A garage door takes a beating from repeated use, weather elements and general wear and tear. Minor dents and dings can be repaired with a little paint, but major damage can compromise the function of the door.
Check visible screws and hinges for looseness. Regular lubrication helps keep them in good working condition. To learn more, visit https://www.jctzgaragedoors.com/.
A garage door is heavy and relies on a series of long, coiled springs to lift it up and lower. These springs, which are either torsion or extension depending on your system, are located above the garage door and can be quite dangerous if broken, as they are responsible for supporting the entire weight of the door. As such, it’s important to call a professional when you notice a problem with your springs as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the garage door and anyone nearby.
While there are a number of factors that can lead to broken springs, the most common is simply wear and tear. Most springs are designed to last for 10,000 cycles, with one cycle being the door going up and then back down to close. If you use your garage several times a day, have kids who ride bikes through it, or even just go in and out of the garage for errands, that can add up to a lot of cycles in a short period of time. Over time this can cause the springs to fatigue and break, leaving your garage door unbalanced or unable to open at all.
Another reason for spring failure is corrosion. Most garage doors have metal springs that can rust over time, especially if they are exposed to the elements or not properly cleaned or maintained. Rust weakens the spring and causes it to break more easily, making corrosion the single most common reason for broken garage door springs.
Lastly, springs can also break due to metal fatigue. This happens when the spring is bend over and over again, causing it to become thinner and weaker until it finally breaks. While this isn’t as common as corrosion, it can still happen and is a good reason to buy double-life springs instead of standard springs, which will hold up better over time.
Although you can replace your own extension or torsion springs if you’re willing to take on the risk, it’s always recommended to have professionals do it for you. Getting a new spring installed requires that you release the old one and can be very dangerous, particularly for those without the proper tools or experience. Professionals have the right equipment and training to replace your springs safely, so they can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs down the line.
Frayed Cables
Over time, your garage door can accumulate dents and dings from collisions with vehicles and kids’ toys. These bruises don’t affect the operation of the door, but they can make it less attractive and detract from the overall value of your home.
Keeping up with minor repairs on your garage door can help prevent it from becoming damaged and costly to repair. Keeping the door in good condition can also improve the energy efficiency of your home and lower utility bills.
The cables that lift and lower the garage door can become worn or broken over time due to repeated use or high tension. If a cable snaps, the door may be unbalanced and dangerous to operate. If you notice a broken cable, contact American Garage Door and Repair Services right away to have it replaced.
A frayed electrical wire is not only a safety hazard but can also lead to a fire. This happens when the plastic coating on a cord wears down or is damaged, exposing copper conductors and creating an easy pathway for electricity to flow through. If a person or pet grabs a frayed wire and pulls on it, the act of pulling completes an electric circuit, leading to a potential shock or fire.
A simple solution to prevent a frayed cable is to use a spring from a retractable pen, wrap it around the cable and secure it with heat shrink tubing. However, this won’t be as rigid as a professional-grade solution like using mouldable glue that can be shaped to the cable and solidified. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, consider using a cable protector like these Klips, which can be snapped onto the end of a cable and secured with a lock. This is a more expensive option but can be considered a safety investment.
Broken Rollers
Rollers are small wheels that run along the metal tracks on the sides of your garage door. When they are in good condition, they allow the door to move smoothly and quietly. But when they break, it can cause the door to sag and jump off its track. It can also increase the pressure on other parts of the system, such as the springs and cables.
This can be very dangerous. The best way to prevent broken rollers is to regularly lubricate the tracks and hinges. You should use a high-quality silicone-based lubricant to minimize friction and prevent wear. It is also important to keep an eye out for signs of worn rollers and replace them immediately if you notice them.
Stuck rollers can also be a sign of a more serious problem. If the rollers are stuck, it is important to contact a professional to inspect and fix the problem. This may require removing debris from the tracks or replacing the rollers.
One of the most common reasons for a broken roller is that it has become misaligned. This can happen over time, or it may be caused by vehicle damage, hitting the garage door with a car as you are entering or exiting your home, or simply normal usage.
To check if the roller is misaligned, open the garage door and look down the track. If the track has an obvious curve in it, you may need to have it replaced. If it is just a small amount of sagging, you can correct this by loosening the screws holding the track and shifting it slightly.
When replacing a broken roller, be sure to prioritize safety and disconnect the garage door opener before you start working. Also, only remove and replace one bottom plate with a roller at a time. Doing this more than once could cause the whole track to collapse. Also, use pliers to remove any stubborn components and carefully loosen the bolts securing them. Finally, be sure to dispose of the old rollers properly. It is recommended to have a professional do this work to ensure safety and to avoid any further damage to your garage door.
Uneven Doors
An uneven garage door is not just annoying; it may be a safety hazard and cause damage to the door or opener. An unbalanced door requires more energy to lift and lower, which can wear out the springs, cables, and tracks over time.
Several issues can lead to an uneven door, including misaligned tracks or improperly adjusted springs. A professional should inspect and repair these components to prevent an uneven or sagging garage door.
Misaligned Tracks
Moving a 500-pound door up and down on slender aluminum tracks requires a lot of energy. If the energy isn’t evenly distributed, one track will overtake the other and start to shimmy or shake. In some cases, the tracks can even get bent or warped from being dragged up and down on them for a long time. The solution to this problem is to realign or replace the tracks.
The garage door hinges connect the track to the frame and help it stay in place, but over time they can become loose. A loose hinge can lead to a crooked garage door, which is a major safety concern for people or pets who are underneath it. Loose or deteriorated hinges can also lead to expensive repairs, so it’s important to tighten them.
It’s possible for homeowners to correct minor problems that can cause an uneven garage door, but if it’s due to an imbalance in the torsion springs or cable drums, it’s a job best left to professionals. Adjusting the tension in these components can fix a wobbly garage door, but it’s a delicate and dangerous process.
The tracks, like musical notes, guide the garage door’s movements, but they can become misaligned over time due to bumps or impacts from cars or debris. To make sure they are aligned properly, professionals loosen mounting bolts and gently tap the tracks with a mallet or wood block to return them to their original position. After that, they use a level to ensure both horizontal and vertical alignment. After the track is re-aligned, it’s a good idea to lubricate it to reduce friction and ensure smooth movement.