How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend annual professional maintenance to keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently. During a maintenance visit, our technicians lubricate all moving parts, check spring tension and balance, inspect cables and hardware for wear, test safety features, and make minor adjustments as needed. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your door by many years and help prevent unexpected breakdowns.

What brands of garage doors do you install?

We install and service all major garage door brands including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, and more. We'll help you choose the right door based on your needs, preferences, and budget. All our installations come with our comprehensive 3-year warranty on labor and materials.

Can you match my existing garage door style?

Yes! If you need to replace a single panel or want your new door to match existing architecture, we have access to a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials. Our design consultants can help you find the perfect match or suggest complementary options that enhance your home's curb appeal.

Do you offer same-day service?

Yes, we offer same-day service for most repair calls. Our fully stocked service vehicles carry the parts and tools needed to complete most repairs in a single visit. For emergencies, we guarantee a 2-hour response time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What is your service area?

We proudly serve the entire Lakes Region of New Hampshire, including Center Harbor, Meredith, Laconia, Holderness, Plymouth, Ashland, New Hampton, Bristol, Franklin, Tilton, and surrounding communities. If you're unsure whether we service your area, give us a call—we're happy to help!

Are your technicians licensed and insured?

Absolutely. All our technicians are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. They're also factory-trained and IDA certified, ensuring you receive the highest quality service. We carry comprehensive liability insurance to protect your property and our team members.

How quickly can you fix my motor failure?

We understand that a motor failure can leave your car trapped in the garage or your home unsecured. That's why we prioritize motor repair calls. In most cases, we can dispatch a technician within 2 hours of your call. Our fully stocked service vehicles carry replacement motors and parts for all major brands, meaning most motor failures can be diagnosed and repaired in a single visit. For emergency situations outside of business hours, we offer 24/7 emergency service to get your garage door operational as quickly as possible.

What causes motor failure in garage doors?

Garage door motor failures can occur due to several reasons. The most common causes include: age and wear (motors typically last 10-15 years), power surges that damage electrical components, lack of regular maintenance leading to excessive strain, overheating from frequent use or inadequate ventilation, and stripped gears from forcing the door when it's obstructed. Sometimes what appears to be motor failure is actually a simpler issue like a broken spring or misaligned sensors. Our technicians will thoroughly diagnose the problem before recommending any repairs.

Do you offer financing for new steel door installations?

Yes! We understand that a new garage door is a significant investment in your home. That's why we offer flexible financing options to fit your budget. We partner with several lending institutions to provide competitive rates and terms. Options include 0% interest for 12 months for qualified buyers, extended payment plans up to 60 months, and same-as-cash options. During your free consultation, our team will discuss all available financing options and help you find a payment plan that works for your situation. We believe everyone deserves a quality garage door regardless of budget constraints.

Warranty Comparison: What Every Homeowner Should Know

9 min read

# Warranty Comparison: What Every Homeowner Should Know

When investing in a new garage door or repair service, warranty coverage should be a primary consideration. A quality warranty protects your investment, provides peace of mind, and often indicates the manufacturer's confidence in their product. However, not all warranties are created equal. Understanding the fine print can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches down the road.

Types of Garage Door Warranties

Garage door warranties typically fall into several categories, each covering different aspects of your door system:

Manufacturer Warranties

These warranties come directly from the company that made your door. They typically cover defects in materials and workmanship but rarely cover installation issues. Manufacturer warranties vary widely:

Lifetime Limited Warranty: Often covers major components like panels and hardware against manufacturing defects for as long as you own your home. However, "lifetime" doesn't mean unlimited.read the limitations carefully.

Rust and Corrosion Protection: Premium steel doors often include specific rust protection warranties, sometimes lasting 10-25 years. This is particularly important in New Hampshire, where road salt and humidity accelerate corrosion.

Paint and Finish Warranty: Coverage for fading, peeling, or flaking typically ranges from 5-10 years. Higher-end doors with baked-on finishes offer longer protection.

Installation Warranties

Separate from manufacturer coverage, installation warranties protect against errors made during the installation process. At Sandwich Garage Doors, we provide a comprehensive 3-year warranty on all our installation work. This covers:

- Proper door alignment and balance, Correct spring sizing and tensioning, Opener installation and programming, Weatherstripping application, All hardware installation

Opener Warranties

Garage door openers have their own warranty structure:

Motor Warranty: Ranges from 1-year to lifetime depending on the model and brand Parts Warranty: Typically 1-5 years Belt/Chain Warranty: Often lifetime on premium models Accessories: Usually 1-year coverage

What Warranties Don't Cover

Understanding exclusions is as important as knowing what's covered:

Normal Wear and Tear: Springs, cables, and rollers wear out through regular use. Most warranties exclude these consumable parts.

Misuse and Abuse: Damage from accidents, improper operation, or neglect isn't covered.

Unauthorized Repairs: DIY repairs or work by non-authorized technicians often void warranties.

Weather Events: Damage from storms, flooding, or acts of nature is typically excluded.

Cosmetic Damage: Dents, scratches, and dings from normal use usually aren't covered after installation.

Commercial Use: Residential warranties don't cover doors used in commercial applications, even in your home workshop.

Reading the Fine Print

Before purchasing, ask these critical questions:

Is the warranty transferable? This matters significantly for resale value. Some warranties transfer to new homeowners; others don't.

Who handles claims? Know whether you'll deal with the manufacturer, installer, or both.

What's the claims process? Some companies require registration, inspection, or specific documentation.

Are there geographic limitations? Ensure coverage applies in New Hampshire.

What are the maintenance requirements? Many warranties require proof of annual professional maintenance.

Comparing Apples to Apples

When comparing warranty options, create a chart with these factors:

| Factor | Option A | Option B | |--------|----------|----------| | Panel coverage term | | | | Hardware coverage | | | | Paint/finish warranty | | | | Spring coverage | | | | Installation warranty | | | | Transferability | | | | Maintenance requirements | | | | Claims process | | |

This comparison reveals true value beyond marketing claims.

The Value of Extended Warranties

Some installers offer extended warranty packages beyond standard coverage. These can provide excellent value, especially for:

- Premium door systems where replacement costs are high, Homeowners planning to stay long-term, Those who want hassle-free maintenance included

Evaluate extended warranties carefully. Calculate the cost versus potential repair savings, and verify what's actually covered.

Why Our Warranty Stands Out

At Sandwich Garage Doors, our 3-year warranty on all work reflects our confidence in our technicians and our commitment to customer satisfaction. Here's what makes our warranty different:

No Fine Print Gotchas: Our warranty is straightforward and comprehensive.

Local Service: We're not a national call center.we're your neighbors in Sandwich. Claims are handled quickly and personally.

Covers Parts AND Labor: Many warranties cover parts but charge for labor. Ours covers both.

No Maintenance Requirements: While we recommend annual maintenance (and offer it), our warranty doesn't require it.

Transferable: If you sell your home, the new owners inherit remaining warranty coverage.

Maximizing Your Warranty Protection

To ensure warranty coverage when you need it:

1. Keep Documentation: Store receipts, contracts, and warranty certificates safely. 2. Register Products: Complete any required registration within specified timeframes. 3. Maintain Records: Document maintenance, especially professional service visits. 4. Report Issues Promptly: Most warranties require timely reporting of problems. 5. Use Authorized Service: Protect your coverage by using authorized repair providers.

Conclusion

Warranties represent significant value.but only if you understand and utilize them properly. Take time to read warranty documents before purchasing, ask questions about unclear terms, and maintain your door according to manufacturer recommendations.

When you choose Sandwich Garage Doors, you get more than a warranty.you get a relationship with a local company that stands behind every installation. Call (978) 956-8574 for a free consultation and learn how our warranty protection gives you peace of mind for years to come.

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