When a garage door won’t open, won’t close, or suddenly hangs crooked, life stops. In Episode 11 of the Shop Jersey Shore Podcast, owner Paul Sharpe explained how Surfside Garage Doors keeps homes across Ocean County and Monmouth County moving with stocked vans, same-day repairs, and modern opener upgrades designed for safety, security, and convenience.
Below is a practical guide based on the episode—what Surfside handles, smart upgrades worth adding, simple maintenance to avoid costly breakdowns, and clear signs it’s time to call the pros.
What Surfside Garage Doors Does Best
Residential repair & replacement:
- Broken springs & cables (door stuck closed, open, or halfway)
- Off-track doors, damaged rollers, noisy hardware
- Opener troubleshooting & replacement (LiftMaster and Genie)
- Weatherstripping & perimeter seals to keep out drafts, water, and pests
- New door sales & installation with styles that enhance curb appeal
Why they’re fast: Surfside keeps fully stocked service vans, so most problems are fixed the same day with no parts run needed. If your car is trapped or your home can’t be secured because the door won’t close, they treat it as the emergency it is.
Paul enjoys engaging with his community at the Jersey Shore! He’s a proud member of both the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce and the Asbury Park Chamber, as well as a volunteer fireman with the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company in Toms River.
Common Garage Door Emergencies (and How Surfside Solves Them)
- Snapped torsion spring
Door won’t lift, even manually. Surfside replaces matched springs, resets balance, and lubricates the system so the opener isn’t strained. - Frayed or broken cables
Door may lean to one side or jam. A full cable/roller service and track alignment brings safe operation back. - Opener failure
From worn gears to fried circuit boards, they diagnose quickly and repair or replace with a dependable unit. - Door stuck open
Urgent for home security. Surfside can secure the opening the same day and complete the repair promptly.
Safety note: Garage door springs hold 150–200+ lbs of tension. DIY on springs, cables, or bottom brackets can cause serious injury. If something looks bent, broken, or binds in motion, stop and call Surfside.
Smart Upgrades That Make Daily Life Easier
LiftMaster & Genie Wi-Fi Openers
- App control from anywhere—let in a dog walker, contractor, or neighbor without handing out keys
- Built-in camera options for visual confirmation
- Battery backup to open/close during power outages
- LED lighting and smoother, quieter motors
Wall-Mount (Jackshaft) Openers
- Mounted to the side of the door shaft (not overhead), freeing ceiling space for:
- Home gyms and overhead workouts
- Ceiling storage systems
- Car lifts and tall vehicles
- Ultra-quiet and clean look; Surfside can convert spring systems to make wall-mount possible in most garages.
Curb Appeal Trends at the Shore
Homeowners across the Shore are embracing a modern look:
- Black garage doors paired with white siding and black window trim for a bold, clean contrast
- Glass/top-section window layouts that add light without sacrificing privacy
- Hardware and panel styles that match the home’s architecture rather than “builder basic”
Surfside helps you choose a design that fits the neighborhood and boosts resale value.
Simple Maintenance to Save Money (and Keep Pests Out)
As temperatures drop, mice need only a ¼-inch gap to squeeze inside. The garage is often the easiest entry point. Surfside’s tune-ups focus on reliability and building envelope protection.
Homeowner checklist:
- Every 6 months: Spray a garage-door-specific lubricant (not WD-40) on hinges, rollers, springs, and bearings.
- Quarterly: Inspect the bottom seal and side/top weatherstripping. Replace if you see light, gaps, cracks, or chew marks.
- Monthly: Test photo eyes by closing the door and waving a broom under the beam—the door should reverse.
- Balance check: With the opener disengaged and door halfway up, it should stay in place. If it slams or rises, springs need adjustment (call a pro).
Annual professional tune-up includes:
- Replacing worn rollers (usually 10 on a typical door)
- Spring balance and adjustment
- Tightening/aligning tracks and hardware
- Lubrication of all moving parts
- Opener inspection and belt/chain adjustment
- Weather seal assessment and replacement options
A preventative visit reduces noise, extends component life, and helps you avoid surprise breakdowns that disrupt your day.
Daily Use Tips
- Keep the photo-eye sensor line clear—box storage, kids’ toys, or yard tools can stop the door from closing.
- Don’t force a door that binds or drags; forcing it can throw cables and warp panels.
- If you hear new grinding, thumping, or squealing, schedule a check before minor wear becomes a major repair.
Hyper-Local, Community-Driven Service
Surfside Garage Doors is based in Toms River and serves all of Ocean County and Monmouth County. Paul is active in local business groups and also serves as a volunteer firefighter—strong ties that reflect in responsive service, honest recommendations, and pride in workmanship.
Need Service Today? Call 732-600-1101 or Contact Paul at surfsidedoors.com for emergency repairs, opener upgrades, or a seasonal tune-up
Ask about same-day availability, stocked-van repairs, and options for LiftMaster or Genie Wi-Fi openers with battery backup and camera integration.
From stuck doors to smart openers, Surfside Garage Doors brings fast, local expertise to homes across Ocean and Monmouth County. If your door misbehaves—or you’re ready for a quieter, safer, smarter setup—get in touch and get it done right.
Quick FAQ
Do they work on commercial doors?
Surfside focuses on residential service. Light commercial requests are reviewed case-by-case.
Can you convert my system for a wall-mount opener?
In most garages, yes. Surfside can convert to the correct torsion setup and install a jackshaft opener for more headroom and a cleaner look.
What’s the best time to replace seals?
Before cold weather. Replacing the bottom seal and side/top weatherstripping now helps block drafts, sand, moisture, and rodents.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
