold air infiltration.

Battery Backup and Power Considerations

Winter storms can cause power outages. If your opener doesn't have a battery backup, consider adding one. Alternatively, familiarize yourself with the manual operation procedure using the emergency release.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

A professional inspection before winter identifies potential problems before they leave you stranded. Our technicians at Shedd Garage Doors perform comprehensive pre-winter inspections that cover all mechanical components, safety systems, and weatherproofing elements.

Taking time to prepare your garage door for winter prevents unexpected breakdowns, reduces energy costs, and extends the life of your system. Contact Shedd Garage Doors today to schedule your pre-winter maintenance appointment.

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