How does Severance's weather affect my garage door, and what seasonal maintenance should I do?

Colorado's dry climate and temperature swings—especially our high-altitude winters—can make metal frames contract and expand, stressing hinges and rollers. Spring through early summer, we see a lot of hail damage on panels. Fall is ideal for lubrication and checking weatherstripping before cold sets in. We recommend inspecting your door every season and scheduling a tune-up at least once yearly to catch wear before it becomes a safety issue.

If my garage door breaks down, can you get out here same-day?

We handle emergency calls throughout Severance and aim to respond the same day for broken springs, stuck doors, or safety hazards. Response time depends on our current schedule and your location within town. Call early if you need urgent help—morning calls typically get faster turnaround than late afternoon. We'll give you an honest estimate of arrival time when you contact us.

Should I repair my garage door or replace it entirely?

If the door is under ten years old and only one or two parts need fixing, repair usually makes sense. But if you're facing multiple issues—sagging panels, repeated spring breaks, rust, and misalignment all at once—replacement is often more cost-effective long-term. We'll assess the whole system during a consultation and recommend what makes sense for your situation and budget.

What's the difference between a broken torsion spring and a broken extension spring?

Torsion springs run horizontally above the door opening and handle most of the lifting load; one spring handles the job alone, so failure is sudden and dramatic. Extension springs sit along the sides and work in pairs, so one breaking usually feels like reduced power or uneven movement. Torsion springs last longer but cost more to replace. Extension springs are more affordable but wear faster. Both need professional replacement—never DIY.

My garage door isn't opening smoothly—is it the springs or something else?

Slow or jerky movement could be worn springs, but it's often just dry rollers, a misaligned track, or buildup in the opener. We'll inspect the whole assembly—springs, cables, rollers, and tracks—to pinpoint the culprit. Sometimes lubrication or a minor adjustment solves it for way less than a spring replacement. A proper diagnosis saves you money and headaches.

Do I need to worry about HOA rules or town codes for my garage door size or style?

Severance has residential areas with varying deed restrictions and HOA guidelines. Before upgrading or replacing your door, it's smart to check any neighborhood covenants—some restrict color, material, or architectural style. We can help you navigate those requirements and suggest options that meet both code and your HOA rules. When in doubt, we recommend confirming with your HOA before ordering a new door.

The safety sensors on my garage door aren't working. Is this dangerous?

Yes—those sensors are critical safety features. If they're misaligned or blocked, the door won't reverse if something's in its path, creating a serious hazard. Usually it's dust, a shift in the mounting bracket, or a wiring issue. Don't ignore it. We can realign the sensors, clean the lenses, or replace them if they're faulty. It's a quick fix that keeps your family safe.

What R-value insulation should I choose for a garage door in Severance?

Severance's altitude and winter cold make insulation worthwhile if you use your garage as a workshop or want to protect attached living spaces. An R-value of 8 to 14 handles most Colorado homes well—it reduces heat loss and noise without breaking the bank. If you're in a newer development with tight building codes, check local requirements first. We can discuss your specific needs and climate goals when you're ready to choose.

Garage Door Safety in Severance: What Every Homeowner Must Know

Name: Garage Door Company Severance
Address: 105 2Nd Ave, Severance, CO, 80546, US
Telephone: 720-679-7226
Price range: $$

2026-07-22 7 min read

Most people don't think about their garage door until something breaks or someone gets hurt. After 15 years running service calls across Severance and northern Colorado, I've seen enough close calls to know that garage door safety isn't something to postpone. Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds and moves fast. When safety features fail, injuries happen. The good news: most accidents are preventable if you know what to check.

The Real Dangers Nobody Talks About

A garage door accident can happen in seconds. Springs snap without warning. Fingers get pinched. Kids get trapped. The door itself falls and crushes a car or worse. I've responded to three serious injuries in Severance alone where the homeowner didn't realize their safety equipment had stopped working months earlier. See our guide on commercial garage doors in severance: cost, types & what to expect.

The most common issue I see? A broken photo eye. That's the sensor near the floor on each side of the door. When it's blocked, dirty, or misaligned, the auto-reverse feature can't do its job. The door won't stop if something (or someone) is in the way. Replacing a photo eye costs less than $200 and takes 30 minutes. Ignoring it could cost you everything.

Photo Eyes and Auto-Reverse: Your First Line of Defense

Federal safety rules require every garage door opener made after 1993 to have an auto-reverse mechanism. This means the door should reverse direction if it hits resistance while closing. The photo eye is what triggers that reversal. Read about smart garage door technology in severance: what homeowners miss.

Here's what I check on every service call. The photo eye sensors must be clean, properly aligned, and free of obstructions. A spiderweb, dust buildup, or a misaligned bracket will cause false stops or complete failure. Test your auto-reverse monthly: place a cardboard box under the door and press close. The door should reverse before making contact. If it doesn't, call immediately.

You can learn more about these features in our post on garage door safety features in Severance including photo eye and auto-reverse.

**Need garage door safety in Severance today?** Call 720-679-7226. We offer same-day estimates and repairs across the area.

Child Safety: Simple Rules That Matter

Springs and doors don't care if a child is nearby. I've seen kids lose fingers, suffer head injuries, and develop lifelong trauma from garage door incidents. Most of these were preventable with basic awareness.

Teach children that the garage door is not a toy. Don't let them play underneath or near the door when it's moving. Keep remote controls and wall buttons out of reach of young kids. Many modern openers have rolling code technology that prevents code grabbing, but older remotes are vulnerable. If you have an older opener, consider upgrading. We can discuss options when you schedule a free quote.

Never reach under a closing door to grab something. Never force it open if it's stuck. Call a professional instead.

Springs, Cables, and Hardware: What You Can't Fix Yourself

Garage door springs are under extreme tension. A single spring can store 10,000 pounds of force. If a spring breaks, the door becomes a dead weight. Replacing it yourself is dangerous and likely to damage the opener or the door itself. Springs last 7 to 9 years with normal use, sometimes less in Colorado's freeze-thaw cycles.

Same goes for cables, brackets, and rollers. These components fail together over time. If you notice a sagging door, hear a loud crack or bang, or see visible damage to hardware, stop using the door and contact us for a same-day estimate. Continuing to operate a damaged door risks injury and expensive repairs.

Our maintenance tune-up inspections catch these issues early. Learn what a professional inspection covers so you know what to expect.

Regular Maintenance Prevents Most Safety Failures

I've been doing this long enough to say it plainly: the homeowners who never call me for emergencies are the ones who schedule maintenance. A yearly inspection costs a fraction of what a safety failure costs.

During a maintenance visit, we test the auto-reverse, clean photo eyes, lubricate moving parts, check spring tension, inspect cables and rollers, and verify the door is balanced. This takes about an hour and typically runs between $120 and $200, depending on what we find.

Don't wait for a problem. Schedule your inspection through our services page or call 720-679-7226 to book now.

Your Next Step

Garage door safety isn't complicated. It's about knowing what to look for, testing key systems monthly, and calling a professional when something feels wrong. If you haven't had your door inspected in the past year, or if you've noticed any of the warning signs mentioned here, reach out today.

Severance families deserve peace of mind. That starts with a safe garage door.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I test my garage door's auto-reverse? Test it monthly by placing an object under the door and pressing close. The door should reverse before touching the object. If it doesn't, contact a technician immediately. Auto-reverse failure is a serious safety hazard.

Can I replace a broken garage door spring myself? No. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury or death if handled incorrectly. Always hire a licensed technician. A professional replacement takes about an hour and costs between $150 and $300 per spring.

What does a photo eye do, and why does it matter? A photo eye is a safety sensor that detects obstructions under the garage door. It signals the opener to reverse the door if something or someone is in the way. A blocked or misaligned photo eye disables this protection and should be cleaned or replaced immediately.

How long do garage door springs last in Colorado? Springs typically last 7 to 9 years under normal use. Colorado's temperature swings and humidity changes can shorten their lifespan. Regular maintenance helps identify wear before failure.

Is it safe to use an older garage door opener? Older openers may lack modern safety features like rolling code remotes and advanced auto-reverse systems. If your opener is more than 15 years old, consider upgrading for better safety and convenience. Call us for a cost estimate.

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