How quickly can you fix my damaged panels?

We understand that damaged garage door panels are both an eyesore and a security concern. In most cases, we can repair or replace damaged panels within 24-48 hours of your service call. Our trucks are stocked with common panel sizes and styles, allowing us to complete many repairs on the first visit. For custom or specialty panels that need to be ordered, we typically see delivery within 5-7 business days. Emergency panel damage—such as from vehicle impacts—can often be addressed same-day with our 24/7 emergency service. Contact us for an assessment, and we'll provide you with a specific timeline for your situation.

What causes damaged panels in garage doors?

Garage door panel damage can occur from several sources. The most common causes include: Vehicle impacts — even minor contact can dent or crack panels. Weather damage — severe storms and hail can stress panel materials. Age and wear — panels may warp, rust, or crack due to natural aging. Improper operation — forcing a stuck door causes stress damage. Prevention includes parking carefully, scheduling regular preventive maintenance, and ensuring proper weatherstripping. If you notice damage, our garage door repair team can assess the situation quickly.

Do you offer financing for new fiberglass door installations?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options for new garage door installations. We partner with several financing providers offering same-as-cash plans (12-18 months), low monthly payment plans, and extended financing up to 60 months. The application process is simple — we can run a quick credit check during your free estimate appointment. A new garage door is an investment in your home's value, security, and energy efficiency. Contact us for a free estimate and we'll discuss financing options that work for your budget.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional garage door maintenance at least once per year, though twice-yearly service is ideal for doors with heavy use. Annual maintenance should include lubrication of all moving parts, spring tension and balance adjustment, hardware tightening, safety system testing, weatherstripping check, and opener diagnostics. Between professional visits, homeowners should perform monthly visual inspections. Read our winter preparation guide for seasonal tips.

What should I do if my garage door won't open?

If your garage door won't open, try these steps: 1) Check the power — ensure the opener is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. 2) Check the remote — replace batteries and try the wall button. 3) Look for obstructions — clear any objects blocking the photo-eye sensors. 4) Check the lock — some doors have manual locks that prevent opener operation. 5) Inspect the springs — if you see a broken spring, do NOT attempt to open manually; call our spring replacement team. If these steps don't resolve the issue, contact Southlake Garage Doors or call for professional diagnosis.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard residential garage door installation typically takes 3-5 hours, depending on door complexity, existing conditions, whether a new opener is being installed, and removal requirements. Most homeowners can expect their installation to be complete in one visit. We'll provide a specific time estimate during your free consultation based on your project details.

What's the difference between torsion and extension springs?

Torsion springs mount above the door and use torque to lift it. They're safer, last longer (15,000-20,000 cycles), and provide smoother operation. Extension springs run along the tracks on either side and are less expensive initially but have a shorter lifespan (10,000 cycles). We generally recommend torsion springs for safety and durability. Our spring replacement experts will advise the best option during your consultation. Read more about spring maintenance in our winter preparation guide.

Are your technicians licensed and insured?

Absolutely. All Southlake Garage Doors technicians are fully licensed, comprehensively insured, background checked, factory trained, and IDA Certified. You can trust that qualified professionals are working on your home. Learn more about our team and credentials.

Do you offer emergency garage door service?

Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency garage door service throughout the DFW Metroplex, including Grapevine, Colleyville, Keller, and all surrounding areas. Our emergency services include rapid response (typically within 60 minutes), fully-stocked service vehicles, and no extra charge for emergency visits. Call us anytime at .

What warranty do you offer on your work?

We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranty coverage: — all labor and parts installed by our team are warranted for three full years. Manufacturer warranties on doors and openers typically range from 1 year to lifetime. If you're not satisfied, we'll make it right at no additional charge. Contact us to learn more about our warranty coverage.

Battery Backup Systems: Protecting Your Family

2026-04-06 7 min read

If you've lived in Southlake for more than a summer, you already know that North Texas storms don't mess around. A strong line of thunderstorms can roll in off the plains, knock out power to entire neighborhoods, and be gone by morning. leaving you standing in your garage with a door that won't budge and a car you can't get to. That's exactly the scenario a battery backup system is designed to prevent.

This isn't a luxury upgrade. For Southlake homeowners who use their garage as the primary entry point to their home. which, honestly, is most of us. a battery backup for your garage door opener is one of the most practical investments you can make.

Why Power Outages Are a Real Problem in Texas

Texas leads the nation in power outages. Severe thunderstorms, ice storms, and the kind of intense summer heat that pushes the grid to its limits are all facts of life here in Tarrant County. Neighborhoods across Southlake, Keller, and Trophy Club have all experienced multi-hour outages during spring storm season.

When the power goes out, your garage door opener's motor goes with it. Most standard openers are entirely dependent on your home's electrical supply. no power, no door. That means your car is trapped inside (or you're trapped outside), and if you don't know how to operate the manual release, things get complicated fast.

How a Battery Backup Actually Works

A battery backup unit is a compact, rechargeable power pack that connects directly to your garage door opener. It stays in a trickle-charge state during normal operation, so it's always ready. The moment your home loses power, the backup system kicks in automatically. you don't have to flip a switch or do anything special.

Once activated, a quality backup system can typically power 20 to 50 open-and-close cycles over a 24-hour period, depending on the unit and your opener model. For most outages, that's more than enough to get your car in and out while you wait for the grid to come back online.

Leading brands like LiftMaster offer integrated battery backup that supplies power for up to 24 hours of operation, with LED indicators that alert you when the battery is in use or needs replacing. The backup battery itself generally has a lifespan of one to two years under normal conditions. though the intense summer heat we get here in Southlake can accelerate wear, so it's worth keeping an eye on it.

What Happens If You Don't Have One

Without a battery backup, you have two options when the power goes out:

Option 1: Manual Operation

Every garage door opener has an emergency release cord. typically a red handle hanging from the trolley mechanism. Pulling it disconnects the door from the motor drive, allowing you to lift the door by hand. This works, but it's not without complications.

After you pull that cord and move your car out, you need to re-engage the trolley before you leave. otherwise your garage door can be lifted from the outside by anyone. In a storm, in the dark, potentially with a soaked driveway, that's a frustrating and potentially unsafe situation.

Option 2: Wait It Out

If you're not comfortable with the manual release process, you simply wait for power to restore. That's fine for a brief outage, but during a significant weather event, you could be waiting hours. If you have an early morning appointment, a child to get to school, or a medical situation, that's not an acceptable answer.

Choosing the Right Battery Backup for Your Opener

Not every battery backup is compatible with every opener. This is one of those situations where it genuinely matters to have a professional evaluate your existing system. A few things to keep in mind:

- Newer openers (generally those installed after 2016) are more likely to have built-in battery backup capability or be compatible with add-on units. - Older openers may require a full opener replacement to get battery backup functionality. which isn't necessarily a bad thing if your current opener is aging anyway. - Belt-drive openers from brands like LiftMaster and Genie tend to have the most robust battery backup options. You can learn more about the differences in drive systems in our guide on belt replacement and drive systems.

If you're unsure what you have, the team at Southlake Garage Doors can take a look at your current setup and tell you exactly what your options are. no pressure, no upsell. Check out our services page to see what we cover.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Backup Ready

A battery backup only helps you if it's actually charged and functional. Here are a few habits worth building:

1. Test it every six months. Unplug your opener from the wall outlet and try to run one full open/close cycle using your remote. If it works, your backup is live. If nothing happens, your battery may be dead or the unit may have failed. 2. Watch for warning beeps. Most backup systems emit audible alerts when the battery is low or has reached the end of its service life. Don't ignore these. a persistent beep after an outage usually means the battery is drained and needs time to recharge, but if beeping continues after 24 hours, it likely needs replacement. 3. Account for Texas heat. High summer temperatures can accelerate battery degradation. If your garage isn't climate-controlled and regularly sees temperatures well above 90°F, plan on checking the battery more frequently and replacing it on the earlier end of its expected lifespan. 4. Keep the unit clean and dry. These are sealed units, but dust and moisture aren't friends of electronics. If your garage tends to run humid in summer, make sure there's reasonable airflow around the opener.

For more guidance on keeping your garage door system in shape year-round, take a look at our post on preparing your garage door for winter. many of the same principles apply in reverse during Southlake summers.

Is It Worth the Cost?

Short answer: yes, especially in North Texas. The upfront cost of a replacement battery backup unit typically runs $50,$150 for the unit itself, plus $75,$150 for professional installation if needed. Compare that to the aggravation of being locked out of your garage during a storm, the security risk of leaving a manually-released door unlatched, or the cost of a service call at odd hours. and the math is straightforward.

If you're building or buying in one of Southlake's newer communities like Carillon or Southlake Woods, make sure your builder specified an opener with battery backup from the start. If you're in an established neighborhood with an older opener, it's worth a quick evaluation to see where you stand.

Ready to find out if your system is protected? Contact us and we'll check your current setup and walk you through your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many times can I open my garage door during a power outage with a battery backup? A: Most residential battery backup systems will power between 20 and 50 open-and-close cycles during a 24-hour outage period, depending on the unit and opener model. For the average homeowner, that's well more than enough for a typical outage.

Q: My garage door opener is beeping. does that mean the battery backup is failing? A: A persistent beep usually signals a low or depleted battery. If the beeping started right after a power outage, give the battery up to 24 hours to fully recharge. the sound should stop once it reaches capacity. If it continues beeping after that, the battery has likely reached the end of its service life and needs to be replaced.

Q: Can I add a battery backup to my existing garage door opener, or do I need a new unit? A: It depends on your opener model and age. Many newer openers support add-on battery backup accessories, but some older models are not compatible. A quick check by a technician will tell you whether a simple add-on works or whether an opener upgrade makes more sense for your situation.

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