How quickly can you fix my slow movement?

We understand that a slow-moving garage door is frustrating and can be a security concern. Our rapid response team can typically diagnose and repair slow movement issues within the same day. Common causes include worn rollers, lack of lubrication, or spring tension issues—all of which we can address quickly. For most cases, we arrive within 2-4 hours of your call during business hours. Our technicians come fully equipped with the parts and tools needed for most repairs, so we can often complete the fix in a single visit. If you're experiencing slow door movement, we recommend calling us right away at (863) 563-3552. The problem usually gets worse over time and can lead to complete door failure if left unaddressed. Our same-day service and -year warranty give you peace of mind that the issue will be resolved quickly and correctly.

What causes slow movement in garage doors?

Slow movement in garage doors is typically caused by several factors, and identifying the root cause is essential for a lasting repair: **Worn or Damaged Rollers**: The rollers that guide your door along the tracks can wear out, crack, or seize up over time. Metal rollers are particularly prone to this issue and should be replaced with nylon rollers for smoother, quieter operation. **Lack of Lubrication**: Garage doors have many moving parts that need regular lubrication—hinges, rollers, springs, and tracks. Florida's humidity can actually accelerate the breakdown of lubricants, so more frequent maintenance is often needed here in Polk County. **Spring Issues**: Weakening torsion or extension springs struggle to lift the door's weight, causing slow and labored movement. Springs typically last 10,000-15,000 cycles, which translates to about 7-10 years for most families. **Track Misalignment**: If your tracks have shifted out of alignment, the door will drag and move slowly. **Opener Problems**: An aging or underpowered garage door opener may struggle to move the door at normal speed. Our technicians perform a comprehensive inspection to identify exactly what's causing your slow movement and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

Do you offer financing for new wood door installations?

Yes! We understand that a new wood garage door is a significant investment in your home's beauty and value. That's why we offer flexible financing options to make your dream door affordable. **Our Financing Options Include:** - Low monthly payments that fit your budget - Promotional 0% APR periods for qualified buyers - No money down options available - Quick approval process—often same-day - Competitive interest rates for all credit profiles Contact us at (863) 563-3552 to schedule a free in-home consultation. We'll show you our wood door options, discuss customization possibilities, and provide financing information tailored to your situation.

What is your service area?

Veteran Owned proudly serves all of Polk County and surrounding areas. Our primary service areas include Mulberry (our home base), Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Haines City, Polk City, Plant City, Lake Wales, Fort Meade, and Dundee. Being locally owned and operated for over years, we know this area well and can provide faster response times than companies based outside the region. Our technicians are strategically located throughout the county to ensure rapid service wherever you are. If you're not sure whether you're in our service area, just give us a call at (863) 563-3552. We're happy to help!

What is included in your warranty?

Every job we complete comes with our comprehensive -Year Warranty, one of the best in the industry. **Parts**: All parts we install are covered against defects in materials and workmanship for the full warranty period. **Labor**: Our warranty covers the labor cost for any warranty-related repairs. **What's Not Covered**: - Damage from accidents, misuse, or neglect - Normal wear items used beyond their expected lifespan - Work performed by other companies after our service **Our Money-Back Guarantee**: We also stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with the quality of our work, we'll make it right—or refund your money.

Do you offer emergency service?

Yes! We understand that garage door emergencies don't always happen during regular business hours. That's why we offer 24/7 emergency service for urgent situations. **What Constitutes an Emergency?** - Door stuck open and won't close (security risk) - Door came off the tracks - Broken spring with vehicle trapped inside - Door fell unexpectedly - Any situation that poses a safety hazard **Emergency Response**: When you call our emergency line, we aim to arrive within 1-2 hours for true emergencies. **Emergency Service Rates**: Our rates are reasonable and transparent. We don't charge excessive "emergency fees." For emergency service, call us immediately at (863) 563-3552. Available 24/7, including holidays.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional garage door maintenance at least once per year, ideally before the hot summer months here in Florida. **Light Use (1-2 cycles per day)**: Annual maintenance is usually sufficient. **Moderate Use (3-5 cycles per day)**: Consider service every 6-9 months. **Heavy Use (6+ cycles per day)**: Quarterly inspections may be beneficial. **What Our Maintenance Service Includes**: Complete safety inspection, lubrication of all moving parts, spring tension adjustment, track alignment verification, opener safety sensor testing, hardware tightening, weather seal inspection, and safety reversal test. We offer affordable annual maintenance plans that include priority scheduling and discounts on repairs. Call (863) 563-3552 to learn more.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A typical garage door installation takes between 3-6 hours, depending on several factors: **Standard Single Door Replacement**: 3-4 hours **Double Door Replacement**: 4-5 hours **Installation with New Opener**: Add 1-2 hours Our installers arrive with everything needed to complete the job in one visit. We protect your garage floor and driveway, clean up all debris, and haul away your old door. Before we leave, we'll demonstrate operation, program remotes, and explain maintenance recommendations.

Garage Door Safety in Mulberry: Photo Eye & Auto-Reverse Protection Explained

Name: Mulberry Garage Doors
Address: 85 Sunset Rd, Mulberry, 33860, US
Telephone: 18635633552
Price range: $$

2026-08-03 7 min read

In our years serving Mulberry, we've seen this problem again and again: homeowners who don't know their garage door has safety sensors, or worse, ones that have been disabled or fallen out of alignment. A garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds and descends at 7 to 10 inches per second. Without working photo eyes and auto-reverse mechanisms, that door can seriously injure or kill a child, pet, or bystander in seconds.

Why Photo Eyes Are Your First Line of Defense

Photo eyes (also called safety sensors or photo sensors) are small infrared devices mounted on both sides of your garage door frame, about 6 inches above the ground. They create an invisible beam across the doorway. If anything blocks that beam while the door is closing, the door should reverse immediately.

This safety feature became mandatory on all residential garage door openers manufactured after 1993. Yet many homeowners in Mulberry don't realize their sensors are misaligned, dirty, or simply not working. A blocked photo eye won't stop the door from closing. Your child reaching for a toy, a pet darting under, even a bicycle left in the path can trigger a catastrophic injury.

We recommend checking your photo eyes monthly. Look for dirt, spider webs, or condensation on the lens. If either sensor's light isn't visible or steady, call a professional right away. Misalignment often requires special tools to correct safely.

How Auto-Reverse Works and Why It Matters

Auto-reverse is a backup safety system built into modern garage door openers. If the door encounters resistance during its downward travel, the motor reverses direction within 2 to 5 seconds. This is different from photo eyes. Auto-reverse detects physical obstruction, not blocked light beams.

Both systems must work together. Photo eyes catch problems before contact. Auto-reverse catches what photo eyes miss. A malfunctioning auto-reverse means your door could crush an object (or someone) before reversing.

Test your auto-reverse monthly by placing a 2x4 block of wood under the door as it closes. The door should reverse before making contact. If it doesn't reverse, or if it takes longer than a few seconds, stop using the opener and schedule a free quote with Mulberry Garage Doors. This is not a DIY repair.

Child Safety and Garage Door Hazards

Kids are naturally curious. They hide under closing doors, stick their fingers in gaps, or chase toys into the path. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 20,000 people are injured by garage doors annually in the United States. About 200 of those injuries are fatal.

Most injuries happen because parents don't realize the danger or because safety features have degraded over time. Learn more about garage door maintenance in Mulberry to keep all safety systems in working order throughout the year.

Teaching children that a garage door is not a toy is essential. But technology must back up education. Every garage door should have working photo eyes, a functioning auto-reverse, and an emergency release cord that hangs from the opener (never tied up or blocked).

**Need garage door safety in Mulberry today?** Call 18635633552 for same-day safety inspections and repairs across the area.

Common Safety Mistakes We See Near Mulberry

Homeowners sometimes disable or bypass photo eyes because they seem inconvenient. A stuck door or a sensor that false-triggers frustrates people. But disabling safety features to solve a temporary problem creates permanent danger. If your photo eyes are causing issues, the sensors themselves or the opener likely needs adjustment or replacement, not removal.

Another mistake: assuming a loud noise or rough closing means the door is fine. Sometimes it signals failing springs or misaligned tracks. Worn parts can prevent auto-reverse from working properly. Check our guide on when your garage door gets stuck for warning signs that require immediate attention.

Some homeowners also ignore moisture or corrosion on the sensor lenses. Florida's humidity and heat accelerate this. Condensation inside the sensor housing can block the infrared beam entirely.

What a Professional Safety Inspection Includes

When Mulberry Garage Doors performs a safety check, we test both photo eyes and auto-reverse under controlled conditions. We verify that the emergency release works, check for worn cables and springs (which affect how smoothly the door stops), and ensure the door closes smoothly without jerking or binding.

A professional inspection typically costs $75 to $150 and takes 30 to 45 minutes. If repairs are needed, contact us for a free estimate. Many minor adjustments cost under $100 and can be done same-day. Sensor replacement runs $150 to $300 per unit, depending on the opener model.

Preventing a tragedy is worth far more than the cost of maintenance or repair.

Garage Door Safety Isn't Optional

Your garage door's safety systems protect your family every single day. Test them monthly. Clean the photo eye lenses. Never disable or remove sensors. And if you're unsure whether your opener meets current safety standards, have it inspected by a professional. Visit our safety services page to learn more about what we offer in Mulberry and nearby communities.

Call us at 18635633552 if you have questions or need a same-day inspection. Don't wait for an accident to take action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my photo eyes are working? A: Most photo eyes have a small LED light that glows steady when the beam is clear. When you break the beam with your hand, the light should change color or blink. If there's no light or it doesn't respond, the sensor needs service.

Q: Can I clean my photo eyes myself? A: Yes. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the lens. Avoid harsh chemicals. If cleaning doesn't restore the beam, the sensor or wiring may be damaged. Call a professional.

Q: What should I do if my auto-reverse test fails? A: Stop using the opener immediately. Do not attempt repairs yourself. Call a garage door technician right away. A faulty auto-reverse is a serious safety hazard.

Q: How often should I test my safety features? A: Test both photo eyes and auto-reverse once a month. This takes less than five minutes and can prevent injury or death.

Q: Are older garage doors less safe than new ones? A: Older openers (pre-1993) do not have photo eyes as a factory feature. Many can be retrofitted, but the systems may not be as reliable. If your opener is more than 20 years old, consider replacement for full safety compliance.

Back to Blog