How quickly can you fix my broken springs?

At North Stonington Garage Doors, we understand that a broken spring means your garage door is completely non-functional. That's why we offer same-hour emergency service for spring replacements. In most cases, we can have a technician at your home within 60 minutes of your call. The actual repair typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on whether you have a single or double spring system. We stock the most common spring sizes in our service vehicles, so we can usually complete the repair in one visit. Our springs come with a 2-Year Warranty on All Work and are rated for 10,000+ cycles, ensuring years of reliable operation.

What causes broken springs in garage doors?

Garage door springs break primarily due to metal fatigue from repeated use. Standard torsion springs are rated for approximately 10,000 cycles (one cycle = opening and closing). For a family that uses their garage door 4 times daily, that's about 7 years of use. Other factors that contribute to spring failure include: rust and corrosion (especially in our humid Connecticut climate), lack of maintenance and lubrication, extreme temperature fluctuations, improper spring sizing for your door's weight, and manufacturing defects. Regular maintenance can extend spring life by 1-2 years. We recommend annual inspections and lubrication, which we include in our maintenance packages. Warning signs of failing springs include: door closes too fast, uneven door movement, visible gaps in the spring coils, and loud squeaking noises.

Do you offer financing for new steel door installations?

Yes! We understand that a new garage door is a significant investment in your home. That's why we offer flexible financing options to make it more affordable. Our financing programs include: zero-interest options for qualified buyers (for 12-18 months), low monthly payment plans extending up to 60 months, quick approval process (often same-day), and no prepayment penalties. A new steel garage door from North Stonington Garage Doors typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,500 installed, depending on size, style, and insulation level. With financing, you could have a brand new door with our lifetime warranty for as little as $50-100 per month. Contact us for a free quote and to discuss financing options that work for your budget.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 3-5 hours to complete. This includes removing your old door, installing the new door sections, mounting the hardware, balancing the door, and programming your opener (if applicable). For complex installations involving structural modifications or new opener installation, the process may take 6-8 hours. We always schedule installations to complete in a single day, and we clean up thoroughly before leaving. Most installations are scheduled in the morning to ensure ample time for completion and testing.

What's included in your maintenance service?

Our comprehensive maintenance service includes a 25-point inspection and tune-up: visual inspection of all hardware, tightening of bolts and brackets, lubrication of springs, rollers, and hinges, track cleaning and alignment check, safety sensor testing and adjustment, opener chain/belt tension adjustment, door balance testing, weather seal inspection, cable inspection for fraying, and a written report of findings and recommendations. Regular maintenance extends the life of your garage door system and helps prevent costly emergency repairs. We recommend annual maintenance, ideally in the spring or fall.

Are your technicians licensed and insured?

Absolutely. All North Stonington Garage Doors technicians are fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection. Our team members undergo rigorous training on all major garage door brands and systems. We're also EPA Certified and OSHA Compliant, meaning we follow all safety regulations and proper disposal procedures. Our liability insurance protects your property, and our workers' compensation coverage protects you from liability if a technician is injured on your property. We're happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.

What brands of garage doors do you install?

We install and service all major garage door brands, including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, Raynor, and more. We specialize in steel sectional doors, which offer the best combination of durability, security, and value. Our steel doors come with lifetime warranties on hardware and long-term warranties on the door itself. We also offer insulated options (R-8 to R-18) for improved energy efficiency, and various styles from traditional raised panel to modern flush designs and carriage house looks.

Do you service garage door openers?

Yes, we service and install all types of garage door openers: chain drive (most durable, louder operation), belt drive (quiet operation, great for attached garages), screw drive (low maintenance, good for heavy doors), and wall-mount/jackshaft (space-saving, premium option). We work with all major brands including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, and Craftsman. Common opener repairs include motor replacement, gear kit replacement, circuit board repair, remote/keypad programming, and safety sensor alignment. We also offer smart opener upgrades with WiFi connectivity and smartphone control.

Child Safety Features: Protecting Your Family

December 28, 2025 8 min read

Garage doors are the largest, heaviest moving objects in most homes. A standard residential door can weigh 200-400 pounds and exerts significant force during operation. For families with children, understanding and maintaining safety features is absolutely critical. This guide covers the essential safety mechanisms and practices that protect your loved ones.

Understanding the Risks

Before 1993, garage door injuries.particularly to children.were tragically common. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission documented numerous fatalities from doors without proper safety mechanisms. Today's safety requirements have dramatically reduced these incidents, but only when safety features are properly installed and maintained.

A closing garage door can exert over 100 pounds of force.more than enough to cause serious injury. Children are particularly at risk because they may not understand the danger, can move unpredictably, and are more vulnerable to injury.

Mandatory Safety Features

Photoelectric Sensors: Since 1993, all garage door openers must include photoelectric sensors. These small units mount 4-6 inches off the ground on each side of the door opening. An invisible beam connects them, and if anything breaks the beam while the door is closing, it automatically reverses.

Testing your sensors monthly is essential. Simply wave an object (like a broom) through the beam while the door is closing. The door should immediately stop and reverse. If it doesn't, your sensors need adjustment or replacement.

Auto-Reverse Mechanism: This mechanical safety feature causes the door to reverse if it contacts an obstruction. Federal law requires this feature to activate with 15 pounds or less of force.

Test this by placing a 2x4 board flat on the ground where the door closes. The door should reverse upon contacting the board. If it doesn't reverse or requires significant pressure, the opener needs adjustment.

Additional Safety Recommendations

Wall-Mounted Control Placement: Mount your wall control button at least 5 feet high.out of reach of young children. This prevents unsupervised operation.

Visual Contact Rule: Teach family members to always maintain visual contact with the door until it's completely closed. Never walk away while the door is moving.

Keep Remotes Secure: Treat garage door remotes like house keys. Don't leave them where children can access them, and never let children "play" with the remote.

Emergency Release Education: Older children and all adults should know how to use the emergency release rope (the red cord hanging from the opener rail). This allows manual operation during power outages or emergencies.

Modern Safety Upgrades

If your opener is more than 15-20 years old, consider upgrading to modern equipment with enhanced safety features:

Battery Backup: Ensures the door can operate during power outages, which often accompany storms when you need garage access most.

Timer-to-Close: Automatically closes the door after a set period, preventing accidental overnight opening.

Motion Detection Lights: Built-in lighting activates with motion, improving visibility and safety.

Smartphone Monitoring: Receive alerts if the door opens unexpectedly or is left open, allowing you to close it remotely.

Creating a Safe Garage Environment

Beyond the door itself, make your garage safer for children:

- Store chemicals, tools, and dangerous items in locked cabinets, Keep the area around the door clear of toys and bikes, Install adequate lighting, Never let children play near or under a moving door, Ensure manual door locks are disengaged when using the opener

Regular Maintenance is Safety

A well-maintained garage door is a safer garage door. Worn springs, damaged cables, or misaligned tracks can cause unpredictable operation. At North Stonington Garage Doors, our maintenance service includes comprehensive safety testing of all mechanisms. We adjust sensors, test auto-reverse function, and ensure your door operates safely.

Don't gamble with your family's safety. Call 1-860-590-8350 to schedule a safety inspection today.

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