Gates & Garage Doors FAQ

Answers to common questions about garage door repair, gate repair, installation, and maintenance in Los Angeles.

What types of garage doors do you repair?

We repair all residential garage door types including sectional (paneled) doors, roll-up doors, and one-piece tilt-up doors. We service steel, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass doors from all major manufacturers including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, and CHI Overhead Doors.

How quickly can you respond to a garage door or gate emergency?

We offer same-day emergency response for garage door and gate issues across Los Angeles. Most emergency calls are addressed within 2 to 4 hours. We prioritize situations where a door or gate is stuck open, creating a security vulnerability.

Do you service both residential and commercial gates?

Yes. We service single-family residential gates, multi-unit property gates, HOA community entry gates, and commercial facility gates. Our technicians are experienced with all operator types including DoorKing, LiftMaster, Viking, FAAC, BFT, and HySecurity.

How often should a garage door be serviced?

We recommend a professional garage door tune-up once per year. Annual maintenance includes spring inspection, lubrication, hardware tightening, safety system testing, and opener diagnostics. Regular maintenance can double the life of springs and other high-wear components.

What is a torsion spring and how is it different from an extension spring?

Torsion springs mount above the garage door on a steel shaft and use twisting force to lift the door. Extension springs mount along the horizontal tracks on either side and stretch to provide lifting force. Torsion springs are more common on modern doors, provide smoother operation, and are generally more durable. Extension springs require safety cables to prevent them from becoming projectiles if they break.

Can you automate my existing manual gate?

In most cases, yes. We retrofit automation systems onto existing gates regularly. This involves evaluating your gate's weight, condition, and mounting configuration, then installing an appropriately sized operator with all required safety devices. Not every gate is a candidate — some may be too heavy, damaged, or improperly hung for automation — and we'll provide an honest assessment during the site survey.

What brands of garage door openers do you service?

We service all major opener brands including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, Linear, Craftsman, and Marantec. We repair and replace belt-drive, chain-drive, screw-drive, and direct-drive (wall-mount) units. Smart opener configuration and WiFi module installation is also available.

Do I need a permit for a new gate installation in Los Angeles?

In most cases, yes. The City of Los Angeles requires permits for new gate installations, particularly for automated gates. Requirements vary by location and gate type. Atlas Home Pro handles the full permitting process including drawings, structural calculations when required, and scheduling the final inspection.

How long do garage door springs typically last?

Standard garage door springs are rated for approximately 10,000 cycles — one cycle being one open and one close. For a household using the garage door four times daily, that's roughly seven years. High-cycle springs, which we recommend and install, are rated for 20,000 to 25,000 cycles, effectively doubling or tripling the service life.

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

First, check the photo-eye safety sensors at the bottom of the door tracks — they may be misaligned, dirty, or blocked by an object. Clean the sensor lenses and verify the LED indicators show both sensors are aligned. If the door still won't close, try holding the wall button continuously — if it closes with the button held, the issue is almost certainly sensor-related. If none of these steps work, the problem may be with the opener's logic board, limit settings, or force adjustment.

What is the difference between a swing gate and a sliding gate?

A swing gate opens inward or outward on hinges, similar to a door. A sliding gate moves horizontally along a track. Swing gates require clearance space for the opening arc and work best on flat driveways. Sliding gates are ideal for sloped driveways, limited-clearance properties, and wider openings. Both types can be fully automated with appropriate operators.

Do you offer a warranty on your gate and garage door work?

Yes. Every repair and installation is backed by our 6-month workmanship guarantee. If something we repaired or installed fails within that window, we return and resolve it at no additional cost. Manufacturer warranties on parts and equipment are honored separately and vary by component.