Thursday, July 31, 2025

DIY or Professional? Fixing a Broken Garage Door Coil the Right Way

A broken garage door coil—or torsion spring—is one of the most common reasons garage doors stop working properly. When your garage door refuses to open or makes strange noises, it’s tempting to grab a wrench and fix it yourself. But when it comes to garage door coils, DIY repairs can be risky and costly if done incorrectly.

At UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC., we understand that homeowners want quick, affordable solutions. That’s why we’re here to help you decide whether to tackle the repair yourself or call in the professionals.

What Is a Garage Door Coil and Why Is It Important?

The Garage door coil broken, or torsion spring, is a tightly wound spring located above the garage door opening. It carries the heavy load of the door, balancing its weight so the opener can lift and lower the door smoothly.

Because these springs are under extreme tension, when they break, the door can suddenly become very heavy and difficult—or even dangerous—to operate.

The Risks of DIY Garage Door Coil Repair

Many homeowners attempt to fix or replace broken coils themselves to save money. However, torsion springs are dangerous if mishandled:

  • High tension: The spring is wound tightly with massive force. If it slips or unwinds unexpectedly, it can cause severe injury or property damage.

  • Special tools required: Proper winding bars and safety gear are essential to safely remove and install springs.

  • Lack of experience: Incorrect installation can lead to door imbalance, further damage to the door or opener, or even cause the spring to break again prematurely.

According to industry reports, DIY garage door spring repairs cause thousands of injuries each year—sometimes serious enough to require emergency medical attention.

When Is DIY Appropriate?

If you have extensive experience with garage doors, the right tools, and a solid understanding of torsion springs, a DIY repair might be possible. However, this is rare for most homeowners.

In general, DIY should be limited to:

  • Routine maintenance like lubrication

  • Visual inspections for wear and tear

  • Calling a professional at the first sign of damage

Why Choose Professional Garage Door Coil Repair?

At UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC., we specialize in safe, reliable garage door spring repairs and replacements. Here’s why trusting us is the smart choice:

  • Safety First: Our technicians are fully trained and equipped with the right tools to handle high-tension springs without risk.

  • Correct Installation: We ensure springs are installed and balanced perfectly, extending the life of your door and opener.

  • Warranty & Quality: We use high-quality parts and offer warranties on labor and materials for peace of mind.

  • Fast, Efficient Service: Broken springs are a safety hazard and inconvenience—our experts respond quickly to get your door working again.

  • Comprehensive Inspection: We check cables, rollers, tracks, and the opener to prevent future breakdowns.

Signs Your Garage Door Coil Needs Professional Repair

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC.:

  • Loud snapping or banging noises from your garage

  • Door won’t open or closes unevenly

  • Visible gaps or breaks in the spring

  • The door feels heavy or won’t stay open

  • Cables appear loose or disconnected

How to Prevent Future Coil Breakage

Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your garage door coils:

  • Lubricate springs and moving parts every six months

  • Have a professional inspection at least once a year

  • Avoid slamming the door or forcing it open/closed

  • Upgrade to high-cycle springs for longer durability

We offer affordable maintenance plans to keep your garage door running smoothly and safely year-round.

Contact UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC. for Safe, Professional Repairs

Don’t risk injury or further damage with a DIY garage door coil repair. Trust the experts at UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC. to handle your spring replacement safely and efficiently.


Sunday, July 27, 2025

Is It Time for a New Garage Door Motor? Installation Tips & Signs to Watch For

 Your garage door motor is one of the most used—but often overlooked—components in your home. It quietly lifts and lowers your garage door multiple times a day, offering convenience, safety, and security. But like all mechanical devices, it doesn’t last forever.

So how do you know when it’s time to replace it? At UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC, we specialize in garage door motor installation in Surrey and surrounding areas, and we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners upgrade to modern, reliable openers. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common signs of motor failure and provide a few tips if you’re considering a replacement.


🔧 Common Signs You Need a New Garage Door Motor

1. The Door Operates Inconsistently

If your garage door sometimes opens and other times refuses to budge, the motor may be losing power or struggling to keep up. Intermittent operation is one of the earliest signs of failure.

2. Unusual Noises or Grinding Sounds

Garage door motors should operate relatively quietly—especially belt-drive or wall-mounted models. If you hear grinding, screeching, or banging, the internal gears may be worn or broken.

3. Slow Response Time

Does your garage door hesitate before moving or take longer than usual to open or close? This may be due to a failing motor or outdated components inside the unit.

4. The Motor is Over 10–15 Years Old

Most garage door motors have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years with regular use. If yours is older and showing signs of wear, it may be more cost-effective to upgrade rather than repair.

5. Lack of Modern Features

New motors offer smart technology, battery backup, quiet operation, and enhanced security features. If your motor doesn’t support these, it’s worth considering an upgrade for better performance and convenience.

🔩 Garage Door Motor Installation Tips

If you've decided it's time to replace your garage door motor, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

✅ Choose the Right Type of Opener

There are several types of garage door motors to choose from:

  • Chain Drive: Durable and cost-effective but noisier

  • Belt Drive: Quiet and smooth, ideal for attached garages

  • Wall-Mount (Jackshaft): Great for garages with high ceilings or space limitations

At UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC, we’ll assess your garage setup and help you choose the perfect motor based on your needs and budget.

✅ Ensure Proper Weight Compatibility

Each motor is rated for a specific door weight and size. Choosing an underpowered motor can lead to strain, breakdowns, or uneven operation. We calculate these specifications during every installation.

✅ Hire a Professional for Safe, Efficient Setup

Garage door motor installation involves precise alignment, secure mounting, and electrical connections. A professional installer ensures:

  • Proper safety sensor alignment

  • Opener and remote programming

  • Correct limit and force adjustments

  • Full system testing

At UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC, we offer same-day motor installations and back our work with a full warranty.

💡 Why Upgrade to a Modern Garage Door Motor?

New garage door motors come with features that improve daily life:

  • Wi-Fi & smartphone control

  • Automatic locking systems

  • Soft start/stop for smoother operation

  • LED lighting and energy efficiency

  • Battery backup for power outages

An upgraded opener not only makes your life easier—it increases your home’s value and security.

🚗 Final Thoughts

A failing garage door motor isn’t just an inconvenience—it can compromise your home’s safety, cost you in repairs, and cause unnecessary frustration. Whether your motor is aging, underpowered, or simply outdated, now might be the perfect time to upgrade.

Trust the professionals at UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC for expert garage door motor installation in Surrey. We offer fast service, quality products, and honest advice to ensure your garage system runs reliably for years to come.

📞 Call now or request a free quote online. We’re ready to get your garage door back in top shape—fast!



Why a Broken Garage Door Spring Is More Dangerous Than You Think

A malfunctioning garage door is more than just a daily inconvenience—it can be a real safety hazard, especially when the problem is a broken garage door spring. Most homeowners don’t realize the risk until it’s too late. That loud bang in the garage or a door that suddenly slams shut might not seem serious, but it could be a warning sign of a broken spring—and it's not something you should ignore.

At UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC, we’ve seen firsthand how dangerous a broken garage door spring can be. In this article, we’ll explain why this issue is more hazardous than it appears and what steps you should take to protect your home and family.


What Does a Garage Door Spring Actually Do?

Garage doors typically weigh between 150 to 300 pounds or more. While it may look like the opener does all the heavy lifting, it’s actually the springs that bear most of the weight. These tightly wound coils store mechanical energy to help lift and lower your garage door smoothly and safely.

There are two main types:

  • Torsion Springs – Mounted above the garage door opening.

  • Extension Springs – Located on either side of the door tracks.

When one of these springs breaks, the entire system becomes unbalanced and potentially dangerous to operate.

Why a Broken Garage Door Spring Is So Dangerous

1. The Door Can Collapse Without Warning

Without a functioning spring to counterbalance its weight, your garage door could come crashing down suddenly. This can damage your vehicle, belongings, or worse—cause serious injury to a person or pet passing underneath.

2. DIY Repairs Are Extremely Risky

Garage door springs are under immense tension. Attempting to repair or replace one without the proper tools and training can lead to severe injuries, including cuts, broken bones, or worse. DIY tutorials may make it look easy, but this is a job best left to professionals.

3. Your Opener Can Burn Out

If your spring is broken and you continue trying to open the door with the motorized opener, you risk burning out the opener motor. That’s because it’s working overtime to lift a much heavier door than it's designed for.

4. Increased Risk of Property Damage

A falling door or uncontrolled movement can cause damage to the garage floor, vehicles, or storage items. In some cases, a broken spring can even cause other components—like cables or rollers—to snap under pressure.

Common Signs of a Broken Spring

  • You hear a loud bang from the garage.

  • The door is crooked, stuck, or won’t open more than a few inches.

  • The opener runs but the door doesn’t move.

  • The door feels unusually heavy when lifted manually.

  • There’s a visible gap in the torsion spring above the door.

If you notice any of these signs, stop using the door immediately and call a professional.

What to Do If Your Garage Door Spring Breaks

Your first instinct may be to fix it yourself or keep using the door “just a few more times.” Don’t. Here’s what to do instead:

  1. Stop operating the door—manual or automatic.

  2. Keep people and pets away from the area.

  3. Call a professional garage door technician as soon as possible.

At UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC, we provide same-day emergency spring replacement services in Surrey and surrounding areas. Our experienced technicians arrive with the tools and parts needed to get your door working safely again—fast.

Why Choose UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC?

  • Licensed & Insured for your protection

  • High-cycle springs for longer lifespan and better performance

  • Upfront pricing with no hidden fees

  • Fast, same-day service available 7 days a week

  • Locally trusted experts serving Surrey and nearby communities

Final Thoughts

Garage door spring broken is more than just a nuisance—it’s a serious safety risk that requires immediate professional attention. Don’t take chances with your home or your family’s well-being.

If you suspect a problem, call UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC today. We’re your local spring repair specialists, ready to respond with safe, affordable, and reliable solutions.

📞 Contact us now for emergency garage door spring repair in Surrey. Your safety is our priority.


How to Choose the Best Garage Door Repair Service Near Me in Surrey

Your garage door is more than just an entry point—it’s an essential part of your home’s security, functionality, and curb appeal. When it starts acting up, whether it’s refusing to open, making strange noises, or simply won’t close all the way, you need a garage door repair service near you in Surrey that’s fast, reliable, and trustworthy.

At UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC, we know that choosing the right repair company can make all the difference. With so many options in the Surrey area, here’s how to narrow down your search and make the best decision for your home.



1. Look for Local Experience

Surrey homeowners know how quickly the weather can change—and how that can affect garage doors. Hiring a local company ensures you’re getting a team that understands regional conditions, local building codes, and the specific needs of your neighborhood.

UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC has proudly served Surrey and the surrounding areas for years. Our deep local knowledge helps us provide tailored solutions that last, whether it’s dealing with humidity-related track issues or ensuring your door is weather-sealed for the rainy season.

2. Check Licensing, Insurance & Certifications

One of the most important steps when choosing a garage door repair service is verifying that the company is licensed, insured, and certified. This protects your home, your investment, and ensures the technicians working on your property are qualified professionals.

Our team at UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC is fully licensed and insured, and our technicians undergo continuous training to stay updated with the latest safety standards and technologies. We never cut corners—your safety is our priority.

3. Read Online Reviews and Ask for References

Don’t just take a company’s word for it—see what others are saying. Search for terms like “garage door repair near me in Surrey” and check customer reviews on Google, Yelp, and local directories. A reliable company will have a consistent track record of positive feedback.

We’re proud of the 5-star ratings we’ve earned at UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC. Our customers frequently mention our prompt service, friendly technicians, and long-lasting repairs. We’re happy to provide references on request.

4. Ask About Warranties and Guarantees

Garage door repairs can be an investment, and the best companies stand by their work. Ask potential providers what kind of warranty they offer on parts and labor.

At UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC, we back our work with industry-leading warranties and service guarantees. Whether it’s a spring replacement or a full opener installation, we ensure your system runs smoothly—and stays that way.

5. Evaluate Response Time and Emergency Services

A broken garage door can throw off your entire day—or compromise your home’s security. That’s why you need a company that responds quickly and offers emergency repairs when needed.

We offer same-day service and 24/7 emergency support throughout Surrey. Our team arrives fully equipped to handle most repairs on the spot, saving you time, money, and stress.

6. Compare Pricing—but Don’t Just Go for the Cheapest

While it’s tempting to choose the lowest quote, cheaper isn’t always better. Look for fair, transparent pricing and make sure you understand exactly what’s included in the cost.

At UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC, we provide free, no-obligation estimates with clear pricing. There are no hidden fees—just honest service from a company that values integrity.

Final Thoughts

When searching for the best Garage door repair near me in Surrey, it’s essential to choose a company that combines experience, local knowledge, and excellent customer service. Your garage door plays a vital role in your daily life and your home’s safety—don’t leave it in the hands of just anyone.

UNIQUE GARAGE DOORS INC is Surrey’s trusted choice for garage door repair, maintenance, and installation. Call us today for a free estimate, emergency repair, or expert advice—we’re here to help.


DIY or Professional? Fixing a Broken Garage Door Coil the Right Way

A broken garage door coil—or torsion spring—is one of the most common reasons garage doors stop working properly. When your garage door refu...