Fish Creek Garage Doors | 791 Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Everett 2, Montgomery, TX 77316 | (936) 280-0359
When Susan from Montgomery, TX, reached out to us, her voice was filled with stress. She had just paid for a new residential garage door installation, expecting a smooth and reliable process. But after a few weeks, the garage door panels began to shift, the garage door opener would stop mid-motion, and she heard loud grinding from the horizontal tracks. The door wouldn’t close properly, and the system lacked basic safety sensors. After an inspection, our team discovered improperly installed torsion springs, loose brackets, and even missing cables — all signs of unprofessional work.
Susan’s story isn’t unique. According to national statistics, over 30% of homeowners are unhappy with the installation process of their garage doors, often due to shortcuts taken by unqualified contractors. Poor installation can compromise not only the door’s performance but also its energy efficiency, safety, and overall lifespan.
If you’re planning a garage door installation or are dealing with the aftermath of a poor one, this article is your comprehensive guide. From the garage door opening and vertical tracks to the torsion tube and garage door opener, we’ll walk you through clear warning signs that indicate you may have hired the wrong team for the job.
1. Lack of Proper Licensing and Insurance
One of the most important — and often overlooked — steps in hiring a contractor is verifying their license and insurance. A legitimate garage door installation company will always be transparent about their credentials.
Why It Matters:
- Licensing confirms the company has met state and local requirements for operating in the garage door industry.
- Insurance protects your home and the workers in case of accidental damage or injury during the installation.
Without these, you could be held liable for accidents during your garage door installation, especially when handling high-tension components like torsion springs, cables, and drums that require proper handling and safety tools like vise grips, lag bolts, and cones.
2. No Physical Business Location
Legitimate garage door companies typically operate from a verified address, such as our location at Fish Creek Thoroughfare. If a company has no physical presence or only offers a vague online listing, that should raise red flags.
Why It Matters:
- A physical location means accountability.
- Companies with no traceable business location can vanish, especially if problems arise with your new garage door or garage door opener.
Don’t risk trusting your garage door system a major part of your home’s security to someone you can’t locate afterward.
3. Poor Communication or Pushy Sales Tactics
From the first phone call, a reliable company should be informative, transparent, and never pushy. Poor communication is a clear sign of poor service.
Warning Signs:
- Rushing through installation instructions
- Avoiding questions about garage door parts, insulation, or R-values
- Promoting “limited-time offers” with no detailed explanation
- Refusing to provide a step-by-step guide or written contract
Reputable professionals walk you through everything from choosing your garage door panels, hinges, and garage door opener to explaining features like energy efficiency and smooth operation.
4. No Written Estimate or Contract
Never allow an installation process to begin without a clear contract. The agreement should outline every section of the job.
What It Should Include:
- Detailed costs (labor, materials, optional upgrades)
- Type and model of garage door
- Warranty on parts and labor
- Estimated timeline and steps
- Scope of removal for the old door
- Expected performance of the garage door system
This protects both you and the company and ensures no corners are cut when installing torsion springs, vertical tracks, cables, safety sensors, and more.
5. Low-Quality Parts or Materials
Cheap parts equal poor performance. A low-cost garage door installation often means you’re getting off-brand or substandard garage door sections, spring systems, or track assemblies.
What To Look For:
- Trusted brands like Clopay, Wayne Dalton, or LiftMaster
- Insulated panels for energy savings
- Galvanized or powder-coated torsion springs for durability
- Quality cables, center brackets, and safety sensors
- Proper alignment of horizontal and vertical tracks
You should never compromise on the parts that support the full operation of your garage door system.
6. No Permit or Inspection Guidance
In many counties, including Montgomery, residential garage door installations require permits and follow-up inspections. A company that skips this is likely skipping other important steps, too.
Why It Matters:
- Ensures safe and proper operation of the door
- Avoids legal issues during a future home sale
- Confirms the door is properly anchored with flag brackets, hinges, and zinc hex lag screws
An honest company guides you through these requirements, helping you get approvals and documenting the installation properly.
7. Improper Installation Practices
You may not realize something’s wrong until weeks later, but a poorly installed garage door shows signs quickly.
Red Flags:
- The bottom panel does not sit flush
- The opener hesitates or stops
- The tracks make loud noises
- The door sticks or slams shut
- Loose brackets or hinges
Professional installation includes measuring your garage door opening, aligning the torsion tube, applying correct spring tension, and securing each bracket and track with the proper tools.
8. No Warranty or Guarantee
Your garage door is a major investment, and it should come with a warranty that covers both parts and labor.
What You Should Receive:
- Written manufacturer’s warranty (often 3–10 years)
- Labor guarantee from the installer
- Explanation of regular maintenance expectations
If they can’t explain how to perform routine maintenance or what’s included in their coverage, you may be stuck with repairs sooner than you think.
9. Lack of Experience with Residential Installations
Not all garage door companies are familiar with the specific requirements of residential systems, especially when it comes to matching style, ensuring quiet operation, and integrating with your garage door opener.
Ask These Questions:
- Have you handled installations in my neighborhood?
- Are your technicians trained on residential garage doors?
- Do you understand the best configurations for energy efficiency, curb appeal, and garage door insulation?
An experienced team will know how to install overhead doors, adjust spring tension, and guide you through product choices that suit your home’s style and usage needs.
10. Bad Reviews or No Online Presence
Online reviews provide real insight into a company’s reliability. A lack of digital footprint or a stream of negative reviews should make you think twice.
What to Watch Out For:
- Complaints about installation delays
- Reports of faulty opener systems or broken springs
- Lack of response to problems or follow-ups
- Few or no details about the actual work performed
At Fish Creek Garage Doors, we encourage customers to leave feedback because we’re confident in the quality of our garage door installations.
How Can Fish Creek Garage Doors Help You?
If you’re concerned about your recent residential garage door installation or you want to avoid problems altogether, Fish Creek Garage Doors is your trusted partner in Montgomery, TX, and nearby areas.
We offer:
- Full-service garage door installation, repair, and maintenance
- Expert replacement of torsion springs, brackets, cables, and garage door openers
- Step-by-step guidance throughout the installation process
- Use of premium materials and top-rated garage door panels
- Transparent pricing, accurate estimates, and documented warranties
- Experienced, insured, and certified technicians
- Flexible scheduling and fast emergency repairs
We’re located at Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Everett 2, Montgomery, TX 77316, and ready to serve your garage door needs with integrity and skill.
📞 Call us today at (936) 280-0359 for a free inspection, quote, or consultation on your next garage door project. Let us show you how professional garage door installation should be done — safely, efficiently, and with long-term reliability in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does a residential garage door installation typically take?
A standard residential garage door installation usually takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on the door size, opener system, and complexity of the job.
2. Can I reuse my old garage door opener with a new garage door?
Yes, but only if the opener is compatible with the new door’s weight, height, and spring system; otherwise, it could strain the motor or fail prematurely.
3. What is the average lifespan of a garage door after installation?
With proper maintenance, a high-quality residential garage door can last 15 to 30 years, while openers typically last around 10 to 15 years.
4. Are insulated garage doors worth it in Texas?
Yes, insulated doors help regulate garage temperature, reduce noise, and improve energy efficiency, especially during extreme Texas summers.