Category: Garage Door Maintenance

How to Tighten a Garage Door Spring

Have you ever experienced a loud bang in your garage, only to find your garage door refusing to open? 

That could be a broken garage door spring. Tightening your garage door springs is not just about convenience; it’s about safety and ensuring the longevity of your garage door system. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the importance of tightening garage door springs and how to keep your garage door in tip-top shape.

The importance of tightening garage door springs

Properly tightened garage door springs offer several benefits that every homeowner should be aware of:

• Safety: Loose or worn-out springs can lead to accidents, causing injuries or damage to your vehicle or property. Tightening the springs regularly ensures that the door operates smoothly and safely.
• Performance: A well-maintained garage door system runs efficiently, reducing wear and tear on its components. Tightening the springs helps to maintain optimal performance and prolong the life of your garage door opener.
• Noise Reduction: Loose springs can create excessive noise when the garage door operates. Tightening them can reduce the noise and provide a more peaceful environment in and around your garage.
• Cost Savings: Regular maintenance, including tightening the springs, helps prevent costly repairs or replacements due to premature failure of garage door components.

Keeping your garage door springs tightened is a crucial aspect of proactive maintenance. Addressing potential issues before they escalate will save time, money, and unnecessary stress. Furthermore, well-maintained garage door systems add value to your home and enhance curb appeal.

How to tighten a garage door spring

Tightening a garage door spring can be dangerous due to the high spring tension. It’s essential to exercise caution and use proper safety gear. If you need clarification about the process or feel uncomfortable, it’s best to call a professional. However, if you’re experienced and confident in handling such tasks, here are the steps to tighten a garage door spring:

1. Gather the necessary tools

You’ll need a winding bar, a wrench, and a ladder to reach the torsion springs.

2. Disconnect the garage door opener

Unplug the opener and disengage it from the door to prevent accidental operation.

3. Close the garage door

Ensure the door is entirely closed and secured with a C-clamp or vice grip to prevent it from opening while working on the springs.

4. Locate the torsion spring and winding cone

The torsion spring is mounted horizontally above the garage door. At the end of the spring, you’ll find a winding cone with set screws.

5. Loosen the set screws

Use a wrench to loosen the set screws on the winding cone carefully.

6. Insert the winding bar

Insert the winding bar into one of the winding cone holes, ensuring it’s securely in place.

7. Wind the spring

Holding the winding bar firmly, slowly add tension to the spring by winding it. The winding direction will depend on whether the spring is on the left or right side of the door. Generally, you’ll wind the spring toward the ceiling.

8. Tighten the set screws

Once the desired tension is achieved, tighten the set screws while keeping the winding bar in place.

9. Remove the winding bar

Carefully remove the winding bar and double-check the set screws to ensure they’re tight.

10. Reconnect the garage door opener

Plug in and re-engage the opener.

Do garage door springs need to be tightened?

Garage door springs do not typically need to be tightened traditionally. However, they do require proper tensioning and regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and safety. The tension of garage door springs is crucial in balancing the door’s weight, allowing it to open and close smoothly.

How do I know if my garage door tension springs are loose?

Identifying loose garage door tension springs is essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of your garage door system. Here are some signs that your garage door springs might be loose or require attention:

• Difficulty opening or closing: If your garage door feels unusually heavy, difficult to open or close, or does not stay in place when partially opened, it could be due to loose springs.
• Uneven door movement: A garage door that appears crooked or moves unevenly when opening or closing may have uneven tension or a loose spring on one side.
• Noticeable gaps: Inspect the springs for visible gaps between the coils, which may indicate insufficient tension.
• Sagging when open: When the garage door is open halfway, it should remain level. If it sags or droops, it could be a sign that the springs are not providing adequate tension.
• Excessive noise: Loose springs can cause the garage door to produce unusual sounds, such as creaking, squeaking, or grinding noises.
• Increased wear and tear: Loose springs can strain other garage door components, such as the opener, cables, and tracks, leading to more rapid wear and tear.
• Door opens too quickly or slams shut: If your garage door opens too quickly, it could be due to insufficient spring tension.

Is it safe to adjust garage door springs without a professional? 

No.

Tightening a garage door spring without professional assistance can be extremely dangerous due to the high tension stored within the springs. These springs support the entire weight of the garage door, which can weigh several hundred pounds. When adjusting or replacing springs, the high tension can cause them to snap or recoil suddenly, leading to severe personal injuries or even death.

Attempting to tighten garage door springs without the proper knowledge, experience, or tools can result in accidents, such as:

• Lacerations or puncture wounds: If a spring snaps while tightening, the sharp edges can cause deep cuts or puncture wounds, potentially leading to significant blood loss or damage to underlying tissues.
• Impact injuries: A sudden release of tension can cause the spring or related components to fly off at high speeds, striking a person with great force. This can lead to bruises, fractures, or even traumatic head injuries.
• Crush injuries: The garage door can suddenly drop if the spring tension is not managed correctly during tightening. If a person’s hands or other body parts are caught beneath the door, it can result in crushing injuries, broken bones, or amputations.
• Strain injuries: Those unfamiliar with tightening garage door springs might use improper techniques or body positioning, leading to muscle strains or other stress-related injuries.

The potential for personal injury when tightening a garage door spring without professional help is significant. It’s always recommended to seek the expertise of a trained technician to ensure the safety of both the individual and the garage door system.

How much does it cost to replace two tension springs for a garage door?

The cost of replacing two tension springs for a garage door can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of springs, labor costs, and regional pricing differences. On average, you can expect to pay between $150 to $350 for the springs, with torsion springs generally being more expensive than extension springs.

Labor costs for professional installation can range from $100 to $200, depending on the job’s complexity and local labor rates. Therefore, the total cost for replacing two garage door tension springs, including parts and labor, can range from $250 to $550 or more.

Remember that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary. For more information, contact Your Garage Door Guys for a quote.

What is the average life of garage door springs?

The average lifespan of garage door springs largely depends on their type, quality, and usage. Generally, garage door springs are rated by cycles, with one cycle being the process of opening and closing the door once. Here are the average lifespans for the two main types of garage door springs:

• Torsion springs: These are more durable and typically last between 15,000 to 20,000 cycles. With average use, this translates to about 7 to 12 years. However, heavy-duty torsion springs rated for 25,000 or even 50,000 cycles are available, potentially extending the lifespan to 15 or more years.
• Extension springs: These springs are usually less durable than torsion springs and have an average lifespan of 10,000 to 15,000 cycles, which equates to around 5 to 8 years with average use.

Several factors can influence the lifespan of garage door springs, such as the springs’ quality, the garage door’s weight, proper installation, and regular maintenance. To maximize the life of your garage door springs, performing routine maintenance, including lubrication and inspection for wear and damage, is essential.

If you suspect your springs are nearing the end of their lifespan or if you notice any signs of wear, it’s crucial to consult with a professional garage door technician to prevent potential damage or injury.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your garage door springs are in optimal condition is crucial for your garage door system’s safety, efficiency, and longevity. 

Regular maintenance, including proper tensioning of springs, not only prevents potential accidents and injuries but also saves you time and money in the long run.

If you suspect that your garage door springs need attention or if you simply want to schedule a 25-point garage door inspection, contact Your Garage Door Guys for professional and reliable service. Our experienced technicians will ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and safely, giving you peace of mind and the convenience you deserve.

Are you tired of freezing temperatures or sweltering heat invading your garage? Do you cringe at the sight of water seeping in during heavy rain? 

It’s time to put an end to these issues! 

Learn how weatherproofing your garage door can protect your belongings, save money, and improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Why is weatherproofing a garage door important?

Many homeowners overlook the importance of a well-insulated and sealed garage door, leading to uncomfortable temperatures, higher energy bills, and potential damage to stored items. 

Weatherproofing your garage door is a simple, cost-effective solution to these problems, ensuring your garage remains a functional and protected space.

How to weatherproof a garage door

Weatherproofing a garage door involves several steps to ensure it is well-sealed and insulated against outside elements. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to weatherproofing a garage door:

1. Inspect the garage door

Check for gaps, cracks, and areas where drafts can enter. Look for signs of wear or damage on the existing weatherstripping and seals.

2. Clean the surfaces

Before applying any new weatherproofing materials, clean the garage door surfaces to ensure proper adhesion. Use a mild detergent and water to clean the door, and let it dry completely.

3. Choose the right materials

Select weatherstripping, insulation, and other materials suitable for your garage door type (e.g., steel, wood, or aluminum). Consider the climate in your region when choosing materials.

4. Install weatherstripping

Top and side weatherstripping: Attach weatherstripping along the top and sides of the door, cutting it to the appropriate length. Nail or screw the weatherstripping into place, ensuring a tight seal against the door frame.

Bottom weatherstripping: Attach a new rubber or vinyl seal to the bottom of the door. You may need to remove the old seal first. Ensure the new seal is the correct length, forming a tight seal with the ground.

5. Insulate the garage door

Choose the appropriate insulation material (e.g., fiberglass, foam board, or reflective foil) depending on your garage door type. Cut the insulation to fit each panel or section of the door, and secure it using adhesive, clips, or fasteners.

6. Install door sweeps and thresholds

If necessary, add a door sweep to the bottom of the garage door to further prevent drafts. Install a threshold along the garage floor to create a seal when the door is closed.

7. Seal gaps and cracks

Use caulk or expanding foam to fill gaps or cracks around the garage door frame or between door panels.

8. Regular maintenance

Periodically inspect and replace worn weatherstripping, seals, and insulation materials. Check for new gaps or cracks and address them promptly.

By following these steps, you can effectively weatherproof your garage door, improving energy efficiency and protecting the contents of your garage from the elements.

If you need help, consider contacting a garage door professional. 

The benefits of weatherproofing your garage door

Weatherproofing a garage door is essential for several reasons, many of which aren’t related to weather.  

Whether you’re a new homeowner or purchasing a new garage door, it’s essential to consider the benefits of weatherproofing your garage door. Here’s a quick list of benefits we share with clients whenever they ask if weatherproofing is necessary:

• Energy efficiency
• Comfort
• Protection from the elements
• Improved durability
• Pest control
• Noise reduction
• Enhanced home security

Energy efficiency: A well-sealed and insulated garage door helps prevent drafts and heat loss, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. This is particularly important if the garage is attached to the house, as temperature fluctuations in the garage can impact the home’s overall energy efficiency.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper weatherproofing can save homeowners 10-20% on their heating and cooling bills.

Comfort: Weatherproofing the garage door can help maintain a more comfortable temperature in the garage, making it a more pleasant space for working on projects, storing temperature-sensitive items, or using it as an additional living area.

Protection from the elements: An adequately sealed garage door can help prevent water, snow, and debris from entering the garage, protecting your belongings from potential damage caused by moisture, pests, or other environmental factors.

Improved durability: Weatherproofing materials, such as weatherstripping and seals, can help protect the garage door and its components from wear and tear caused by exposure to the elements. This may extend the door’s lifespan and reduce the need for repairs or replacements.

Pest control: A well-sealed garage door can deter pests like rodents and insects from entering your garage, reducing the risk of infestation and potential damage to your belongings.

Noise reduction: Weatherproofing materials can help dampen outside noise, making your garage and adjacent living spaces quieter and more peaceful.

Enhanced home security: A tightly sealed garage door can make it more difficult for intruders to access your garage and your home.

Take action today and transform your garage into a comfortable, energy-efficient, and secure space by weatherproofing your garage door. Protect your investment and enjoy the benefits for years to come.

How long do garage door weatherproof materials last?

The lifespan of garage door weatherproofing materials can vary depending on factors such as the type and quality of the materials, climate, and frequency of use. 

Here are some general guidelines for the lifespan of common weatherproofing materials:

Weatherstripping and seals:

Rubber or vinyl: These materials typically last 3 to 5 years but may need replacement sooner in extreme climates or with heavy usage.

Silicone or other high-performance materials: These weatherstripping and seals can last up to 10 years or more, depending on the specific product and usage conditions.

Insulation materials:

Fiberglass: Fiberglass insulation can last up to 20 years or more if properly installed and maintained. However, it may become less effective if exposed to moisture or damaged by pests.

Foam board: Rigid foam board insulation can also last up to 20 years or more with proper care. Like fiberglass, its effectiveness may diminish if exposed to moisture or damaged.

Reflective foil: This type of insulation can last 10 to 15 years, but its lifespan may be reduced if damaged or torn.

To maximize the lifespan of your garage door weatherproofing materials, perform regular maintenance, promptly address any issues, and use high-quality materials suited to your climate and garage door type. Remember that these guidelines are general estimates, and the actual lifespan of weatherproofing materials may vary based on individual circumstances.

Consider scheduling a garage door inspection at least once yearly for the best results. At Your Garage Door Guys, we provide a 25-point inspection to ensure your garage is in excellent condition and working correctly.

Conclusion

Weatherproofing your garage door is a wise investment that brings numerous benefits, from energy efficiency and comfort to protect against the elements and improved security. Don’t let another season go by with a poorly insulated and sealed garage door. Take control of your home’s energy usage, protect your valuable belongings, and create a more comfortable space for you and your family.

If you’re ready to start enjoying the benefits of a weatherproof garage door but need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Your Garage Door Guys. Our team of experts is here to help you choose the right materials and ensure proper installation for maximum effectiveness. Get in touch with us today, and let us guide you through the process of transforming your garage into the comfortable, efficient, and secure space it deserves to be.

Your garage is likely a storage space for all kinds of things. Aside from your car, you could be storing sporting goods, tools, gardening equipment, seasonal decorations, and much more in there. As this is the case, you must be sure you’re storing items safely. If not, your garage is at risk for fire damage. 

That sounds frightening, but following these simple tips will make your garage much safer and lower the risk overall. Take a look at how you can implement fire safety in your garage. 

Garages And Fire Safety

Your garage is one of the areas most at risk of fire in your home. In fact, every year, there are 6,600 garage fires reported in the US, which results in at least $457 million’s worth of property damage. Even worse, they lead to around 30 deaths and 400 personal injury cases. 

As such, you can see just how important it is to take good care of your garage and fireproof it to the best of your ability. Here are some tips to help you do just that. 

1. Clear Out Your Garage

Firstly, you’ll want to ensure that you have a good clear out of your garage and remove anything that doesn’t need to be in there. Go through all the items you store there, and remove anything you haven’t used in over a year. 

You can easily remove items by having ‘sell’, ‘donate’, and ‘trash’ boxes. Ensure that you deal with these items quickly as soon as you’ve sorted them. The sooner you actually remove them from your garage, the better. 

Clearing out your garage means there’s less clutter in there, so there’s less fuel should a fire ever break out. Plus, you’ll find it much easier to find the items you keep in there once you’ve removed all the extra clutter around them. 

2. Remove Flammable Items

When clearing out your garage, look at the items in there that could be flammable. The garage is a popular place to store paints, varnishes, gas cans, and so on. If possible, these should be removed from your garage to reduce the fire risk. 

The best place for items like these is a shed in your garage. That will ensure that they’re well away from any heat sources and protect you from VOCs too. 

If you can’t remove them from the garage, ensure that you’re storing them away from heat sources, such as space heaters. This will reduce the risk of these items igniting. 

3. Bring Your Garage Up To Code

If you haven’t done much work on your garage recently, you may need to bring it up to the fire code. That sounds intimidating, but it shouldn’t be much work on your end. 

Inspect your garage, and look for any issues that could be fire hazards. For example, you want to ensure that all exits are fully accessible in case you need to evacuate quickly. You’ll also want to look at having Type X gypsum boards installed on the ceilings and any walls shared with the house properly. 

Also, consider having your garage door replaced. A new garage door will be properly fire rated and give you the protection you need. 

4. Take Care When Plugging In Appliances

You’re likely to plug in a range of appliances in your garage, such as power tools, lawnmowers, refrigerators, and so on. As you’re not in your house, you may let fire safety slip in a way that you wouldn’t normally. 

As such, remember that you should only plug in one appliance per outlet to avoid overloading them. If you need to use an extension cord, these should be a temporary use only. If you do these things over long periods, that can lead to overheating and electrical fires. 

5. Install Appropriate Alarms In Your Garage

In your home, you’ll have alarms that will let you know if there’s a fire. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will go off if there’s danger, so you know to get out and get help. The same should go for your garage, too. 

Having a smoke detector in the garage will help protect your home by alerting you of fire as soon as possible. A heat alarm is a very good idea, as it will let you know when the temperature is high enough to indicate fire too. Find alarms that have battery backups, and test them twice a year to ensure they’re working as intended. 

6. Keep Your Vehicle Maintained

If you store your car in your garage, it will be a large risk if a fire breaks out in there. Worse, it could be the source of the fire itself. Of course, that is the worst-case scenario, but you want to ensure that you lower the chances of that happening. 

The best way to do so is to have the car regularly maintained. When you do this, you’ll catch any problems before they can get worse or even start a fire. You’ll have other benefits, too, such as cheaper repair bills and solving problems before they get worse and more expensive. 

7. Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy

Fire extinguishers are something that not everyone keeps in their home, but they’re highly useful to have. If a fire ever were to break out, you could handle it quickly and easily. 

In your garage, ensure that you have the right extinguisher for the job. For example, one designed for electrical fires would be useful here. You’ll also want to look into how to use your extinguisher, so you’ll be prepared if a fire were to ever break out.

These tips will ensure your garage is more fire-resistant and should be safer if a fire ever does break out. Follow these tips to ensure that your garage is safe.

Your garage door opener will have a safety release cord that lets you disconnect the door from the opener whenever you need to. There are several reasons you may need to do this, but how do you get it connected again when you want it to work with the opener? Here’s how to reengage a garage door.

Your Emergency Release Cord

Every garage door opener unit should come with a release cord. These are essential parts of the unit and something you should know about. There will be times when you need to disconnect the garage door from that opening unit. The cord gives you a quick way of releasing the door, so you can open or close it manually. Knowing how to reengage a garage door by using it is highly useful.

Why You May Disconnect Your Garage Door Opener

Why would you pull that release cord in the first place? There are several reasons why you may have done this. You’ll need to reconnect that emergency cord after any of the following situations:

• You were working on the garage door: If you’re about to do any repair work on the garage door or the garage door opener, you won’t want anyone to activate the opener at this time. If you’re going to work on the door, you’ll want to ensure that the garage door opener is disconnected. At this point, you’ll disconnect it, so even if the opener is activated, it won’t be able to move the door.
• You had a power cut: If there’s no power in the area, you won’t be able to use your garage door opener. This doesn’t happen as much anymore, as you’ll see, most openers require a backup battery. However, if there were power cuts and the battery failed, you still need to be able to open the garage door. Disconnecting it from the opener will allow you to open and close it manually.
• The garage door sensors detect a blockage: Your garage door sensors are a key part of your garage door, and you need them to work perfectly. When operating as intended, they won’t allow the garage door to shut if something is blocking the door. If the sensors are stopping the garage door from shutting and there’s nothing there, you’ll need to disconnect the garage door opener so you can close the door and figure out the problem.
• Your garage door opener is malfunctioning: If you take good care of it, you shouldn’t have any problems with it overall. However, there may be times when you’re having problems with it. If the garage door opener isn’t working as it should, you’ll need to disconnect it from the door, so you can still open and close it. Once the opener has been fixed, you’ll want to reconnect that door opener.

How to Reengage a Garage Door Opener

You’ve had to pull the release cord on your garage door opener for whatever reason. How the issue you’ve had has been dealt with, you’ll need to reattach the opener, so you can use it as usual. In some cases, with newer garage door openers, you’ll see that the garage door opener will reattach itself automatically. You’ll see the mechanic outlined in your manual if yours does this. If your opener doesn’t have an automatic attachment feature, you’ll need to reattach it yourself. Luckily, this is fairly easy to do. Here’s how to reengage a garage door opener:

• Check your sensors: Before reattaching the garage door opener, you’ll need to be sure that nothing is obstructing the garage door. Check the sensors, and see if there are any blinking lights. If they are blinking, that’s a sign that something is in the way. Move any objects that may be near the garage door that could be interfering with the sensors. Check the photo eyes themselves if you’re still seeing blinking lights. As they’re close to the ground, they can get dirty. Give them a wipe with a soft cloth if that’s the case. If you still see the sensors blinking, they are most likely misaligned. You can easily adjust them by tying a string between them and using a spirit level to check if they’re level. If not, adjust the sensors until that string is level. That should correct the issue.
• Pull back on the release cord: Now you’re ready to get the garage door opener reconnected. Find the release cord, and pull back on it. It’s important that you don’t pull too hard on it, as that can damage the cord or the garage door opener itself. Pull back on the cord until you see the level connected to it attach itself to the garage door opener. Once that happens, you should hear it click into place.
• Try the door: Now that you’re reattached that garage door opener to the door, you’ll want to check that it’s working as it should. Use the opener to operate the garage door opener unit. At this point, it should be able to open and close your garage door as normal.

Still Not Working?

If the garage door opener still isn’t correctly attached to the garage door, you’ll need to go through these steps again. Check nothing is blocking the garage door sensors, and try pulling back on the cord again until you hear that click. If it still doesn’t work, you’ll want to talk to your local garage door repair company. They’ll be more than happy to help diagnose and fix the problem for you.

If you’ve had to pull the release cord on your garage door opener for any reason, you’ll need to know how to reengage a garage door once you’ve handled the issue. Luckily, it’s very easy to do. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be able to easily reattach the garage door to the garage door opener.

Conclusion

If none of the above steps have worked, you’ll need to call a garage door expert to help you. The wiring has likely become faulty in some way, so they’ll be able to diagnose and solve the problem for you. Now you know how to reengage a garage door and identify what’s causing the problem. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to solve the issue if you ever experience it.

Similar to other types of home appliances, garage doors require regular care and maintenance. At 600 pounds, a faulty garage door can be dangerous. Follow our 3-step garage safety inspection guide to help minimize the risk of potential mechanical woes.

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Your garage door is a part of your home that you want to pay close attention to. They’re an appliance like any other; the more you use them, the more wear and tear it will take. You’re likely using it at least twice a day, so you’ll need to be aware of the wear that’s happening to it.

Even more importantly than that, a garage door that’s poorly maintained is going to be a safety hazard. You don’t want to be injured by your door when you use it or have it cause damage to your car. To help ensure that doesn’t happen, here’s everything you need to know about conducting a thorough garage safety inspection.

The Value of Regular Garage Safety Inspection and Maintenance

First, let’s talk about why it’s essential for you to check and maintain that garage door. As noted above, you’re using it every day. Even when it is expertly maintained and well looked after, it will take on wear and tear over time. If that wear and tear isn’t addressed, the longer you leave it, the more likely an accident will happen. Of course, you don’t want to put yourself in harm’s way, but mainly you don’t want to run the risk of a child or pet being hurt by the door.

When you do regular inspections, you’ll be able to find issues before they get too bad and are easier to fix. As a bonus, the repairs should work out to be cheaper too. Remember, those repairs will be much less than replacing the garage door or, worse, paying for medical bills if someone gets hurt. It’s usually best to inspect the garage door every six months. That will allow you to see if there’s any damage to the door without leaving it too long for that damage to become dangerous.

How to Conduct a Garage Safety Inspection

Now you know just how important it is to inspect your garage door, you’ll need to know how to do it. Here are the three main steps that you need to take.

Step 1: Check the Auto-Reverse Feature

The auto-reverse feature on your garage door is one of your most important safety systems. When working correctly, you should see that the door reverses back up if it starts to shut and detects something is in the way. You’ll want to test this feature to see if it is doing that. If it’s not working properly, you’ll want to correct the problem by adjusting the auto-reverse function. Place a 2×4 of wood in the garage door’s path, and push the button to close it. Ideally, the door will realize there’s something in the way and reverse back up when it touches it.

Usually, you’ll be able to correct the issue by checking the pressure sensitivity on your door opener. Also, check the pressure-sensitive strip at the bottom of the door. If it isn’t intact, it will need replacing. There will be instructions on how to do this in the manual.

Step 2: Clean and Inspect the Photo Eye Sensors

Your photo eye sensors are another vital safety component of your garage door. These sensors work a lot like auto reverse, detecting if something is in the door’s path and making it open again if there is something there. They do this by shooting a beam of light between them along the bottom of the door frame. If that beam of light is broken, the door won’t shut.

Again, you can test this just by placing that 2×4 of wood in the door’s path and trying to close it. If everything works as it should, you’ll see that the door will auto-reverse. The issue could be solved quite easily by cleaning the photo eyes with a soft cloth if it doesn’t. Often, they simply get dirty, and cleaning them is enough to fix them. If that doesn’t work, check if the photo eyes are aligned. You can do this by tying a length of string between them and checking with a spirit level. If it’s not level, adjust the eyes until it is. This should solve the problem.

Step 3: Inspect the Garage Door Springs

There are many moving parts to your garage door, but one of the most essential parts you should check is your springs. These give your garage door the tension they need to open and close; usually, they shouldn’t be a problem. Over time though, they will start to wear out. When that happens, and it’s not addressed, the spring can snap and, in the worst-case scenario, launch itself across the garage. It can seriously injure you if you’re unlucky enough to be in there when it happens. 

Take a good look at your springs to see what kind of condition they’re in. You should see that they’re tightly coiled. If they’re starting to loosen up or are showing any other signs of wear, that’s a sign that they need to be replaced. You can also test your springs by opening the door halfway when you’ve unplugged the garage door opener. Do this, and then let go of the door. If the door is able to stand open by itself, then the springs are in good condition.

If the door starts to slide down, though, again, you’ll want to look into having those springs replaced. If you do want to replace the springs, then you’ll want to look into getting a professional to handle the job for you. Springs are highly dangerous, so they need to be handled correctly. These are just a few of the things that you’ll want to check if you want to ensure that your garage door is safe. Make these checks every six months, and you’ll be able to catch any problems before they become potentially dangerous. 

Final Thoughts

These are some of the best garage safety inspection tips to maximize the protection of your garage and keep your home secure. If your garage needs maintenance or repairs, Your Garage Door Guys is ready to help! We are available in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Like everything else in your home, your garage door needs to be well maintained. When you take good care of it, you’ll prolong its lifespan and ensure that any issues are kept to a minimum. The best part is that you can do much of the basic maintenance yourself. Here are our top 7 garage door maintenance and repair tips to keep it running smoothly in tip-top condition.

1. Visually Inspect Your Door

The first thing to do when performing maintenance is to do a visual check of the garage door itself. This will show you whether anything is visibly wearing out or nearing the end of its life. There are many moving parts to the door, so check everything, including the rollers, cables, hinges, etc. Also, operate the door and observe it as it opens and shuts.

You’re looking to see if it opens and closes smoothly. Is there any excessive noise when you use the door? Is it jerky at any point in the process? Is the door in alignment? If there are any issues, you’ll need to take the appropriate steps to correct them. In many cases, the best idea will be to call a garage door repair company to help you.

2. Check the Safety of Your Garage Door

Then, you want to ensure that your garage door is safe. You’re using it every day, so you want to be sure that you’ll be safe as you do so. There are several tests that you’ll need to perform. Firstly, test the garage door balance by unplugging the opener and opening the door manually to about halfway. You’re looking to see if the door will stay open by itself when you do this. Next, test your auto-reverse.

Place a piece of wood in the door’s path, then close it with the garage door opener remote. If the door touches wood, it should automatically reverse and open again. Finally, test your photo eyes. These should be fully aligned to tell if anything’s in the door’s path. You can use a string between them to readjust them both until they’re level. Test them by waving an object between them as the door is closing. You should see the door open back up again.

3. Check All the Hardware

Now you’re ready to take a good look at the garage door hardware and make sure that it’s in good condition. The hardware can be rattled loose as the door is operated, so you must correct this issue as you maintain the door. Check your tracks and hinges first, using a socket wrench to tighten up any bolts or fasteners that are coming loose.

Next, check for wear on the garage door rollers. You’re looking for evidence of wear on the bearings or cracks in nylon bearings. These will need to be replaced if so. Now look for wear in the lift cables. This can be rust, wear, or broken strands. Again, you’ll need to call an expert to help with this repair.

4. Service the Seal and Springs

Your garage door seal keeps the weather and pests out of your garage, so you’ll want to ensure it’s in good condition. If the seal looks brittle or worn, you can remove it and replace it easily. As for the springs, these are an essential part of your garage door.

You’re looking to see if they’re showing signs of wear or whether they’re starting to lose tension. If they are beginning to wear out, they need to be replaced. They are potentially dangerous as even worn-out springs hold a lot of tension, so you’ll want an expert to handle this.

5. Maintain the Garage Door Opener Chain or Belt

Your garage door opener chain or belt will need some servicing, as it works hard to open and close your door daily. If you hear groaning sounds when you open the door, that’s a sign that it will need some attention. Before you work on the chain, disconnect the power supply to the opener, raise the door to about chest height, and then disconnect it from the opener. Close the door manually, and you’re ready to go. 

You’ll want to ensure that your chain or belt is properly tightened. Typically, an adjustment bolt on the opener will be connected to the chain and nuts to adjust the drive mechanism. You’ll want to tighten the buts until the chain is about a quarter of an inch from the bottom rail. Check your garage door opener instructions, as these will tell you exactly how to do this on your garage door opener.

6. Clean the Garage Door

Cleaning your garage door is essential, as it will help keep it in good repair. How you clean it will depend on the kind of garage door you have. For example, a wooden door must be wiped with a clean, dry cloth. If it’s vinyl or another synthetic material, you’ll need to use the appropriate cleaner for that material.

As you clean the door, look for any holes, rust, or other damage. You can patch holes with wood filler and sand them to get a good finish. Rust can also be sanded away. Rinse the door down and allow it to dry. Finish by repainting the door to get a cohesive look.

7. Call a Local Garage Door Maintenance and Repair Expert

Finally, if you come across any problems while you’re maintaining your garage door, and they’re not covered in this list, then you’re often better off calling an expert to handle it. Get in touch with Your Garage Door Guys. We’ve got you covered. This will benefit you as we’ll be able to correctly diagnose and solve the problem, saving you a lot of money.

Now you know how to do basic maintenance on your garage door and ensure everything is kept in top condition. Do regular maintenance, and your garage door will have a long lifespan.

There are plenty of things in your home that you should service regularly to keep them working in the best possible condition. Your AC unit, for example, needs to be taken care of regularly, as well as your car. What you may not realize, though, is that your garage door needs to be serviced too. So, how often should you service your garage door?

It’s just like any other piece of machinery, as you’ll need to take a regular look at it and check for any issues that may be developing. If you do this, you’ll be able to catch these problems before they become more extensive and expensive to repair. Here’s how often you should service your garage door and how you should go about it.

Why Service Your Garage Door?

Does your garage door really need servicing? There are lots of reasons why you’ll want to look into checking the door over regularly. It’s like any other piece of machinery in that it has a lot of moving parts, and it’s in use so often. You’ll use that garage door at least twice a day, and so over time, the parts are going to wear out.

When those parts wear out, that’s going to have a knock-on effect on the rest of the door. If you’re not paying close attention and servicing the door as and when needed, then you’ll find that more damage will happen, and eventually, you’ll be forced into doing those repairs. It’s much better to service it regularly, so you can stop this from happening.

How Often Should You Service Your Garage Door?

With all this in mind, how often should you be servicing that garage door and keeping it in the best possible condition? It will all depend on how often you use it. On average, though, experts recommend that you at least inspect your garage door at least twice a year.

Getting a garage door inspection is different from service, as you’ll be taking on some simple tasks to keep the door in good condition, such as lubricating moving parts and washing or painting the door. You should also be looking for any obvious signs of wear and tear on the parts as you do this. If you do see any damage, then you’ll want to call on an expert to repair it for you.

As for servicing, it’s recommended that you take this on at least once a year, regardless of any wear and tear that you can see. Again, this is a role that you’ll want to call an expert to handle for you.

Expert vs. DIY Servicing

There are lots of homeowners who try to take on home care tasks themselves. There are plenty of things that you can handle yourself, but most garage repairs are not one of them. If your garage door is due for a service, then you’ll want a repair expert to do the job for you.

There are several reasons for this. Firstly, an expert is someone who works with garage doors day in and day out. They know exactly what they’re looking for when it comes to garage door service. If you attempt to do it yourself, it’s very likely that you’ll miss something.

Secondly, they can do this a lot more safely. There are plenty of parts on a garage door that can pose a danger when mishandled, such as the springs. As such, you’ll want to ensure that only the experts are handling them.

Finally, having an expert handle the service will save you money in the long run. Yes, if you try and service the garage door yourself, then you’ll save money upfront. However, if you miss anything or do a repair less than optimally, then you’ll find that you’ll have to pay for expert repair later down the line. That will be more expensive, so it’s always better to rely on a professional.

When To Call For Expert Help

As you’ve seen, you’ll want to schedule a service for your garage door once a year to keep it in good condition. Sometimes though, there will be wear and damage to your door that you shouldn’t leave for too long. Here are some of the issues that you’ll want to address quickly before they can cause more damage to the door’s structure.

• The garage door opener isn’t responding: If you can’t get your garage door opener to work, it’s an inconvenience, but often you can solve the issue yourself. It could be down to dead batteries in the remote, the door being locked manually, or the garage door opener disconnect being pulled, for example. However, if you’ve gone through the regular troubleshooting and you still can’t get the door to open, you’ll want to get the experts to come to help you correct the problem.
• The door opens on its own: On the other hand, your garage door may be opening and closing seemingly on its own. That can be down to a few factors, such as faulty photo eyes sensing that something is in the way of the door when it’s clear. You don’t want to leave this for too long, though, as it does pose a security risk for your home.
• The garage door is misaligned: This is another problem that you can’t afford to leave for too long. If the door isn’t sitting evenly in the frame, that’s a sign that the cables are weakening or snapped altogether. These are dangerous parts of the door to handle, so you’ll want an expert to come to change them out sooner rather than later.
• Noisy garage door: All garage doors make some noise, but if you’re noticing more noise than usual, that’s a sign that something is wrong. This could be down to several reasons, so you’ll want an expert to come and check it out for you.

Garage Door Service in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties

Now that you know how often you should service your garage door, get in touch with Your Garage Door Guys. We’ve got you covered if you’re in Ventura or Los Angeles counties!