Blog

Most Common Garage Door Problems

Posted by & filed under Garage Door Education .

Unless you back your car into your door (which happens more often than one would think), garage door problems are traditionally the result of natural wear and tear. It’s prudent for homeowners to be aware of the most common garage door problems, so you may quickly troubleshoot as you see issues unfolding.

There are many different components that can cause a garage door system to malfunction, but there are three prime culprits which usually are the root cause: remote control, door springs, and weather seals. Here are the three most common garage door problems homeowners face every-single year.

Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener

If you are experiencing responsiveness issues with your remote control, know that this is related to your door opener. Garage door openers can be expensive to fix or replace. Therefore, if your garage door is malfunctioning, you don’t want to wait for it to get worse. The best way to maintain your opener is regular cleaning and maintenance, which includes checking the safety sensors and the door cables annually.

Broken Springs

You may begin to experience or have already experienced:

  • A door not opening fully
  • Loud snapping or banging sound
  • A faster rate at which the door closes
  • An imbalanced door as your open and close it

Repairing door springs is the trickiest part, even for seasoned professionals, due to the amount of door weight they bare. Your best bet is to stop messing with your door and call a garage door company in your area to install new spring(s).

Replace the Weatherseal

Weatherstripping seals are necessary to keep rain, snow, and bugs from entering your garage. Luckily, they are also inexpensive and easy to DIY. They come in a variety of colors, so you can have a customized look or find what you had previously. You’ll know it’s your weatherseal when your garage feels drafty or an excessive amount of water is entering your garage

Next Steps

Noticing the problem is always the first step. Once you do that, it’s as simple as calling Smokey’s Garage Door to get the problem taken care of.

A Buyer’s Guide to Selecting Garage Door Openers

Posted by & filed under garage door openers .


Garage door openers are available in a range of options and your priorities will help you determine the right one for your home. It’s important that you get your selection right the first time because replacing your garage door openers will make the entire process costlier.

Choosing the right garage door openers doesn’t have to be a challenging task, even if it’s your first-time shopping for one. You just need to know the key considerations to make. With that in mind, here are a few of the crucial aspects to consider when selecting garage door openers.

The Drive Options

The drive is what aids the movement of your garage door when opening and closing. The major drive options include chain, belt, and screw drives.

Chain Drives

Chain drives are usually the most common. These openers have a metal chain that drives the trolley that in turn raises or lowers your garage door. The key advantages of chain-drive garage door openers include the fact that they are highly durable and are some of the most cost-effective options in the market. However, they are also among the noisiest. Therefore, if you prefer something quieter, you will have to consider other options.

Screw Drives

Screw drive openers are slightly more expensive and less noisy than their chain-drive counterparts. With these drives, the lifting mechanism of your garage door will be moved by a threaded metal rod, usually steel.

Belt Drives

On the other hand, belt drive garage door openers, unlike chain- and screw-drive openers, rely on a belt instead of a metal chain or a steel rod to move the trolley. That’s why belt-drive openers usually have the smoothest and quietest operation. Therefore, if you have sleeping or living spaces adjacent to your garage, this would be a good choice.

These garage door openers also have fewer mechanical parts, which means maintenance needs will be quite low. On the downside, however, they are the most expensive of the three options.

The Power Options: AC or DC Motor?

You should also decide whether you want a garage door opener with an AC or DC motor.

AC motors are usually cheaper than their DC counterparts. Most of the chain-drive garage door openers will have an AC motor. DC motors, on the other hand, are most found on belt-drive openers. DC openers tend to be quieter because of their soft start as well as stop feature. Also, high-end models of the DC openers will, in most cases, have a backup battery option, which is something you will want if you live in a region prone to power outages.

The layout of your garage will help guide your decision. Low to no headroom or not enough backroom can all influence which type of door opener you can or cannot have installed in your garage. If you’re looking to upgrade or install a garage door opener, Smokey’s can walk you through your available options based on what fits best and what modern features interest you most.  Schedule a service appointment or call us directly.

3 Reasons To Choose A Full View Garage Door

Posted by & filed under garage door .

If you are looking to install a garage door on your home, then you will soon realize just how many great options you have to choose from. One option to consider is a full view garage door. These doors have several windows that make up the door, rather than a solid panel. Here we highlight the top benefits of selecting this type of garage door.

It Provides More Natural Light 

A full view garage door provides a large amount of light, which is perfect for the garages that double as a workshop, home gym, or a space you simply spend a great deal of time in. If you are looking to make your garage feel more open with a natural brightness, look at your full view garage door options. 

It Increases Curb Appeal

Another great reason to install a full view garage door is to increase the overall curb appeal of your home. A full view garage door looks amazing and provides an updated, contemporary look to your home that is both unique and eye-catching. The multiple windows installed on the frame will look great and give your garage door a whole new look. 

You Have So Many Options 

When it comes to choosing which full view garage door you’d like for your home, you will see that you have a wide array of options. You can select from different door brands such as Amarr or Clopay. From there, you can choose the frame design, frame material, and even the type of material for the windows themselves. The amount of say you have in the door design helps you obtain that custom garage door look.

To learn more about full view and other styles of garage doors, visit our showroom. We carry several door brands you can explore to find yourself the perfect design and functionality for your home or business!

MyQ by Liftmaster: Technology For a Smart Garage Door

Posted by & filed under smart garage door .


The Liftmaster line of MyQ-enabled openers has revolutionized the way commercial and residential overhead door and gate openers are used. MyQ-enabled products are designed to work seamlessly with smart technology for heightened security, ease of use, and convenience for all users. MyQ is available in all-new Liftmaster door and gate openers and can be easily connected to your home or business once the opener is installed.

Smokey’s Garage Door is excited to offer a variety of openers and operators from the Liftmaster MyQ group of products and would like to share what makes these devices a great fit for your modern home or business.

Smart Access From Anywhere

MyQ openers are backed by the MyQ app, which allows for your opener to be connected via WiFi and accessible from anywhere you use your smartphone. With the app, the connected door is usable in the following ways:

  • Remote opening and closing 
  • Usage notifications and monitoring
  • Daily schedule creation
  • Vehicle linking
  • Sharable access for temporary guests

All access is controllable through the app, and can be easily changed by the family or group administrator at any time. 

Smart Hub for Older Models

All new Liftmaster openers are enabled for use through the MyQ app, but what about older openers or different brands? Good news, the MyQ Hub can easily upgrade your older opener, which will make it compatible with all the smart features available as part of the MyQ system. 

You can use the MyQ compatibility tool to determine if your model is compatible with the MyQ Hub.

Compatibility to Major Brands

MyQ is designed for total convenience, and that includes compatibility to work as part of a complete smart home. MyQ openers can be utilized with the following brands to create a secure garage system that allows access at any time while ensuring your door is secure.

  • Amazon Key package/grocery delivery
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Google Assistant
  • Alarm.com
  • Ring

And many more! A complete list of all the smart partners for MyQ can be seen here.

Contact Us to Upgrade Your System

Smokey’s Garage Door carries a wide variety of Liftmaster MyQ products and has the expertise to ensure your new system runs smoothly and safely in your home or business. If you’re ready to upgrade your system, visit our showroom at 15420 N 67th Ave in Glendale, AZ to see all the great products we carry and install. Got questions about your existing system or need to schedule a technician for a visit? Contact us here or visit our website to learn about all the services we have been offering to the Phoenix metro area since 1982.

3 Reasons to Purchase a Durable Steel Garage Door

Posted by & filed under steel garage door .

If you are looking for a resilient garage door for your home, then a steel door is the way to go. Steel doors tend to be heavy-duty and easily hold up again a typical Arizona thunderstorm. In addition to the low maintenance requirements in the face of severe storms, steel garage doors offer a high level of security and an impressive curbside appeal all at a very affordable price point.

Provide Maximum Safety and Security

One prominent reason to go with a durable steel garage door is the maximum safety and security you gain for your home. The steel is incredibly hard to break or even damage, so you don’t have to worry about someone trying to break into your home through your garage.

Looks Great on Your Home 

The steel garage door will give your home a very sleek and clean look which is very appealing to potential buyers. You can choose to have the steel coated in one of a variety of colors in addition to the several style options available.

Just because the material of a garage door is incredibly durable, does not mean you should sacrifice the visual appeal of your home.

A Budget-Friendly Option 

Steel is exceedingly more budget-friendly than other materials of garage doors like wood or fiberglass. Opting for steel material allows homeowners, especially first-time buyers, to get both high-quality function and aesthetic appeal without having to break the bank for it.

To learn more great reasons to purchase a durable steel garage door and have a garage door service in AZ install it for you, visit us at Smokey’s Garage Door.

When your Garage Door Needs Repairs

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized .

A garage door is an incredibly important piece of kit as the thing that keeps your garage shut off from the elements and potentially as a way to deter thieves. However, like all equipment, it will eventually start to break down and require repairs to keep functioning. Since most modern garage doors are run electronically, it’s important to keep an eye on their condition and ensure they receive the necessary repairs. While there are lots of signs to keep an eye out for when it comes to needing to repair your door, here are three of the big ones.

I. It gets stuck a lot

When you push the activation button for your door, it should always open smoothly and consistently. However, as time goes on it becomes increasingly likely that the door will begin to rust up and stick or slow down. This indicates that it is struggling to make smooth progress down the track. This indicates that your door needs rust repairs or to have some WD40 applied to the track (possibly both) to get it running smoothly again.

II. It is making strange noises

Garage doors may make the odd noise sometimes but what’s important to make note of especially loud noises or any that seem unusual or out of place. If your door is producing a lot of loud noises whenever you open the door then there’s a good chance that your door has some issues with its’ springs that need fixing.

III. One side is faster

When your garage door is opening, both sides of the door should be moving at the same speed. If this is not the case and one side is moving faster, then you have a problem. Generally, this kind of problem indicates that one of the door’s springs has broken and the door is now relying on a singular spring to raise and lower the door. You will need to get this fixed ASAP or the door will simply stop working altogether.

Contact us today to learn more about what signs to look for in a failing garage door and to get the right help in repairing your door.

Why Should You Get a New Garage Door?

Posted by & filed under Garage Door Education, Garage Door Replacement .

Your garage door is a feature on your home that you likely use multiple times a day. Because of this, you want to make sure that you are happy with how it looks and functions. Here we will discuss three of the most common reasons which motivate homeowners to go for a new installation.

1. Garage Door System Is Outdated

Once your garage door has become outdated, it no longer meets all the safety requirements of current garage doors. Because of this, it is likely a good idea to have it replaced with an updated garage door. This door will come with up-to-date safety features, so you don’t have to worry about someone accidentally getting injured when using your garage door.

2. Door Mechanics Are Constantly Breaking

If your garage is consistently in need of repairs, then this may be a sign that it is time to have it replaced. The amount of money you are spending on frequent repairs is likely adding up. Your money will be more impactful by investing in a new garage door system.

You can also stop worrying about whether your garage door will function properly.

3. You Want A New Door Design

If you have recently remodeled other areas of your home, this is the ideal time to replace your door with a more updated model! You can choose a design that better fits the aesthetic of your home.

Whether you are replacing your garage door because it is outdated, has some finicky functionality, or you just want a different design and style, investing in a new garage door is a decision you won’t regret.

Smokey’s Garage Door offers Free New Door Estimates. Why wait? Explore your options for your next garage door!

How to Know When Your Garage Door Springs are Broken

Posted by & filed under Broken Garage Door Springs .

For one or many reasons, garage door springs often break and can lead to serious injury, death, or damage to objects in your garage. Making sure the springs are in good condition means safe operation of your door.

The following are signs that your garage door springs may need to be repaired or replaced.

Loose cables

Your cables being loose is a clear sign that your garage door springs are beginning to fail. When your garage door cables become loose, the springs will have a hard time operating and functioning as normal. Loose cables and broken garage door springs can lead to more serious problems such as your garage door becoming out of balance or your rollers falling out of the track. 

Crooked garage door

Garage doors usually become crooked when the extension springs are broken or severely damaged. This is one of the most straightforward signs that one of your garage door springs is not functioning properly or pulling your garage door from one side, causing it to appear crooked. This problem should be fixed immediately to prevent your garage door from getting stuck and not working.

Garage door slams or falls quickly 

Another sign of broken garage door springs is when your garage door slams when you close it or falls faster than usual. This happens because a garage door’s weight is supported by the springs, so when they are broken, it will lead to your garage door slamming or falling at an unusual speed when it is closed. Never continue using your garage door under these conditions because it can lead to serious or fatal injuries.

Garage door not fully opening

When your garage door springs are broken, you will likely notice that your garage door does not open to its fullest capacity. In most cases, your garage door will only open about a few inches before the broken springs can no longer support the weight of the door. Your garage door will need to be repaired immediately if you notice any of these signs.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems with your garage door, Smokey’s Garage Door can help. Request your service today!

Garage Door Styles for Your Home

Posted by & filed under garage door styles .

In many homes, the garage doors make up a significant portion of the front part of their property. These doors can therefore contribute significantly to the overall appearance of your home. Attractive garage doors look great and make the property feel homely, while old and worn-out garage doors are a visual turn-off.

Garage door services can help you install unique and stylistic doors that fit your style of home décor. When it comes to style selections, there are many options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Antique carriage doors

Carriage doors represent the types of doors that were found in old carriage-style homes. These antique doors are made of wood and tend to swing open from the center. They are great for homes with earth-colored tones on the outside and wooden doors that are next to the garage itself.

Garage door services can fix these wooden doors and make them have features of a modern design. They can even be turned into electronic doors that you can operate remotely even when not near your home. 

Raised-Panel Doors

The most common types of garage doors on the market today. These doors consist of a single panel made of aluminum, fiberglass, or steel. The operation of the door itself can be automated or manual.

Modern design doors, also referred to as contemporary garage doors, incorporate a modern design that uses high-quality materials such as tempered glass or high-grade aluminum frames. These high-end garage doors are custom-made to fit a specific style of home décor. For example, the tempered glass garage doors can be fitted with unique lighting patterns that boost their visual appeal. 

A garage door professional can install unique features into modern garage doors to make them truly stand out.

Double Panel Doors

Double panel garage doors look a lot like regular doors that are present in most homes. The difference is that they consist of two distinct panels at the entrance of the garage, and the panels open outwards from the center of the entryway.

Another design that double panel doors are available in is what’s called a raised design, where both panels can be raised and lowered from the top of the garage (similar to raised panel doors). Double panel doors are highly customizable options for the home.

Working with the right garage door company can enable you to obtain the best type of garage door for your property. If you have any questions about what styles will add the most value to your home, contact Smokey’s Garage Door. We’d be more than happy to walk you through your options!

CAUTION: Don’t Force A DIY Garage Door Repair!

Posted by & filed under garage door repair .

The DIY train is awesome, and many learn how to do all sorts of things from How-To and YouTube. Think you can do garage door repair by yourself? Proceed with extreme caution. Garage Door Repair is another beast entirely.

Very Real Danger

From faulty springs to hand crushing, garage doors are notorious for causing tens of thousands of serious accidents per year. These accidents happen just from touching garage doors or being near ones that need repairing. When you try to repair a garage door by yourself, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Online “How-Tos” Can Not Replace Expert Knowledge

One misunderstanding of a how-to step or limited focus of a video shot can lead you in the wrong direction. If something goes wrong, do you have a team available to remove your hand from the vice grip of steel garage door sections? Do you understand all the parts of a garage door and how they work off one another?

Take a moment to look at your garage door. Look at the sections, the metal, and all the intricate components.

Garage doors are designed to close firmly, and even a pinched finger in one of them can hurt like heck and cause serious damage. Without examining the specific state of a garage door system, how can a video instruct you on safely diagnosing everything wrong with a malfunctioning garage door?

Even Garage Door Professionals Face Danger

Experienced professionals have been seriously injured or killed while trying to repair garage doors. Sure, garage doors are supposed to have safety features, but what happens when the safety feature is what needs repairing?

Ask any general property contractor, and they’d much rather work on a roof than a garage door. They know every brand and model of garage door significantly varies in specifications and functions making each repair a high-risk situation.

Bottom line, garage door repair is a professional skill that requires professional training. Even then, it’s best to choose the most specifically experienced garage door contractor available in your area. For broken springs, faulty door openers, or emergency repairs, contact Smokey’s Garage Door. Safety is always our priority.