Category Archives: Garage Door Tips

One of the most common and simple break-in methods involves the “coat hanger” trick, where a burglar uses a wire to hook the red emergency release cord from the top of the door.

How to Disable the External Hook

While the cord must remain functional for emergencies, you can prevent easy external access:

• Use a Zip Tie: Thread a heavy-duty plastic zip tie through the hole in the emergency release lever and around the carriage assembly. This secures the lever and prevents a quick, clean pull from the outside, yet can still be snapped by a strong, internal pull in a true emergency.
• Install a Release Lock: Dedicated products exist that slide over the release mechanism to block external manipulation while preserving internal function.

A loud popping or banging sound, especially when the door is opening or closing, is a major red flag.

• What It Means: This is a classic sign of a broken garage door spring. The torsion springs above the door or the extension springs on the sides are under immense tension. When they snap, they release all that energy at once, creating a very loud bang that can sound like a gunshot. It could also indicate that the cables are tangled or binding as they unwind.
• How to Fix It: DO NOT attempt to fix this yourself. Garage door springs are extremely dangerous. They are under high tension and can cause serious injury or even death if handled improperly. If you hear a loud bang and your door won’t open or feels incredibly heavy, your spring is likely broken. It’s time to call a professional immediately.

Now that we’ve looked at the individual benefits, let’s compare them on key decision-making factors.

• Appearance & Design: If style and customization are your top priority, a sectional garage door is the clear winner. Its panel designs, finishes, and window options allow for a more personalized and high-end look that can significantly boost curb appeal. Roll-up doors have a more industrial, corrugated appearance, with fewer design variations.
• Space Requirements: For garages with limited headroom or those that require the ceiling space for storage or other installations, the roll-up door is the superior choice. Its compact coiling mechanism saves valuable overhead space. A sectional door, while it doesn’t swing out, still needs clear ceiling space for the tracks and door panels.
• Insulation & Energy Efficiency: Sectional doors generally offer better insulation due to their thick, foam-filled panels and tight perimeter seals. While insulated roll-up doors are available, the small gaps between the slats can make them less thermally efficient than a well-insulated sectional door.
• Cost: The initial cost can vary widely based on materials, size, and features. Generally, a basic roll-up door might have a lower starting price, but a high-end, insulated model can be comparable or even more expensive than a sectional door. When comparing sectional vs. roll-up garage door costs, it’s important to get quotes for similar specifications to make an accurate decision.
• Noise Level: Modern sectional doors with nylon rollers are known for their quiet operation. Roll-up doors can sometimes be noisier due to the coiling action of the slats, although newer models are designed to minimize this.