How quickly can you fix my motor failure?

In most cases, we can diagnose and repair motor failures the same day you call. Our technicians carry common replacement parts and motors in their service vehicles, which means we can often complete the repair in a single visit. For standard motor failures during business hours, we typically arrive within 2 hours and complete the repair within 1-2 hours after diagnosis. If your motor needs to be completely replaced rather than repaired, we stock popular models and can usually complete the installation immediately. If you have an older or less common opener model that requires a special-order motor, we'll provide you with a temporary solution to secure your garage while we obtain the correct part, typically within 1-3 business days. For emergency motor failures that leave your garage unsecured, we offer 24/7 emergency service with priority response times.

What causes motor failure in garage doors?

Garage door opener motors can fail for several reasons, and understanding these causes can help you prevent future problems: **Age and Wear:** Most garage door openers last 10-15 years with regular use. Over time, internal components wear out, brushes degrade, and gears can strip. If your opener is approaching this age, motor issues become more likely. **Overheating:** Motors that run too long or work too hard can overheat and fail. This often happens when a door is out of balance, forcing the motor to strain. Proper lubrication and balance checks prevent this issue. **Power Surges:** Lightning strikes and power fluctuations can damage motor circuits and control boards. A surge protector can help prevent this type of damage. **Lack of Maintenance:** Garage doors that aren't regularly maintained put extra strain on the motor. Dry, squeaky components, misaligned tracks, and worn springs all make the motor work harder than necessary. **Moisture and Corrosion:** In humid climates or garages with water intrusion, moisture can corrode motor components and electrical connections. **Obstruction Issues:** If the door frequently encounters obstructions (even small ones like debris in the tracks), the repeated strain can wear out the motor prematurely. Regular maintenance is the best prevention. Our annual tune-up service checks all these potential issues before they lead to motor failure.

Do you offer financing for new residential door installations?

Yes! We understand that a new garage door is a significant investment, and we want to make quality doors accessible to every homeowner. We offer several financing options to fit different budgets and credit situations: **Same-as-Cash Financing:** For qualified customers, we offer promotional periods where you can pay off your purchase with no interest if paid in full within the promotional period (typically 6-12 months). **Low Monthly Payment Plans:** Spread your purchase over 24-60 months with competitive fixed interest rates. We work with multiple financing partners to find the best rate for your credit profile. **Special Financing:** For customers with less-than-perfect credit, we have options available. Everyone deserves a quality garage door, and we'll work with you to find a solution. **Application Process:** Our financing application takes just a few minutes and can be completed during your free estimate visit. Most customers receive an instant decision. **What's Included:** Financing covers the complete installation including the door, opener (if needed), hardware, labor, and disposal of your old door. There are no hidden fees or surprise costs. We're happy to discuss financing options during your free estimate. Our goal is to help you get the door you want at a payment that works for your budget.

What types of garage doors do you install?

We install all major types and styles of garage doors to match any home and budget: **Steel Doors:** Our most popular option, offering durability, low maintenance, and excellent value. Available in raised panel, carriage house, and contemporary styles with various insulation levels. **Wood Doors:** For homeowners seeking authentic beauty and craftsmanship. We work with premium hardwoods and can create custom designs to match your home's architecture. **Composite/Faux Wood:** Get the look of real wood with less maintenance. These doors resist rot, warping, and insects while offering the aesthetic appeal of natural wood. **Aluminum and Glass:** Perfect for modern and contemporary homes. These doors flood your garage with natural light and create a striking visual statement. **Fiberglass Doors:** Ideal for coastal areas or humid climates. They resist salt air corrosion and can beautifully mimic the look of wood grain. **Insulated Doors:** We offer various R-value options to improve energy efficiency, particularly important for attached garages or homes in extreme climates. During your free consultation, we'll discuss your priorities—whether that's curb appeal, energy efficiency, budget, or all three—and recommend options that best meet your needs.

How long does garage door installation take?

The timeline for garage door installation varies based on the scope of work: **Standard Replacement (Same Size Opening):** Most standard replacements are completed in 3-5 hours. This includes removing the old door, installing the new door and all hardware, connecting or installing the opener, and testing the complete system. **New Opener Installation Only:** If you're just adding or replacing an opener on an existing door, expect 1-2 hours for a professional installation. **Structural Modifications:** If your new door is a different size or requires framing changes, the project may take a full day or require multiple visits. We'll clearly communicate the timeline during your estimate. **What's Included:** Our installation time includes complete cleanup, safety testing, programming of remotes and keypads, and a walkthrough showing you how to operate and maintain your new system. **Scheduling:** We offer flexible scheduling including early morning and evening appointments to minimize disruption to your day. In many cases, we can install your new door within a week of your order, though custom doors may require additional lead time for manufacturing.

What areas do you serve?

Tryon Garage Doors proudly serves Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. Our primary service areas include: **North Carolina:** - Tryon (our home base) - Hendersonville - Asheville - Forest City - Rutherfordton - Columbus - Saluda - Flat Rock - Brevard **South Carolina:** - Spartanburg - Landrum We also serve many surrounding communities within these regions. If you don't see your town listed, give us a call—we likely serve your area or can make arrangements to help. Customers in our primary service areas enjoy: - Same-day service availability - 2-hour emergency response - No travel fees - Priority scheduling For customers slightly outside our main coverage area, we can often still provide service, though response times may vary.

What is your warranty policy?

We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranty coverage: **Labor Warranty:** All installation and repair work is covered by our 3-year labor warranty. If something we installed or repaired fails due to workmanship issues, we'll fix it at no cost to you. **Parts Warranty:** Parts we install carry their manufacturer's warranty, which we honor and service locally. Most springs carry a 3-5 year warranty, while openers typically include 1-3 year coverage depending on the model. **Door Warranty:** New garage doors come with manufacturer warranties that vary by product: - Steel doors: Often lifetime limited warranty on sections, 1-10 years on hardware - Wood doors: Typically 1-5 years depending on manufacturer - Openers: Usually 1-3 years on motor, 5+ years on belt/chain **What's Covered:** Our warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials. We'll repair or replace any component that fails under normal use during the warranty period. **What's Not Covered:** Damage from accidents, misuse, acts of nature, or failure to maintain the door properly is not covered. We'll clearly explain proper maintenance during installation. **Making a Claim:** Simply call us if you experience any issues. We keep detailed records of all installations and repairs, making the warranty process smooth and hassle-free.

Do you provide emergency garage door service?

Yes! We offer 24/7 emergency garage door service for urgent situations: **When to Call for Emergency Service:** - Your garage door is stuck open, leaving your home unsecured - A broken spring or cable has left the door inoperable - You can't access your vehicle for work or medical appointments - The door has come off its tracks and poses a safety hazard - Security-related issues after a break-in attempt **What to Expect:** When you call our emergency line, you'll speak with a live representative who can dispatch a technician immediately. Our emergency response time is typically within 2 hours, though we often arrive faster. Emergency technicians carry common replacement parts and can resolve most urgent issues in a single visit. If a special part is needed, we'll secure your garage temporarily until the repair can be completed. **Emergency Pricing:** Emergency service rates include a service call fee plus parts and labor at our standard rates. We're transparent about pricing before beginning any work, so there are no surprises. **Preventing Emergencies:** The best way to avoid emergency situations is through regular maintenance. Our annual tune-up service identifies worn components before they fail, helping you avoid the inconvenience and cost of emergency repairs. Call us anytime at for emergency service.

Size Measurement Guide: What Every Homeowner Should Know

2024-01-05 6 min read

# Size Measurement Guide: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Whether you're replacing an old garage door or planning a new installation, accurate measurements are essential. Incorrect measurements can lead to doors that don't fit, installation complications, and unexpected costs. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to measure your garage door opening and what factors to consider.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Your garage door isn't a standard size like interior doors. While there are common sizes, garage openings vary based on your home's age, architectural style, and intended use. A door that's even slightly too large won't install properly, while one that's too small leaves gaps and compromises security.

Professional installers always verify measurements, but having accurate dimensions before shopping helps you budget appropriately and narrow down your options. It also ensures the door you fall in love with will actually fit your space.

The Essential Measurements

You'll need to take several measurements to ensure a proper fit. Gather a tape measure, pencil, paper, and ideally a helper to hold the tape for longer measurements.

Measurement 1: Width

Measure the width of the opening at floor level, not the existing door. Place the tape measure at the inside edge of one side jamb and extend it to the inside edge of the opposite jamb. Measure in at least three places.floor level, middle, and top.as openings aren't always perfectly square. Record the smallest measurement to ensure the door fits at the narrowest point.

Standard residential garage door widths include 8', 9', 10', 12', 14', 16', and 18' for single doors, and 12', 14', 16', and 18' for double doors. If your measurement falls between standard sizes, you'll likely need a custom door.

Measurement 2: Height

Measure the height of the opening from the floor to the bottom of the header (the horizontal framing above the door). Again, measure in at least three places.left side, center, and right side.and record the smallest measurement.

Standard heights are typically 7' or 8', though 6'6" doors are common in older homes. Custom heights can be manufactured to fit virtually any opening.

Measurement 3: Headroom

Headroom is the distance from the top of the door opening to the ceiling or the lowest obstruction (like a beam, duct, or light fixture). Standard garage doors require 12-15 inches of headroom, but low-headroom hardware is available for spaces with as little as 6 inches.

Measure from the header to the ceiling at several points along the opening, as ceilings aren't always level. Your opener will also need clearance, so factor in space for the motor unit when measuring headroom.

Measurement 4: Side Room

Side room is the distance from the edge of the door opening to the nearest wall or obstruction on each side. Standard installations require at least 3.5-4 inches of side room for the vertical track. Measure both sides, as they may differ.

Limited side room can be accommodated with special hardware, but this should be discussed with your installer before ordering.

Measurement 5: Backroom

Backroom is the depth of the garage from the door opening to the back wall. This measurement determines whether the door and opener will fit when fully open. Add about 18 inches to your door height for the required backroom.

For example, a 7' door needs approximately 8.5' of backroom. If your garage is shallow, consider high-lift or vertical-lift track configurations that change how the door opens.

Special Considerations

Existing Door Removal

If you're replacing an existing door, don't assume the new door should match its size. The old door may have been a poor fit, or previous owners may have made modifications. Always measure the opening, not the old door.

New Construction

For new construction, work with your builder to specify the desired door size early. Framing can be adjusted during construction much more easily than after the walls are complete.

Atypical Openings

Arched openings, angled ceilings, and other architectural features require specialized measurement and custom solutions. These installations benefit greatly from professional consultation.

Vehicle Considerations

Consider what you'll be parking in the garage. While a standard 7' tall door accommodates most sedans and SUVs, trucks with lift kits or roof-mounted accessories may need an 8' door. Recreational vehicles and boats often require custom-sized openings.

Taking Photos

In addition to measurements, take photos of your garage opening from inside and outside. Capture the header, both sides, the floor, and any obstructions like outlets, lights, or plumbing. These photos help when discussing options with suppliers or installers.

Getting a Professional Assessment

While taking your own measurements helps with initial planning, a professional measurement is essential before ordering. At Tryon Garage Doors, our free estimate includes precise measurement of your opening and a thorough assessment of installation requirements.

We'll identify potential complications, recommend appropriate door sizes and styles, and ensure everything is measured for a perfect fit. Our experience with thousands of installations means we know what to look for and how to handle challenging situations.

Conclusion

Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful garage door installation. By understanding what to measure and how, you're better prepared to shop for options and discuss your project with installers. Remember, when in doubt, consult the professionals.a free measurement visit is much more cost-effective than ordering the wrong door.

Contact Tryon Garage Doors today to schedule your free measurement and estimate. We'll help you find the perfect door for your space and ensure a flawless installation.

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