Seven Common Garage Door Repairs

September 14th, 2014 Posted in Garage Door Repairs
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Your garage door may look simple, yet most modern garage doors include many parts and electronics which keep it moving up and down, several times a day. It only takes one of these elements to wear out or become damaged to cause a disruption in the entire garage door system. A malfunctioning garage door is a nuisance, and can even be a security issue. Here are seven common garage door issues which may have you speed dialing your garage door repair technician. 

  1. Broken cables. The cables that lift your garage door are essential for it to function. A broken cable or cable that has come detached from the pulley warrants a call to your garage door repair service. Due to safety issues, it is best not to try to fix a cable on your own.
     
  2. Remote opener. Often the problem is not the garage door or the opener, just the remote. A simple battery change may be all that is needed.
     
  3. Broken spring. Once a spring breaks on your garage door, you will need to have it replaced by a professional. It is not advised that anyone without the right tools and experience should try and do this on their own, as it’s one of the most dangerous garage door repairs for do-it-yourselfers.
     
  4. Broken door panel. It is very common for garage door panels to be hit by vehicles, hail or toys. While the door may still function, it is a security risk to leave a broken panel in your garage door.
     
  5. Bent track. Many tracks that control the movement of a garage door are made from lightweight metal, which is easily bent or dented. This can cause damage to your door and opening system, and should be fixed as soon as possible.
     
  6. Malfunctioning rollers. The rollers that move your garage door handle hundreds of pounds of weight every day. Once worn or broken, they can cause stress on your garage door system, making it harder to move easily or quietly.
     
  7. Garage door openers. Most garage door openers will last ten years or more, even with heavy use. However, like all electronics, they will eventually wear out and require repair.

Posted on behalf of Habpro

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Broken Garage Door Panels- Repair or Replace?

September 14th, 2014 Posted in Garage Door Repairs
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Garage doors put up with plenty of abuse. They get hit by cars coming in and out of the driveway or garage; they are used as a backboard for bouncing balls; they are exposed to temperature extremes, sometimes all at once. However, there comes a point when the panels on your garage door may be not only aesthetically unpleasing, but an actual security or safety issue. If you have one or more panels on your garage door which require replacement, it may be time to consider an entire door replacement. 

New Panels Or A New Door?

If your garage door is fairly new, most likely you will only want to replace the panels, versus the entire door. However, if your door is several years old, it may make more sense to invest in a new door instead of only replacing a few of the panels. Some other considerations are the available features your current door may not have, including: 

  • Insulation. If your existing garage is not insulated, it may help lower your monthly energy bill to replace it with a new door.  With cooler weather right around the corner, now is the perfect time to get an insulated door to help reduce heating costs.
     
  • Wind resistance. Having a garage door with a high wind resistance is imperative in areas prone to hurricanes or high wind storms. Garage doors not braced for high winds can implode or buckle during a storm, putting the entire home in jeopardy of extensive damage.
     
  • Design. Regardless of how new your door is, if some panels are damaged it might be the perfect opportunity to replace your door with a new design. Carriage-style garage doors are extremely trendy right now, adding value and curb appeal to your home. 

Before only replacing panels on your garage door, compare the cost of the garage door repairs to the price of a new door. It may be worth a little extra to get an entire new door with some of the above amenities. 

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How To Determine If Your Garage Door Opener Is Broken

September 14th, 2014 Posted in Garage Door Openers
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You press the magic button, yet your garage door does not open. Your first feeling may be frustration, then panic. Not only is replacing your garage door opener expensive, it can also be a major inconvenience. However, before you call your local garage door repair service, it’s prudent to first try and troubleshoot the problem. Here are a few tips to help you determine whether your garage door opener needs repair or replacement: 

  • Is the light showing on your remote? If you press the button on your remote, is the light coming on as normal? If not, the battery within your remote may be dead. Try opening your garage door with the indoor opener button. If this method is successful, the opener is working, but you may need a new battery for your remote.
     
  • Check your opener for power. Often it is the simplest solution that will get your opener working properly again. Check to make sure your opener has power, and has not short-circuited through your power box. Try flipping your circuit breaker; if that doesn’t work, unplug your opener for a moment before reconnecting. Sometimes openers need to be reset, just like a computer.
     
  • Try opening your garage door manually. If your garage door opener is not working from either your remote or indoor opener control, try opening your door manually. A door that will not open manually means the opener is most likely fine; unfortunately, you may have a broken spring or cable that needs to be fixed by a professional. 

If after trying these methods your garage door opener is still not working, it may be time to call your garage door repair service. They can further assist you in troubleshooting your opener, and discuss repair or replacement options.

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Maintaining Your Garage Door Springs

September 14th, 2014 Posted in Garage Door Springs
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If you have ever had your garage door spring break, you know it can be a highly inconvenient situation. In one quick snap, your garage door goes from easily sliding up and down to virtually immobile. While all springs will eventually need replacement, there are ways to increase the life of your spring through regular maintenance. By taking care of your garage door spring, you can prevent most spring failures from catching you off guard. 

Basic Garage Door Spring Maintenance

Garage door springs are designed to safely allow your door to easily open and close with minimal impact on the opening device. Most springs have an expectant lifespan of 10,000 cycles of opening and closing. However, if not maintained properly, this life-span can be cut drastically short. A few basic maintenance tips to get the most time and cycles from your garage door springs include: 

  • Balancing your door. A poorly balanced door will create excess wear on your spring. Make sure your door is balanced correctly to allow for easier movement up and down the tracks.
     
  • Prevent rust. A rusty spring will not last long; the rust causes both the spring and the coil to weaken and become more likely to break. Lubricating the spring every few months can keep rust away.
     
  • Garage door tune-ups. A properly functioning garage door lessens the wear and tear on your spring. Schedule a tune-up with your local garage door repair company each year to ensure all parts are in good working order.
     
  • Preventive replacement. If your spring lasts for 10,000 cycles, opening two to four times a day, it will last for about five to seven years. Instead of waiting for the inevitable, consider replacing your spring once it approaches or has passed this mark. Consult your garage door service technician during annual tune-ups about when you should replace your spring.

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Put Safety First To Prevent Garage Door Injuries

September 14th, 2014 Posted in Garage Door Repairs
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Most people use their garage doors every day, not necessarily considering them a possible safety hazard. However, when not used correctly, or repairs are attempted without the right tools or knowledge, they can cause serious injury. Garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds, plus contain many moving parts which can be dangerous if the proper safety precautions are not followed. 

Garage Door Safety Tips

Most garage doors have many safety features to protect users from injury, such as sensors to prevent closure on objects or people. However, like any device, it is possible for these features to malfunction, especially if they aren’t maintained. To keep your family and your home safe, it’s important to follow a few basic safety rules. 

  • Child safety. Children should be educated on garage door safety. These are not toys; children should not operate garage doors without adult supervision. Explain to kids to always beware of a closing garage door, and to stay away from the doorway until it is completely closed or open.
     
  • Maintenance. Simple maintenance can help prevent many injuries. An annual tune-up by your garage door service company can ensure all parts are working correctly, including your safety features.
     
  • Repairs. Many DIY homeowners have been seriously injured trying to handle garage door repairs on their own. Springs, cables and other load bearing parts should only be repaired or replaced by trained professionals. 

Putting safety first when it comes to garage doors can prevent injuries and protect you and your family from harm. Always be cautious when operating your garage door, and call in a professional for any major repairs or problems to ensure your safety.

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