How Much Garage Door Wear and Tear is Okay?

Your garage door goes through a lot every day.  It is exposed to various elements – hot and cold, rain and wind, snow and hail. Plus, it moves up and down a few times a day. It gets hit by basketballs, tapped by bumpers and much more. So how much abuse can your garage door take before it needs to be replaced?

Some wear and tear is acceptable. A scuff on a garage door panel is no big deal, mostly aesthetics. Weather stripping on the bottom of the door can become cracked, but that can be replaced on its own. What you need to be concerned about is any wear and tear that affects the function of your garage door. Here are some signs that your garage door needs repair or replacement: 

  • Dented tracks. The tracks for your garage door must be kept straight and solid to handle the weight of your door. But they can easily be damaged, often hit by vehicles. Replace dented or damaged tracks.
  • Rusted components. When your garage door opener components get rusted, they are weak. Keep your hardware lubricated and replace components if they show signs of corrosion or rust.
  • Broken panels. Do you have dents or holes in your garage door panels? You can replace single panels on many garage doors, but if you have more than one, you may want to consider replacing the entire door.

Garage doors can withstand quite a bit of wear and tear before you need to replace them. However, you do need to keep an eye on the level of damage and call in a professional when you need garage door repairs. Regular tune-ups and inspections can help extend the life of your garage door and opener, making them a wise investment.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Does a Dent Mean I Need a New Garage Door?

Many people own metal garage doors, either steel or aluminum. While metal garage doors can be durable and last many years, they are also prone to dents. Thinner metal like aluminum can be dented from hail, basketballs and many small impacts, while tougher steel doors are more resistant to denting. However, once dented, you may wonder whether you need to replace your garage door or if it can continue to perform as needed.

Most small dents do not require replacement of the entire door. Aluminum garage doors can dent easily – but they can also be repaired. A small dent can be gently pounded out with a rubber mallet or other dent removal techniques. If the dent cannot be removed easily, often just a panel will need replacement. Your local garage door service can inspect the door and give you a quote for a panel replacement, usually only a few hundred dollars.

When a Dented Door Needs Replacement

While most dents only look unattractive, there are cases where a dent can impact the function of your door. If the dent is severe, it can create balance issues – the impact that created the dent could also dent or weaken the tracks for the opening system. Any large dent should be inspected by a garage door professional to determine if it is compromising the safety and function of the system. If it is, the entire garage door may need replacement.

All dents in garage doors should be repaired to reduce the chance of rust and keep your door looking good and functioning correctly. If your garage door is dented, contact a local garage door service for an inspection to determine the best option for repair or replacement.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Are You Tired of Your Creaky Garage Door?

Does your garage door creak and groan as it goes up and down? There are a few reasons that can explain why your garage door is making so much noise. To find the issue, here are some of the common causes of creaky or squeaky garage doors.

Debris in the Mechanisms

Due to the exposure to the elements, your garage door can become dirty, with plenty of debris blowing in to the tracks to cause issues with the opening system. Rocks, leaves, twigs and even bugs can clog the tracks, rollers and other mechanisms in the garage door, causing it to not function correctly and make odd noises. Simply clean out the debris in the garage door tracks and see if the noise stops.

Door Misalignment

Even a brand-new door can squeak and creak when it is not aligned properly. This can happen when an unexperienced person tries to install a garage door. If any of the hardware is not aligned correctly, the door can make noise and may be at risk for failing.

Hardware Problems

Rusted nuts and bolts, damaged tracks, worn out rollers and loose chains – all these hardware issues can cause creaks in your garage door. Often all your garage doors need is a good tune-up, grease and a few small parts replaced to quiet the noise and improve the function.

Creaks in your garage door are more than annoying; they are a sign that something is not working correctly on your door system. If it is not something as simple as cleaning out your tracks, call in your local garage door specialists for a tune-up and inspection. A quick service can fix the issue and ensure your garage doors works like it should, without the creaks and squeaks.

Posted on behalf of:
Habpro The Garage Door Specialists
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Common Garage Door Issues

It happens to someone every day. They jump into their vehicle and hit their garage door opener to leave for the day and…silence. Or the door opens halfway, then stops. Garage door problems can be frustrating and very inconvenient. Knowing the common garage door issues and what needs to be done to resolve them can help get you on your way faster the next time it happens to you.

No Response

If you garage door does not respond at all, it is probably a problem with your opener. Try to use your wall unit to open the door. If it works, you may need a new battery for your remote or something is wrong with your smartphone app. If the wall unit does not work, make sure it is plugged in and getting power. Still no response? Call your garage door repair service.

Door Only Opens Partially

If the door doesn’t open completely or closes again, there may be a problem with your safety sensors. Make sure nothing is below the door, triggering the safety auto-stop mechanism. It may need the lasers aligned – check instructions in your garage door opener manual.

Door Won’t Open

Do you hear the garage opener working, but the door isn’t opening? It could be a broken spring or other hardware problem. Try opening the garage door manually. If it is difficult to move, do not force it. Call your garage door repair service.

You cannot prevent all garage door problems, but regular maintenance can alert you to issues that need repair before they leave you stuck in your garage. Schedule a tune-up and replace hardware, springs and other components as advised by your repair technician to prevent many garage door issues.

Posted on behalf of:
Habpro
The Garage Door Specialists
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Garage Door Sounds and What They Mean

While visual inspections of your garage door can be helpful if there is a problem, listening to your garage door can also alert you to issues. The sounds your garage door make are often signs of wear and tear on the system, and if ignored, can lead to a garage door breakdown. If you have noticed your garage door is no longer quietly humming along but making new sounds, it may be time to schedule a garage door service appointment. Here are some common garage door sounds and what they mean.

Squealing or Squeaking

This is one of the most common issues for garage doors and often the easiest one to fix. Most squeaking and squealing noises mean the opening system needs lubrication. Try lubricating your system adhering to the manufacturer recommendations. If that does not stop the sound, it could be an issue with your rollers or tracks.

Grinding Noise

A grinding noise when you are opening or closing your garage door can be an issue with the crankshaft. You can try lubrication (it never hurts) but if the noise continues, you should have your system inspected by a professional.

Banging Sound

A pounding or banging sound can be caused by a few different issues. The sound is usually due to the panels of the door hitting each other or parts moving as the door opens or closes. It can be worn cables, loose bolts/screws or an issue with your spring. A thorough inspection and service or repair by a professional is your best solution.

Listen when your garage door begins to talk to you. It is one of the first signs it needs service and responding quickly can avoid more serious damage to your garage door system.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

5 Things to Consider Before Purchasing a New Garage Door

Purchasing a new garage door is a big decision. There is more to think about than just how much it will cost or the color of the door. To get a garage door that will last, you want to research the different options and find the right door for your needs. Here are five things to consider before you purchase your next garage door.

  1. Wood and steel garage doors tend to be higher quality than aluminum or composite. While they may cost more, they are also more durable and secure for higher value.
  2. There are many style options beyond the plain paneled garage door. Consider carriage-style, decorative windows or other options to make your door match your home’s style.
  3. Check the insulation rating – an insulated garage door helps save on cooling/heating costs and adds soundproofing.
  4. Wind resistance. High-wind storms can tear off or buckle a garage door, causing extensive damage to your home. Make sure your garage door has a high-wind resistance for stability and safety.
  5. Features. You want your garage door to look great and stand up to the elements, but there are so many other features now available, especially with garage door openers. When you update your door, upgrade your garage door opener with it. Add features like fingerprint entry, smartphone applications, battery backup and remote access to make your new garage door more convenient and secure.

Make sure you get the garage door that will add value, security and style to your home. Talk with your local garage door company about these factors to find the best door for your needs.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Who Should You Call When You Need a Garage Door Repair?

When your garage door is not working right, or not working at all, and you are not a DIY homeowner, you may wonder who to call. Should you call your cousin Bob that is handy with home repairs or a garage door professional? While some garage door repairs can be done by a DIY expert, some should be left to a qualified garage door repair service. It all depends on the issue and what needs to be repaired or replaced.

DIY Fixes

Items that do not require removal of major components can often be DIY fixes. Replacing weather stripping, tightening bolts, lubricating the system, adjusting the door sensors and other light maintenance issues can be completed by you or a trusted DIY expert. However, when it comes to removing essential parts, you may want to invest in a professional repair.

When to Call a Garage Door Pro

If you or your DIY friend have troubleshooted the problem and it is likely a major component, you should call a garage door pro. Replacing items like cables, rollers, springs, crankshafts and entire doors can be dangerous and require special equipment and training. Choose a garage door company that is licensed, insured and has an excellent reputation for experience and quality in your area. It is worth spending a little extra to protect your home and yourself from damage or injury from a garage door DIY repair gone wrong.

Regular inspections and service on your garage door can help identify issues before they become big problems. Schedule annual garage door tune-ups to keep up with maintenance and reduce the need for emergency repairs.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Silencing a Noisy Garage Door

If the sound of your garage door opening or closing grinds on your last nerve, there are options to keep that door quiet. Noisy garage doors are common; many chain-driven openers can be loud and there is hardware that can cause grinding, squeaking and other noises. But, there are ways to quiet down your garage door and making it open and close smoothly.

Lubricate Your Opener

Your opening system needs lubrication to prevent friction. A poorly lubricated opener will wear out quicker and tends to be noisier. Check the manual from your opener manufacturer for lubrication instructions. Also, check to make sure that all the nuts and bolts are tight to prevent movement, squeaking and rattling.

Check Your Rollers

Inspect your rollers on your opening system. If they look rusty or worn, it may be best to replace them. This can help quiet the system and help it move more smoothly to put less stress on your opener.

Is Your How Old Is Your Spring?

Torsion springs that are noisy may be getting ready to break. Most springs last about 10,000 cycles, which can mean about 5-10 years, depending on how often you use your garage door. Replacing springs before they break can prevent accidents and inconvenience, plus make your garage door quieter.

Change Your Opener to a Belt System

If it is not your door, but your opening system, that is too loud for your taste, consider switching to a newer belt system. These openers can be almost silent, which many people prefer over the louder chain-driven systems.

Maintenance is key to keeping your garage door quiet. Make sure to schedule routine tune-ups, inspections and service for your garage door through your local garage door repair and maintenance service.

Posted on behalf of:
Habpro The Garage Door Specialists
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Broken Garage Door? 3 Reasons to Get It Fixed Now

Is your garage door not working? Whether you have a broken panel, the spring needs replacement or the door is unbalanced, you should not put off fixing your garage door. It is more than just a convenience issue; while you may be able to park in your driveway, here are three other reasons not to put off garage door repairs.

  1. Security. A broken garage door can be a security issue. If you are not using it regularly, you may not notice if someone else has found a way to get into your garage. A broken panel or other issues can give intruders access, putting you at risk for burglary and home invasion. Plus, leaving your vehicles outside puts them at higher risk of damage or theft.
  2. Curb appeal. Your garage doors are one of the first features that people see when they visit, covering close to a third of the front of most homes. A broken window or panel on your garage door will impact the curb appeal of your home. Plus, extra cars in the driveway make your home look cluttered.
  3. Fewer parking spaces. While you may not mind parking outside, your guests may no longer have anywhere to park. They may need to park on the street, which can be inconvenient for them and for your neighbors.

If you have been ignoring your broken garage door, it is time to give it the attention it needs. Call your local garage door service to get your door or opener replaced or repaired. Once your garage door is working again, you will enjoy the convenience, higher security and more space that using your garage as intended provides.

Posted on behalf of:
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Is Your Garage Door Beyond Repair?

When can you call for a garage door repair and when is it time to think about replacement? Both your garage door and opener are designed to last for many years – a quality garage door and opener can last ten or twenty years when well-maintained. However, there is a point where repairing the door or opener may be not be the best option. Here are some tips on how to decide whether your garage door is beyond repair or if you should fix the latest problem.

  • How old is your door? First off, is your garage door or opener only a few years old? If so, then it is usually worth repairing, unless the damage is too great or too expensive to repair. If you have an old door or opener, 10-15 years is old, it is best to replace it with a newer model then repair it.
  • Is only part of your door damaged? If you just have one panel that has a dent or hole, you may be able to replace the panel, depending on the type of door. Talk to your garage door repair tech about replacing the damage part.
  • Is it still functioning correctly? If you just need a spring, cable or a panel replaced, but the door still works great, then it may be best to get it repaired.
  • How does it look? If you are not happy with the style of your garage door or it is starting to look worn, why spend money to fix it? Get a beautiful new door that is stylish instead of spending money on a door that doesn’t improve the look of your home.

Often it comes down to whether it is worth it to spend $100-$300 on a repair, or just put the money towards a new door or garage openerTalk to your garage door service company to find out which is the best option for your situation.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355