If you are looking for information or help, our Frequently Asked Questions are all the common question you may wish to ask when purchasing a new door or maintaining your existing door. If you cant find the answer you are looking for please contact your local garage door specialist or contact Cardale direct.
Canopy Doors
Why does my overhead (canopy) door feel rather heavy to lift and doesn't open easily of its own accord?

The spring has either become dry / dirty and needs some lubrication or the spring needs an extra turn or two to increase the lifting power. First of all, oil the door as per the instructions in your handbook and open and close the door a few times to let the oil penetrate, then check the opening action again. Often oiling the door has the same effect as increasing the spring tension. If the door is still sluggish / heavy to operate then add a bit more tension following the instructions in the handbook / on the back of the door. It is always a good idea to lubricate the door and check the opening action on a regular basis to ensure optimum performance. Be careful when retensioning as the spring is under a great deal of tension – follow the instructions carefully, or if you have any concerns, call your local Cardale / AGDS distributor.

Can I install an electric opener on my Cardale door fitted with overhead (canopy) operating gear?

Most doors can, provided the door was manufactured with CD45 or CD Professional gear (introduced after 1989). The Cardale Autoglide remote control electric opener was designed specifically to automate doors with overhead gear and do it safely and without the protrusion into the opening that you get with a bow-arm type converter. We recommend that you use a professional installer to carry out this work as the safe and correct operation of the door needs to be set accurately at time of installation.

How do I tell if I have a canopy door?

The handle is at chest height and the spring is at the top of the door.

How often should I service my garage door?

Service every year (or 2000 door cycles) with regular checks and maintenance every six months (or 1000 door cycles) For further information see service passport.

What is the L shaped key on the back of my door used for?

In the event of cable failure it is used for recovery of the door. This information can be found on the “Information point” sticker on the back of your door.

How many locks are there on a canopy door?

5 in total. 3x manual latches and 2x wheel spindle clamps to stop the door from being crow barred open.

Door opens correct but does not stay up – what can I do to fix this?

More tension is needed on the spring, either follow the instructions on the “Information point” label found on the back of the door, relevant door manuals, or contact your local garage door specialist to retention.

When the door is open it looks crooked.

It is likely that the cable is broken on one side or twisted. Cardale recommends repair work is carried out by a competent garage door specialist. Please refer caller to marketing or the online dealer locator. Alternatively follow recovery instructions available on the “Information point” label on the back of the door.

The door is stiff to open

It may be that the springs, tracks and all moving parts need oiling. Do not use WD40, use 3 in 1 oil as per maintenance instructions on “Information point” label to be found on the back of the door, user manual or Service passport.

I have a gap at the bottom of my door?

This is normal on all paneled doors. You may purchase a brush strip to screw to the bottom of the door which will help with insulation either direct from Cardale or though a garage door specialist.

How do I dismantle my canopy/retractable door?

Garage doors are heavy and have springs under tension which can be dangerous. Dismantling should be carried out by a garage door specialist. Instructions are supplied with fitting instructions of the door.

Door looks bent when open in the middle

This is natural. The door is flexible and it will correct itself when closed.