Do I have to have sensors on my garage door?

• <div><p>If you <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-open-garage-door-manually.htm">open your garage manually</a>, you don’t need sensors. If you have an automatic garage door opener, sensors are required by law. The <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/07/13/2018-14909/safety-standard-for-automatic-residential-garage-door-operators">federal law UL 325</a> mandates that all residential garage door openers in the U.S. must include sensors. Designed to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of entrapment, the sensors should be able to reverse the motion of the garage door within two seconds of detecting an obstruction. The sensors are there to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe from a door that might otherwise come down too hard or too fast. </p></div>

What is the best material for building a garage?

• <div><p>Wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum are among the top building materials for a garage. Wood is highly customizable, naturally insulative, and durable in mild climates but can be expensive. Steel is lightweight, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, but it’s susceptible to rust. Fiberglass is low-maintenance and doesn’t shrink or expand in changing temperatures, but it can become brittle and crack from prolonged high winds and sun exposure. </p><p>Unlike steel, aluminum isn’t susceptible to rust and is low-maintenance, but its ultra-light weight makes it less durable than some materials, and it’s susceptible to saltwater damage, making it a poor choice for coastal homes.</p></div>

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Q: Is an 8-foot garage door wide enough?

• <div><p>Yes, a single garage door with an 8-foot width is considered standard. This will be the size needed if you are upgrading a garage door in nearly any standard-sized residential garage. If you are building a garage from scratch that you intend to use for parking a large truck, SUV, or RV, you can consider extending the width to 10 feet to make parking easier.</p></div>

Q: Do I have to have sensors on my garage door?

• <div><p>If you <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-open-garage-door-manually.htm">open your garage manually</a>, you don&rsquo;t need sensors. If you have an automatic garage door opener, sensors are required by law. The <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/07/13/2018-14909/safety-standard-for-automatic-residential-garage-door-operators">federal law UL 325</a> mandates that all residential garage door openers in the U.S. must include sensors. Designed to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of entrapment, the sensors should be able to reverse the motion of the garage door within two seconds of detecting an obstruction. The sensors are there to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe from a door that might otherwise come down too hard or too fast. </p></div>

Q: Are prefab garages worth it?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s better to build a garage than buy and install a prefabricated one. You can save money by purchasing a prefabricated metal garage kit for between <b>$4,000 and $11,000</b>. However, this does not include the price of labor and permits, which can account for more than half of the project cost. Building a new garage over buying a prefab garage will add more value to your home and will last longer, so it&rsquo;s more cost-effective over time to build a new garage.</p></div>

Q: Can garage doors work with one spring?

• <div><p>With the exception of small, lightweight torsion-spring garage doors, which can operate with one spring, most garage doors require two springs to work properly. Garage doors with extension springs always require two springs&mdash;if one extension spring is broken or otherwise failing, the garage door may open unevenly and could pose a hazard if the remaining spring fails.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Garage Door Service pros in Elk, PA

*The Angi rating for Garage Door Service companies in Elk, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Garage Door Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Garage Door Service companies in Elk, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Garage Door Service needs.

Last update on November 03, 2025

Reviewed in November 2023
They came in examined my garage door and told me the best way they could fix it and quoted me a price. The repairmen were very curious and knowledgeable. I had them repair the door but I think they were too expensive. They said when I called them if they did the job they would take the 30...
Lockout Locksmith LLC
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Reviewed in December 2022
They were prompt and very personable. They worked great together. They left our garage cleaner than when they started. Garage doors look great.
Baker Garage Door
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Reviewed in October 2019
Like the owner is very professional. Cleaned up the site after the job was completed. Installation was perfect, this is the best fitting and quietest garage door I've had.
Access Door Systems, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2018
I called in to ask for service. They had a technician out early the next morning. He didn’t have the part at the time but returned when he did. The office staff and technician were very helpful and professional. I’ll certainly be using them for all future garage door needs.
INSTALLATION SERVICES INC
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Reviewed in February 2017
Had them do two jobs in the past 2 months. Excellent on both. Installed a smart door lock and fixed a nuisance screen door in one trip, later came back and installed new drainage pipe. Always available, very flexible, and patient. And of course the work is top-notch.
Banko & Son Remodeling LLC
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Reviewed in November 2015
Excellent! Our house was built 50 years ago and this company built the new garage with a style and materials that made the new construction look as if it had been built when the house was. They took time to build a quality structure with no short cuts. We are VERY pleased!
D&R Quality Builders Inc
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Reviewed in September 2015
At first it went great bought 4 doors and six windows from him his response time and punctuality where spot on. Keeped having problems with one of the sliding glass doors he never did get that fixed after repeated callings. But i tried him again on the service upgrade for my house being he is...
MIRABELLA WINDOW & DOOR/Clear Choice Windows Pgh
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Reviewed in May 2012
They did a very good job. They were on time, and finished the job in one day. I think their price was fair, because we got a really nice door, and it works really well. They were able to give us a discount, which was nice. They made us aware of the sale that was going on for the better door....
Sears - Uniontown Mall
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Collins Complete Construction

Collins Complete Construction

J Phelps General Contracting

J Phelps General Contracting

American Home Guard Home Warranty - PA

American Home Guard Home Warranty - PA

Raker Builders Co

Raker Builders Co

Trijor

Trijor

Lowry's Restoration Services

Lowry's Restoration Services

S and B Remodel

S and B Remodel

s&b construction & remodeling partnership

s&b construction & remodeling partnership

Quick Opener Motor Repair Newell 724-426-4550

Quick Opener Motor Repair Newell 724-426-4550

David Walter Builder LLC

David Walter Builder LLC

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