Is your garage door broken? If so, you’re probably wondering how to get a garage door repair cost estimate.
In this article, we’re going to share a few tips to help you get started so you can get your garage door back up and running as quickly as possible.
Garage Door Repair Cost Estimate
Has your garage door suffered damage? There are all kinds of things that can damage it, from bad weather to an accident with a car driving into it. Whatever happened, you need it repaired. How do you get the best garage door repair cost estimate?
Here’s how to get a garage door repair cost estimate.
The first thing you’ll need to do is call on a local garage door repair company to come and help you with your garage door. If you want to shop around, you’ll need to call several and see what they’re quoting.
Not sure who to go with?
Firstly, ensure you’re narrowing your search down to people who can help with commercial garage doors. Next, try asking around your friends, family, and business partners. Some may be able to recommend a service they’ve used in the past. If you’re not able to do that, check out your local businesses on the Better Business Bureau site. This will be able to tell which companies are the best, without any bias.
When you call around, you’re looking for a company that will come and performs a garage door inspection. Some companies will give you an estimate on the phone, but they will need to come and take a look at the damage for themselves. This gives them a better idea of what needs to be done, and therefore give you a more accurate price.
If you can, call around several different companies and have them take a look at the door. This way, you’ll get a range of prices, and feel for the company themselves. Remember, you’re not just looking for the cheapest service. Look for the one that comes with the right expertise and insurance to work on your garage doors. Once you’ve decided, call your chosen company and book them to come and do the repair.
Minor Garage Door Problems
If the garage door is damaged, you may assume that you need to call an expert as soon as possible. In fact, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. Here are some issues that you can correct yourself without calling an expert.
Removing Garage Door Dents
Dents in metal garage doors are common, and nothing to seriously worry about.
If you have a small dent thanks to hail or an accidental foot on the gas pedal, you can hammer it out yourself. You’ll just need a rubber mallet and a piece of wood. Place the wood on the inside of the dent, where it’s bulging outwards. Tap the mallet against it until the dent is hammered out.
If the dent is too big or won’t hammer out, this is when you’ll need to call an expert.
Unresponsive Garage Door Remotes
If you have an automated garage door, then you’ll know that sometimes they just won’t work with your garage door remotes. There are all kinds of reasons why this could be happening, so try these fixes before calling for help:
- Change the batteries in the remote. Often they’ve simply run out, so new batteries will fix the problem.
- Check the garage door hasn’t been locked manually, which will stop the garage door opener from being able to work.
- Check the disconnect switch hasn’t been pulled. This may have happened if someone has been doing maintenance on the door recently.
- Try changing the codes on the remote. In older models, you can do this manually by flipping switches in the remote, while newer ones will allow you to set them automatically. Check your manual for details.
- Check you’re not trying to use the remote from too far away. They have a limited range, so they won’t work if they’re not close to the door.
Bent Garage Door Tracks
The tracks are what your door runs on when it opens and closes.
If you’re finding the door is squealing when you open and close it, there could well be a bend in the track. If it’s a small bend, you can fix this yourself. Find where the damage has occurred, and unscrew the track from the door itself. Again, using wood and a mallet, hammer the dent out until it’s straight again. Screw the track back in, and test the door. If it moves smoothly, you’re good to go.
Remember, if the bend is too great, you shouldn’t try and fix it yourself. If it’s a large dent, or the door is stuck because there’s a serious dent, you’ll need to get help with it.
Auto Reversing Door
Your garage door should have an auto-reverse feature. This stops the door from shutting on anything in its path, be it a person or a vehicle. It’s an essential safety feature, so you want to ensure it’s working properly. Are you finding that the door opens back up before it touches the floor, even if nothing’s in the way? This can easily be fixed.
The system works by using two photo eye beams on either side of the bottom of the door. These shoot out a beam that meets in the middle. If the beam is interrupted, then the door won’t close. The most likely reason it isn’t working is that the eyes are dirty. A soft cloth is all you need to clean them and try the door again.
If that doesn’t work, the eyes are likely out of alignment. Tie a piece of string between them, and measure it with a spirit level. If it isn’t level, then you’ll need to adjust them. Move the eyes until they’re in alignment with each other, and try again. This should solve the problem.
Conclusion
With these tips, you’ll be able to fix the most common problems with your commercial garage door. If the job is too big for you, or you’re not sure how to go about fixing it, then call in the experts. Call several companies, ask for recommendations, and pick a service that comes to check out the damage for you.
If you need help with your garage door repair, we’re Your Garage Door Guys and we’d be happy to help.