Garage Door Repairs You Shouldn’t Do Yourself

A garage door needs regular maintenance to perform well. Some repairs are easy DIY projects, but others require a professional.

Garage Door Repairs

Certain signs of damage or wear and tear may be indicators that your garage door is nearing the end of its lifespan. In such cases, a replacement may be a wise investment for you and your family. Contact Garage Door Repair Surprise AZ for professional help.

Located on either side of the garage door, the tracks facilitate the rolling movement of rollers that carry the door up and down. These track components are made from sturdy steel and come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and finishes. Regardless of the type, all of them perform essentially the same function-to provide support for the door. They also ensure the rollers have a smooth surface for rolling. In addition to ensuring that the door rolls smoothly, properly working tracks protect against unauthorized access and help the door close securely.

When these components experience problems, the entire system can become unsafe to operate. Among the most common issues that can occur are debris buildup, misalignment, and loose hardware. In most cases, these issues are easily resolved through regular cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment.

While most homeowners can easily perform these maintenance tasks, a professional technician is the best option for assessing and repairing more serious issues. Professionals can replace parts, such as the track, when they have become worn or damaged. They can also inspect the garage door’s safety features to ensure that they are functioning correctly and not posing any risks to the homeowner or their family.

The tracks of a residential garage door are designed to withstand the forces of daily use and aging, but they can become twisted, bent, or misaligned over time. This can cause the door to have trouble moving up and down, or it may even get stuck midway through its motion. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the tracks completely.

Aside from being a major inconvenience, misaligned tracks can also lead to other problems with the door, such as excessive strain on other mechanisms like the hinges and rollers. This can cause them to wear out prematurely, leading to costly repairs and replacements in the future.

The simplest and most cost-effective way to prevent track issues is to perform routine inspections. Look for signs of misalignment, such as gaps, rubbing, or erratic movements, and take immediate action to correct them.

Rollers

The rollers of a garage door are crucial to smooth and quiet operation. They are attached to the tracks and help to move the panels up and down, minimizing friction that can damage other components of the system. When they are damaged or worn out, the door may sag or make loud scraping and squeaking noises during operation. These are clear signs that it is time to call a professional for repairs.

The typical roller consists of a metal shaft with ball bearings inside. They are usually made of steel, although some contractor-grade models use plastic wheels. Steel rollers are generally more durable than nylon and can last up to two decades if properly maintained.

If your rollers are starting to show signs of wear, it is important that you replace them immediately to prevent further damage and ensure smooth operation. Look for cracks, chips and other indications of damage as well as loose components and bent parts in the track. It is also a good idea to inspect the entire track length, as bends or cracks can prevent the rollers from moving smoothly up and down the tracks.

Rollers that are damaged or not working properly can cause the door to become noisy, shaky and even stuck. This can be very inconvenient, as it can keep you from being able to access the contents of your garage and create safety hazards for anyone who uses the door.

Regular lubrication can keep your rollers in good condition, but it is important that you apply the lubricant correctly to avoid damaging the mechanism. You should also use a non-corrosive lubricant and be sure to wipe down the exposed surfaces of the rollers to remove any dirt that might have built up over time. It is also a good idea to lubricate the entire track area, as this can help to keep the door running smoothly. Professionals can often offer specific advice on the type of lubricant that is best for your garage door. They can also provide a warranty or guarantee on their work, providing added peace of mind.

Weather Stripping

A garage door requires good weather stripping to keep out debris, pests and outside elements. It is also a crucial part of the door’s seal and safeguards your valuables stored inside. Proper weather strips prevent moisture from seeping into a garage, which can lead to mildew and peeling paint. It also limits dust and pollen, which can enter the home. A properly functioning weather stripping will also reduce noises from the outside.

There are a number of types of weather stripping that you can choose from to replace the old and worn out pieces on your garage door. Some of the most common include foam tape, tension strips and door sweeps. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should know how each works before deciding which one to purchase.

Foam tape is usually a cheaper and more basic option that works well for most homes. It’s easy to install and has a long lifespan, but it does not offer as much protection from moisture as other materials.

If you decide to go with foam tape, it’s a good idea to test the strength of your new seal. Before applying it, have someone hold up a flashlight to the bottom of your garage and shine it around. If you can see light coming in, that’s a sign that your new weather stripping is weak and needs to be replaced.

Another option is a plastic seal that’s designed to keep out air drafts. Known as a tension strip or a V-strip, it is a simple solution that doesn’t require cutting to fit. Unlike some other types of weather stripping, it is not susceptible to humidity and can last up to five years before needing to be replaced.

Lastly, there are rubber gaskets that can be installed by hand and use screws to fasten. They come in a range of lengths, so you can choose the right size to suit your garage. They’re also more durable than other options and can help save energy.

Whether you’re installing new weather stripping or replacing it, the process is quick and simple when you have the right tools and instructions. For the best results, it’s best to apply the weather stripping on a dry day without rain or fog.

Motor

Garage door motors work hard to keep your home’s heavy garage doors up and running. However, over time, their constant use causes them to wear out and develop problems. Knowing how to identify and solve these problems can save you a lot of money in the long run. However, it is important to remember that a professional service should be called if you are unsure of what is wrong with the motor. Otherwise, you may end up fixing the symptoms instead of the cause, which will only lead to further damage and a more expensive repair bill in the future.

One of the most common signs of a malfunctioning garage door is when it moves unevenly. This could be caused by something blocking the path of the garage door, or simply because it isn’t level or balanced properly. You can test the balance of your garage door by shutting it and trying to lift it manually. If it stays up, then it is likely that you have the correct force settings on your opener.

If the garage door seems crooked or sagging, it’s often an indication that the springs are worn out. The springs are responsible for lifting the weight of the door, so when they break, it can put a lot of strain on the motor and affect its performance. A professional garage door repair service will be able to replace the broken springs quickly and easily, and get your garage door functioning properly again.

Another common problem with garage door motors is when they fail to close or open correctly. This is usually a sign that the sensors are not working, which can be a dangerous issue for children and pets. The safety sensors are designed to detect anything that might be in the door’s path and stop it from closing, preventing injury or even death. They can be affected by dirt, dust, or misalignment, which is why it is so important to schedule regular maintenance inspections with a professional company.

Newer motors are also available with smart phone connectivity, which can make it easier to control your garage door from anywhere in the world. This is an excellent option for busy homeowners who don’t want to have to worry about resetting the opener if they accidentally shut the door while they are away from home.