Garage Door FAQs

So you’re thinking about purchasing a new garage door for your home… but it can be overwhelming with so many choices. From finding the right accessories for your residential garage doors to getting the right services, you might have questions about your garage door. There’s no need to stress! Our team at RCS Garage Doors has put together a list of frequently asked questions for you to browse and find the answers you need. Below are the answers to the other most common questions garage door dealers get from people looking to buy a new garage door. Take a look and feel free to contact our team if you have additional queries.

Frequently Asked Garage Door Questions

Will you install a non-Clopay® garage door?

Yes! Our skilled technicians are available to install garage doors from non-Clopay brands throughout our broad North Carolina service area.

Which garage door opener is best?

If you’re looking to replace your garage door opener or make a new purchase, we can help. At RCS, our top choice for residential and commercial garage door openers is LiftMaster because of its standout convenience features. This garage door technology includes the user-friendly myQ app to control your door from anywhere.

My garage door is dented. Do I need to replace it?

In many cases, you can fix your dented garage door rather than replace it. Our professionals will help with on-site garage door services. If the extent of the damage requires a major repair, your technician can also provide a recommendation for replacement.

What services does my insurance cover?

Your homeowners’ insurance can cover garage door damage and repairs, including theft, natural disasters, car damage and other conditions. However, if your doors have minor damage or natural wear and tear, your insurance likely won’t cover repairs or maintenance. You’ll need to consult your specific policy to identify what conditions your insurance covers.

What do I do if my garage door won’t open?

When you have trouble opening your garage door, several issues may be the culprit, such as broken garage door springs. You can start by checking for easily-resolved issues, such as a needed battery change for your opener remote. If those solutions don’t work, you likely have a bigger door malfunction and should reach out to our technicians to help.

What do I do if my garage door won’t close?

If your garage door doesn’t close properly, the cause could be anything from the remote not working to the door mechanisms malfunctioning. If quick fixes aren’t working, reach out to our skilled technicians to address the problem.

Why is my garage door squeaking?

While a squeaky garage door can be inconvenient, the right maintenance practices will often solve the problem. Regularly lubricating your doors’ hinges, rollers, pulleys and springs can help prevent squeaking and long-term wear and tear.

Should I get windows in my new garage door?

When you’re choosing the right garage door, adding accessories like windows can enhance its everyday functionality. The choice is up to you, so consider your garage door applications, need for visibility inside the garage and design preferences.

What is the Best Garage Door Material, Metal or Wood?

Each material has its pros and its cons. Metal doors are typically cheaper, lighter weight and require very little maintenance, but can lack design quality. Wooden doors are popular for their natural design and quality, but are usually more expensive than metal and require some seasonal upkeep. Overall, wooden doors are preferred by architects and home designers, but many aluminum and steel doors have similar quality levels.

Do I Need to Insulate my Garage?

This mostly depends if your garage is attached or detached and how you use it. If you have an attached garage that has living space above it, insulated is the way to go. But if your garage is simply used to park your car, there isn’t much need for it to be insulated. Read our Guide to Garage Door Insulation to learn more.

Is Polyurethane or Polystyrene the Best Garage Insulation Type?

Polyurethane is a better insulator than polystyrene, however, the latter is cheaper. If you live in an area that experiences below-freezing temperatures for more than 4 months out of the year, it may better serve you to insulate with polyurethane, but if you live in a relatively mild area, polystyrene will get the job done. For more information, read our full guide about polystyrene vs polyurethane garage insulation.

Should I Get a Double Garage Door or Two Single Doors?

This is mostly a case of personal preference. Two doors are the more practical option, giving you multiple entrance/exit points in case of malfunction, but two doors also mean double the equipment leading to higher costs. Designers and architects tend to favor two single doors as they provide a better sense of balance.

Is Extension or Torsion Hardware Better for Garage Doors?

Torsion hardware is preferred if you have the necessary headroom (at least 12 inches). Torsion is preferred due to how it centers the weight of the door on the anchor plate, providing smooth operation. An extension system is preferred on garages with low head clearance using two springs working independently of one another.

How Much Headroom Clearance is Needed for Garage Doors?

There is no correct answer for this, as all homes vary, especially older homes. 14 inches is ideal, but the absolute minimum clearance is 6 inches. Door and opener technology has greatly advanced in recent years to reduce the footprint of garage hardware and opening systems.

Does a Garage Door Frame Need to be Prepped?

You just need to make sure the exterior and interior opening match the size of the door. Typically garage door frames are framed using 2×8 or 2×10 boards.

Should I Have Windows in My Garage Door?

This question comes down to two factors, security/privacy and natural light. If there are no other windows in your garage, adding some windows would conveniently add some natural light. But if security and privacy are of higher importance to you, choose to forgo windows.

What is the Lifespan of a Garage Door?

Depending on the quality of the door and its components, a typical garage door should last for more than 20 years. If you take preventative maintenance measures and make sure to clean the door at least twice annually, your garage door can 30 years or more.

How Much Does a New Garage Door Cost?

Finally: the most popular question. A lot of variables go into the cost of a new garage door, but for comparison purposes, a high-quality, metal, insulated, double garage door without windows would cost around $1500 – $2000. For a wooden door of the same quality, the price ranges from $1000 – $5000, depending on the type of wood. In short, the cost of a new garage door depends on the quality and features of the garage door that you choose.

Contact Us for Installation and Repair Services

Do you have additional questions about our available garage door technology or want to make a purchase? Our team at RCS Garage Doors brings over 30 years of industry experience to help you get the right solutions. To find out more, answer your garage door questions, or request installation or repair services, reach out to us today!