Frequently Asked Questions

Garage Door
FAQ

Common questions about garage door repairs, springs, openers, costs, and more. Can't find your answer? Just call us.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Springs & Cables

The most obvious sign is a loud bang from the garage, often described as sounding like a gunshot. After that, the door will feel extremely heavy when lifted manually, or the opener will run but the door won't move. You may also see a visible gap or separation in the spring coil above the door.

We strongly advise against it. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if released incorrectly. This is one of the more dangerous DIY repairs out there. Our technicians have the proper tools and training to do it safely, and we can usually get it done the same day you call.

Yes. If one spring has broken, the other is typically close behind. They're the same age and have gone through the same number of cycles. Replacing both at once saves you a second service call and keeps the door balanced. It's standard practice and worth doing.

Repairs & Service

We offer same-day service in most cases across Southern Vancouver Island. For true emergencies (a door stuck open, a broken spring, a door that won't close), call us directly at 250-245-9320 and we'll get someone to you as fast as possible, including evenings and weekends.

It depends on what's broken. Here's a realistic breakdown of common repairs on Vancouver Island:

  • Spring replacement: $250 to $500+. The most common call we get. Torsion and extension springs wear out after 7 to 10 years or about 10,000 cycles. Always hire a pro, as springs are under extreme tension and dangerous to handle.
  • Cable repair or replacement: $200 to $300. Cables work alongside springs to lift the door. A snapped or frayed cable can cause the door to fall or come off track.
  • Opener repair or replacement: $200 to $700+. Ranges from a simple fix to a full unit swap. If your opener is 10 to 15 years old and acting up, replacement often makes more sense than repair.
  • Track realignment: $150 to $200. If the door is grinding, jumping, or visibly off track, the tracks likely need adjustment.
  • Roller and hinge replacement: $150 to $200. One of the most common causes of a noisy door. Quick to fix and makes a noticeable difference.
  • Panel replacement: $400 to $600+. Depends on the panel style, material, and availability for your door model.
  • Tune-up and maintenance: $80 to $150. Includes lubrication, hardware tightening, safety sensor check, and a full inspection.

A few things affect your final price: the type of repair, parts quality, door size and weight, and whether it's an after-hours call. If your door is under 15 years old and structurally sound, repair is almost always the right call. If it's older or constantly needing attention, a replacement may save you more in the long run. We'll tell you honestly which one makes sense. The only way to know your exact cost is a free on-site quote.

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Usually it's dry rollers, hinges, or tracks that need lubrication, or rollers that are worn out and need replacing. It can also be loose hardware rattling as the door moves. A tune-up will take care of most noise issues. Left too long, worn rollers can damage your tracks, so it's worth addressing sooner rather than later.

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Openers

This is almost always a broken spring. When a spring snaps, the door becomes too heavy for the opener to lift, so the motor runs but nothing happens. The opener may also disconnect the door automatically to protect itself. Call us. This is a same-day fix in most cases.

Most openers last 10 to 15 years with regular use. If yours is getting up there in age, it's worth thinking about a replacement rather than repairing it repeatedly. Modern openers are significantly quieter, more reliable, and often include Wi-Fi and smart home compatibility.

New Doors

Costs vary depending on the door you choose, the size of your opening, and what's involved in the installation. Here's what homeowners on Vancouver Island are typically spending:

  • Single car door (8 to 9 ft wide): $1,200 to $2,500+. A standard single door with basic insulation and a clean panel style sits toward the lower end. Step up to a higher-insulation model, decorative windows, or a premium finish and the price rises accordingly.
  • Double car door (16 ft wide): $2,000 to $4,500+. Double doors cover more area and carry more weight, which affects both the door cost and the hardware required. This is the most common replacement we install for homes in the mid-Island corridor.
  • Custom or premium doors: $4,500 and up. Full-view aluminum doors, carriage-house styles with wood overlays, or doors with high-end finishes and custom sizing can run significantly higher.

A professional installation includes removal and disposal of your old door, supply and installation of the new door panels and hardware, spring setup and tensioning, track installation and alignment, connection to your existing opener, and a full safety check before we leave. We carry Steel-Craft ThermoCraft and Hormann Therma Tech and Modern Classic series doors. The best way to get an accurate number is a free on-site quote, where we'll measure the opening and walk you through the options that fit your budget and your home.

A standard residential installation typically takes 3 to 5 hours. Custom or larger doors may take longer. We'll give you an accurate time estimate when we confirm your appointment.

We install steel, wood, composite, and glass panel doors in a wide range of styles including raised panel, carriage house, contemporary, and custom designs. If you're not sure what suits your home, we're happy to walk you through the options.

It depends on the age and condition of the door. If it's less than 15 years old and structurally sound, a repair is usually the right call. If the panels are heavily damaged, the door is out of warranty, and you're facing recurring issues, replacement often makes more financial sense in the long run. We'll give you an honest assessment when we're on-site.

Service Area

We cover all of Southern Vancouver Island, including Nanaimo, Victoria, Ladysmith, Duncan, Mill Bay, and the surrounding communities in between. If you're not sure whether we reach your area, just call us at 250-245-9320 and we'll let you know right away.