Daniel
Thompson
Winnetka
Amanda
Clark
Hidden Hills
Edward
Rodriguez
Calabasas
Garage Door Balancing Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about commonly asked questions from costumers about Balancing.
Garage Door Balancing: Brands, Equipment & Maintenance FAQ
What brands of garage door systems does GMR work with for balancing services?
GMR specializes in balancing garage doors from all major manufacturers including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, Raynor, Overhead Door, LiftMaster, and Genie. Our technicians are certified to work with both residential and commercial door systems across these brands, ensuring proper tension adjustment regardless of the manufacturer.
What types of spring systems can GMR balance?
GMR technicians are equipped to balance both torsion spring systems (mounted horizontally above the door) and extension spring systems (running parallel to the horizontal tracks). We work with standard torsion springs, EZ-Set torsion systems, oil-tempered springs, galvanized springs, and specialty high-cycle springs rated for 50,000-100,000 cycles. For commercial applications, we also service heavy-duty torsion springs designed for high-frequency use.
What specialized equipment does GMR use for garage door balancing?
GMR technicians utilize professional-grade winding bars, spring winders, cable tensioners, digital force gauges, torque wrenches, and specialized safety equipment. For precision balancing, we employ proprietary spring calculators and digital scales to measure door weight and determine optimal spring tension. Our service vehicles are fully equipped with manufacturer-specific tools for working with specialty systems like Wayne Dalton TorqueMaster and LiftMaster EverCharge systems.
Can GMR balance garage doors with specialty materials or designs?
Yes, GMR has experience balancing doors made from various materials including steel, aluminum, wood, fiberglass, and composite materials. We service standard sectional doors, carriage house designs, roll-up doors, high-lift configurations, low-headroom systems, and oversized custom doors. Our technicians are trained to calculate proper balance requirements based on door weight, size, and track configuration, ensuring even the most unique door systems operate smoothly.
What maintenance should homeowners perform before calling for a professional balancing service?
Before scheduling a professional balancing service, homeowners should inspect their garage door system for obvious issues: check for loose hardware, listen for unusual noises during operation, and visually inspect cables and rollers for wear. Lubricating rollers, hinges, and bearings with silicone-based lubricant can help identify if poor lubrication is causing operational issues rather than spring tension. Never attempt to adjust or tighten springs yourself, as this is extremely dangerous and should only be performed by trained professionals.
How can homeowners determine if their garage door needs balancing?
A simple test is to disconnect the automatic opener (pull the emergency release cord) and manually lift the door halfway. A properly balanced door should stay in place without rising or falling. If the door drops quickly or shoots upward, the springs need professional adjustment. Other signs include difficulty opening the door manually, the door opener straining, uneven movement during operation, or the door reversing before touching the floor.
What routine maintenance can homeowners perform after professional balancing?
After professional balancing, homeowners should maintain their garage door by lubricating moving parts (hinges, rollers, bearings) every 3-6 months with silicone-based lubricant. Regularly tighten hardware, clean tracks, and check weatherstripping for damage. Test the door’s balance quarterly by disconnecting the opener and manually operating the door. Also, inspect cables and rollers for wear, and keep the photo-eye sensors clean. These simple maintenance steps will extend the life of your newly balanced spring system.
Does GMR offer maintenance plans for garage door balancing?
Yes, GMR offers comprehensive maintenance plans that include regular inspection and adjustment of spring tension. Our preventative maintenance programs typically include bi-annual or annual visits where technicians perform a complete system check, lubricate all moving parts, tighten hardware, inspect safety features, and make minor balance adjustments as needed. These plans help extend the life of your garage door system and prevent costly emergency repairs.
Can GMR balance commercial or industrial garage door systems?
GMR is fully equipped to balance commercial and industrial door systems, including high-cycle torsion springs for warehouse doors, rolling steel doors, sectional steel doors, fire doors, and high-speed doors. We service commercial systems from manufacturers like Rytec, Hormann, Cookson, Cornell, and Overhead Door’s commercial division. Our technicians use specialized equipment for heavy-duty applications and understand the unique balancing requirements of doors that may operate dozens or hundreds of times daily.
How often should garage door springs be professionally balanced?
For residential use, garage door springs should be professionally inspected and balanced annually. However, doors that see heavy use (more than 5 times daily) may require balancing every 6 months. After any major door repair, replacement of springs, cables or hardware, professional balancing is essential. Commercial doors with high usage patterns may need quarterly balancing checks. Regular professional maintenance extends spring life and prevents premature opener failure caused by operating an unbalanced door.
Request Your Balancing
Fill out the form below for a fast response.
Contact Information
Hours:
MONDAY – FRIDAY: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Address:
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Schedule Online
Use our calendar to book a convenient time for your Balancing.
