Performing a garage door repair correctly requires a certain level of knowledge and understanding. Attempting a DIY garage door repair without proper planning can cause problems, such as fixing only the symptoms rather than the root cause.
Regular maintenance can reduce the need for extensive repairs and replacement. For example, quickly brushing the tracks can remove loose dirt and dust. Contact Garage Door Repair Buckeye AZ now!
If you have a garage door, inspecting the weather stripping regularly is important. This rubber seal helps regulate your garage’s temperature, keeps Mother Nature out, and prevents critters from entering. However, over time, it will naturally wear out or be damaged and may need to be replaced. This is a simple DIY job that can make a huge difference in the overall comfort of your home.
Before winter hits, it’s a good idea to check that your garage door weather stripping is still in good shape. Look for any cracks or areas where the air is able to seep in and out. Replacing this seal can help to keep your garage warm and reduce heating costs. It will also help to protect whatever you store in your garage from moisture, pests, and dust.
You can use a variety of different types of weather stripping, depending on the type of garage door you have. Some of these seals are self-adhesive and can simply be pulled off and cleaned before replacing. Others are attached using nails or screws and will need to be removed before you can replace them. When you do need to replace your weather stripping, it’s a good idea to choose a material that matches the original seal and ensures a secure fit.
Cables
When your garage door is opening or closing, the cables are what help the door to lift and lower. If the cables are worn out or break, the door can fall off its tracks and cause property damage. Worn or broken cables can also injure people or pets who are nearby.
The cables are made of strands of wire that are twisted together. They are available in a variety of lengths and strengths and are rated for how much weight they can carry. When choosing a cable make sure it matches the length of your door and the type of door you have. You should also consider your budget, although a higher quality cable can save you money in the long run with less frequent replacements.
A good time to inspect the cables is when you hear squeaking or grinding noises. If you notice a cable that is frayed or has visible wear, it should be replaced immediately as it could break under stress.
Other signs that the cables need to be replaced include rust or oxidation, fraying or visible wear, and unusual noises when operating the door. If you have a torsion system, it is important to note that the cables need to be matched with the springs, as well as the drum and pulley system. Mismatched parts can cause the cable to slip off the drum or break prematurely.
Pulleys
Similar to the wheels on a bicycle that help it move forward, garage door pulleys work together with cables to lift and lower your heavy garage door. They distribute the weight of the door evenly, reducing the strain on springs and other components, making them critical to the system’s operation. If they become damaged or worn, it can impact how your garage door opens and closes.
Generally, you can spot a problem with the pulleys when they begin to make a clattering noise when opening or closing the garage door. The clattering is often caused by loose or misaligned pulleys, and it can create issues for the entire system. If you notice a problem with the pulleys, it’s important to have them repaired quickly to avoid causing more damage.
Pulleys can wear out from regular use and exposure to the elements, but they also can become damaged if your garage door isn’t operated correctly. Replacing your pulleys can prevent further damage to your garage door and save you money in the long run.
First, you’ll want to disconnect the power and release the spring tension before removing the pulley. Then, you can remove the cable clip and loosen the nut or bolt that secures the pulley to its bracket. Next, you can remove the old pulley and replace it with a new one, making sure the new pulley is compatible with your garage door system.
Track Brackets
A garage door’s hinges and doors receive a lot of attention, but the tracks that guide and support them are equally important. Brackets that hold the vertical and horizontal tracks together, along with other brackets such as spring anchor or roller brackets, keep the entire system working smoothly.
Opened and closed three to four times daily, the average home’s garage door goes through more than 1,000 cycles per year. All this movement creates vibration that can cause nuts and bolts to loosen over time. Performing simple maintenance such as lubricating the tracks and rollers and tightening loose screws with a screwdriver or socket wrench can keep your garage door running in top shape.
Garage door track brackets secure the vertical and horizontal tracks to the garage ceiling or wall. These sturdy metal brackets are also called jamb brackets, and they come in different sizes to accommodate a variety of garage door track systems. A specialized type of jamb bracket called a flag bracket is used to prevent the vertical track from sliding out of place.
A bent or uneven track can lead to erratic movement of the garage door, so it is essential to check the tracks using a level and carefully straighten them as needed. Uneven roller distribution can also cause a shaky or inconsistent movement, so make sure all the rollers are evenly positioned on the track.
Extension Springs
Unlike torsion springs, extension springs are installed vertically on either side of the garage door. They stretch and contract to counterbalance the weight of the door, making it light enough to operate manually or by an automatic opener. However, while these springs are generally safe when maintained, they pose a higher risk of injury than torsion springs because they’re exposed and unprotected above the door. Consequently, it’s typically preferable to use torsion spring counterbalance systems whenever possible.
Although extension springs can be safely repaired, they tend to break more easily than other parts of the garage door system, which means a broken extension spring is likely to require replacement. While it is possible to replace these springs on your own, it’s often safer and more effective to hire a professional technician for this type of job. These professionals can ensure the springs are properly sized and installed, minimizing the risk of failure in the future.
A qualified technician will also ensure the springs are properly calibrated to maintain balance and smooth movement. This process may involve identifying and repairing track misalignment or uneven roller distribution, which can also result in erratic movement of the garage door. Likewise, regular inspections by a certified technician can help identify early signs of spring wear and damage before they become a safety risk. This proactive approach can greatly reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Door Weight
A garage door can weigh several hundred pounds and if it were to fall on someone or something inside the garage or in the immediate area it could be very dangerous. Taking proper safety precautions during garage door repair is crucial to avoid accidents and injuries.
Professional garage door repair mechanics typically need to take classes, work as an apprentice or be a member of a professional organization to earn certification. Training includes classroom instruction and hands-on experience with actual equipment in a working garage. Individuals need to pass background checks and other regulatory tests to become licensed.
Door weights vary significantly depending on the steel gauge, thickness, insulation and design add-ons like windows. The average modern steel single car insulated garage door weighs 130 to 220 pounds. Some specialty doors like wood overlay or full vision glass can add even more to the overall weight.
Minor damage to a garage door can often be repaired with a little work. Small dents and bends can usually be nudged back into shape with a rubber mallet or block of wood. More extensive damage can cause structural problems with the integrity of the door. In these cases, replacing the entire garage door may be a more cost-effective solution in the long run.