Categories
Garage Door Maintenance Garage Doors

How to Service Your Garage Door: 9 Tips

It’s hard to overstate how important it is to service and take care of your garage door. It’ll be used a lot over time, and the more it’s used, the more the parts will wear out. You need to be paying attention to this, as you don’t want the door to suffer a breakdown at the worst time. Here’s how to service your garage door, so you know it’s in the best possible condition.

When and How To Service Your Garage Door

Firstly, you need to think about when you’re going to service your door. Typically you’ll want to have a garage door tune-up or inspection once a year. This allows you to catch any problems before they really start to create issues and put them right.

As such, try to service your garage door during the early spring and late fall. You’ll only need to spend an hour or two doing it, and it can save you a huge amount of time and money in the long run. In the meantime, here are nine tips.

1. Operate The Door And Observe

The very first thing you’ll want to do is take a look at your garage door and see how it’s working. You should see it open and close smoothly when you press the button on your garage door remote. Look for any signs that the door isn’t working as it should. That includes jerky movements or scraping sounds as it moves.

These are signs that the parts may be wearing out. These could be the springs, cables, rollers, or pulleys, so you’ll want to take a look and see if there are any obvious signs of wear. They should all be symmetrical, so if there’s any variance, that’s a sign you’ll need to replace or repair those garage door components.

2. Tighten Up The Hardware

A quick and easy job to service your garage door is to tighten up the hardware on it. As you open and close the garage door so many times a day, the hardware, such as the nuts and bolts, is going to come loose, thanks to vibration. As such, you’ll want to check them and tighten them up during your check-up. 

It’s fairly simple to do this. Check the brackets holding the door tracks and the fasteners attaching the garage door opener unit to the framing. Use a socket wrench, and tighten up any loose screws that you come across. 

3. Clean The Tracks Out

Your garage door needs clean tracks to move up and down freely, but over time, grime will build up in the them. If you leave this for long enough, then that dirt builds up and affects how the door moves. You can quickly solve the problem during your servicing.

You just need a soft, damp cloth to run through the tracks, to capture dust and dirt and clean them out. At this point, you may want to check whether they’re aligned, too. You can make some minor adjustments yourself. 

4. Check The Rollers

The rollers that sit around the edge of your garage door should be inspected along with the rest of the garage door at least twice a year. Garage door rollers need to be replaced every six to ten years, so you’ll want to make a note of that when you’re doing your servicing. When were yours last replaced?

Look for any chipping, cracking, or wear on the rollers. If you see any, you can easily remove the roller by removing the brackets holding them to the door. However, don’t remove the bottom roller bracket. This is attached to the lift cables and so is under a lot of tension. This is a job that a professional garage door fitter should handle. 

5. Check Your Cables And Pulleys

Next, take a look at the cables and pulleys on your garage door. These are what connect the springs and door, giving it the tension it needs to open and close. You’re looking for any signs of wear on them. If you do see any wear, you’ll want to ask an expert to come replace them for you. Handling the cables and springs on your own can be dangerous, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. 

6. Lubricate The Door

The next job is to lubricate all the moving parts on your door. It’s important that you choose the right lubricant for this job. Many homeowners will reach for the can of WD40, but it isn’t actually a lubricant. Instead, look for a lithium grease that comes in a spray can. These are often marketed as garage door lubricants. 

Spray the lubricant into any moving parts of the door, including the rollers, hinges, pulleys and bearings, and the garage door opener chain or screw. 

7. Test The Door’s Balance

Next, you need to check the garage door’s balance. This is a fairly simple test. Disconnect the garage door opener by pulling the release handle, and then open the door manually to about halfway. If the door is balanced correctly, it should be able to stay open on its own. If it starts to slide down, that’s a sign that the springs are wearing out and need to be replaced. 

8. Test The Auto Reverse On Your Opener

Your garage door opener should have an auto-reverse feature, which ensures that the door won’t shut on a car or person going through the doorway. Check this feature to ensure that it’s still working correctly. You can use a 2×4 of wood to sit in the way of the sensor and see if the door auto-reverses. If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust the auto-reverse or clean the photo eyes on them to get the right results. 

9. Clean And Paint The Door

Finally, give your garage door a good clean, and check it for any rust that needs to be sanded out. Then, remove any chipped or peeling paint, and finish by repainting the door so it can look its best.

Expert Garage Door Services in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties

If you’re not feeling confident in attempting or learning how to service your garage door, leave it to the experts!

Your Garage Door Guys can do it all, from installations, replacements, and repairs. Send us a message or request a garage door estimate today for all your garage door needs.

Categories
Garage Door Maintenance Garage Doors

How to Clean a Garage Door for Summertime

The spring and summer is the best time to maintain your garage door. The weather is nice, and longer days mean you can dedicate some extra time to get some much-needed repairs and maintenance tasks done. But before you begin, do you know how to clean a garage door for summertime?

Let’s look at some tips on what you should do.

How to Clean a Garage Door for Summer

Over the winter, your garage door will have taken a bit of a beating, but now that summer is here, you can care and prepare it for the year to come in several ways:

1. Give The Door A Clean

The first thing you’ll want to do is give the garage door a good clean. You’ll be amazed at how dirty your garage door can get, especially over the winter. 

Hose off any loose dirt on both sides of the door, and give them a good scrub with soap and water. If you want to go the extra step and stop dirt from building up again, you can actually apply a layer of car wax to it too.

For wooden doors, you’ll want to apply a fresh coat of paint and water sealant. That will help keep water out and prevent rotting over time. For a steel door that’s started to rust, that rust can be sanded down and painted over with a zinc primer to stop it from spreading.

2. Lubricate All Moving Parts

The next step is to lubricate all the moving parts on your garage door, as this will help avoid any future breakdowns. The cold weather over the winter can break down existing lubrication, so now’s the best time to replenish it.

It’s important that you pick the right lubricant for the job. WD-40 is most people’s go-to, but it’s important to know that it isn’t actually a lubricant. As such, you aren’t going to get the job done with it. Instead, look for a lithium-based grease that comes in a spray can. These often are sold as specific garage door lubricants.

Take that spray can and spray grease into all moving parts, including the hinges, rollers, pulleys, chains, screws, and so on. Wipe away any excess with a cloth, as too much can actually attract more dirt.

3. Take A Good Look At The Garage Door

Now that you’ve done the basics, you’ll want to perform a garage door inspection. You’re looking for any issues that could interfere with the working of the door or the garage door opener. If you can catch the issues now, you can fix them before they start causing serious problems.

You’re looking for anything that looks as though it’s wearing out. That can be the ball bearings, hinges, supports, and so on. Ensure the bolts are tight and that the springs are in good condition and rust-free.

You’ll also want to do a balance test on your garage door, as that will tell you a lot about the condition of the springs. Open the garage door halfway and leave it there. It should be able to stay in position. If one side sags or the door closes on its own, that’s a sign that the springs are wearing out and need to be replaced.

If you do identify any repairs that need to be done, ensure that you call a professional to help you with them. They’ll be able to do the repair safely and effectively. The earlier you call them, typically the cheaper the repair will be too.

4. Check On The Insulation

If you have insulation on your garage door, check on it to ensure that it’s intact and in good condition. If it’s starting to get worn out, it’s a good idea to replace it before the cold weather comes around again. 

If you don’t have insulation on your garage door, it’s worth considering installing it. This is especially important if your garage is attached to your house. In the winter, cold air can come in in the gaps around the door, and that’s going to drive your heating bills up. It can be cheap and effective to install insulation, and it’ll pay for itself in the reduction of your energy bills. 

5. Inspect The Windows

If your garage door has windows, make sure you inspect them for any damage. Look for cracks and signs of damage, as these will make the garage less secure

You’ll also want to look for any chipped or peeling paint on the window frames, as that can be a sign of moisture damage. Repairing these windows will not only make your house cooler in the summer but safer too. 

6. Check The Auto Reverse Feature

While you’re taking care of your garage door, you’ll want to take a good look at the auto-reverse feature on your garage door opener. This is what will keep everyone in your home safe, as the door should automatically start opening up should anyone be beneath it. 

It’s very simple to test the opener. Simply place a brick or piece of wood under the door. If the opener is working as it should, then you’ll see the door automatically open up again. If it doesn’t, you’ll want to have it examined and repaired by a professional. 

7. Install Reinforcements On Your Garage Door

When you’re inspecting your garage door, you may see holes in it that will reduce its overall strength. Adding reinforcements in these spots will help in several ways, as they’ll ensure that the garage is more secure, as well as protect against severe weather events. 

Prepare Your Garage this Summer

If you do see some issues that need repair, should you do them yourself or get an expert? There are some things you can do on your own, such as cleaning it and lubricating the moving parts. If you see any other issues, you should get an expert to address them. They’ll have the experience needed to do that repair right the first time. 

That’s everything you need to do this summer to ensure that your garage door is well taken care of. Give it a clean and inspect it for any issues, and call the experts if you need help.

For questions or inquiries, contact Your Garage Door Guys today. We proudly serve Ventura and Los Angeles County.

Categories
Garage Door Maintenance Garage Door Repair Garage Doors

Pro Garage Door Repair and Installation

Is your garage door in need of some repairs, or is it time to replace it with a new one? For homeowners that are quite handy and have the tools lying around, they may think about doing those repairs themselves. And while there are lots of home repairs you can do yourself, garage door repair and installation is something that’s best left to the experts. Here’s why you’ll want to have them take care of the job.

Safer Repairs with an Expert

One of the biggest reasons you want an expert to take on the repairs on your garage door is because it’s much safer to do so. Your garage door is made up of a lot of moving parts, and a lot of them can be very dangerous when handled without the appropriate training.

For example, the springs on your garage door are highly dangerous when handled incorrectly. They hold a lot of tension, as they’re designed to hold your garage door open when you drive through. When they start to wear out, they’ll need to be replaced. You need an expert to properly unwind them and remove them before placing the new ones in. If this is done by someone not trained in this, it’s very easy for them to become injured as a spring comes away with a lot of force behind it.

There are so many homeowners who are sent to the ER every year when they try to repair their own garage doors. Keep yourself and your family safe, and ensure that you call an expert like Your Garage Door Guys to help.

Pros Have the Know-How

Even if you read or watch a lot of guides online before attempting a repair, you’re not going to know everything before you get started. When you hire a pro, they have years of experience behind them. Many of them could do repairs in their sleep, and they know what they’re looking for.

As a first-timer, no matter how well you prepare, there are always going to be details that you’re going to miss. That can lead to problems later down the line, where extra repairs will have to be made to the garage door. In these instances, it’s better to have an expert take care of the door for you. This will ensure that everything is handled properly and you don’t encounter any more problems after you have the repair done.

Save Money on Your Repair

When it comes to home repairs, you often think that you’ll save money by doing it yourself. This isn’t actually the case for large repairs such as on a garage door. You can, of course, do small repairs such as filling cracks or painting around the house. When it comes to larger jobs, though, you’ll find it’s actually cheaper to hire a pro for all your garage door repair and installation needs.

Why is that? It’s because when you make repairs yourself, you’re doing it without the know-how and experience that a pro has. That means it’s much easier to make mistakes and do something wrong without even realizing it. That incorrect repair will lead to other issues down the line and even create more damage. As such, when you get those repairs done, it’s going to cost more than simply bringing in the expert the first time.

Any good garage door repair service will ensure that they give you a good and fair price on the repair, so you won’t be spending more than you need to. You’ll also get peace of mind with the repair, as you know it will be done right the first time.

Save Time With A Professional Repair

It’s not just money that a repair will cost you, it’s time too. If you try and get it done yourself, you’ll be spending a lot of time in your down moments trying to get it done. That includes looking up the repair, going to the hardware store to get supplies, and actually doing it. It’s a lot longer than it would take a pro to do it, that’s for certain.

Also, you should consider how valuable your time is to you. You work through the week, and on the weekends, you already have a lot of things that you need to handle. You don’t want to be adding to that list, as you want to allow yourself some time to relax. When you hire a pro, they take it all off your hands so you can save time. Plus, they’ll do it much quicker too, so you won’t have to go for long with a garage door that needs repair or changing.

You’ll Get Peace of Mind with a Pro

One of the most important reasons you’ll want to hire an expert is the peace of mind it brings you. No matter how expert you are at DIY, if you’ve never done any work on a garage door before, you just can’t be sure that you’re going to get it right. You don’t want to keep worrying about the garage door, especially when it’s one of the security points of your home.

When you bring in a garage door repair team, you know that they are the experts. They’ll get the repairs done right the first time, so you don’t need to worry about a thing. A good team should be able to walk you through the work they’ve done and ensure that it’s done correctly, so your garage door is as good as new.

Preserve Your Warranty

When you have a garage door installed, you’ll see they often come with a manufacturer’s warranty. That should cover you in case anything goes wrong with the door prematurely. That’s something you want to keep in mind when repairing the door. If you attempt the repair yourself, you may actually void the warranty.

If you use a garage door service that’s approved by the manufacturer, though, then it shouldn’t be a problem at all. Your warranty will stay intact, should you need it.

Get Quality Garage Door Repair and Installation Today

There are so many reasons why you should hire a pro for your garage door repair. If you’re looking for quality garage door repair and installation in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, look no further. Your Garage Door Guys is staffed with the best professionals to get your garage door back in shape. Contact us today or visit us online for an estimate on new garage doors and services.

Don’t wait, get peace of mind by hiring your local team today.

Categories
Garage Door Maintenance

Repairing Garage Door Panels: A Quick Guide

No matter how careful you are, there may be times when your garage door panels take on damage. Mistiming a turn onto your driveway, a kid kicking a football too wide, or even heavy hail storms can lead to denting and damage. When this happens, repairing garage door panels becomes necessary to get your garage door looking as good as new again. Here’s what you need to know.

The Importance Of Repairing Garage Door Panels

If you have dents or damage to your garage door, it’s usually important to repair it as soon as possible. Even if the dents are minor or just cosmetic damage, they will take away from the curb appeal of your home. As such, you’ll want to repair them quickly, so your garage door still looks good. 

When damage is left alone for too long, it can actually cause more damage to the garage door structure. A sizeable dent can lead to bends in your garage door tracks, and that can lead to the door sticking or even becoming unusable. If you’re leaving repairs because you think it will be too expensive, then you’ll soon see that you’ll spend even more on repairs later down the line.

As such, you want to address garage door panel damage as soon as possible. The quicker you deal with it, the easier and cheaper the repairs will be.

Can Garage Door Panels Be Repaired?

You absolutely can repair a garage door panel if it’s taken on damage. There are a couple of ways you can go about doing this, depending on the severity of the damage.

If there’s a small dent on one panel, you may be able to hammer it out yourself. This can literally be done using a hammer and a 2 x 4, or you can use a trick with aluminum foil, compressed air, and a lighter to ‘pop’ the metal back into place. Typically, this will be enough to repair minor dents in the garage door.

If the damage is more extensive or multiple panels have been damaged, then instead, you’ll want to replace the panels themselves. This allows you to correct the damage and keep most of the old garage door without having to replace it. This is a simpler repair than it sounds, so you’ll save money on a whole new door by replacing a panel or two.

When to Replace Rather Than Repair?

In some cases, it’ll make more sense to repair the garage door panels rather than replace the whole thing. However, if the damage is too severe, then you’ll want to replace the whole garage door. Here’s when you’ll want to think about replacement:

Consider the Age of the Door

The age of your garage door will have a tangible impact on whether you repair or replace it. All garage doors will have an average life expectancy, depending on the style and the materials used. 

If there’s damage to the garage door panels, consider the age of the door itself. If it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, then you’ll see that it’s not worth repairing the panels. After all, you’ll just have to replace the door in a year or two. Instead, it’ll be better to just replace the door. 

Consider the Damage to the Panels

The damage your garage door has taken will be a significant factor, too. If there’s only damage to one panel, it makes a lot of sense to just replace that one panel and carry on using the garage door as needed. 

However, if multiple panels are damaged or the damage is quite severe, then it will make more sense to replace the door entirely. A garage door expert will be able to advise you on the right thing to do. 

Look at Any Other Issues

There may be damage to the garage door panels, but take a look at any other problems your garage door has right now. For example, is it sagging? That’s a sign that it’s bending or buckling, leading to more damage along the line. You may also see the wood starting to crack, or it’s just not functioning as it should. Either way, you’ll want to look at replacing the door rather than repairing it. You’ll actually save a lot more on repairs in the long run.

What You Need To Know About Repairing Garage Door Panels

Now you’ve looked at your garage door and decided that repair will be better than replacement, you need to know what to do next. Firstly, think about color matching your new garage door panels. You could buy a new panel that matches your garage door in theory, but over time the sun and the elements may have faded your door. You’ll want to look at repainting the door once you replace the panel, so you can be sure the door looks its best.

Also, consider how many panels need to be replaced. Changing one or two out is usually quite sensible, as it keeps the garage door working as it should and ensures that you get the look that you want. If it’s any more than that, you will need to look at replacing the door itself. That’s especially true if your door has taken on more damage due to the damaged panels.

Finally, you’ll want to find a reputable contractor to replace those panels for you. While you can replace them yourself, it’s a tough job and can be dangerous when done alone. Plus, you don’t have the expertise a professional garage door repairman has, so you may not do it to the proper standard. Hire one to handle it for you, and it’ll be like the damage was never there. 

It’s easier to repair garage door panels than you’d think. They’re designed to be taken out and swapped around when needed, so if one’s taken damage, you can replace them and get the door back in perfect working condition.

Give us a call today for all your garage door repairs, services, and more! Your Garage Door Guys are ready to help.

Categories
Garage Door Maintenance

The Key to Maintaining a Garage Door: Regular Check Ups

Like everything else in your home, your garage door needs to be checked upon regularly to keep it in top condition. While you can’t keep the same garage door going forever, you will be able to keep it in good condition for longer by learning these tips on maintaining a garage door with regular checkups.

Maintaining a Garage Door With Regular Checkups

Here’s what you need to do to keep the garage door working and in good condition every season. 

1. Do A Visual Inspection

The very first thing you need to do when checking your garage door is to watch it in motion. Open and close it a few times with the opener, and see how it looks. You want it to be smooth and fluid. Are you seeing any jerky motions? That’s a sign that the springs, pulleys, or cables may need attention. 

As you do this, listen to the door too. It shouldn’t squeal, or make grating sounds. It’s easy to tune them out as you use the door every day, but you’ll want to find the source of the noise before the problem gets worse. 

2. Clear Out The Tracks

Your door needs to travel up and down the tracks every time it moves, so you’ll want to keep them in good condition. Take a look at the tracks, and see if there’s any dirt or debris blocking them. If there is, clear it out and ensure they’re free of obstruction. 

At this point, check if the tracks are plumb with the door using a level. If they’re slightly out, you can make some adjustments yourself. If you find the tracks are significantly bent though, you’ll need to call a professional. They may need to replace them for you. 

3. Inspect Your Rollers

The rollers sit at the edge of the garage door, and you’ll need to make sure you check them. They should be in good condition, free of chips, cracks, or wear. Typically, you’ll start seeing this show up in your rollers every five to seven years, so you’ll want to change them out when this happened. 

Typically, you can change a roller by just removing the bracket that holds them to the door. However, never remove the bottom roller brackets. These are attached to the lift cables which are under tension, making them dangerous. This is another job for a garage door professional.

4. Tighten Up Hardware

Over time, the hardware in your garage door will start to loosen up. That’s thanks to the vibrations that are involved in opening and closing the door. This isn’t a problem if you’re doing maintenance at least twice a year, though. 

Check for any loose bolts in your garage door, and use a socket wrench to tighten them up as needed. Check the brackets holding the door tracks to the wall, as well as the fasteners holding the garage door opener to the framing. 

5. Check Your Cables And Pulleys

The cables and pulleys on your garage door are what give the connection between the springs and the door, allowing it to lift. There are two types of springs that your garage door could have. Extension springs are long thin springs that are installed along the horizontal portion of the door track. Torsion springs are installed on a metal rod above the door opening. 

You’ll want to take a look at this system, seeing if the cables are looking worn, or the springs are looking looser than usual. If you do see any problems, you’ll need to call a professional rather than handle them yourself. These hold a lot of tension, and it’s dangerous to attempt repairs on your own. 

6. Lubricate All Moving Parts

Now you’re ready to lubricate the garage door. This is an essential step in your maintenance process, as it keeps everything moving. If you forget to do this, it can cause parts to seize up and stop working, potentially causing more damage. 

You’ll want to get all moving parts with white lithium grease. A spray-on solution is best, as it allows you to coat everything evenly. Spray it on the rollers and hinges, and then wipe off any excess with a cloth. You’ll also want to lubricate the extension spring openers and the bearings on torsion spring openers. 

7. Check The Door Balance

If a garage door isn’t properly balanced, it’s going to be harder for it to open every time. It’ll have to work harder, and that means that parts will wear out sooner. Luckily, you’ll see that you can check for this problem very easily. 

Unplug your garage door opener, and open up the door manually to about halfway. If the door is properly balanced, the door should stay open. If it isn’t, it’ll slide shut on its own. Call a professional to help you diagnose the problem. 

8. Check The Auto Reverse

Next, you’ll need to check the auto-reverse feature. This is a vital safety feature on garage door openers, so you need to ensure they’re working properly. Again, this is quite easy to do. 

Simply get a 2×4, and place it in the path of the garage door. Then, hit the remote to close it. If it’s working correctly, it should sense that something’s in the way, and reverse back up again. If it doesn’t do this, check the photo eyes on either side of the door. They may simply need cleaning, or realigning, so they can properly sense anything in the way. 

9. Clean The Door

Finally, take a look at the door itself. Over time it may develop dents, rust, and other issues. You’ll want to correct these, as it’s better for your curb appeal and will ensure the door looks its best. Sand rust spots on steel doors and re-paint them. Give fiberglass a wash with an all-purpose cleaner, and sand and repaint wood doors

Now your garage door has been fully inspected and is ready for another six months of use. Make sure you keep doing these checks to keep the door in good condition for as long as possible.

Categories
Garage Door Maintenance Garage Door Repair

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Garage Door?

Like anything else in your home, your garage door will need repairs over time. No matter how well you take care of it, wear and tear will happen over its lifespan. That’s not to mention the issues that it can encounter, from snapped springs to dents in the door itself. So, how much does it cost to repair a garage door and get it back to full working order?

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Garage Door on Average?

How much will it cost to repair your garage door? The exact number will always be different, depending on your door, its age, and what needs to be repaired. It’s good to have some estimated numbers in mind though, so you can know what to expect. Here are what some common repairs would cost you:

Garage door panel replacement: From $150 to $1,000 for a panel, and $200 to $500 for the fitting service.

Window replacement: $15 to $50 for new glass, and $75 to 150 for fitting.

Dent repair: From $100 to $300 for dents in steel or aluminum doors. 

Spring replacement$150 to $350 for two new springs. It’s worth noting these are usually always replacements, rather than repairs. 

Track repair: Costs range from $125 to $400, depending on whether the track will need to be fully replaced. 

Chain replacement: From $85 to $350, including parts and labor. 

These are some basic costs, and exactly how much you’ll pay will depend on the door and the extent of the damage. 

DIY Repairs On Your Garage Door

A garage door is made up of many moving parts, and to repair it, you will need to call an expert, in most cases. There are some minor repairs that can be done yourself, though. These will depend on you and your level of experience, so you’ll need to keep that in mind if you’re thinking of doing a DIY repair. 

Also, consider safety protocols. Repairing a garage door spring, for example, is highly dangerous. They hold a lot of tension and can spring away and cause serious injury if improperly handled. With repair jobs like these, you’ll need to call an expert to have it done safely. 

Think about your own experience with repairs, too. If a repair is done correctly, then your garage door can carry on functioning as normal. If you don’t do it correctly though, you may find that more damage is incurred. There’s a lot more stress put onto all the moving parts, and you may not get the result that you were looking for. 

While in most cases you’ll need an expert to carry out the repairs, there are some that you’ll be able to do yourself. These will be minor repairs that won’t need a good amount of technical know-how and will be safe to do. Here are some examples of what you could do yourself:

Fixing a dented garage door panel: If there’s a dent in the garage door, some can be fixed quite easily. There are a few ways of doing so. Smaller dents can be hammered out with a piece of wood over the dent, and a rubber mallet. You can also use a trick using aluminum foil, a lighter, and compressed air. This requires you to change the temperature of the dent quickly, in order to make the dent right itself. 

Realigning garage door photo eyes: These are what monitor for blockages in the garage door’s path, and will check that nothing’s in the way. If the door is auto-reversing when nothing’s there, it’s an easy fix. Firstly, wipe the eyes off with a cloth to remove any dirt. If this doesn’t work, then the eyes can be realigned using a length of string and a spirit level, to ensure they’re level with each other

Fixing a squeaking garage door: A squeaking garage door can be a sign of a lot of different issues, but you may be able to fix it in one step. All you’ll need is some lithium-based lubricant in a spray can. Spray the lubricant into every space that needs lubricant, such as the rollers, tracks, and all other moving parts

Bringing In An Expert

In the vast majority of cases, you’ll need to bring in an expert to repair your door for you, rather than fixing it yourself. Of course, this is going to cost more upfront. However, remember that it can actually save you money in the long run. It’s very easy for even the most experienced DIYer to make a mistake, so the door needs even costlier repairs later down the line. They can avoid this happening. 

Also, remember that their expertise can actually prolong the life of your garage door. They’ll be able to pinpoint what’s causing the problem with your door, and put it right. That will help you get the most out of the door until you need to replace it. 

Should You Replace Your Garage Door Instead Of Repairing It?

This is a good question you should ask yourself if the garage door needs repair. It will very much depend on the age of your garage door. If the door is newer, it will be much more cost-effective to repair the issue with the door, and then carry on using it as normal. 

With an older door though, you’ll need to consider a replacement. All garage doors will have an average life span, and if yours is approaching it, it’ll be more cost-effective to replace them. For example, a steel door averages at around 30 years, while a wood door can start to age at just 15. 

If you’re not sure, then you’ll want to talk to your garage door installer. They’ll be able to advise you on whether the door should be replaced rather than repaired.

The cost of repairing your garage door can be a lot less than you’d think. Plus, having a professional perform the repairs will ensure you get the best quality repair possible. Call your local garage door repair service today for a quote.

Categories
Garage Door Maintenance

How Oftern Should You Schedule a Garage Door Tune Up?

Your garage door is in use every single day. It gets used at least twice a day, when you go out to work and when you come home. Because of this, all the moving parts that make up your garage door will wear out over time.

That’s why it’s so important you tune up your garage door, and ensure that it’s working at top capacity. Here’s when you should give it that tune-up, and what’s involved in doing so. 

When Should You Schedule a Garage Door Tune Up?

The answer to this question differs slightly, depending on how you use the door. On average, a full garage door tune up should happen once a year. That should be enough to catch any problems and stop them in their tracks. Sometimes you can leave it a little longer. That tune-up can be done every two years if the door is quite new, or it’s rarely used. 

However, you don’t want to leave it much longer than that. If you do, then problems will go unnoticed. When that happens, they can cause serious problems with your garage door. It could stop moving without notice, trapping your car inside for example. That’s why a regular garage door tune up is so important. 

Do You Need To Tune Up Your Garage Door Now?

Not sure whether the garage door needs to be taken care of now? There are a few signs that show that you need to take care of it. These include:

Audible grinding or squeaking: A garage door may be loud when it opens and closes, but if it’s making new noises, then that’s a cause for concern. That can be a sign that the door isn’t sat properly in the tracks, or that the tracks themselves are bent. This will need to be corrected quickly, to prevent further damage. 

Damaged rollers: Take a look at the rollers on your garage door. Can you see any damage? This could be anything like chips, cracks or wear in the rollers. If you see any of this, that will affect how the door moves. As such, you’ll need to have them replaced. 

Uneven door: Does the door look like it’s askew in the tracks? That’s another sign that the garage door tracks are bent. If the bending isn’t too extreme, it can be hammered out. If it’s gone on for too long, then the tracks and even the garage door itself will need to be replaced. 

Garage door can’t stay open: A good test to do is to open the garage door halfway, and then let go. Will the garage door stay open? If it can’t, that’s a sign that the springs are starting to wear out. That poses a danger to you if the springs snap, so you’ll need to have them replaced as soon as possible

There are lots of things that you need to take care of during a garage door tune up. Look for any of these issues, as that’s a sign it’ll need help now rather than later. 

DIY Or Professional Tune-Up?

If you think your garage door could use a tune-up, should you do it yourself or get a professional to handle it for you?

There are certainly some smaller jobs you can handle on your own. If you know what to look for, you can do a visual inspection and see if anything looks amiss. You can also do some tests and maintenance yourself, as detailed below. 

If you see anything that needs repair though, such as your springs, then you should call on an expert to help you. Parts of your garage door are going to be difficult to repair yourself, so you want someone with experience to help you with it. 

Maintaining Your Garage Door

Each year, you’ll want to do an inspection of your garage door, to see if anything needs to be fixed or replaced. Here’s what you should be looking for:

Lubricate the door: This is a task that actually should be done twice a year but is very easy to do. Use a spray can of lithium grease, which is often marketed as garage door lubricant, and spray it into all the moving parts of the door. That includes the lock, rollers, and so on. That helps everything move smoothly and avoid damage. 

Check the garage door balance: As detailed above, test the garage door balance. If it can’t hold its own weight, that’s a sign that the springs need to be replaced. 

Test the photo eyes: The photo eyes on your garage door opener stop the door from shutting on anything in its path. Test this, by placing a 2 x 4 of wood in its path. If it auto-reverses, then the safety feature is working as it should. 

It’s also a good idea to clean the photo eyes off, as they are close to the ground and get dirty easily. A soft cloth is enough to do this. 

Listen to the door: Listen to the garage door when its in operation. Is it making new or strange noises as it moves? If so, get in touch with a garage door tech to get to the bottom of the issue. 

Replace the weatherstripping: The weatherstripping at the bottom of your garage door will keep the weather out, as well as any pests trying to get in. If it’s starting to get loose or worn, replace the weatherstripping to keep your garage safe. 

Clean the garage door: Finally, once you’ve checked everything you can give the garage door a good clean. If there’s any cracked or chipped paint, you can also remove it and repaint the door for a fresh look at this point.

With these tips, you’ll know exactly when your garage door needs a tune-up, and what you should be looking out for. Keep a close eye on the door, and call for help from the experts should you need it. 

If you’re in Simi Valley, consider making us Your Garage Door Guys for all your garage needs, including sales, installation, repair, and garage door tune up services.

Categories
Garage Door Maintenance

How to Fix Garage Door Rollers

If you’re interested in learning how to fix garage door rollers, you’re probably having trouble opening and closing your garage door effectively.

The garage door rollers on your door are an important part of the system. If you start seeing issues with your garage door, then they could well be the cause of them. Here’s how to tell if your garage door rollers are the culprit, and how to put the problem right. 

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at how to fix garage door rollers.

How to Fix Garage Door Rollers

The short answer to this is, call in the experts. There are many jobs you can DIY when it comes to your garage door, but replacing the garage door rollers is not one of them. 

This is because working on your garage door is a dangerous job. They weigh upwards of 150 pounds, and you don’t want that to fall on you as you’re working. As well as this, a good garage door expert will install your new rollers for you properly, and ensure that everything is working as it should before they leave. 

If you’re going to hire an expert, make sure you’re finding one that will do the best possible job. It’s always a good idea to check sites like Trustpilot and the BBB to see what others have to say. You can also talk to family and friends, to see if they have any recommendations. 

Once they have the new rollers in place, they’ll show you how to take care of them, so you get the most out of them before they need to be replaced again. 

Here’s how to fix garage door rollers.

Signs Your Rollers Need To Be Fixed

There are all kinds of things that could go wrong with your garage door, so you need to understand when the issue is being caused by your garage door rollers. These rollers are what guide your garage door up and down the tracks, so if there’s any problems with the door going up and down, they could be the problem. Here’s what you should be looking out for. 

Noisy garage door: Of course, your garage door is going to make some noise when you’re using it. Are you hearing way more noise than usual though? If you’re hearing popping or grinding from the door, that’s a sign that the rollers are damaged.

Don’t change the rollers just yet though, as there are other things that can cause this problem. A locked torsion spring or worn hinges can also create a noisy garage door, so check for these as well as wear in the rollers. 

Uneven door: When you open your door, does it open unevenly? If it’s sagging to one side, that’s a sign that a torsion spring may be wearing out. It can also be a sign that one of the rollers is wearing out too, so you’ll want to work out which one this is. 

When checking springs, be careful as they carry a lot of force. When they break and spring loose, they can cause damage and even injury, so take care. 

Vibration: Again, you’ll expect the garage door to vibrate a bit when it opens and closes. If that vibration gets violent though, that’s a problem. If you let this keep happening, it can allow nuts and bolts to start to come loose. 

This often happens when rollers wear down. They’re designed to let the garage door move smoothly, so when they’re worn out you’re going to see more vibration. 

Damage and defects: When you take a look at your rollers, you may see some visible damage to them. This can be cracks or chips, that show that the roller is nearing the end of its lifespan. Check the rod too, as a bent rod also shows that the mechanism needs to be replaced.

Check the lifespan: All garage door rollers will wear out after some time in operation. Keep track of how old yours are, as that will tell you if they need to be replaced. Plastic and steel rollers without ball bearings will only last a few years, while steel and nylon rollers with ball bearings will last up to 15 years

Maintaining Your Garage Door Rollers

You have your new garage door rollers in place, so you’ll need to do some work to keep them in the best possible condition. This is very easy to do, you just need to follow these tips:

Do regular inspections: This is the most important thing you can do for your garage door. If you’re keeping a close eye on it, you’ll be able to spot if anything goes wrong much quicker. It’s better for garage door safety too, as you won’t have a problem get worse without you knowing about it, and potentially putting your family in danger. 

Look for any signs of wear and tear on the door. You can also conduct a test of the auto-reverse if you have a garage door opener. Make sure that everything is working as it should. 

Lubricate the door: This is so important for your whole garage door, not just the rollers. You’ll need to lubricate all moving parts regularly, including those ball bearings in the rollers. This keeps everything moving smoothly. Use lithium grease to do this, and you’ll get the best results.

Call in experts when needed: Have you seen anything that isn’t quite right on your garage door? If so, then you’ll want to call in the experts right away. Some homeowners shy away from this, as they feel it’s expensive. However, if a problem is repaired by a novice or left alone, it’s going to be a lot more expensive to fix the damage. If left long enough, the whole garage door may have to be replaced.

If you see anything that needs to be replaced or repaired, call those experts now so they can take care of it for you.  

Your garage door rollers are one of the most important parts of your garage door. Keep an eye on them, and get help to repair or replace them if you see any signs of damage. That way, you’ll be able to avoid major breakdowns before they even happen. 

Categories
Garage Door Maintenance

How to Maintain Garage Door Opener

The key to extending the life of your garage door is keeping it maintained year after year, especially if you experience extreme weather in your area.

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at how to maintain garage door opener and its components.

How to Maintain Garage Door Opener

Your garage door opener is an essential part of your garage door, but it’s so easy to take it for granted. After all, you get home every day, push the button to drive into the garage, and never give it a second thought.

Of course, that’s until something goes wrong with it. You don’t want to be dealing with a garage door opener that won’t work as intended, so here’s how to maintain the garage door opener and keep it in top condition. 

Here’s how to maintain a garage door opener.

Be Careful Around Your Kids

To your kids, the automatic garage door opener will be something that’s fun to play with. Many like to play ‘beat the door’ when it’s shutting to race under it or keep opening and closing it with the remote. This constant use will wear out parts on both the door and the opener itself. If they’re racing under the door, they could get seriously hurt. The auto-reverse function on modern garage door openers should stop this from happening, but you should always be careful. 

Teach your kids to never play with the door, and that they should never go under it when it’s moving. Keep all openers out of your children’s reach, to ensure that they can’t open the door without you present. As an added measure, ensure the push-button control for the door are placed high up enough on the wall that they’re out of their reach. 

Keep Photo Eyes Clean

Speaking of the auto-reverse function, this is controlled by the beam of light that’s shot out of the photo eyes, near the bottom of your door. These keep a continuous beam between them, and when it’s broken it triggers the garage door to open back up. Usually, this will happen if something is blocking the path of the door when you’re trying to close it. It’s an important safety measure that you must have on your garage door opener. 

The problem with this is that they often get dirty. They’re close to the floor, so dirt often gets kicked up near them. When the eyes are blocked, the light beam is blocked too. That leads to the system believing that there’s something in the path of the door, so it won’t shut properly. If you clean these off regularly with a soft cloth, you shouldn’t have this problem. 

While you’re looking at the photo eyes, you can see if they’re still properly aligned. The alignment of the photo eye is important, as again this can break the beam and send the signal that there’s a blockage. To check this, tie a length of string between the two eyes, and use a spirit level tool to see if it’s level. If it isn’t, adjust the photo eyes until the string is level, as that will show they are perfectly in line with each other. 

Keep Moving Parts Lubricated

One of the most important things in maintaining a garage door is lubricating all the moving parts. That includes the hinges, rollers, tracks, and more. Essentially anything that moves needs to be regularly lubricated. If they aren’t, you’ll soon see the garage door squeaking and squealing as you use it, and parts will wear out faster than they would otherwise. 

The same goes for your automatic garage door opener. If you use a chain belt operated opener, you’ll need to ensure this is lubricated too along with the rest of the door. When choosing a lubricant, use one that is lithium grease based. This is the best lubricant for garage doors and will ensure that everything runs smoothly. Don’t use a product like WD40, as it’s not actually designed for use as a lubricant and can actually make things worse for your garage door opener. 

Test The Garage Door Balance

Your garage door should open easily, but if it doesn’t that’s going to put extra stress on the garage door opener. When running maintenance checks on the door, check the balance of the door too. 

To do this, unplug your garage door opener and open the garage door about halfway. Step back, and see if the door stays open on its own. If it does, then it’s evenly balanced and you won’t need to worry about it. If not, then you’ll need to adjust the springs. These may need to be replaced, and if that’s the case that’s something you’ll want the professionals to do. It’s a dangerous job, so keep yourself and your family safe. 

Clear The Garage Door Tracks

Your garage door tracks should be clear as if they aren’t that’s going to put more stress on the system as a whole. It’s usually quite easy to clean the tracks out with a cloth, removing any build up in them that would make it hard for the garage door to move. 

As well as this, look for any bends in the track. When using your door, listen to the door for squealing noises. Also, look to see if the door shuts or opens unevenly, as that’s another sign of a bent track. If there are smaller bends or dents, these can be hammered out yourself. If the dents are more severe though, a professional will need to handle them for you. 

Consider Replacing Your System

Even if you take good care of your automatic garage door opener, you’ll need to consider replacing it at some stage. Most experts recommend replacing it if it’s over 20 years old. This is because openers older than that may not have auto-reverse safety features. They may not have rolling codes either, something that’s very important for garage door security. If yours is older than this, look into having it replaced. 

With these maintenance tips, you’ll be able to keep your garage door opener in top condition. It’s important to maintain your garage door, so check it over regularly and take action as you find any problems with it. If you’re ever in doubt, call on a garage door repair team to help you out. 

Categories
Garage Door Maintenance

Garage Door Spring Maintenance Tips

There are a number of garage door spring maintenance tips that will help you keep your garage door up and running all year long.

In this article, we will share several important garage door spring maintenance tips.

Garage Door Spring Maintenance Tips

The springs on your garage door are one of the most important parts of the door itself. They’re also the most dangerous part of it, too. If you take good care of those springs though, they should last for years and keeps you safe. Here’s how to maintain those springs, and fix them if needed. 

The Role Of Your Garage Door Springs

What is it that your garage door spring does? It’s essentially the part of the machinery that helps open and close it when you need to get through. The springs give the garage door the tension it needs to open and stay open until you need it to close again. 

Because they are stretched and compressed so often, they do wear out over time. That’s why it’s so important you keep an eye on them, to ensure that they’re in good condition. 

How To Inspect Your Garage Door Springs

So, how do you check your springs for wear and tear? It should be part of your general garage door inspections, where you check over your door and see if there are any issues that you need to address. 

When checking your springs, you’re looking to see if there’s visibly any stretch or slack in them. If they aren’t tightly coiled, that’s a sign that they’ve been damaged through use. 

Another way of checking the springs is to check the garage door’s balance. This is a simple test but will show you just how the springs are working. To do this, turn off your garage door opener and open the garage door about halfway. Once you’ve done that, let go and stand back.

You want the garage door to balance and stay open. If it does, the springs are in good condition and still able to be used. If you see the garage door starts to shut again once you let go, that’s a sign that the springs are starting to fail. You’ll need to address this before they break. 

The Danger Of Broken Garage Door Springs

What happens if your garage door springs break? Firstly, you won’t be able to open the door. That’s obvious, as the door won’t have the tension it needs to open for you. More importantly, though, it will put you and anything you keep in your garage at risk. 

This is because there’s so much tension in a spring. When they break, they tend to snap. If you’re home when it does, you’ll hear something like a loud bang coming from your garage. This will fire the spring across the garage, where it can cause damage. Many people have had their cars damaged because the spring hit it. Even worse, if you’re in the garage when the spring breaks, it can cause you serious injury. 

Some modern garage doors use cables on the springs now, as a safety measure. The cable is run through the springs, so if it snaps it will simply fall down the cable itself rather than going outwards. If you don’t already have these, it’s a very good idea to install them now. 

Because of this, it’s vital that you maintain your springs and replace them as soon as they start to show wear. The sooner you do it, the better. If you catch them while they’re still operational, you reduce the risk to you and your family. 

How to Replace Garage Door Springs

Now you know how to check your garage door springs, you’ll need to find out how to replace the springs when they’re starting to wear out. This is a potentially dangerous job, so if you’re at all worried about doing it, it’s better to call on the experts. This is important to keep you safe. 

Identify your springs: Firstly, you need to check what kind of springs you have. There are two main types, and it’s easy to work out what kind you own. If the spring is long and skinny, running parallel to each garage door track, then you have torsion springs. If it’s a thicker spring, that sits parallel or above the door opening, that’s an extension spring. 

Replacing an extension spring: This is often much easier for a DIY confident person to replace, as you don’t have to deal with the spring’s tension as you replace it. To remove the old spring simply open the door to release the tension, and clamp it open with a C clamp. Then, remove the spring from the track bracket and spring pulley. Once that has been done, you’ll be able to disconnect the safety cable from one end, thread the new spring on, and then reconnect it. It’s as simple as that. 

Replacing a torsion spring: Replacing this type of spring is a little bit trickier, and you’ll want to call an expert if you’re not sure about doing it yourself. The best way to do this is to unwind the tension in the spring you’re about to remove, while the door is closed. Ensure you use a winding bar for this job, as it will keep you safe as you do so. 

Once the springs have been unwound, then you’ll need to unbolt them from the central rod bracket and disconnect them from the pulleys. Slide the old springs off, and swap them out with the new ones. Once they’re in place, you then need to wind them up again to get the right amount of tension. Test the garage door to get the right amount of balance, adding an extra turn with the winding bar as needed. You may need to do this a couple of times before you get it just right. 

Whichever method you use, it’s better to replace both springs when you need to change out a spring. This gives you the best performance overall. 

Now you know what to look out for when maintaining your springs, and how to replace them when they start to wear out. It’s important to keep a close eye on them both for safety and to ensure you get the best performance out of your garage door.

Exit mobile version