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.

Surge Protection: Protecting Your Family

2023-12-28 6 min read

Your garage door opener is more than just a convenience.it's a critical component of your home's security system. Modern openers contain sophisticated electronics that are vulnerable to power surges, which can occur during storms, from utility switching, or from issues within your home's electrical system. Protecting this investment protects your family's safety and security.

Understanding Power Surges

A power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage that exceeds the normal flow of electricity. While we often associate surges with dramatic lightning strikes, most surges are actually caused by less dramatic events:

Utility switching: When the power company switches lines or substations.
Large appliances: Air conditioners, refrigerators, and other large appliances can create surges when cycling on and off.
Power grid fluctuations: High demand periods can cause voltage fluctuations.
Lightning: Direct strikes are rare, but nearby strikes can induce surges in electrical systems.
Downed power lines: Can cause significant surges before systems shut down.

How Surges Damage Openers

Modern garage door openers contain circuit boards, sensors, and microprocessors that are sensitive to voltage spikes. A surge can:

Destroy the logic board, requiring complete replacement
Damage the motor windings
Fry safety sensor circuits
Corrupt programmed settings and remote codes
Cause intermittent operational problems

The cost of replacing a surge-damaged opener typically runs $300-$600 or more.a significant expense that surge protection can prevent.

Surge Protection Options

Several layers of protection can safeguard your garage door system:

Whole-House Surge Protection

Installed at your electrical panel, whole-house surge protectors provide the first line of defense. They divert large surges away from your home's wiring, protecting all connected devices. Professional installation typically costs $200-$500, including the device.

Point-of-Use Surge Protectors

For the ceiling outlet that powers your garage door opener, install a point-of-use surge protector. Look for devices specifically rated for motor loads with:

Joule rating of 1000 or higher
Clamping voltage of 400 volts or less
UL 1449 listing
Indicator lights showing protection status

Built-in Protection

Some premium garage door openers include built-in surge protection. When shopping for a new opener, ask about this feature.it can provide peace of mind and potentially lower your overall protection costs.

Battery Backup: Additional Protection

Battery backup systems offer more than just surge protection.they also provide power during outages. Many modern backup systems include surge protection circuitry that filters electricity before it reaches your opener. This dual protection keeps your garage door operational during storms while protecting against the surges that storms often cause.

Signs of Surge Damage

If your area experiences severe weather or you notice power fluctuations, watch for these signs of surge damage:

Opener doesn't respond to remotes or wall buttons
Opener runs but door doesn't move
Safety sensors stopped working
Opener lights flash in unusual patterns
Programming has been lost
Burning smell from the unit

Why Protection Matters for Safety

Beyond the financial cost of replacement, a damaged opener creates safety concerns. If a surge damages the safety sensor circuit, the door might close on people, pets, or vehicles without reversing. If the opener fails completely during a storm, you might find yourself unable to open your garage when you need shelter most.

Installation Recommendations

For comprehensive protection, we recommend a layered approach:

Install whole-house surge protection at your electrical panel
Add a quality surge protector at the garage ceiling outlet
Consider an opener with built-in surge protection or battery backup
Ensure your home's grounding system is properly installed and maintained

The investment in surge protection is minimal compared to the cost of replacement and the value of uninterrupted security. Contact Shedd Garage Doors to discuss surge protection options and opener upgrades that keep your family safe.

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