Can't find your question? The quickest way to get an answer about your own door is to call and describe it.
Questions
Are you a garage door company?
No. Cranston Garage Door is a referral line and information site. We try to connect callers with independent local garage door companies. Here's how it works.
Who will I talk to when I call?
A short automated prompt asks your ZIP code and what you need. If an independent company that serves your area is available, the call is transferred and you talk to them directly.
Is there any charge to call?
No. Calling the line is free. Any work you agree to is between you and the company you choose.
What areas do you cover?
Cranston (02910, 02920, 02921) and nearby towns including Johnston, Warwick, West Warwick, Coventry, Scituate, North Providence, parts of Providence, East Greenwich, Smithfield, Foster and Lincoln. See service areas.
My garage door won't open. What should I check first?
Power to the opener, the lock button on the wall control, and the remote battery. If you heard a bang or the door feels very heavy, a spring has probably broken. Leave it shut and call. Full list on door won't open or close.
Why won't my garage door close all the way?
Most often the safety sensors near the floor are dirty, fogged, blocked or out of line. Clean the lenses and check that both lights are steady.
How do I know if a spring is broken?
A loud bang, a visible gap in the coils above the door, an opener that strains and stops after a few inches, or a door that's suddenly very heavy. See the spring guide.
Can I fix a broken spring myself?
We don't recommend it. Springs hold enough tension to cause serious injury. Spring repair is a job for a trained technician with the right tools.
Is it safe to use the door with a cable hanging loose?
No. Stop using it. One side has lost support and the door can drop or twist out of the tracks.
Why is my garage door so rusty at the bottom?
Salty, humid air near the bay plus road salt dripping off cars all winter. The bottom brackets and cables are the parts to watch. See salt air and rust.
My door is frozen to the ground. What do I do?
Don't run the opener against it. Free the bottom seal with a plastic scraper or hair dryer, clear the floor, then try again. More in the winter prep guide.
How do I open my garage door in a power outage?
With the door fully closed, pull the red release cord, then lift the door by hand. It should feel fairly light. If it's very heavy, don't force it. Never pull the cord while the door is open.
How long does a garage door spring last?
Standard springs are commonly rated for around 10,000 cycles, roughly six or seven years at a few uses a day. Rust and cold can shorten that.
How long do typical repairs take?
Spring and cable repairs usually take an hour or two once a technician is on site. A new opener takes a few hours, and a new door about half a day. See questions to ask for more.
Should I repair my door or replace it?
Most problems are repairable. Rust-through, rot, several damaged sections, or many worn parts at once can tip it toward replacing. See repair or replace.
How do I check a contractor in Rhode Island?
Ask for their Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board number and look it up on the board's website. Ask for proof of insurance too.
Do you handle commercial doors?
Yes. Mention it's a commercial door when you call. See commercial doors.