Troubleshooting Your Garage Door or Opener
Visual Check
The first step in isolating your problem should always be to check over the your garage door and opener and look for any noticable issues or part failures. If any parts are broken or out of place, the door may be dangerous to operate before these are fixed. Most parts on a garage door are the same on both the right and left side of the door, so if you find something that doesn't look quite right, you may be able to look at the other side as a reference.
Electric Garage Door Doesn't Open
With the door closed, pull the emergency disconnect (usually a red handle near the operator trolley) If you can open the door fairly easily after disconnecting the operator from the door, you most likely have an operator problem. If you still can't open the door, and you are certain that the operator is disengaged, check to see if the door is manually locked. If it is not, check the counterbalancing springs. If one or more is broken, the door will be very heavy to lift. Never pull the emergency disconnect if the door is in the open position - if the springs are broken, it could come forcefully crashing down.
What Size Door Do You Have?
It is very helpful for the intake writer to know the size of the door you have. A "single wide" door is less 10 feet wide. A "car-and-a-half" door is one from 12 feet to 14 feet wide. A "double" door is 15 feet and wider. If you do not have a long tape measure, measure to the half-way point and double it. Residential doors are usually 7 or 8 feet tall.
How much does garage door repair cost in Chesapeake, VA?
Repair costs depend on the issue. Minor repairs such as sensor alignment or cable adjustments are typically less expensive than spring or panel replacement. After inspecting your door, we provide clear, upfront pricing before any work begins. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Chesapeake and the Hampton Roads area.
Do you offer emergency garage door repair?
Yes. Garage door problems never happen at a convenient time. If your door won’t open or close, call Hobbs Door Service and we’ll work quickly to restore safe operation.
How long do garage doors typically last?
With proper maintenance, most residential garage doors last 15–30 years. Springs typically last 7–12 years depending on cycle usage. Annual maintenance and following the technician’s recommendations can significantly extend the life of your system.
What type of garage door is best for coastal Hampton Roads weather?
In the Hampton Roads region, we often recommend insulated steel doors for energy efficiency. Aluminum doors are resistant to rusting that often plagues coastal environments, as are wood and composite materials.
Should I repair or replace my garage door opener?
If your opener is more than 15 years old, lacks safety sensors, or frequently malfunctions, replacement may be the safer and more cost-effective option. We can evaluate your current system and recommend the best solution.
How often should I service my garage door?
Manufacturers recommend annual maintenance and safety inspections. Regular servicing reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns and extends the life of your door.
What areas do you serve?
We are based in Chesapeake, VA and proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout Hampton Roads, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Portsmouth.
What Size Door Do You Have?
Is It a Door or Operator Problem?
Briefly, if you can open the door manually, the problem is likely with the operator. If you can't open the door manually, even though the operator is disconnected, the problem is likely with the door.
What Kind of Door Do You Have?
The most common garage doors are either wood or steel. (If you can't tell, does a magnet stick to it?) If it is steel, is it insulated or non-insulated? If your spring is broken, this information will assist the service technician in selecting the proper range of materials to bring with him for your repair. Generally, wood door springs are heavier (larger wire size, diameter, and length) than the steel door springs for the same size door. There are also problems specific to steel doors not found in wood doors and vise-versa.
What Brand Garage Door Opener Do You Have and How Old Is it?
For most modern operators, the brand name of the garage door operator is printed or embossed on the remote control or can be found on the side of the motor. Operator brands include LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman, Genie, Allister, Allstar, Stanley, Challenger, Aviator and Linear. We do not repair WayneDalton iDrive. Your remote could have those names or others like Clicker or Tri-code as some of the older garage door openers have radio controls from a different manufacturer. The Code of Federal Regulations prohibits installation of an operator that doesn't reverse when it encounters an obstruction and parts for many of the older, non-reversing operators are not even available. Openers manufactured after 1993 are also equipped with safety eyes to help prevent closing the door on objects or people.
How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?
Common signs include:
· A loud bang from the garage
· The door feels extremely heavy
· The opener strains or won’t lift the door
· The door opens unevenly
Broken springs can be dangerous. Do not attempt to repair them yourself — call a trained professional.
How long does a garage door installation take?
Most standard residential installations can be completed in less than one day. More complex custom doors or specialty applications require additional time.
Do you remove and haul away my old garage door?
Yes. We remove and properly dispose of your existing door and hardware as part of the installation process.
Are smart garage door openers worth it?
Smart openers allow you to monitor and control your garage door from your phone, receive alerts, and integrate with home automation systems. Many homeowners in Chesapeake are upgrading for added security and convenience.
Why is my garage door making loud noises?
Grinding, squeaking, or popping noises may indicate worn rollers, loose hardware, spring fatigue, or track misalignment. Addressing these issues early can prevent major repairs later.
Are you licensed and certified?
We are DPOR licensed and carry liability insurance as well as workman’s compensation insurance to protect employees in the event of an unexpected injury.
It is very helpful for the intake writer to know the size of the door you have. A "single wide" door is less 10 feet wide. A "car-and-a-half" door is one from 12 feet to 14 feet wide. A "double" door is 15 feet and wider. If you do not have a long tape measure, measure to the half-way point and double it. Residential doors are usually 7 or 8 feet tall.
