The companies you reach through this line are independent local businesses. We don't vet, employ or supervise them, so it's worth asking a few questions yourself. Any reputable company will be glad to answer them.
Before you call: have this ready
- Your address and ZIP code
- What the door is doing, in a sentence: won't open, won't close, crooked, loud bang, frozen
- Whether your car is stuck inside, or the door is stuck open
- Single or double door, attached or detached garage
- Springs above the door (torsion) or along the sides (extension), if you can see
- The opener brand and rough age, if you know
- Photos of the springs, cables and bottom corners on your phone
Questions to ask on the phone
- What's your business name, and are you registered with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board? Rhode Island requires most contractors working on homes to register. You can look a contractor up on the CRLB website.
- Do you carry liability insurance? Ask them to bring proof, or send it.
- When could someone come out? Timing depends on how busy they are. Ask for a realistic window.
- Will the technician explain what's wrong and what they recommend before starting work?
- What's covered afterward? Ask how long the parts and the work are covered, and whether that's in writing.
- How do you take payment? Know before they arrive.
Questions to ask when the technician is there
- Can you show me what's broken or worn?
- What has to be done now, and what can wait?
- If I have two springs and one broke, do you recommend replacing both? Why?
- Are the cables, rollers and bottom brackets in good shape?
- Is the door balanced after the repair? Can you show me the balance test?
- Can I have the details of the work in writing before you start?
Ready to talk to someone? We'll try to find a company that works in your town.
Call (401) 498-DOORHow long common jobs usually take
| Job | Typical time on site |
|---|---|
| Sensor alignment, remote programming, limit adjustment | Usually under an hour |
| Spring replacement | About one to two hours |
| Cable replacement and rehanging a crooked door | About one to two hours |
| Rollers, hinges and a tune-up | About an hour |
| New opener installation | About two to four hours |
| New door installation | About half a day, longer if framing needs work |
These are rough ranges. Older detached garages, rust and damaged framing can add time.
Red flags
- Won't give a business name or Rhode Island registration number
- Pushes a whole new door when you called about one broken part, without explaining why
- Starts work before explaining what they're doing
- Asks for full payment before any work starts
- Can't show you the broken part
You're never obligated to go ahead. If something doesn't feel right, it's fine to say no and call another company.
After the work
- Run the door a few times while the technician is there.
- Test the auto-reverse with a block of wood on the floor.
- Keep the paperwork, including what was replaced and the coverage terms.
Want to understand the problem before you call? Start with door won't open or close or the broken spring guide.
Common questions
Do garage door companies need to be registered in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island generally requires contractors who work on residential property to register with the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board. You can search for a contractor on the board's website. Ask the company for their registration number.
Do you recommend specific companies?
No. We're a referral line. We'll try to connect you with an independent company that works in your area, but we don't endorse or supervise them. Ask the questions on this page and decide for yourself.