Frequently Asked Garage Door Questions (FAQ)

Spring replacement pricing varies based on the type of spring (torsion vs. extension) and the size of your door. We recommend calling us for an accurate estimate. Spring replacement is not a DIY project — there is significant tension involved in the hardware, and improper handling can cause serious injury or damage to the door system. Our technicians are trained, equipped, and backed by a 3-year warranty on all replaced torsion springs. Learn more about how garage door components work together.

No. Operating a garage door with a broken spring puts extreme stress on the opener motor, the cables, and the other hardware. It can cause additional damage or create a safety hazard. We strongly recommend leaving the door in place and calling us to schedule a repair before using the door again. Read more about garage door safety best practices.

In most cases, yes. If your door has two springs and one breaks, the second spring has experienced the same amount of wear and stress over the same period of time. Replacing both at once saves you a second service call and helps ensure balanced, safe operation. Our technicians will assess your setup and give you an honest recommendation. Learn more about garage door component lifespan.

There are several common causes: a broken torsion spring, a snapped cable, misaligned safety sensors, or a problem with the opener’s drive mechanism. The loud “boom” some customers describe before a door stops working is typically a spring breaking. If your door goes up only an inch or two before stopping, a broken spring is the most likely culprit. Do not force the door open manually — contact us to safely diagnose and repair the issue. Check out our guide on warning signs it’s time for a new garage door.

Common reasons include obstruction of the photo-eye sensors, a worn or damaged drive belt or chain, limit-switch settings that need adjustment, or a spring or cable that has failed under load. In some cases the opener senses resistance and stops the door as a safety measure. Our technicians can run a full diagnostic to identify the root cause. Browse our garage door maintenance resources for troubleshooting tips.

Start by checking that the unit has power and that the wall button is responsive. Inspect the photo-eye sensors near the floor — both lights should be lit solid (not blinking). Check that nothing is blocking the door’s path and that the manual release cord has not been accidentally pulled. If the opener hums but the door doesn’t move, the issue is likely a broken spring or cable, which requires a professional repair. Our team services and repairs LiftMaster openers and can resolve most issues in a single visit. Learn more about garage door openers and explore our residential garage door opener options.

The sending sensor (typically yellow) and the receiving sensor (typically green) are mounted on each side of the door near the floor. If the green light is blinking or off entirely, the sensors are likely out of alignment. You may also notice the door reversing immediately after you try to close it, or refusing to close at all. Physically inspect the sensors for anything blocking the beam and check that both are pointing directly at each other. Read our detailed guide on how to align garage door sensors.

Loosen the wing nut or bracket screw holding each sensor, carefully adjust the angle until the indicator light goes solid, and re-tighten. Even a small bump from a bike, lawn equipment, or a vehicle can knock sensors out of alignment. If realigning the sensors does not resolve the issue, the sensors themselves may need to be replaced. Give us a call and we can walk you through it or send a technician. Check out our step-by-step tutorial on aligning garage door sensors.

Repeated reversals with no visible obstruction usually point to misaligned or dirty sensors, a sensitivity setting that needs adjustment, or a limit switch that is telling the opener the door has hit an obstacle. In some cases, direct sunlight shining into the sensor’s eye can interfere with the beam. Clean the sensor lenses with a dry cloth and check alignment first. If the problem continues, contact us so we can diagnose and correct the issue.

Cables are critical for keeping the door balanced and supported as it opens and closes. When a cable breaks, the door may drop to one side, get stuck partway open, or fall unevenly. Operating a door with a broken cable risks damage to the door panels, the tracks, and the opener, and creates a significant safety hazard. If you suspect a cable has broken, leave the door where it is and call us right away. Learn more about garage door anatomy.

No. A frayed or loose cable can snap without warning, and the sudden release of tension can cause serious damage or injury. Do not attempt to tighten or rewind a cable yourself — the cables work in conjunction with the spring system, which stores significant mechanical energy. This is a job for a trained technician. Read more about garage door safety.

Cable replacement pricing depends on the door size, the type of cable system, and whether related components (such as drums or pulleys) also need attention. Contact us for a service visit and we will provide a straightforward estimate before any work begins.

Residential garage door pricing varies based on size, material (steel, wood composite, aluminum), insulation level, and style. Crawford Door Sales carries Clopay doors across a range of price points, from functional entry-level options to premium insulated designs built to handle Minnesota’s climate. A salesperson will come to your home, measure the opening, and walk you through options that match your style and budget. We will provide a written quote and stay in touch through every step of the process. Explore our residential garage door options or learn how to choose the right garage door. View our service areas including Bloomington, Eagan, Edina, and Maple Grove. Ready to get started? Request an estimate.

Yes. We install and service commercial overhead doors, rolling steel doors, and fire-rated doors for businesses across the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin. We also conduct NFPA 80 fire door testing and inspections and provide written documentation of door condition, pass/fail status, and any recommended repairs. Learn more about our commercial door solutions or request a commercial estimate.

We are a LiftMaster dealer. LiftMaster openers offer a range of features including Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone control, battery backup, secured radio controls, and compatibility with Amazon Key for In-Garage Delivery. Our technicians can help you choose the right opener for your door and walk you through setup, including the myQ app. Browse our garage door opener selection and read about what makes the best garage door opener.

Yes. We carry and install insulated steel roll-up doors for both residential and commercial applications. Insulation is an especially important consideration in Minnesota, where temperature swings can affect energy efficiency and door performance. Let us know the opening dimensions and your requirements and we will match you with the right product. Learn why you might need an insulated door and how the right garage door can reduce your monthly energy bills.

Most residential garage door installations are completed in a single day. Once your quote is accepted and materials are ordered, lead time is typically 2 to 4 weeks. At the end of installation, our technician will walk you through all the features of your new door and opener, demonstrate basic maintenance steps, and answer any questions. Explore our residential products and services or request an estimate today.

Yes. We offer full maintenance visits that include inspecting springs, cables, tracks, rollers, and hinges; lubricating all moving parts; testing the opener’s safety reversal function; checking the weather seal; and making minor adjustments to keep everything operating smoothly. If we find anything that needs attention, we will tell you clearly and provide an estimate before doing any additional work. Learn about the importance of annual garage door maintenance or schedule a service. Browse our garage door maintenance articles.

We recommend a professional maintenance check at least once a year. Minnesota’s cold winters put extra stress on springs, lubricants, and weather sealing, so many homeowners choose to schedule service in the fall before temperatures drop. If you notice unusual noise, slow operation, or uneven movement, do not wait for the annual visit — call us to have it checked. Learn how to prepare your garage door for winter and read about extreme weather garage door considerations. We serve communities throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin including Minnetonka, St. Paul, and Woodbury.

A typical maintenance visit covers: inspection of torsion or extension springs for wear; check of cables and drums for fraying or looseness; lubrication of rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs; testing of the opener’s auto-reverse and photo-eye safety functions; inspection and replacement (if needed) of bottom weather stripping; and any minor balance or limit adjustments. We will also let you know about any components that are showing signs of wear before they become an emergency. Read our guide on how to inspect your garage door and learn about garage door seals and weatherstripping options.

myQ compatibility depends on the make, model, and age of your opener. Most LiftMaster and Chamberlain openers manufactured after 2011 are myQ-compatible. To confirm compatibility, check the label on your opener for the model number and visit myQ.com, or give us a call and we can look it up for you. If your opener is not compatible, we can replace it with a current LiftMaster model that supports full smart-home functionality. Learn about why you should use a Wi-Fi connected garage door opener and browse our smart opener options.

Download the myQ app, create an account, and follow the in-app setup wizard. You will need your Wi-Fi network name and password, and your opener must be connected to your home network. If you are having trouble getting the indicator light to activate during setup, check that the opener’s antenna wire is hanging freely and that your phone is on the 2.4 GHz network band (not 5 GHz) during the pairing process. Our technicians can assist with myQ setup as part of any service visit. Explore more garage door opener resources and learn how to disable a garage door remote if it’s lost or stolen.

We are an authorized Clopay dealer and carry their full residential and commercial product lines. For current availability of other brands and product lines for your specific project, contact us directly and we will match you with the right product for your opening and application. Compare wood vs. steel garage doors or explore side-hinged vs. overhead options.

In many cases, yes. We can source replacement sections and panels for a variety of door brands and models, which is often a cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire door. Availability depends on the door manufacturer and how current the model is. Provide us with the manufacturer name, model number, and section dimensions and we will check availability for you. Learn what to do if you back into a garage door or request repair service.

Contact us by phone or through our Request Estimate form. For commercial projects, it helps to have the door opening dimensions, the application type (loading dock, fire door, rolling steel, etc.), and any applicable code or specification requirements ready. A member of our commercial team will follow up to gather details and schedule an on-site measurement if needed. Learn more about our commercial overhead doors and commercial operators.

Yes. We regularly partner with homeowner associations and property managers across the Twin Cities to assess, repair, and replace garage doors and openers across residential communities. Whether you are dealing with one failing door or a community-wide panel replacement project, we can handle the scope. We serve areas including Inver Grove Heights, Stillwater, White Bear Lake, and Hudson, WI. Request an estimate for your property.

Absolutely. We have experience with large-scale assessments and phased replacement projects for townhome and condominium communities. We will walk the property, document the condition of each door, and provide a comprehensive proposal with prioritized recommendations. Contact us for a property assessment.

Contact us to discuss your project. Pricing for multi-unit or commercial work is quoted based on scope, product selection, and installation complexity. We will put together a straightforward proposal so your board or management team has clear numbers to work with.

Please contact us directly to discuss your gate opener. Our core expertise is garage doors and overhead door systems. Depending on the make, model, and type of gate operator, we may be able to assist or refer you to the right specialist.

We service a range of commercial door types including rolling steel, fire-rated, and sectional overhead doors. For bi-fold or other specialty configurations, contact us with the manufacturer and model information and we will let you know what we can do.