Question 1

What are the signs of a broken garage door spring?

Accepted Answer

The most common and obvious sign is a loud "snap," "bang," or "popping" noise coming from your garage. This is the sound of the high-tension steel spring breaking. After hearing this sound, you will likely notice one or more of the following symptoms: The Door Won't Open: When you press the opener button, the door may only open a few inches and then stop. The Door Feels Heavy: If you disengage the opener (using the red emergency cord) and try to lift the door manually, it will feel incredibly heavy. A 500-pound door is easily lifted by hand when the springs are working, but it is nearly impossible to lift when they are broken. Visible Gap: You can often see the break. Look at the torsion springs, which are the large, heavy coils on the metal bar directly above your closed garage door. A broken spring will have a visible 2-3 inch gap in the coils where it has snapped.

Question 2

My garage door won't open. Is it the opener or the springs?

Accepted Answer

This is the most common question we get, and in nine out of ten cases, the problem is a broken spring, not the opener. This is a common misconception. The device on your ceiling is a garage door "opener," but it does not do the heavy lifting. Its real job is to simply guide the door up and down. The actual power to lift the 300-800 pound door comes from the torsion springs. These springs are wound under extreme tension to perfectly counterbalance the door's weight. When a spring breaks, the opener is suddenly trying to lift the entire dead weight of the door, a job it was never designed for. The opener's safety mechanism rightly detects this "obstruction" (the unmanageable weight) and stops, which is why the door only moves a few inches.

Question 3

Should I repair my garage door or replace it?

Accepted Answer

The decision to repair or replace depends on three factors: age, safety, and the cost-effectiveness of the repair. We generally recommend repairing your garage door if: It is relatively new (less than 15 years old). The damage is minor, such as a single dented or cracked panel. It has simple mechanical issues, like worn-out rollers, misaligned tracks, or a faulty safety sensor. The opener is unresponsive, as it may just need reprogramming or a simple part replacement. We generally recommend replacing your garage door if: It is over 15 years old. Parts for older doors can be hard to find, making repairs more expensive than a replacement. It has extensive structural damage, such as multiple warped panels, significant rust, or a failing frame. It requires frequent, recurring repairs. In this case, a new door is more cost-effective in the long run. It is an outdated model that lacks modern safety features or insulation, which can improve your home's security and energy efficiency.

Question 4

How much does a typical garage door repair cost?

Accepted Answer

While the final cost depends on the specific problem, a typical garage door repair in Arizona generally costs between $160 and $380. A basic repair (like fixing a roller or cable) is typically in the $98 to $300 range. The most common repair, a torsion spring replacement, usually costs between $150 and $350. A complex repair (like replacing an opener or a major component) can range from $300 to $860. Replacing a single garage door panel can cost up to $1,000, depending on the door's material and style. We provide a detailed cost breakdown for your specific city in our Arizona Cost Guide. We will also provide a firm, upfront estimate before any work begins.

Question 5

How often do I need garage door maintenance (a "tune-up")?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a professional garage door tune-up once per year. This is the single most effective way to prevent costly, unexpected breakdowns and save money in the long run. Think of it as a small investment for a large return. Over 65% of homeowners who neglect regular maintenance end up paying significantly more for emergency repairs, with a single incident costing between $150 and $350. An annual tune-up, which can cost as little as $100, allows our technician to perform a full safety inspection and preventive service. This includes: Lubricating all moving parts (hinges, rollers) to reduce friction. Checking and aligning the safety sensors. Adjusting the spring tension to ensure the door is balanced. Tightening all nuts and bolts, which can loosen from vibration. This simple service prevents the friction and wear-and-tear that lead to broken springs, frayed cables, and burned-out openers. It extends the life of your door by years, saving you from a premature and expensive $4,000+ replacement.

Question 6

Do I need to get my garage door approved by my Tucson HOA before installation?

Accepted Answer

In most Tucson communities, yes. Tucson is known for having some of the strictest HOAs in Arizona, particularly in luxury and master-planned communities throughout Tucson. These HOAs typically have detailed Architectural Guidelines that dictate approved garage door styles, colors, materials, and sometimes even hardware finishes. We are very familiar with Tucson HOAs and can guide you through the approval process. We maintain catalogs of pre-approved designs for most major Tucson communities, which significantly speeds up the process. We can help you submit the required Architectural Modification Request and provide all the necessary documentation, such as product specifications, color samples, and installation plans.

Question 7

What happens if I install a garage door without HOA approval in Tucson?

Accepted Answer

This is a serious issue that can be very costly. If you install a garage door without getting prior approval from your Tucson HOA, the HOA has the legal right to issue a violation and can impose substantial fines, sometimes $50 to $100 per day until the issue is corrected. In extreme cases, if you refuse to comply, the HOA can place a lien on your property, which can affect your ability to sell or refinance your home. More commonly, the HOA will require you to remove the non-compliant door at your own expense and replace it with an approved model. This means you will have paid for two garage doors. We strongly advise all Tucson homeowners to check with their HOA before selecting a garage door. We have helped hundreds of Tucson homeowners navigate this process successfully.

Question 8

Do I need a building permit to replace my garage door in Tucson?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the scope of the work. The City of Tucson Building Services Department provides clear guidelines. No Permit Required: A simple repair, or installing low-voltage wiring for an existing garage door opener, is exempt from permits. Permit Required: A permit is required for a full new door installation, any project that involves converting a garage or carport, or any new electrical work, such as adding a new 120V circuit for an opener. Any work involving gas lines, such as for a garage heater, or moving structural walls also requires a permit. We are fully licensed (ROC 342740) and will assess your specific project to handle all permits required by the City of Tucson.

Question 9

How long does it take to get HOA approval for a garage door in Tucson?

Accepted Answer

The timeline for HOA approval in Tucson varies by community, but most Architectural Review Committees (ARCs) meet monthly. This means the process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the time you submit your application to receiving a decision. Some larger or more complex communities may have longer review periods, especially during busy seasons. Occasionally, if the ARC requests revisions or additional documentation, this can add another 1-2 weeks. We recommend starting the approval process as early as possible. The good news is that once you receive approval, the actual garage door installation is typically completed in one day.

Question 10

How can I protect my garage door from Tucson's monsoon dust and storms?

Accepted Answer

Tucson's monsoon season, which runs from June to September, is famously harsh. The combination of high winds, airborne dust, and sudden, heavy rain can be very damaging to your garage door. There are two main things you must do to protect your door: 1. Inspect Your Weather Seals: The rubber seal at the bottom of your door and the vinyl trim on the sides are your first line of defense. If they are cracked, brittle, or worn out, they create an easy entry point for wind-driven dust and water. Replacing these seals is a simple, low-cost repair that protects your garage and everything in it. 2. Clean Your Tracks After Storms: After a major dust storm, it is critical to wipe down your garage door tracks and rollers. That fine, abrasive dust gets into the tracks and acts like sandpaper, grinding away at your rollers and hinges every time the door moves. This is the number one cause of noisy, jerky operation after a monsoon storm.

Question 11

How much does garage door repair cost in Tucson, AZ?

Accepted Answer

Based on data for the Tucson area, the average cost for a garage door repair is typically between $212 and $285. This price can vary depending on the problem. A simple fix or adjustment might be as low as $98, while a more complex repair, like replacing a broken spring and cables or installing a new opener, could be closer to $496. At On Track, we are dedicated to providing affordable, competitive prices for all our services. We always provide a free, upfront estimate before any work begins, so you know the exact cost and there are no surprises.

Question 12

How do I find a reliable and affordable garage door company in Tucson?

Accepted Answer

We understand this is a major concern for Tucson homeowners. You want a company you can trust to do the job right without overcharging. Here is what we recommend: 1. Check for Accreditation: Look for companies that are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). 2. Read Verified Reviews: Check third-party sites like Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Google to read reviews from your neighbors. Be wary of companies with widespread complaints about their pricing. 3. Get an Upfront Estimate: Never let work begin without a clear, written estimate. At On Track, we are a locally-owned company dedicated to building that trust. We provide fast, reliable service with a focus on affordable, transparent pricing. Our goal is to fix your problem, not to "up-sell" you on expensive services you don't need. We provide honest diagnostics and let you make an informed decision.

Question 13

Do I need a building permit to replace a garage door in Tucson?

Accepted Answer

For a simple, standard door replacement, Pima County guidelines are very clear. According to Pima County Development Services, a "like for like" door replacement is exempt and does not require a building permit. However, a permit is required if your project is more complex. You will need a permit if you are: Enclosing a carport to create a new garage. Remodeling the garage in a way that affects the structure (e.g., changing the size of the opening). Replacing the fire-rated door that connects your garage to your house. This must meet all current fire codes. We are familiar with all Pima County and City of Tucson codes and can ensure your project is done right.

Question 14

Can I turn my carport into a garage in Casa Adobes / Tucson?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is an extremely popular and valuable home improvement project in the Tucson and Casa Adobes area. A carport conversion not only adds immense security and protects your vehicles from the elements, but it also significantly increases your home's value. However, this is a major construction project, not a simple door installation. It involves: Obtaining the correct building permits from Pima County. Ensuring the plan meets all local building and zoning codes. Framing and finishing the new exterior walls. Potentially upgrading the concrete slab to support the new walls. Adding new electrical wiring for lights and an opener. Properly installing the new garage door. This is a complex job, but it is one we have experience with. We can manage the conversion from the initial plans and permits to the final installation of your new, secure garage door.

Garage Door Repair Tucson | On Track Garage Door Service

Residential garage door services in Tucson near you!

Specialized Services for Every Tucson Garage Door Need

Garage Door Opener Repair and Replacement

Garage Door Panel Repair and Replacement

Garage Track Repair and Replacement

Garage Door Installation