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

Time to Clean the Winter Off Your Garage Door

Rain, sleet, snow, hail…whatever your garage door put up with last winter, now it’s time to clean off the mess and inspect your door for damage. It is easy to take your garage door for granted but considering the wear and tear this equipment undergoes, it does need to be maintained. Spring is a great time to clean your garage door inside and out while checking for any structural issues. Here is a quick checklist of garage door maintenance to put on your to-do list.

  • Wash your garage door. Steel, aluminum or painted wood doors can be washed with soap and water. Use a scrub brush to remove mildew, mold and dirt from the past several months. You may be surprised how dirty something you see every day can get without you noticing. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for solid wood door cleaning.
  • Check panels for damage. Closely inspect your garage door panels. Looks for cracks, dents or rust that could lead to larger issues. Many times garage door panels can be replaced separately if the rest of the door is in good condition.
  • Inspect garage door hardware. Even without any knowledge of garage door hardware, you can still inspect the railings, screws and other hardware to identify any dents, rust or issues that are apparent. Any issues with the hardware can affect the function and safety of your garage door, so call a garage door service company if you notice any damage.

Once your garage door is clean and inspected, have any garage door repairs completed by your local service company. While they are fixing any issues, have a tune-up and inspection completed on your garage door opener assembly to ensure your entire door is ready to last another year.

Spring Inspection for Your Garage Doors

How did your garage door hold up over the winter? Many areas of the country experienced rough winters, with cold temperatures and blistery storms that ravaged the outside of homes. Garage doors are often exposed to rougher elements than the rest of the home due to the temperature fluctuations they endure, with one side warm and the other cold as internal heating battles exterior chill. After a hard winter, it’s time to give your garage door a thorough inspection to check for any damage or necessary repairs.

  • Look for cracks. Cracks are one of the most common issues for wooden garage doors. Especially in freezing temperatures, movement or even a slight impact can start a crack. If you find a crack in a panel, often you can just replace the panel instead of the whole door.
  • Check your rails and hardware. Inspect your rails and other hardware for your door, looking for dents, rust and loose nuts or bolts. It’s very common for a vehicle to slide into the railings of the garage door during icy weather, which can compromise the door.
  • Safety inspection. Make sure your safety features are working correctly. Put an object, like a cardboard box, under your garage door and try to close the door. If the electronic eyes are working correctly, the door should not close. If it smashes the object, your lasers may not be working or are not aligned properly.

If you find any problems, make sure to call in your local garage door service as soon as possible. Garage doors are used even more during the summer, so have all repairs completed in the interest of household safety. While your garage door expert is on the premises, have them tune-up your garage door opener to make sure the spring and other mechanisms are working properly.

Posted on behalf of Habpro
Dacula, GA 30019
(770) 985-3355

Garage Door Inspection

Garage doors are one of the most potentially dangerous parts of your home, yet they are often the most overlooked – until there is a serious problem like the door won’t open or someone gets hurt. Not only does the door have great weight, the door and all its moving parts are under constant enormous tension. If something breaks unexpectedly, it could cause serious injury or even death. 

To avoid potential problems, garage door experts recommend regular inspections and maintenance of your door. Routine garage door service by a professional garage door repair company, it typically costs around $100, a pittance considering it may avoid more costly repairs and buy you some peace of mind. At the bare minimum, a professional inspection should include the following: 

1.  Check all parts – the springs, rollers, hinges and safety devices – to make sure they are fastened correctly and working properly. 

2. Check the balance of the door. This is done by raising the door a few feet and releasing it. If the door moves in any direction more than a few inches, it could mean the springs need to be adjusted or replaced. 

3.  Inspect the cables and pulleys. If they show signs of wear, replace them immediately. 

4.  Tighten all loose screws and brackets. Garage doors can be opened and closed more than a thousand times a year. With all that weight and tension, screws are bound to become loose, creating a potential safety hazard. 

5.  Lubricate springs, rollers, pulleys, bearings and the garage door opener chain and sprockets, if you have a chain driven opener. 

6.  Troubleshoot any issues, including unusual squeaks or stuttering. These are often signs of more serious trouble with springs or hinges and should be resolved with adjustment or replacement right away, due to safety risks.