Garage Door FAQs

Answers to common questions about garage door installation, repair, pricing, and maintenance in Southwest Washington.

  • Should I repair or replace my garage door?

    If your door is over 15 years old, rusted, or unsafe, replacement is often more cost-effective. Minor repairs like springs or opener fixes usually cost less and extend door life.
  • Can I install or replace a garage door myself?

    DIY installation is risky due to high-tension springs. We recommend professional service to ensure safety and proper door balance.
  • What maintenance does a garage door require?

    Regular lubrication of hinges and rollers, tightening hardware, balance checks, and weather seal inspections should be done once or twice yearly.
  • Do you offer emergency repair services?

    Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency repairs for issues like broken springs or stuck doors throughout Southwest Washington.
  • What should I ask before hiring a garage door company?

    Verify license, insurance, experience, warranties, and customer reviews. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington State.
  • How much does it cost to replace garage door rollers?

    Replacing worn or noisy rollers usually costs $120–$300, parts and labor included.


    Upgrading to nylon or sealed-bearing rollers is well worth the small extra cost (around $250 total) — they’re quieter, smoother, and last much longer in our damp Southwest Washington climate.

  • How much is a garage door tune-up?

    A professional tune-up runs $99–$149, depending on door type and condition.

    During a tune-up, we:


    • Lubricate all moving parts
    • Tighten loose hardware
    • Adjust spring tension
    • Check cable wear
    • Test balance and opener safety sensors

    It’s quick, affordable, and prevents most unexpected breakdowns.

  • What is the cheapest way to replace a garage door?

    The most affordable route is a basic non-insulated steel door while reusing existing tracks and opener hardware if safe.


    However, old or mismatched components can shorten the life of the new door.


    We inspect your full setup first — if reuse makes sense, we’ll tell you. If not, we’ll recommend smart upgrades that fit your budget.

  • How much does it cost to replace a spring on a garage door?

    Spring replacement typically costs $250–$400, including parts and labor.

    That price depends on your door’s size, type of spring (torsion vs. extension), and accessibility.


    We always replace both springs on double doors to keep balance and ensure even wear.

  • Does insurance cover backing into a garage door?

    Yes — auto or homeowner’s insurance usually covers damage if you accidentally hit your garage door.

    The claim depends on the cause:


    • If you hit your own door, it’s often an auto claim.
    • If someone else damages it, it’s typically their liability claim.

    We can provide a written estimate and coordinate directly with your insurance adjuster to make the process easy.

  • Is a garage door spring covered under warranty?

    Most springs come with a 3–5 year manufacturer warranty.


    When installed and maintained by I-5 Garage Door, we back them with a lifetime workmanship warranty — so if a spring fails due to improper setup or installation, we’ll fix it at no cost.

  • What wears out a garage door opener?

    Openers wear out faster when the door isn’t properly balanced or lubricated.

    Common causes include:


    • Overstressed motor from a weak spring
    • Bent or unlubricated rollers
    • Misaligned safety sensors
    • Moisture exposure (common in unheated garages)

    A tune-up every 12 months helps prevent premature failure.

  • How to tell if a garage door torsion spring is broken?

    If your door suddenly won’t open or you hear a loud snap, check above the door — a visible gap in the spring coil means it’s broken.

    You’ll also notice:

    • The opener straining or not lifting the door
    • The door slamming shut when released

    Avoid trying to lift the door; call us for same-day spring replacement.

  • What types of garage doors do you install?

    We install steel, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, and composite garage doors. Insulated options are available to improve energy efficiency and moisture resistance in our local climate.
  • How do I know what size garage door I need?

    Single-car doors typically range from 8 to 10 feet wide, while double-car doors are about 16 feet wide. We measure your opening and check framing to ensure a precise fit.
  • Do you offer custom or insulated garage doors?

    Yes, we provide custom-built and insulated doors tailored for Woodland, Longview, Vancouver, and nearby areas to enhance durability and energy savings.
  • How long does installation usually take?

    A standard residential garage door installation takes about 4 to 6 hours. Additional work like opener replacement or structural changes may extend the time to a full day.
  • What is the typical cost for a new garage door?

    In Southwest Washington, prices range from $1,200 to $2,500 depending on door size, material, insulation, and style.
  • How to open a garage door when the cable is broken?

    If a cable snaps, don’t force the door open — it’s off-balance and unsafe.

    Disconnect the opener using the red release cord and leave the door closed.

    Our technicians can replace both cables, check drums and bearings, and re-tension the system properly within an hour.

  • Can you manually raise a garage door with a broken spring?

    You can, but it’s not recommended. Without the spring’s counterbalance, your door can weigh over 200 lbs, making it dangerous to lift or control.


    We use professional winding bars and clamps to handle it safely — and can usually replace springs the same day.

  • Why do springs break on garage doors?

    Springs wear out from metal fatigue and corrosion.


    Most are rated for about 10,000 open/close cycles (roughly 5–7 years of regular use).


    Southwest Washington’s damp air accelerates rust, which weakens the coils.

    We recommend powder-coated high-cycle springs, which last twice as long and resist rust.

  • Can I replace a torsion spring myself?

    It’s possible, but extremely dangerous without the right tools and training.

    Torsion springs are under massive tension; one wrong move can cause serious injury or damage.


    A licensed technician can replace them safely in under an hour — it’s not worth the risk.

  • Can I use a heavier garage door spring?

    No. Springs must match your door’s exact weight and height.


    A heavier spring will cause the door to open too quickly and stress the opener.


    We use digital spring scales to ensure your new spring is perfectly balanced for smooth, safe operation.

  • How much does a 7 ft by 8 ft garage door weigh?

    A non-insulated 7×8 steel door weighs about 150–170 lbs.


    An insulated version can reach 200 lbs or more.


    That’s why it’s critical your springs and opener are properly matched — otherwise, the system wears out prematurely.

  • Can you scrap a garage door?

    Yes! Steel and aluminum garage doors are 100% recyclable.


    When we replace your door, we haul away the old panels and hardware for proper recycling — keeping metal out of landfills and supporting local scrap processors.

  • Need Local Garage Door Help?

    From Vancouver to Castle Rock, I-5 Garage Door LLC provides fast, professional repair and installation across Clark, Cowlitz, and Lewis Counties.


    We’re licensed, insured, and trusted by homeowners throughout Southwest Washington.


    📞 Call or text: 360-644-7342

    🌐 i5GarageDoor.com

Need Assistance?

Contact I-5 Garage Door for professional installation, repair, and maintenance services tailored to your needs in Southwest Washington.