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On March 6, Tim Patterson, who has been a leading garage door technician for Garage Door Services (GDS), was bound over for trial in San Diego Superior Court on nine counts of felony residential burglary and nine counts of theft, most of which are felonies. All charges allege primarily that Patterson took financial advantage of customers in the amounts he charged for his garage door work. His company, based in Dallas, Texas, was exposed in our fall 2015 cover story, “The worst garage door company in the nation.”

The lead prosecutor in the case is Paul Greenwood, deputy district attorney and the head of the Elder Abuse Prosecution Unit of the San Diego District Attorney’s Office. If convicted on all counts, Patterson faces a possible sentence of 10+ years in state prison.

Greenwood said that the residential burglary charges allege that TOP GDS* TECHNICIAN CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE FELONIES CHARGES PERTAIN TO OVERCHARGING SENIOR CITIZENS FOR GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS Patterson “entered a residence with the intent to steal.” At the March 6 hearing, nine of Patterson’s customers testified, along with three other San Diego-area door dealers who had inspected Patterson’s invoices and work. Eight of the nine testifying customers were senior citizens.

Sample invoice from Patterson

In our fall 2015 cover story, one of Patterson’s invoices was published (below). This invoice was given to a 90-year-old woman in San Diego, charging her $2,126.80 for parts and $2,059.89 for labor on a three-hour service call. After a few other charges and discounts, the total was $4,274.

For that price, the customer received only a hardware overhaul on one door, a new opener, and the normal related service. Many dealers might charge $750 or less for the same service.

A closer look at the charges

The invoice contains several items that double- or triple-charge for the same item or service. Specifically, this elderly woman was charged $459.98 for two torsion springs, another $259.99 for “Torsion System Deconstruction,” $269.99 for “Torsion System Reinstallation,” $299.99 for “Track Reset and Alignment,” and $199.99 for “Door Balance.” Other hardware charges (rollers, brackets, cable, drums, etc.) totaled $766.87 plus another $139.99 for a “Lifetime” parts warranty, $189.99 for “Lube and Tune Service.”

For the opener, a LiftMaster 1/2-HP screw drive opener with rail and a 3-button transmitter, Patterson charged her $719.97 plus another $199.99 for “Motor Service,” $199.99 for “Garage Door Motor and Accessorie (sic) Installation,” and $37.52 for “Remote/Keypad Reprogramming.”

Other charges included $29.99 for “Removal and Disposal of Materials,” another $25.00 for “Garage Opener Haul Off,” and $99.95 for “Recycling, Disposal, and Fuel.” Yet, she received $198.81 in “discounts.” As reported in our fall 2015 article, Patterson would have been praised and even rewarded for such an invoice.

Top gun

According to a former GDS employee, Patterson made more than $300,000 for himself in 2015 and was rewarded with a trip to the GDS Christmas party at the company’s Dallas headquarters. Several internal GDS records praise Patterson as a “top gun” for high invoices.

The service for this one invoice was provided on June 2, 2015, under GDS’s California contractor license (#927739). At that time, that license was under suspension. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) reported that GDS was not allowed to perform any work while under suspension. Yet there is evidence that Patterson was active constantly throughout the suspension period.

For ensuring the safety of your valuable vehicles, call Central Utah Door Co. We are a reliable company that works to protect the vehicles with secured doorways, or gateways. We offer to install garage doors along with maintenance services to the clients from time to time. Our specialty is our team of dedicated technicians and customer care representatives who shall answer all your SOS calls with great earnestness and responds effectively. SOS calls with great earnestness and responds effectively.Our satisfied customers go ga-ga in praise of our work. Call us at (801)-373-8103 for getting our fast friendly service

What makes us so special?

We have trained and licensed staff members

Our commitment to working precisely as per the need

We respond to your door problem the same day

We give a special note to our clients’ requests

We give care to meticulous calculation and precision

For ensuring the safety of your valuable vehicles, call Central Utah Door Co. We are a reliable company that works to protect the vehicles with secured doorways, or gateways. We offer to install garage doors along with maintenance services to the clients from time to time. Our specialty is our team of dedicated technicians and customer care representatives who shall answer all your SOS calls with great earnestness and responds effectively. SOS calls with great earnestness and responds effectively.Our satisfied customers go ga-ga in praise of our work. Call us at (801)-373-8103 for getting our fast friendly service

What makes us so special?

We have trained and licensed staff members

Our commitment to working precisely as per the need

We respond to your door problem the same day

We give a special note to our clients’ requests

We give care to meticulous calculation and precision

Installation:

We install doors on checking out the place and the vehicle, and then we give a free quote to the clients. Only if they confirm to the rates, we shall proceed. Since we work using all the top models, our technicians also know the compatible accessories and fittings that shall go with these. They would bring them in the kit itself. Our A+ rating from BBB for our installation work speaks volumes about us.

We, from Central Utah Door Co., offer to repair both residential and commercial garage doors. Our fame as a reputed and prompt company for garage door repair has also become the reason that we are still in great demand. Are you stuck out in the rain since the beam in the overhead door has blocked the sensor? Do not worry about the time, just give us a call, and we shall be there in no time for emergency garage door service!

Replacement:

We specialize in repairing and in case, the doorway has become old or the panels or springs, and openers are not functioning due to wear and tear, just call us. We offer garage door replacement at affordable rates. We also offer DIY kits with complete fittings and manuals for those who wish to do the replacement on their own. We replace springs, Remote controls, openers, cables, and overhead garage door replacement parts to name a few.

As a proficient local garage door company, we shall keep our promise of fixing your doors in a jiffy!

Watch out when you contract with some garage door repair companies. This is an article by a consumer in the Dallas Texas area.

Got Scammed: Garage Door Repair

In the past week I had one of those experiences that we all try to avoid but sometimes wind up getting caught in. I was helping a friend get their garage door fixed and wound up getting connected with a company that five minutes of online research would have told me to avoid.

Here’s how it happened and how you can avoid it…

The Story

Anyone who owns a house knows that the garage door will eventually fail. A garage door only has a few components. The door itself is on a set of rollers in a track and is assisted in opening and closing by a set of torsion springs, drums, cables, and the garage door opener. In most cases if your garage door won’t open, or opens part of the way then shuts, one of the torsion springs has broken. The springs will typically last anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 cycles.

Replacing torsion springs can be done by the homeowner but it is not advisable. By the time you get the springs and the correct tools, you would have been better off paying someone to do the job. But the garage door repair industry is riddled with dishonest business operators.

In my case I called the number that was on the sticker inside the garage door for “Company A.” The first warning sign I ignored was when my call to a 972 area code (Dallas area) was transferred to a national call center. It was the morning after Thanksgiving and I was wanting to schedule an appointment for later in the afternoon.

I ignored another HUGE warning sign in the phone call with “Company A.” I told the operator I had a broken torsion spring on a 16’x7′ metal garage door. I asked what would be a ballpark price just to have the springs replaced. The operator said they couldn’t provide that information. For anyone reading this post, this should be the time when you politely end the phone call and call another company. A reputable garage door repair company will provide you with a price estimate over the phone for a specific service.

Earlier in the morning I had called the repair company I have used at my house, “Company B.” They were closed for the Thanksgiving holiday but the owner called me back later in the day. I informed him I had another company coming out. He spent some time asking questions and told me if they wanted more than $250 for the job they were ripping me off. I thanked him for the information and ignored my instinct to call “Company A” and cancel the scheduled service appointment.

The repairman for “Company A” showed up to the house on time and was polite, although he brought his pre-teen son with him for the job. He took a look at the springs and started rattling off repair costs. Then came the warning sign which let me know it was time for this man to go.

He tried to quote me prices for 90-day, 2-year, and lifetime rated springs. This is the oldest scam in the garage door repair industry and is a clear sign you are dealing with a bad business. He rattled off the costs for the repairs so quickly that I asked him to write them down for me. He went out to his truck for a bit and came back with the lowest number at $443 for installing a pair of 90-day springs. I believe the top number was $600 for the lifetime springs (more on that later). I told him I had another quote for a max cost of $250 and that I would need to pay his service fee and send him on his way.

His reaction was interesting. He was taken back for a few moments by my refusal of his bid. He then wanted to inspect the rest of the garage elements since he was already there. I had no problems with this because I wanted to hear what he would say. He said that every component on the door was worn out – the drums, the cables, the rollers, and of course the springs. He then asked, in a polite manner, if I would call “Company B” and ask what it would cost to replace all these items. “Company B” humored his request and said the springs would be $239, drums were $39, rollers were $85 for a set of 10, and the cable was no charge. Their complete repair came in $100 less than his bid for just the springs.

I again told the repairman from “Company A” that I would happily pay his service charge and send him on his way. The service charge was $89 but the national operator had told me there was a $40 discount because I got the number from the sticker on the door. I had to talk the repairman into giving me this discount. I ate the $50 fee because it was my mistake not my friend’s mistake. The repairman continued to make his case as we did the paperwork but to his credit he remained polite during the entire process.

“Company B” came out the next day and replaced the springs for $239 as quoted. They also replaced the plastic rollers for $85 and said all other components were in good operating condition.

How To Avoid My Mistakes

Know Your Door

How big is it? Measure how tall and wide it is. What is it made of? Metal, insulated metal, wood. Inspect the components. A broken torsion spring will almost always be evident. They are the two dark coils above your door. If it is broken you will see one coil is separated. Give the drums a visual inspection. There is one above each corner of your door with a cable running over it. They should have grooves. If they are smooth they will need to be replaced. Visually inspect the cables. If you see any fraying or damage they need to be replaced. Check out the rollers all along the side of your door. If they are plastic and more than five years old they should probably be replaced. The best rollers have a metal shaft and a neoprene covered roller. The roller looks a bit like an inline skate wheel.

Get An Estimate

If you know your components, you can provide an accurate description of the situation. The repair company should provide a ballpark estimate based on your information. Ask for them to email you the bid so you have it in writing.

Local Only

If the number you call transfers you to a national call center, hang up! Only deal with local companies that are listed with the BBB. You should also verify membership and current standing with the BBB. A quick search on Google or Yelp will also tell you all you need to know about the company you have contacted.

Lifetime Spring Scam

If a company offers you a lifetime spring or a lifetime warranty it is a scam. No spring will last a lifetime. When it comes to garage door torsion springs, a spring is pretty much a spring. The lifetime scam works like this. They charge you an initial price about double the price of a regular spring. What they don’t tell you is that the lifetime warranty is only on the spring.

Let’s say in five years your lifetime spring breaks. You call up “Company A” and setup an appointment. The spring is free, but they will charge you an $89 service fee and a $100 installation fee. And here’s the kicker! They will only replace the broken spring. So the next month when your other lifetime torsion spring breaks (they operate in pairs) you will pay the $89 service fee and the $100 installation fee again.

Final Thought

All in all, a $50 lesson isn’t that big of a deal. I was busy and we had company in town. If I had trusted my instinct I could have saved myself some time and money. There will be companies that install springs for less than the $239 of “Company B” but they have done several jobs for me and I have always been pleased with their work.

When we talk about garage door and its installation, repair and replacement, the name that often comes to our mind is Central Utah Door Co. in Orem. A local garage door company providing door service and parts boasts of wide experience and greater customer service and satisfaction. It is the best garage door company serving the customers in the best possible manner. We can say that they have the best of the products and services – be it installation, repair and replacement at affordable prices. For local, commercial, residential or new garage door installation, feel free to call Central Utah Door Co. in Orem at (801)-373-8103.

Garage door repair is the best service available in the market. We attend to the customer problems and try to resolve the queries as fast as we can. You just need to call us at the given number for all kinds ofgarage and overhead door repair.Our garage door repair costs are marginal and do not pinch your pocket at all. Overhead garage door troubleshooting is done by us along with online availability of the spare parts. You would love to call us for overhead garage door repair, garage door spring replacement, overhead door opener troubleshooting and much more.

Installation:

Our customers are the lifeline and we are very much there for them and feel proud to serve them and provide the best of the services. We are just a phone call away. We provide the bestgarage door repair and installationservices to the customers taking our services. When it comes togarage door sales and installation,we are often preferred and chosen by the customers to fulfill their overhead garage door repair needs. The company is the best in the market and much talked about.

Spare Parts:

We provide qualitygarage door opener partsand are famous for automatic garagedoor opener troubleshooting.We are a garage door company near you providingoverhead garage door partsand fulfilling all your needs. We rate the best in customer satisfaction and have testimonials in our kitty with happy customers being served on a regular basis.

Replacement:

Customers come up with a request for the replacement of the parts. Thegarage door replacementbecomes quintessential with time and must be carried out along with door service and repair. The garage door replacement parts are replaced and door opener repair service is provided to the customer from our end.

We are specialized in garage door replacement and take up the services in Darien, repair garage door transmitters and take up overhead door repair. In fact, we are just a phone call away and will reach you in no time and serve you with the best of the services in the area. You can very well rely on us for your garage needs.

Decades of experience make Central Utah Door Co. the best and most affordable garage door repair company in town! Not only that, we take pride in our professionalism, punctuality, quality and overall price that our testimonials boast of. We work hard to ensure your next garage door repair or new garage door installation has the finest lasting impression for years to come. For fast garage door service for commercial or residential properties, call the Orem location at 801-373-8103.

WHY WE STAND OUT

It’s not just about what we do, it’s about HOW we do it!

Cooperative and friendly staff

Responsive and prompt service

Attention to detail

Thorough inspection, repair and installation

Quality technicians with experience in technique and design

SERVICES

Repair

5 days a week and on an emergency basis, we are available to take your call to come out and repair your garage door. There are many reasons you would need to give Central Utah Door Co. a call. We can tune up your garage door, replace window panels, repair broken torsion springs or extension springs, repair broken cables or drums, as well as replace any brackets, rollers, struts, bearings or hinges. Is your garage door off track? Does your roll-up garage door stop before fully opening? These are common issues we can quickly solve for you. You will always get a full inspection, quote before contract, and super cheap garage door repair!

Installation

Our customers are blooming with great things to say about us! Peruse our reviews HERE to see why we rate high in customer satisfaction!

Parts

Whether you want do-it-yourself (DIY) tips on how to repair or install a garage door or hire one of our excellent servicemen, Central Utah Door Co carries quality parts for the job. We have tons of models of LiftMaster® for garage door parts as well as universal keyless entry accessories and remote controls. We also carry Raynor and Clopay® brand doors that are highest in safety, beauty and durability.

Design

We use innovate and cutting-edge software that aids in finding a new door for your home or office. You start by selecting your door size so be sure to read through the how-to article to learn how to measure for your new garage door. Then you’ll be able to upload a picture of the outside of your home where the door will be placed, choose the model and construction of the door as well as the panel and window design. Finally, you can pick out the color and decorative hardware for your new garage door.

We take garage door installation in Orem UT to the max and can truly say we are the best in the business

Garage door repair in Provo/Orem area, by Central Utah Door Co., is one of the most selective repair types you will have to employ if your garage door becomes damaged. Once your garage door breaks, you are sent into a state of panic because the garage door is a source of security, accessibility, and comfort within the home. You don’t want your garage door to malfunction and neither do we. Our contractors use only the most popular brands of garage doors and garage door parts; popular for their durability and style. While other garage door service companies only supply one vendor, we supply a handful to suit your overarching needs. Your local Provo/Orem area garage door repairmen also know design. From modern doors for residential garage doors to commercial metal doors, we provide the most extensive garage door inventory in the market. Our current customers boast of our professionalism, affordable prices and panache. We are available right away for emergencies. Call us now for an estimate, 801-373-8103!

OUR Expertise

With over a decade of experience, Garage Door Mart adheres to its philosophy of safety and transparency. This means we always run a 25-point inspection equipped with necessary diagnostics, along with simple, straightforward pricing that won’t have you guessing how your budget will be affected. Our garage door repair technicians are trained and certified to uphold our philosophies. We also work hand-in-hand with quality, branded vendors to ensure we lock down the best warranties with the best overall aesthetics you desire.

OUR SERVICES

Garage Door Repair

There are many reasons you would need to repair your garage door. an improperly working garage door can make your day-to-day frustrating so consider hiring a garage door repair contractor if you run into any of these issues:

The overhead door does not come all the way down. This could be due to a track or photo eye out of alignment.

When your transmitters are misfiring, your garage door may open and close for really no reason at all. Your garage door may not detect objects in its way and this situation can result in injury to you or your property.

If your garage door does not ascend back up its track, your torsion springs will need to be repaired or replaced. Sometimes, your garage door opener will be in good use, but the door still will not move. This can be a problem caused by the garage door’s motor or even a safety lock that has been engaged accidentally.

New Garage Door Installation or Replacement

If you are in need of a new door because someone ran into it or you want to increase the property value of your home, consider shopping with us! Garage Door Mart Inc. uses the Door Design Center or Door Imagination System that allows you to be the master of your own design. Provo/Orem area residents are thrilled to hire us for all their garage door needs and you invite you to be too!

Your garage door is the largest moving part in your entire home, and is used multiple times per day at any hour and in all seasons. To keep your garage door operating smoothly for decades to come, it’s very important that you take the time to perform regular preventive care and maintenance. Here are 10 things that all homeowners can do:

Look and Listen

The most important preventive step you can take is to observe your garage door in action every time you use it. Is it moving smoothly or is it jerky in places? Does it operate silently or does it make grinding or scraping noises? Do both sides of the system (springs, pulleys and cables) look symmetrical?

Tighten up the Hardware

The average garage door moves up and down more than a thousand times a year. That’s a lot of movement and vibration, which can loosen the hardware. Examine and tighten all roller brackets and bolts with a socket wrench.

Test the Garage Door Balance

If your garage door is not properly balanced, the garage door opener will have to work harder, and it won’t last as long.

After you disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle (usually a red cord), manually move the door about halfway up. If it doesn’t stay put, the counterweight system (springs) are improperly balanced. Garage door spring adjustment is best left to the professionals.

Inspect and Replace the Rollers

The rollers, whether steel or nylon, need to be inspected twice a year and replaced every seven years or so, and even more if you use your garage door many times a day.

Worn, chipped or cracked rollers should be replaced as soon as possible. You do this by removing and reinstalling any roller brackets that are not directly attached to the cable system.

Replace the Weatherstripping

If the rubber weather seal strip on the bottom of your door is brittle or cracked, replace it right away to keep the elements out of your house. Weatherstripping is sold by the foot at hardware and home improvement stores. Just cut to size and insert into the grooves with the wide angle of the flange inside the door.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

Keeping your garage door parts greased up will add years of seamless operation to your system – and it takes just 10 minutes a year! Use white lithium grease on the opener’s chain or screw, and a spray lubricant, available from your garage door specialist, to coat the overhead springs.

Check the Cables

You should never tinker with the high-tension cables that lift your door because they have enough force to maim and kill. But you can check their condition so you know when to hire a pro. Check for broken strands and damage near the bottom roller bracket.

Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Features

There are two mechanisms: mechanical and photocell. In order to test the mechanical feature, place a piece of wood or a brick on the ground in the path of the door. When the door coming down touches that object, it should reverse direction and go back up again. To test the second, the photoelectric system with beams at each side, close your door and just pass your leg in the door’s path. Your door should reverse.

If your opener is more than 20 years old, it may lack this basic safety features – and so it’s time to buy a new garage door opener.

Clear the Tracks

Make sure the tracks on either side of the door are free from debris and, if you are so inclined, you can use a level to check the plumb. Any major adjustments to tracks must be done by a professional garage door technician.

Groom Your Garage Door

Don’t forget to examine the door itself. Wood doors will need to be checked for water damage and warp, as well as chipped and peeling paint. Steel doors may have rust spots that need to be sanded, primed and painted. Wash your garage door regularly with a mild all-purpose cleaner at the same time you do your car.

Remember, your garage door makes up about one-third of the exterior of your house, so keep it fresh and clean. If you don’t have time to do this kind of check-up, call a garage door professional to schedule a tune-up service call. He is going to fix all… perfectly!

Have you considered a garage door Planned Maintenance Program? In most instances, a garage door is the largest and heaviest moving object in your home or business. The door must be properly adjusted and maintained in order to continue functioning safely and efficiently. Your local Central Utah Door Company offers a Planned Maintenance Program to provide and ensure the ongoing safety and proper operation of your home or business’ garage door.

Garage doors are in use every day, resulting in unavoidable wear and tear. To keep your door in working condition and help minimize the chance of major repairs required in the future, a planned maintenance program is a great option and makes perfect sense.

Major Benefits of Garage Door Maintenance:

Some of the major benefits of a regular garage door planned maintenance program include:

Reducing logistics problems

Minimizing emergency repair costs

Eliminating receiving / shipping delays

Preventing workflow disruption

Increased garage door life expectancy

Optimizing operational efficiency

Whether you want to have maintenance done quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, you can find a program that fits your home or company needs and budget.

Key Services Included In Your Maintenance Plan:

Just a few of the things that are including in our preventative maintenance program include:

As you can see from that list of maintenance options, there are lots of moving pieces and parts that keep your garage door in good working order. Start a regular maintenance program today and ensure your doors proper operation. We can diagnose small issues early on before they become major problems. You will receive a written report outlining any recommended additional repairs. Trust all of your garage door repair needs to the industry leader, Central Utah Door Company.

Looking for garage door parts? Contact your local expert and the industry leader in garage door repairs, Central Utah Door. We stock locally all of the necessary parts to repair your garage door and have it operating again quickly and efficiently.

Your garage door is an important part to any home or business. It is made up an of an impressive selection of components and parts all of which have to work together effectively in order for the door to function properly as a whole and offer you the most convenience.

Whether you’re in need of:

New Cables

Rollers

Drums

Springs

Bearing Plates

Tracks

Sections

Seals

Hinges

Bottom Fixtures

Locks

Keypads

Remotes

Photo Eyes

Trolley’s

Gears

Boards

Shafts

Couplings

Slats

Bumpers

Struts

or anything else garage door related, we can provide you with the repair parts needed to fix the problem. Our team of garage door specialists has years of experience and expertise working with all makes and models.

The next time you face an issue with your garage door, call Central Utah Door. Our highly experienced team of technicians will assess the issue and provide you with the best solution and highest-quality garage door repair parts available.