"What is the R-value of this door?"

Why it matters: An attached garage affects the temperature of adjacent living spaces. An uninsulated steel door (R-0) transfers temperature directly.

"What type of springs are you installing - torsion or extension - and why?"

Why it matters: Torsion springs mount above the door opening on a horizontal bar. Extension springs run alongside the horizontal tracks.

"How many cycles are the springs rated for?"

Why it matters: Cycle rating = how many times the door opens and closes before the spring reaches end of life. Standard springs: 10,000 cycles.

"Is the new opener compatible with this door, and is installation included?"

Why it matters: Opener and door are a matched system. The opener must be able to lift the door weight and move at the right speed.

"How do you balance the door after installation?"

Why it matters: A properly balanced door stays at any position when you release it manually. An unbalanced door falls or rises.

"What are the panel material and gauge?"

Why it matters: Steel garage door panels vary in thickness: 24-gauge (standard), 25-gauge (lighter, dents more easily), and 27-gauge (budget). Heavier gauge steel (lower number = thicker) is more dent-resistant.

"What weatherstripping is included, and does the bottom seal cover the full width?"

Why it matters: Weatherstripping on the sides and top of the door frame prevents air infiltration. The bottom seal (astragal) must contact the floor across the full width to prevent water, pests, and air from entering at the bottom.

"Are the tracks new or are you reusing the old tracks?"

Why it matters: Old, bent, or worn tracks cause the door to bind, wear faster, and make noise. New doors should ideally have new tracks matched to the door weight and panel profile.

"Do the safety features (auto-reverse and photoelectric sensors) meet current code?"

Why it matters: UL 325 requires all garage door openers sold in the US to have auto-reverse (reverses if the door contacts resistance during closing) and photoelectric sensors (reverses if the beam is broken during closing). Old openers may not have both.

"What warranty covers the door panels, the springs, and the labor?"

Why it matters: Three separate warranties apply: door panel manufacturer warranty (typically limited lifetime), spring warranty (typically 1-3 years for standard, longer for high-cycle), and installer labor warranty (typically 1 year)..

"Does the quote include disposal of the old door?"

Why it matters: Old door disposal is sometimes included, sometimes extra..

"What is the payment schedule?"

Why it matters: Garage doors are custom-ordered to your specified size. A deposit at order and balance at installation is standard.