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

Garage Door Operational Inspection Checklist

There are ways to identify problems with your garage door before they cause a failure in your system. Inspecting the components and operation on a regular basis can alert you to issues that need to be addressed. Preventing a failure of your garage door system is less expensive and certainly more convenient. Here is a checklist of areas to inspect on your garage door a few times a year.

  • Door panels. Are there any dents, holes or cracks in the panels of the door? Check inside and out. Damage can affect balance, safety and security. Make sure that panels and sections seal tightly when door is closed.
  • Weather stripping. Check the weather stripping at the bottom of the door for wear and tear. Look for cracking and check the pliability of the rubber; replace when needed to keep your door water resistant when closed.
  • Inspect the tracks and rollers. Look for dents and damage on the tracks; these are often hit by vehicles coming or going. Damaged tracks should be replaced for safety. Also, check the rollers and tracks for rust, wear and tear.
  • Cables. Inspect the cables that move your garage door. Look for fraying or unravelling of the cables. Call your local garage door repair service to replace them if needed.
  • Check balance/operation. Engage the manual switch and check the operation of your door. Can it be easily opened with one hand? Does it stay partially open? If it falls closed or is heavy, it needs service.

These are easy components to check on your own, but replacing parts should be performed by an experienced garage door repair technician for safety. This inspection can also be performed by your service technician during your routine tune-ups on your garage door system each year.

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

4 Ways to Reduce Garage Door Repair Costs

Garage door problems are not just inconvenient, they can be costly and dangerous. A broken cable can allow a garage door to crash down on your car, or worse, you or a family member. A spring can break in the middle of the night, trapping your car inside the garage until it can be replaced. To avoid unexpected garage door repairs and cut down on costs, considers these tips for garage door maintenance.

  1. Complete regular inspections. You can identify many garage door issues before they become a major problem. Inspect your garage doors and opening system at least once a month for loose screws, frayed cables, dents, rust and other obvious issues.
  2. Lubricate your opening system. Follow the manufacturer recommendations for lubricating your garage door system. This can protect the hardware and reduce wear on your opener to help extend the life and cut down on repairs.
  3. Start with a quality door and opener. It may cost most initially, but the adage is true: you get what you pay for. Invest in a quality garage door and opener and you can cut down on repairs and enjoy a longer life from your system.
  4. Schedule annual tune-ups. Scheduling a tune-up on your garage door system once a year can catch issues proactively, reducing emergency garage door repairs. Tune-ups also can extend the life of your garage door system, saving you money in the long run.

Not all garage door repairs can be avoided but keeping up with preventive maintenance and investing in quality equipment is a good start. Contact your local garage door service to schedule your next tune-up and inspection to reduce unexpected garage door repairs.

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

7 Things to Inspect on Your Garage Door

You may not be mechanical or a garage door expert, but you can still perform a visual inspection on your garage doors. Your garage doors are not just a convenience – they are important to the security of your home and are also a high-risk factor for injury if they are not maintained. You should visually inspect your garage doors throughout the year to ensure they are in good working order. Here are seven things you should look at when inspecting your garage doors.

  1. Tracks. Look at the tracks and rollers that move your garage door. Check for rust, dents or abnormalities.
  2. Door panels. Check the whole door for issues like rust, dents or holes.
  3. Seal. Does your door seal completely when closed? This is important for security and to keep your garage weatherproofed.
  4. Weather stripping. When checking to see if the door seals, also check the weather stripping for cracks or tears.
  5. Safety features. You can perform a quick safety test by putting a box or board under your garage door. The door should stop closing when it realizes there is something below it; if it doesn’t, it needs the sensors adjusted or replaced.
  6. Cables and other hardware. A frayed cable or a rusted screw could be dangerous. Look for any signs of wear and tear on your hardware.
  7. Listen too. It is not just your eyes that are useful for inspecting your garage door – listen for strange noises, squeaking or loud operation that could indicate an issue.

If you notice any wear, tear or dysfunction with your garage doors, get service right away. A thorough tune up from a professional can help avoid unnecessary and ensure your garage doors stay safe and provide years of reliable service.

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

Time to Spring Clean Your Garage Door

Winter can do a number on your home, including your garage door. Moisture can accumulate on the interior, leaving mildew stains on your door, while the outside can become dirty from winter weather. Now that spring is on its way, this is a great time to do a thorough spring cleaning on your garage door, plus give it a careful inspection for wear and tear. Here are some spring garage door maintenance tips.

  • Wash your door. Most painted steel or fiberglass doors can be easily cleaned using a mild soap and water. For wooden doors, check with the manufacturer instructions for cleaning and care. While washing your door, inspect the panels for damage or corrosion. In many cases you can replace just the panels instead of replacing the entire door.
  • Inspect the hardware and railings. Winter weather can mean slippery driveways. It is common for vehicles to slide into the garage door edge going in and out of the garage. Inspect the railings and hardware for your garage door, looking for dented or rusted metal pieces that may need replacement.
  • Schedule your annual door opener maintenance. If it has been more than a year since your garage door opener was serviced, schedule your annual service now. It is common for garage doors to be left open during the summer as you go in and out using yard tools. Make sure the spring and other garage door opener parts are in good shape. You don’t want your spring giving out while you or other family members are coming in or out of the garage this summer.

When it comes to spring cleaning and maintenance projects, don’t forget to add your garage door to the list. Start spring off with a clean, maintained garage door that will be ready for the summer ahead.

Garage Door Summer Safety Tips

If you drive through any neighborhood during the summertime, you’ll see many garage doors open with kids and adults going in and out. It is easy to forget that a garage door is a few hundred pound piece of equipment when it easily goes up and down with a push of a button. While a properly maintained garage door is designed with safety in mind, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your garage door is safe for everyone in your family. Here are some safety tips:

–          Educate your kids on garage door safety. Make sure your kids know that the garage door is not a toy to make go up and down. Garage door openers should be high enough that toddlers cannot reach the button, and bigger kids should let adults operate the door.

–          Make sure safety features are working. Most garage door openers have a safety mechanism that stops it from closing on an object. Test this feature by putting a box or other object under the door and try to close the door. It should stop before it hits the item. If it does not, you need to have the safety feature repaired or realigned.

–          Have a safety inspection and tune-up. A good way to ensure your spring and other equipment that control the movement of your garage door are working properly is to have a tune-up performed. Your local garage service company can inspect your equipment, then lubricate the opener, tighten bolts and replace hardware as needed to ensure your garage door is in good working order.  This can prevent any equipment failures or unexpected spring breaks that could cause a serious injury.

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

 

Garage Door Safety Tips

Garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds, making them extremely dangerous if they come crashing down unexpectedly. A poorly maintained garage door system can unexpectedly fail, creating a serious hazard for you and your family, especially small children. It is important to understand the risks that a garage door can pose. Reduce these risks by following standard safety rules regarding upkeep, and use them to keep your family safe from harm. 

  • Garage door controls – Never allow children to play with garage door controls. Make sure your remote garage door opener is installed at least five feet off the ground to keep it away from small fingers.
     
  • Reverse mechanism – Your garage door opener should have a reversing mechanism that stops the door from closing when an object is in the way. Test this mechanism monthly by putting a board under the door. If the door does not reverse after touching the board, call your garage door repair company to have it serviced.
     
  • Emergency release – Know how to use the emergency release feature on your garage door opener. Your manual should have instructions on how this feature can be engaged.
     
  • Check balance – Manually lift and pull down your door, checking for any resistance. When closing, stop about three feet off the ground to ensure that it does not close on its own. Any resistance or automatic closing means the door may be out of balance.
     
  • Inspect your door – Periodically, you should inspect your garage door. Look at the springs, pulleys, cables and rollers for any sign of wear or damage. Never attempt to repair these on your own. Call a professional who has the right tools and experience to safely handle garage door repairs

Garage doors should have an annual inspection and tune-up to keep them working properly, and to promote safety. Call your local garage door service company to schedule your annual inspection today.

Posted on behalf of Legacy Garage Doors