A Day in the Field with A Plus Garage Doors: Behind the Scenes
Who’s Writing This?
Longtime followers of our blog and new visitors alike will probably be surprised to learn that I am not, in fact, a garage door technician! I’m a member of the A Plus Garage Doors office team. While I work closely with the technicians on everything I write and share, you can rest assured that the information is accurate. My day-to-day job rarely takes me to job sites, but that’s about to change.
Going Above and Beyond for Excellence
At A Plus Garage Doors, we believe in exceeding expectations. This dedication has earned us over 40+ 5-star reviews on Google and a reputation for reliable, timely service in Charlotte. As a family-owned and operated business, led by Jimmy Perneszi with over 30 years of experience, we bring our “A-Plus game” to every job.
Hands-On Learning: Training in the Field
To ensure top-notch service, we emphasize education for all employees. This includes:
- Technicians learning the office side of operations.
- Office staff gaining field experience to understand garage doors and openers deeply.
Unlike larger companies, all the photos and videos you see on our website or social media are taken by our techs at real job sites. The homeowners featured are actual satisfied customers.
Joining the Crew for a Rainy Morning Start
On a rainy morning, I hopped into one of the A Plus Garage Doors trucks with Jimmy and his son, Tim. Our first job of the day was replacing a crumbling garage door at a customer’s home. The original door, installed by the builder, had long passed its prime.
A Common Challenge: Cluttered Garages
Like many homes, this garage was being used as storage. Thankfully, the homeowner cleared enough space for us to work. A tip for anyone calling a garage door company:
- Clear enough space to access the tracks, opener, and create a triangular space for maneuvering door panels.
Removing the Old Door
Steps to Remove a Garage Door
Before installing the new door, we removed the old one. Here’s how it’s done:
- Release the tension by unwinding the spring.
- Detach the cables connected to the bottom brackets.
- Remove the panels by taking out hinges and bending the track open for roller removal.
- Finally, take down the rails that guide the door.
Jimmy’s expertise was on full display as we worked through the process quickly and safely. A Plus doesn’t charge a disposal fee, so we loaded the old door into the truck for free.
Installing the New Door
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Installing the new door is essentially the reverse of removal:
- Partial track installation to guide the first panel.
- Secure the bottom track and build upwards panel by panel.
- Align and attach the top section of the track to ensure smooth operation.
Setting Up the Spring Assembly
Next, we installed the spring assembly, which includes:
- The metal bar and safety-secured spring.
- Cables and drums to wind as the door operates.
Finishing Touches and Final Reveal
Adding Weatherproofing and Clean-Up
To ensure a polished look and better insulation, we added weatherstripping around the door’s edges, securing it with nails and caulking.
A Customer-Focused Demonstration
Once installed, Jimmy walked the homeowner through the door’s features and pointed out any components nearing the end of their life. Unlike some companies, A Plus doesn’t upsell unnecessary upgrades. If it doesn’t need replacing, we won’t suggest it.
On to the Next Job
With the first job of the day completed and the rain clearing, we headed to our next destination. To hear more about my field adventures, stay tuned for Part 2 of “A Day in the Field with A Plus Garage Doors”!