Newest in our blog
A Guide to Intermittent Garage Door Sensor Failure
It’s one of the most maddening homeowner mysteries. Your garage door works perfectly for weeks, then one sunny afternoon, it refuses to close. You check for obstructions, see nothing, try again, and it works. The next day, same problem. Or maybe it only acts up when it’s damp and rainy. If you’re dealing with a garage door that plays by its own rules, you’re not alone. This unpredictable behavior isn't a sign that your door is haunted; it's a classic symptom of intermittent sensor failure. The biggest "aha moment" for homeowners is realizing that garage door sensors don't just work or break—they degrade. Like any electronic component, they can start to show their age in strange, inconsistent ways long before they fail completely. Understanding these early warning signs is the key to catching a small annoyance before it becomes a major safety issue. This guide will walk you through the subtle signs of a failing sensor, helping you diagnose those "sometimes" problems that other troubleshooting guides often miss.
Published Date: Jan 22, 2026
How Extreme Weather Affects Garage Door Component Lifespan
Ever noticed how your garage door seems to have a personality of its own? It groans and complains on the coldest winter mornings and acts sluggish and stuck on the hottest summer days. It's not your imagination. The truth is, your garage door is in a constant battle with the weather, and the outcome of that battle directly impacts its lifespan—and your wallet. Most people only think about their garage door when it breaks. But what if you could understand the silent damage happening every day? The answer lies in simple physics, and learning it can help you prevent costly repairs and keep your door running smoothly, no matter what the forecast says.
Published Date: Jan 22, 2026
Why Is My Garage Door Rusting Only at the Bottom
You see it every time you pull into the driveway. Those unmistakable, ugly orange-brown spots creeping along the bottom of your garage door. It starts small, but it seems to be growing, and you can’t help but wonder why it’s only happening there. The rest of your door looks perfectly fine. It’s a frustratingly common problem, and it leaves many homeowners scratching their heads. Is the door defective? Is it a sign of a bigger issue? Before you jump to conclusions, let’s start with a simple diagnostic. That discoloration might not even be what you think it is.
Published Date: Jan 21, 2026
Top Benefits of Fire-Rated Garage Doors: Why They’re Worth It
A fire-rated garage door is more than just a safety upgrade — it’s a smart investment in protecting your home, business, or property. Whether you’re a homeowner or commercial builder, these doors offer real fire protection and can help meet local code requirements. At Up & Down Garage Doors, we help property owners across the U.S. choose and install the right fire-rated doors for garages. In this guide, we’ll cover what fire-rated garage doors are, how they work, where they’re used, and why they’re a smart choice for both safety and compliance.
Published Date: Jan 21, 2026
How Garage Door Flood Vents Help Reduce Flood Damage
Living in a flood-prone area means your home or building is constantly at risk from rising water levels. Installing garage door flood vents is a simple yet effective way to reduce structural damage during a flood. These systems allow water to flow in and out of your garage, helping equalize pressure and protect the foundation. In this guide, Up & Down Garage Doors explains how flood vents for garages work, what types exist, and why they’re worth the investment.
Published Date: Jan 20, 2026
Vertical Lift vs. High Lift Garage Doors: Which Overhead Solution is Best
Imagine your garage wasn't just a place to park your car. What if it had the vertical space for a two-post car lift, a loft for your workshop, or floor-to-ceiling storage that finally gets everything off the ground? For many homeowners, this dream is cut short by one thing: the horizontal tracks of a standard garage door. You park your car, press the button, and the door dutifully retracts, hugging the ceiling and occupying the most valuable real estate in the room. But what if it didn't have to? This is where specialized lift systems come in. If you've ever wondered how to reclaim that precious overhead space, you've likely come across two terms: high lift and vertical lift. While they sound similar, they solve different problems and have unique requirements. Understanding the difference is the first step toward transforming your garage from a simple box into a high-functioning space.
Published Date: Jan 20, 2026
Identifying and Preventing Garage Door Cable Fraying
Listen closely the next time your garage door opens. Beneath the hum of the motor, do you hear a faint scraping, a subtle groan, or a slight vibration that wasn't there before? It’s easy to dismiss these small sounds, but they could be your garage door's early warning system. Those two thin steel cables, one on each side of your door, do the heavy lifting day in and day out, hoisting hundreds of pounds against the pull of gravity. A single frayed strand is often the first, quiet sign of a potential failure that can be dangerous, disruptive, and costly. But here’s the good news: by learning to spot these early signs, you can prevent a major breakdown before it ever happens. This guide will teach you how to read the warning signs, perform safe maintenance, and know exactly when it’s time to call a professional.
Published Date: Jan 19, 2026
Detecting Micro-Cracks and Fatigue in Garage Door Hinges and Panels
That faint creak your garage door makes? Most of us ignore it. The tiny, web-like line near a hinge? We dismiss it as a scratch. We often assume garage door problems are loud, sudden, and obvious—a snapped spring, a door off its tracks. But what if the most significant threat to your door’s health is something you can barely see? Metal fatigue and micro-cracks are the silent culprits behind many catastrophic garage door failures. They develop slowly, caused by thousands of cycles of lifting and lowering, extreme weather, and minor imbalances. Finding a small crack early can be the difference between a simple adjustment and a full, costly door replacement. This guide will teach you how to become an expert inspector in under 10 minutes, using just a flashlight and your eyes.
Published Date: Jan 19, 2026
Long-Term Rust Prevention Coatings for Coastal Garage Doors
Living by the coast is a dream. The sound of the waves, the salty breeze—it’s a lifestyle many people crave. But that same beautiful sea air that fills your lungs is quietly waging a war on your home’s biggest moving part: the garage door. It’s a common story. You install a beautiful new door, and within a few years, you spot it: the tell-tale orange-brown freckles of rust, often starting at the bottom or around hinges and handles. This isn't just a cosmetic issue; it's the beginning of a process that can compromise your door's security, function, and lifespan. But here’s the good news: this is a preventable battle. With the right knowledge, you can transform your garage door from a vulnerable target into a fortress that stands up to the salty air for years to come. Let's talk about how to win the war against coastal corrosion.
Published Date: Jan 16, 2026