Garage Door FAQ

Start with the simple stuff before calling for service. First, replace the battery in the remote — this solves the problem about 40% of the time. If a new battery doesn't help, try pressing the wall button inside the garage. If the wall button works but the remote doesn't, the remote may need to be reprogrammed to the opener. Most LiftMaster and Chamberlain openers have a "Learn" button on the motor unit; press it, then press the button on your remote within 30 seconds to re-pair them.

If neither the remote nor the wall button works, check whether the opener is getting power (look for a lit indicator light on the motor unit). A tripped circuit breaker or a disconnected power cord is often the culprit. If the opener has power but won't respond to any input, the logic board or receiver may have failed — at that point, it's time to call us.

A door that opens just a few inches and reverses is usually a safety system protecting you from a bigger problem. The most common causes are: (1) a broken torsion or extension spring — the opener senses extra resistance and stops; (2) a frayed or snapped cable that has caused the door to go off-balance; (3) the opener's force or limit settings are too low; or (4) something physical is blocking the door's travel path.

Do not keep pressing the button trying to force it open. A broken spring or cable under tension can release suddenly and cause damage or injury. Disconnect the opener and check whether the door is balanced by lifting it manually to about waist height. If it drops or rises on its own, the spring system is unbalanced — call a technician. Do not attempt spring repairs yourself; these are high-tension components that require proper tools and training.

A broken torsion spring is usually obvious: you'll hear a loud bang (often described as a gunshot), and the door will suddenly become very heavy or won't open at all. If you look at the spring above the door, you'll see a visible gap in the coil where it snapped. With a broken spring, the opener may run but the door won't move more than an inch or two — the motor can't lift the full weight without spring assistance.

Extension springs (the ones on the sides of the track) can also break. A broken extension spring may hang loosely or pull to one side, causing the door to open unevenly. In either case, the door should not be operated until the spring is replaced. Using an opener with a broken spring will damage the opener motor and potentially cause cable failure. Call us for same-day spring repair anywhere in Palm Beach County — (561) 305-5853.

Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door on a metal shaft. When the door closes, the spring winds and stores energy; when it opens, it unwinds and releases that energy to assist the opener. Torsion springs are more common on newer and heavier doors. They are generally longer-lasting (10,000–20,000 cycles) and safer because they stay on the shaft if they break.

Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They stretch and contract as the door moves. Extension springs are often found on lighter, older doors and typically have a shorter lifespan. If an extension spring breaks without a safety cable running through it, the broken spring can fly across the garage, which is a serious hazard. Most professionals recommend adding safety cables when replacing extension springs.

Both types require professional replacement. The springs must be sized correctly for your door's weight and height to ensure safe, balanced operation.

Spring replacement in Palm Beach County typically ranges from $150–$350 for a standard residential door, depending on the spring type (torsion vs. extension), the size and weight of your door, and whether one or both springs need replacing. We always recommend replacing both springs at the same time if one breaks — the other is usually near the end of its life cycle and replacing it proactively avoids a second service call within months.

At D & B Garage Doors, there is no extra charge for weekend or evening appointments, and we waive the service call fee with any repair. Call for a free estimate: (561) 305-5853.

Noises are usually the earliest warning sign before something breaks. A grinding sound often comes from the opener's drive system — worn plastic gears inside the motor unit, a stripped worm gear, or metal debris in a chain/belt. A scraping sound usually means a roller has worn out and the metal shaft is dragging against the track, or the track is out of alignment.

A squeaking sound often just means the door needs lubrication — a quick spray of silicone lubricant on the hinges, rollers, and tracks can quiet most squeaky doors. A popping or cracking sound when operating can indicate torsion spring coil binding. Don't ignore persistent noises — they typically get worse and lead to more expensive repairs if left unaddressed.

The bottom gasket (also called the bottom weather seal or door sweep) is the rubber strip attached to the bottom edge of the garage door. It seals the gap between the door and the floor, keeping out rain, wind, insects, and dust. In South Florida, a damaged gasket also lets in humidity, which can rust tools and degrade anything stored in the garage.

Signs it needs replacement: you can see light under the door, water puddles inside after rain, insects are getting in, or the rubber is visibly cracked, torn, or hardened. Gasket replacement is a straightforward repair — we carry replacement gaskets for all standard door widths and can typically replace it on the same visit as any other service.

Yes — we service and repair all major opener brands including LiftMaster, Genie, Chamberlain, Craftsman, Linear, Marantec, and Sears. We stock common replacement parts for these brands on our trucks, including logic boards, drive gears, sprockets, safety sensors, and remotes, which allows us to complete most repairs on the first visit.

If your opener is more than 15 years old, repair may not be cost-effective depending on the problem. We'll give you an honest assessment of whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your situation — and we'll never push you toward a new unit if the existing one can be fixed reliably.

In most cases, a permit is required for garage door replacement in Palm Beach County, particularly for full door replacements involving structural or wind-load changes. Florida building codes require garage doors to meet specific wind pressure ratings, which is especially important in South Florida's hurricane zone. Installing the wrong door without a permit can create issues when selling your home or making an insurance claim.

As a Florida Licensed General Contractor (License #CGC1519508), D & B Garage Doors is qualified to pull permits and ensure your installation is code-compliant. We handle the paperwork so you don't have to. For spring replacements, opener repairs, cable repairs, and tune-ups, permits are generally not required.

Yes. D & B Garage Doors is fully licensed and insured. Owner Peter Brown holds Florida General Contractor License #CGC1519508, issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can verify the license at MyFloridaLicense.com.

We carry general liability insurance and are covered for all work performed on your property. You should always verify licensing and insurance before allowing any contractor to work on your home — we make it easy by providing our license number upfront.

Yes — we offer same-day and emergency service 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. There is no extra charge for weekend appointments. For true emergencies — a door that won't close before a storm, a spring that snapped with your car inside, or a door that came off the tracks — we prioritize getting to you as quickly as possible.

Call us directly at (561) 305-5853. We answer the phone — no automated systems, no call center.

Yes — we offer a 10% discount for seniors and active or retired military on all services. Just mention it when you call. It's our way of giving back to the communities that have supported D & B Garage Doors for over 40 years.

We serve all of Palm Beach County, including:

• Boca Raton
• West Palm Beach
• Delray Beach
• Boynton Beach
• Wellington
• Jupiter
• Palm Beach Gardens
• Lake Worth
• Greenacres, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, and surrounding communities

If you're unsure whether we serve your area, just call — (561) 305-5853. We'll tell you honestly.