2024-01-05 9 min read Garage Door Mashpee Team
When investing in a new garage door, the warranty can be just as important as the door itself. A good warranty protects your investment and provides peace of mind, while a poor one can leave you paying for repairs that should be covered. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about garage door warranties.
Garage door warranties typically fall into several categories, and understanding each type is crucial for making an informed purchase decision.
This is the warranty provided by the company that made your garage door. It typically covers:
- Door Panels: Usually 1-10 years, covering defects in materials and workmanship - Hardware: Springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks.often 1-3 years - Finish/Paint: Coverage against peeling, flaking, or fading.varies from 1 year to lifetime - Insulation: If applicable, usually matches the panel warranty
What to look for: A manufacturer's warranty should clearly state what's covered, for how long, and under what conditions. Be wary of vague language or excessive exclusions.
This warranty is provided by the company that installs your door (that's us at Garage Door Mashpee). It covers problems arising from improper installation, such as:
- Misaligned tracks, Improper spring tension, Poorly adjusted opener, Inadequate weatherproofing
Our Promise: We provide a lifetime warranty on our installation workmanship. If a problem stems from how we installed your door, we'll fix it at no charge.forever.
Garage door openers have their own warranties, separate from the door:
- Motor: Often 5-10 years or lifetime on better models - Parts: Typically 1-5 years - Accessories: Remote controls, keypads, etc. usually 1 year
Understanding what can void your warranty is just as important as knowing what's covered. Common warranty-voiding actions include:
Most warranties require that repairs be performed by authorized technicians. Even well-intentioned DIY repairs can void coverage. This includes:
- Adjusting spring tension, Replacing parts with non-OEM components, Modifying the door structure, Painting or refinishing without following manufacturer guidelines
Warranties often require reasonable maintenance. Neglecting basic care can void coverage:
- Failing to lubricate moving parts, Not addressing minor problems that escalate into major damage, Allowing rust or corrosion to go untreated
Some warranties exclude damage from:
- Extreme weather events (hurricanes, tornadoes) - Salt air corrosion (important for Cape Cod homeowners) - Flooding or water damage, Acts of God
Tip: Ask specifically about coastal environment coverage when shopping for warranties in our area.
Using your garage door in ways it wasn't designed for can void coverage:
- Using a residential door for commercial purposes, Exceeding the rated cycle count, Forcing the door when it won't open or close
Before purchasing, read the full warranty document and look for these red flags:
Some warranties are prorated, meaning coverage decreases over time. For example, a "10-year warranty" might only cover 100% of costs in year one, dropping to 50% by year five and 10% by year nine.
Better option: Look for non-prorated warranties that provide full coverage for the entire term.
Many manufacturer warranties cover parts but not labor. Since labor often costs more than parts, this significantly reduces the warranty's value.
Better option: Choose a manufacturer and installer that offer comprehensive coverage including labor.
Some warranties require you to use specific service providers or ship parts to a factory for repair.
Better option: Ensure warranty service is available locally.
Some warranties require you to register within a short window, keep receipts for years, or document regular maintenance.
Better option: While reasonable documentation is normal, avoid warranties with onerous requirements.
When comparing doors at different price points, factor in warranty value:
Door A: $1,500 - 3-year panel warranty, 1-year parts warranty, No labor coverage, Prorated after year one
Door B: $2,000 - Lifetime panel warranty, 5-year parts warranty, 2-year labor coverage, Non-prorated
Door B costs $500 more upfront, but the superior warranty could save thousands over the life of the door. If Door A's panels warp after 5 years, you're paying full replacement cost. With Door B, you're fully covered.
We believe so strongly in our work and the products we install that we offer one of the most comprehensive warranty packages in the industry:
If any problem is caused by our installation.ever.we fix it free. This includes: - Track alignment issues, Spring tension problems, Weather seal failures, Any installation-related defects
We stand behind the parts we use with coverage that exceeds manufacturer minimums: - Springs: 5-year warranty (most manufacturers offer only 1 year) - Rollers and hinges: 3-year warranty, Weather sealing: 3-year warranty
If you sell your home, our warranty transfers to the new owner for the remainder of the term. This adds value to your home and gives buyers confidence.
We don't require excessive documentation or make you jump through hoops. If something goes wrong and it should be covered, we fix it. Period.
When shopping for a new garage door, ask these warranty-related questions:
1. What exactly is covered, and for how long? 2. Is the warranty prorated or non-prorated? 3. Does the warranty include labor, or just parts? 4. Who performs warranty service? 5. What maintenance is required to keep the warranty valid? 6. Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home? 7. Are there any environmental exclusions (especially for coastal areas)? 8. What documentation do I need to keep?
A comprehensive warranty is a sign that a manufacturer and installer stand behind their products and work. While it might be tempting to save money with a lower-priced door and minimal warranty, the long-term cost of repairs and replacements often exceeds the upfront savings.
At Garage Door Mashpee, we're proud to offer warranties that truly protect our customers. Contact us to learn more about our warranty coverage and see why 7,006+ Cape Cod homeowners trust us with their garage doors.