DOORMASTERS

• How often should my garage door be serviced?

• It’s generally recommended to have your garage door professionally serviced at least once a year, especially if it's used frequently or is in a harsh environment.

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• What basic maintenance can I do myself every few months?
  You should check the door’s balance, look for unusual noises, inspect tracks, cables and rollers, and wash the exterior to prevent corrosion (especially in coastal areas).

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• How do I know if my garage door should be repaired or replaced?
  If the door is heavily damaged, warping, repeatedly breaking down, or safety features are failing, replacement may be more cost‑effective than ongoing repairs.

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• What happens during a power cut — can I still operate my door?
  Yes. Most doors allow manual operation by disengaging the opener with the pull‑cord and manually moving the door. Re‑engage the opener once power is restored.

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• How secure are modern garage doors and openers?
  Modern systems incorporate features like rolling‑code remotes, encrypted signals, safety sensors, and smart‑phone control which help improve security.

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• Are older doors and openers still compliant with safety standards in NZ?
  Not always. Older models may not meet current safety standards. It’s important to test safety features (e.g., auto‑reverse) and verify compliance.

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• What causes a garage door to operate loudly or jerkily?
  Common causes include worn rollers, neglected lubrication, misalignment of tracks, or failing opener components.

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• Can I install a remote or smart phone control for my garage door?
  Yes. Many modern openers support remote operation via app control, integrating into home automation systems, and you can retrofit in many cases.

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• What material options are available for garage doors in NZ?
  Options commonly include steel, timber/cedar, composite materials, and insulated panels. Material choice affects durability, maintenance and appearance.

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• What sized doors are available and how wide can they be made?
  Many NZ manufacturers offer doors in custom widths and in 5 mm increments for residential sizes, with widths up to around 6600 mm.

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• Should I worry about the finish and environment (e.g., coastal) on my door?
  Yes. Doors in coastal or industrial environments need extra attention — wash more frequently, consider corrosion‑resistant finishes, and maintain seals.

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• What happens if the opener is disengaged manually for too long?
  If the opener is left disengaged, the door is no longer locked electronically and could be opened manually — so re‑engage as soon as possible.

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• Do I need a professional installer, or can I do it myself?
  Professional installation is strongly recommended. Garage doors are large mechanical objects and springs/cables can be dangerous. Incorrect installation can void warranties.

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• What about weather‑tightness and garage doors?
  If the garage is part of the main dwelling structure, it may need to meet certain weather‑tightness standards under New Zealand building code.

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• How long can I expect my garage door to last?
  Lifespan depends on usage, environment, material, maintenance and installation quality. Regular servicing significantly prolongs life and ensures safe operation.

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• What should I do if the door doesn’t close fully or reverses unexpectedly?
  Possible causes include mis‑aligned safety sensors, broken springs, or motor/limit settings. It’s best to call a qualified technician.

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• What kind of call‑out or repair costs can I expect in NZ?
  Standard servicing or tune‑ups may cost in the low hundreds, while more significant repairs (springs, cables, opener replacement) can cost several hundred NZD.

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• Is insulation worth it for a garage door?
  Yes — insulated doors help with temperature control, reduce noise, prevent moisture ingress and can improve the comfort and usability of the space.

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• What should I ask my installer before buying a garage door?
  Questions should include: What warranty is offered? Is the door sized correctly? Are all safety features included? How is maintenance handled? What is the lead time?

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• What are common myths about garage doors I should be aware of?
  Examples: The idea that openers are truly maintenance‑free; that only old doors need servicing; or that any door installed is automatically safety compliant.