A broken garage door is more than just a nuisance. It can pose a physical threat to your family, car and valuables and allow burglars easier access to your home.
Repairing your garage door can be as simple as replacing dead batteries in a remote or as complex as repairing multiple panels that have been damaged due to weather or accidents. There are many issues that can be addressed by a professional technician. For professional help, contact Garage Door Repair OKC.
A garage door’s springs are responsible for lifting the weight of the door, making it possible to open and close the door manually or with an automatic opener. Over time, however, the high-tension steel springs can begin to wear out and break. This is especially likely to happen in colder weather, when the steel can become more brittle and more susceptible to damage from exposure to extreme heat or freezing temperatures.
The first sign of a broken spring is typically difficulty opening or closing the door. A professional can help determine whether this is caused by a lack of tension in the springs or by something else, such as a problem with the motor or rollers.
Another common sign of a broken spring is the appearance of visible gaps or separations between the coils. This type of separation can also be caused by corrosion, which can weaken the springs over time. It is important to have a professional inspect the springs regularly and perform regular lubrication to prevent corrosion and extend the life of the springs.
A professional can replace the springs for you quickly and efficiently. They can even install double-life springs, which are longer lasting than standard springs. It is also important to properly install and adjust the springs in order to ensure that the door is balanced and operates safely.
Homeowners may attempt to replace the springs themselves, but this is a project that should be left to professionals. Working with springs under high tension is dangerous, and a small mistake can lead to disaster or injury.
If you decide to try to repair your own garage door, be sure to disable the opener and disconnect all cables from the pulley system. Make sure to also remove the safety cable from each spring. It is also a good idea to use a stepladder and box wrenches to help you get the job done. After you’ve removed the old spring, it is a good idea to test the new spring by lifting the garage door about 3 feet and ensuring that it remains in place. If the door falls down or rises, it is still unbalanced and you will need to continue adjusting the springs until they are all equal.
Damaged Panels
Your garage door is a significant investment and it’s important to protect that investment by ensuring your garage door stays in good condition. One way to do this is by performing regular maintenance, which should include examining the panels for signs of damage. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, you may choose to repair or replace the panel.
If you’re handy with tools, you can perform some basic repairs on your own, but it’s best to enlist professional assistance for larger jobs or those that require specialized knowledge or equipment. An experienced technician will have the knowledge and tools to quickly assess and correct garage door panel damage.
A damaged panel is more than just an eyesore, it can affect how well your garage door functions. It can also reduce curb appeal and make your home less appealing to potential buyers. When assessing the severity of your garage door’s panel damage, it’s essential to consider how extensive the damage is and whether there are any other problems associated with the damaged panel.
Depending on the type of damage, your garage door repair expert will recommend either repairing or replacing your damaged panel. If your garage door is newer and you have only a few panels affected it may be more cost-effective to replace only the damaged panels rather than replace the entire door.
For aluminum garage doors, dents are typically an easy fix. Using steel filler bonding, a professional can quickly and easily repair most dents. This process involves cleaning the dented panel and lightly sanding it to remove any dirt or grime that would prevent the filler from adhering properly. The sanding also roughs up the surface to help the bonding adhere even better.
If you have wood garage doors, the most common issues are warping and rotting of the boards. This is caused by exposure to weather elements such as sun and rain over time, and it’s important to address these issues immediately to prevent serious damage. It’s also a good idea to keep your wood garage doors clean by regularly dusting and washing them with a mild detergent. This will help prevent the build-up of dirt and debris, which can cause further damage to your wooden garage door.
Misaligned Tracks
Misaligned tracks are another common problem that can lead to significant damage if left unattended. Luckily, misalignment is usually fairly easy to repair and can be done by anyone with basic DIY skills. First, you should check to make sure that the track bolts are properly tightened. If they are not, loosen them and adjust the track to a horizontal position. If the track has been bent, you can straighten it by running your hand along the track and identifying any obvious inconsistencies. Slight bends should straighten themselves with the application of gentle pressure, but if the track seems stubborn you can use a rubber mallet to gently tap it into shape.
When the tracks are misaligned it is possible for them to rub together, causing noises and friction that can be very damaging over time. You may also notice that the garage door is moving more slowly than usual, or that it gets stuck half-way up or down when you open or close it.
Visible gaps under the garage door are also a clear indication that the tracks are not aligned properly, which can allow drafts and pests to enter the home. These problems are all preventable with regular maintenance and timely repairs.
In many cases, a car or another large object will strike the track and cause it to become out of alignment with the rest of the system. This can put excessive pressure on the rollers and cause them to stick. It is important to have this damage repaired promptly to avoid additional problems and expensive repairs. Attempting to repair such damage without proper experience can be dangerous and cause more problems than you initially began with. A professional should be hired for any significant issues that could lead to safety hazards, costly repairs, or further damage to other components of the system.
Torn Weather Stripping
Weather stripping helps to keep cold air out in winter and warm air in in summer, and it prevents drafts that can lead to higher energy bills. It also keeps out moisture, dust and pests. When this vital piece of your garage door becomes brittle, cracking, or missing entirely, it can cause water to seep into your garage and damage walls, floors, and other belongings. Fortunately, replacing this important seal is a low-cost repair that can help you save money and protect your garage from the elements.
You can tell it’s time for new weather stripping when you start to notice a gap between the door and frame. You may also notice a draft or feel a cool breeze blowing through the garage when you open the door. A simple test with a dollar bill can confirm whether the weather stripping is in good condition or needs to be replaced. Just place a dollar between the door jamb and the door itself, then close the door. If the dollar easily slides out of the way, your weather stripping is worn and should be replaced.
Besides preventing drafts and allowing cold air to escape your home, damaged or missing weather stripping can also allow moisture, dirt, and pests in. In addition, you may need to spend more on heating and cooling if your garage is less insulated. If you’re planning to replace your weather stripping, it is recommended to install a more durable material such as rubber or vinyl tubing. These types are hollow and inserted into milled grooves or channels on the doorframe to provide a more effective seal against drafts, noise, and moisture.
In addition to a new weatherstrip, you will need several tools to complete the project. These include: