Garage Door FAQ

There are several possible reasons your garage door won't open - and they range from simple to more serious:

• Dead opener batteries - The most common and easiest fix. Try replacing the batteries in your remote first.
• Tripped circuit breaker - Check that the outlet powering your opener hasn't lost power.
• Disconnected opener - If someone pulled the emergency release cord, the door may be disconnected from the opener.
• Broken spring - A broken torsion or extension spring will prevent the door from opening. This is one of the most common reasons for a sudden failure to open.
• Broken cable - A snapped cable can cause the door to be inoperable or dangerously unbalanced.
• Misaligned safety sensors - If the sensors are blocked or misaligned, the opener won't close the door.
• Damaged tracks - Bent or misaligned tracks can prevent the door from moving freely.

If simple fixes like batteries and circuit breakers don't resolve the issue, call us at (508) 883-4522 - we'll diagnose and fix the problem quickly.

Garage doors aren't silent - but they shouldn't sound like they're falling apart either. Common causes of noisy garage doors include:

• Lack of lubrication - Dry rollers, hinges, and springs are the most common cause of squeaking and grinding. Regular lubrication usually makes an immediate difference.
• Loose hardware -Thousands of open-and-close cycles loosen nuts and bolts over time. A simple hardware tightening can eliminate a lot of noise.
• Worn rollers - Steel rollers wear out over time and become noisy. Nylon rollers are a quieter upgrade worth considering.
• Worn hinges - Hinges with oval-shaped holes (instead of round) are worn out and need replacing.
• Loose opener chain or belt - A loose chain slaps against the rail and creates a banging noise. The tension can usually be adjusted easily.
• Unbalanced door - An improperly balanced door strains the opener and creates noise throughout the system.

A broken garage door spring is usually immediately obvious:

• You may have heard a very loud bang from the garage - often described as sounding like a gunshot
• The door feels extremely heavy or won't open at all
• The door opens a few inches and stops
• You can visually see a gap in the torsion spring above the door, or a separated extension spring on the side

Important: Do not attempt to operate a door with a broken spring. The door is extremely heavy without spring assistance and can cause serious injury. Call us immediately at (508) 883-4522 - broken spring replacement is one of our most common and fastest repairs

This is almost always a safety sensor issue. Modern garage doors have infrared safety sensors at the base of the door tracks - if they detect an obstruction (or think they do), the door will refuse to close.

Things to check:

• Make sure nothing is blocking the sensor beam path
• Check that both sensors are properly aligned - the indicator lights should be solid (not blinking)
• Clean any dirt, cobwebs, or debris from the sensor lenses
• Check for direct sunlight hitting the sensors - this can interfere with the beam

If cleaning and alignment don't resolve the issue, one or both sensors may be faulty and need replacing. Give us a call and we'll get it sorted.

First - do not attempt to operate the door. An off-track door is a serious safety hazard and attempting to force it open or closed can cause additional damage and potential injury.

Second - call us at (508) 883-4522. An off-track door is a repair we handle regularly and we'll get a technician to you as quickly as possible. In most cases it can be resolved in a single visit.

Common causes of off-track doors include vehicle impact, worn or broken rollers, cable failure, and bent or damaged tracks.

Some minor maintenance tasks - like lubricating rollers and hinges, cleaning sensors, or replacing opener batteries - are perfectly safe to do yourself. However, we strongly advise against attempting to repair springs, cables, or major hardware yourself.

Garage door springs are under enormous tension - enough to cause serious or fatal injury if mishandled. Cables are similarly dangerous when under load. These repairs should always be performed by a trained professional.

When in doubt, call us - we're happy to give you honest guidance over the phone about what's safe to DIY and what isn't.

Most repairs are completed in a single visit of 1–2 hours. Spring replacements, cable repairs, and sensor fixes are typically on the faster end. More complex repairs involving track replacement or significant panel damage may take longer. We'll always give you a realistic time estimate before we begin.

A standard residential garage door installation typically takes 3–5 hours from start to finish - including removal of the old door, installation of the new door and hardware, opener connection and calibration, and final testing and walkthrough. More complex installations or custom doors may take longer.

Choosing the right door involves several factors:

• Your home's architectural style - Traditional homes pair beautifully with raised panel or carriage house designs; contemporary homes often suit flush panel or aluminum full-view doors
• Material - Steel, wood, wood overlay, or aluminum each have different aesthetics, maintenance requirements, and price points
• Insulation level - If your garage is attached to your home, an insulated door is worth serious consideration
• Budget - We have excellent options at every price point
• Personal preference - It's your home - choose a door you love

The best way to choose is to visit our Bellingham showroom - see the doors in person, talk with our team, and let us help you find the perfect match.  → Visit Our Showroom

We carry doors in four primary materials:

• Steel - Most popular, durable, low maintenance, wide style variety
• Wood overlay steel - Real wood overlay on steel base - wood beauty with added durability
• Aluminum - Lightweight, rust-resistant, modern aesthetic, full-view options
• Solid wood - Unmatched natural beauty, handcrafted character, requires periodic maintenance

→ Explore All Door Types

We carry General Doors, Haas Door, Hörmann, and Everite - four industry-leading manufacturers that cover the full spectrum of styles, materials, and price points. Each brand has been carefully selected based on consistent quality, strong design options, and reliable long-term performance.

→ Explore Our Brands

Yes - as part of our standard installation service, we remove your existing door and dispose of it properly. You won't be left with a pile of old door panels to deal with.

Absolutely -0 and we strongly encourage it. Our Bellingham showroom at 745 S. Main St features a selection of doors from all four of our manufacturer partners on display. Seeing and touching the doors in person makes the selection process much easier and more confident.

Showroom Hours:

• Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

R-value measures a material's resistance to heat transfer - the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. For garage doors, a higher R-value means less heat loss in winter and less heat gain in summer.

In New England's climate, R-value matters - especially if your garage is attached to your home or if you have living space above the garage. We carry doors with a range of R-values and our team will help you find the right level of insulation for your specific situation.

There are five main types of garage door openers:

• Chain drive - Most common, reliable, affordable, noisier than other types
• Belt drive - Quieter than chain drive, excellent for attached garages
• Screw drive - Fewer moving parts, low maintenance, may be affected by temperature extremes
• Direct drive - Motor travels along the track, extremely quiet, virtually maintenance-free
• Smart/Wi-Fi enabled - Any of the above with Wi-Fi connectivity for smartphone control and monitoring

Internal Link Suggestion: Our team will help you choose the right opener type for your door, your garage, and your lifestyle. → Learn More About Openers

A quality garage door opener typically lasts 10–15 years with normal use and proper maintenance. Factors that affect opener lifespan include:

• Quality of the original opener
• Frequency of use
• Whether the door is properly balanced (an unbalanced door puts excessive strain on the opener motor)
• Regular maintenance and lubrication

If your opener is approaching or past 10–15 years and starting to show signs of wear, it may be worth considering replacement before it fails completely.

Yes - smart garage door openers connect to your home's Wi-Fi network and allow you to open, close, and monitor your garage door from anywhere using a smartphone app. Many models also integrate with smart home systems like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.

If your current opener doesn't have Wi-Fi capability, you may be able to add a smart home controller accessory - or we can install a new smart-enabled opener. Give us a call to discuss your options.

Before calling for service, try these simple fixes:

1. Replace the remote batteries - This resolves the problem more often than you'd think
2. Reprogram the remote - Remotes sometimes lose their programming. Most can be reprogrammed in a few simple steps (check your opener manual or call us for guidance)
3. Check the antenna - Make sure the opener's antenna wire is hanging down and unobstructed
4. Check the range - Try operating the remote closer to the opener

If none of these fix the issue, the remote itself may be faulty or the opener's receiver may have a problem. Give us a call and we'll help you troubleshoot.

Absolutely. Opener installation is completely independent of door replacement — we install new openers on existing doors all the time. As long as your door is in good condition and properly balanced, we can install virtually any opener on it.

We recommend a professional tune-up once per year for most households. More frequent service may be beneficial if:

• Your door is used heavily (multiple times per day)
• You've noticed new noises or changes in operation
• Your door has been impacted or damaged
• It's been more than a year since your last professional service

→ Schedule a Tune-Up

Our comprehensive tune-up covers the complete door system:

• Full visual and operational inspection
• Lubrication of all moving parts
• Hardware tightening and adjustment
• Spring tension check and adjustment
• Balance and alignment check
• Safety feature testing

Between annual tune-ups, here are a few simple things you can do:

• Lubricate moving parts - Apply a garage door lubricant (not WD-40) to rollers, hinges, and springs once or twice a year
• Visually inspect - Look for obvious signs of wear, fraying cables, or damaged components
• Listen for changes - New noises often indicate something needs attention
• Test the balance - Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door to the halfway point. It should stay in place without assistance
• Test the auto-reverse - Place a 2x4 flat on the ground under the door and close it. The door should reverse immediately upon contact
• Keep the tracks clean - Wipe out any debris from the tracks periodically

Note: Always leave spring, cable, and major hardware repairs to the professionals.

Use a dedicated garage door lubricant - available at most hardware stores - or a white lithium grease spray. Apply to rollers, hinges, springs, and bearing plates.

Avoid WD-40 for garage door lubrication - it's a solvent, not a lubricant, and it can actually dry out components over time rather than protecting them.

Standard torsion springs are typically rated for approximately 10,000 cycles - which translates to roughly 7–10 years for an average household that uses the door 3–5 times per day. High-cycle springs rated for 25,000–50,000+ cycles are available as an upgrade and offer significantly longer service life.

During a professional tune-up, we assess the condition of your springs and let you know if they're approaching the end of their service life - giving you the option to replace them proactively before they fail.

Repair costs vary depending on the type and extent of the repair needed. Here are general ranges:

• Spring replacement - One of the most common repairs; cost depends on spring type and whether one or both springs are replaced
• Cable replacement - Typically moderate cost; usually recommended to replace both cables at the same time
• Sensor replacement/adjustment - Often one of the less expensive repairs
• Off-track repair - Depends on cause and extent of the issue
• Panel replacement - Varies significantly based on panel size, door brand, and availability

We provide a clear, upfront estimate before any work begins - so you always know what to expect. No surprises, no hidden fees.

New garage door pricing varies based on:

• Door material - Steel doors are typically the most affordable; wood and specialty doors are premium products
• Door size - Single car vs. double car
• Insulation level - Insulated doors cost more than non-insulated
• Brand and model - Our range covers accessible value options through premium products
• Installation - Professional installation is included in our quotes

We carry doors at a wide range of price points - and we'll always be upfront about what things cost. Visit our showroom or request a quote and we'll provide a detailed, accurate estimate for your specific situation.

Always. We provide a clear, written estimate before any work begins - covering parts and labor. We don't start work until you've reviewed and approved the estimate. No surprises.

We accept a wide range of payment methods for your convenience:

Cash · Visa · MasterCard · American Express · Discover · Debit · Check · Apple Pay · ACH · PayPal · Venmo

At this time, Jolicoeur Overhead Door does not offer financing. However, we do accept a wide range of payment methods including all major credit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo. If you have questions about payment options, please give us a call at (508) 883-4522.

Yes - we provide complete commercial overhead door installation, repair, and maintenance services for businesses throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Commercial customers include warehouses, auto service facilities, retail properties, office buildings, and more.

Internal Link Suggestion: Learn More About Commercial Services

We provide preventive maintenance service for commercial properties - keeping your overhead doors operating safely and reliably and helping you avoid costly unexpected failures. Contact us to discuss a maintenance schedule that works for your facility.

Yes - we install a range of commercial overhead door types including sectional steel doors, rolling steel doors, high-cycle doors, and insulated commercial doors in a wide range of sizes and configurations. Contact us to discuss your specific project requirements.

We accept a wide range of payment methods for your convenience:

Cash · Visa · MasterCard · American Express · Discover · Debit · Check · Apple Pay · ACH · PayPal · Venmo

At this time, Jolicoeur Overhead Door does not offer financing. However, we do accept a wide range of payment methods including all major credit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo. If you have questions about payment options, please give us a call at (508) 883-4522.

Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

We are closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Yes - same-day service is available for most repair calls, subject to technician availability. For the fastest response, call us directly at (508) 883-4522 first thing in the morning.

For urgent situations, we do our best to respond as quickly as possible. Call us at (508) 883-4522 and we'll work to get a technician to you as soon as we can.

The easiest way is to call us directly at (508) 883-4522. You can also submit a quote request through our website and a team member will follow up promptly. Our friendly office staff will gather the details about your situation, give you a realistic time estimate, and get you on the schedule.

We serve a 30-45 minute radius from our Bellingham, MA showroom  covering 35+ communities throughout Eastern and Central Massachusetts and Rhode Island. View our complete service area or call us if you're unsure whether we cover your location.

→ View Full Service Area

Yes - our technicians are experienced with virtually all makes and models of residential and commercial garage doors and openers. Whether your door was installed by us or by another company, we can service it.

→ View All Our Brands

Two important safety tests every homeowner should perform periodically:

Auto-Reverse Test:

Place a 2x4 flat on the ground directly under the center of the door. Close the door using the wall button or remote. When the door contacts the 2x4, it should automatically reverse. If it doesn't, the auto-reverse force setting needs adjustment - call us.

Sensor Test:

While the door is closing, wave your hand or foot through the sensor beam path. The door should immediately stop and reverse. If it doesn't, check sensor alignment and cleanliness. If the problem persists, call us.

Modern garage door openers include important safety features - auto-reverse mechanisms, photoelectric safety sensors, and rolling code technology to prevent unauthorized access. However, openers manufactured before 1993 may lack the auto-reverse feature that prevents the door from closing on people or objects.

If your opener predates 1993, we strongly recommend upgrading to a modern unit. Call us to discuss your options.

Garage door springs are under extreme tension - the torsion spring on a standard residential door is under hundreds of pounds of torque. If a spring breaks or slips during an attempted DIY repair, it can cause severe injury or death. Spring replacement requires specialized tools and training to perform safely. Please - always call a professional for spring-related work.

Most garage door openers have a manual release cord - typically a red handle hanging from the trolley in the center of the opener rail. Pulling this cord disconnects the door from the opener, allowing you to lift and lower it manually.

Important: Only operate the door manually when the springs are intact and the door is properly balanced. If your springs are broken, the door will be extremely heavy and potentially dangerous to operate manually.

To reconnect the door to the opener after power is restored, simply operate the opener normally - it will re-engage automatically. Or you can manually pull the release cord back toward the opener.