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Garage Door Repair

How to Reduce Garage Door Noise Quickly

If your garage door squeaks, you may be interested in how to reduce garage door noise.

Garage doors are an important home feature, providing easy vehicle access and storage space. However, a noisy garage door can be an annoying disturbance to homeowners and their neighbors. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce the noise of your garage door.

In this article, you will discover how to reduce garage door noise.

How to Reduce Garage Door Noise

Garage door noise can be a nuisance, especially if you live near neighbors or have living spaces adjacent to the garage. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce garage door noise.

Here are some tips:

  1. Lubricate the moving parts: Use a high-quality garage door lubricant to oil the moving parts of your garage door. This will reduce friction and the resulting noise.
  2. Tighten the hardware: Check the nuts and bolts that hold the garage door components together, including the tracks, hinges, and rollers. Make sure they are tight and secure.
  3. Inspect and replace the rollers: Worn-out or damaged rollers can create more noise. Replace them with nylon rollers, which are quieter than metal rollers.
  4. Install weatherstripping: Seal the gaps around the garage door with weatherstripping. This will reduce noise, prevent drafts, and improve energy efficiency.
  5. Replace the garage door opener: Older garage door openers can be noisy. Consider replacing your opener with a newer model that features a quieter motor.
  6. Consider adding sound insulation: If the noise is still a problem, you can add sound insulation to the walls and ceiling of the garage. This will reduce the noise that escapes from the garage.

These tips can help you understand how to reduce garage door noise.

Why Garage Doors Make Noise

Garage doors can make a lot of noise for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is friction between the garage door’s moving parts, such as the rollers, hinges, and tracks. As the door moves up and down, these parts can rub against each other and create a lot of noise. Also, older garage door openers can be noisy due to their motors and chain drives. Another factor contributing to garage door noise is poor installation, where the door may be improperly balanced or not correctly aligned. Finally, the material of the garage door itself can also affect the amount of noise it produces. Metal doors, for example, tend to be louder than wooden or composite doors.

Here are some of the most common reasons why a garage door makes loud noise:

  • Friction between moving parts such as the rollers, hinges, and tracks
  • Older garage door openers with noisy motors or chain drives
  • Poor installation, leading to improper balance or alignment
  • Metal garage doors tend to be louder than wooden or composite doors
  • Lack of lubrication for moving parts
  • Loose nuts, bolts, or screws on the garage door or opener
  • Broken or worn-out garage door springs or cables.

How Weather Can Create Garage Door Noise

Weather can impact garage door noise over time in several ways. For example:

  • Moisture: Moisture can cause rust and corrosion on the garage door’s moving parts, leading to increased friction and noise.
  • Temperature changes: Extreme temperature changes can cause the metal components of the garage door to expand and contract, which can cause noise.
  • Humidity: High humidity levels can cause the wood components of the garage door to swell and contract, which can also create noise.
  • Wind: Strong winds can cause the garage door to vibrate, creating noise.
  • Debris: Fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate in the garage door tracks over time, which can cause noise when the door opens and closes.

All of these weather-related factors can contribute to garage door noise over time. Regular maintenance and lubrication can help prevent rust and corrosion on the moving parts, while weatherstripping can help seal gaps and reduce the impact of temperature changes and humidity. Additionally, it’s important to keep the tracks and surrounding area clean and free of debris to prevent noise caused by blockages or obstructions.

Understanding how weather affect garage doors will you understand how to reduce garage door noise.

6 Ways Professionals Reduce Garage Door Noise

Professionals typically follow a few key steps when fixing garage door noise to identify and address the underlying issues. Here are some of the most common steps that professionals take to fix garage door noise:

  1. Inspect the door and its components: A professional will first inspect the garage door, including the rollers, hinges, tracks, springs, cables, and opener. This helps to identify any specific issues that may be contributing to the noise.
  2. Tighten loose hardware: Loose nuts, bolts, and screws can create a lot of noise. A professional will tighten loose hardware to reduce noise and ensure proper operation.
  3. Lubricate moving parts: Proper lubrication can reduce friction and noise. A professional will use a high-quality lubricant to oil the garage door’s moving parts, including the rollers, hinges, and tracks.
  4. Replace worn-out or damaged parts: If any components are worn-out or damaged, a professional will replace them. This could include broken springs, frayed cables, or damaged rollers.
  5. Balance and adjust the door: A garage door that is out of balance can create a lot of noise. A professional will adjust the door to ensure it is balanced and aligned.
  6. Install sound insulation: If the noise remains an issue after these steps have been taken, a professional may recommend installing sound insulation in the garage’s walls and ceiling to reduce noise further.

If you want help reducing garage door noise, consider calling Your Garage Door Guys for help. We offer various garage door services, including a 25-point garage door inspection and garage door tune-ups.

Conclusion

A noisy garage door can be a major annoyance, especially for those who live near neighbors or have living spaces adjacent to the garage. Fortunately, there are several things you should know regarding how to reduce garage door noise, from lubricating moving parts to adding sound insulation. If you are experiencing garage door noise, it is important to address the issue promptly to restore peace and quiet to your home.

While some DIY solutions can help reduce garage door noise, sometimes professional help is needed. Your Garage Door Guys is a trusted, family-owned and operated company that can help you address any issues with your garage door, from garage door repair to garage door sales and installation. We have years of experience and can provide fast and efficient service with fair pricing. 

Contact Your Garage Door Guys today to schedule an appointment and get the peace of mind you deserve.

 

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Garage Door Repair

6 Reasons Why a Garage Door Fails

Your garage door seems very simple on the surface, but many moving parts make it up. If one suffers a malfunction or goes wrong, it can throw off the entire system. If your garage door isn’t working, then there are several reasons why this may be. Here are some of the most common reasons a garage door fails, and how to correct them.

6 Common Garage Door Fails and Causes

Sometimes, even a reliable garage door will need significant repairs that you can’t fix by pushing a few buttons. Here are six of the most common garage door fails, causes, and fixes.

1. Dead Garage Door Opener Batteries

This is the most common reason why you can’t get your garage door open. You’ve rolled up onto the driveway and pressed the button on your opener, but it isn’t opening for you. There’s no need to panic, as the odds are good that the batteries in your opener have just died.

Replace the batteries, and try the opener again. You can try polishing the battery contacts if it still doesn’t open. Rust can sometimes stop the batteries from working. If you’re still not getting any signal, then the remote itself could need replacing.

2. Garage Door Transmitters Not Working

Still considering the garage door opener, you may be having issues with the transmitter that sends the signal from your remote to the garage door opener. Again, a lot of these are simple to fix. For example, your transmitter will only be able to work within a certain difference. If you can’t get the remote to open, simply getting closer to the door will often work.

If you know you’re in range and the remote won’t work, check the antenna on the opener. If it’s not hanging free of any obstruction, it won’t be able to receive a signal. The same is true if it’s damaged, so if this is the case, you’ll need to have it repaired. Then, there’s the issue when the garage door keeps opening and closing seemingly of its own accord.

Check under your car seats, as something may be pressing the remote button and making this happen. Also, check if your remote is opening your neighbor’s garage doors. It happens more than you’d think, thanks to the remotes being on similar frequencies. You’ll be able to change that frequency to stop that from happening.

3. Misaligned Garage Door Track

This mechanical issue is common with garage doors and can stop them from opening and closing. If left long enough, it will cause real problems, and you’ll need a brand-new garage door installed. If you’re noticing issues here, you’ll want to deal with them as soon as possible.

Sometimes you’ll be able to address the problem yourself. Can you hear the door rubbing against the frame when you open it or is it slowing down when it hits a certain spot? If so, examine your tracks to see where they need to be aligned.

You can use a rubber mallet and a piece of wood to gently tap the frame back into place. If the misalignment is severe, you’ll need an expert to come and take a look at it. They may be able to repair it, or they may need to replace the tracks themselves.

4. Blocked Garage Door Path

Are you trying to shut the garage door, but it starts opening again halfway? Then something may be blocking the path of the door. Your garage door opener system will have a sensor across the bottom of the door, and if something is in the way of it, it won’t allow the door to shut.

That makes sense when there’s a child in the door’s path, but if not, you need that door to close. Check the doorway, and see if there’s anything in the way. If there is, remove it and try the door again. Also, look at what’s stored around the door. You may feel that it’s out of the way, but you’ll be surprised at what can interfere with those sensors.

You’ll also want to check the photo eye sensors, as they can be easily covered in dirt and so will not be able to work as intended. Wipe them with a soft cloth, which can be enough to get the door working again. They may also need to be realigned, which is fairly simple to do.

5. Incorrect Configuration of Garage Door Limit Switch

Related to the above point, you may see that your garage door is closing all the way but then opens up again. If this is happening, likely, the limit settings on your garage door opener aren’t right. These settings tell the opener where the ground is so it knows where to stop.

If the settings aren’t right, the opener will think that the door has hit something in the way and reverse back up. This is very simple to put right, though. You can check your garage door opener instruction manual, which will show you how to adjust the limit on the opener. This switch will be on the opener itself, and you can adjust it until the settings are correct.

6. Pulled Garage Door Disconnect Switch

Every garage door opener will come with a disconnect switch. This is a safety measure that disconnects the opener from the garage door itself. That allows you to safely exit the garage during a power outage or work on the door. If you’re trying to open the door and it’s not responding, that switch may have been pulled.

Check to see if the opener has been disconnected from the door. Open the door all the way, then hook the opener back onto the door. Once this has been done, you’ll see that you should be able to use it normally.

Final Takeaway

There are a few reasons garage door fails, but if this happens, there’s no need to worry. You can often fix the problem yourself and get your door ready and working again in no time.

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Garage Door Repair

How to Repair a Dented Garage Door Panel

It’s easy for a dent to happen in your garage door, even if you’re always careful with it. If a dent does happen, you don’t need to despair. Most of the time, it’s very simple to repair the problem and have it look as good as new again. Repairing a dented garage door panel is a quick and easy process and lucky for you, doesn’t require you to be an expert around tools.

Common Causes of Garage Door Panel Damage

There are many ways that your garage door can get dented, even if you’re taking care when you use it. Like everything in your home, accidents can happen to the door, and dents can appear. If you know how a door can get dented, you can minimize the impacts and amount of dents you have to deal with.

  • Weather: Inclement weather is the biggest reason you see dents in your garage door. High winds can blow debris into the door, hailstones can dent it, and even snow can lead to denting. When this happens, the dents can lead to a weakening of the garage door. That can, in turn, lead to buckling and further repair work, so it’s a good idea to try and address this head-on before you have to pay for those extra repairs.
  • Accidents: The other main cause of dents in your garage door is accidents. There are so many times when a dent can be made by accident. If you misjudge the space between your car and the door, that can lead to dents. If your kids play around the door, a mistimed ball or Frisbee can easily dent the door too. Also, an object left in the door’s path can damage the panels if it’s not spotted in time.

Should I Replace or Repair My Dented Garage Door Panel?

The important question is, can you put it right once you’ve spotted damage to the garage door panel? The good news is that in some cases, you absolutely can make repairs to the panel and make it as good as new. In some cases, you can even do the repairs yourself. This depends on the materials your garage door is made of. Some dents can quickly be hammered out if it’s a steel or aluminum garage door.

If you have a wooden door, it’s going to be harder to do, but you can repair small dents. Want to know if you can repair the dent yourself? Try opening and closing the garage door. If the dent is small enough, it won’t impact the mechanism, so it’s small enough to handle yourself. If there are any problems opening or closing the door, then that’s a sign you’ll need to call in the garage door experts to help you.

DIY Dented Garage Door Panel Repairs

You can repair a dent in your garage door in many different ways. It’s always up to you to use your best judgment when making repairs, so think about whether you’re comfortable with attempting them. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call an expert to help you. These are two of the most common methods for doing a DIY repair:

Hammering the Dent Out

This repair job is fairly easy to do and only needs a few tools you likely already have. Firstly, you’ll need soap and water to clean the dented area. Once it’s washed and dry, you’ll need a wood block and a mallet. Hold that wood block against the dent, and tap it until the dent is now level with the rest of the door.

Heating the Panel

This is another common method that you may have seen recommended for car door panels. It’s just as good for your garage door, too. Again, you’ll start by washing the panel in soap and water. Once it’s dry, stretch out some aluminum foil over the dent. The next step will need to be done quickly, so be sure you’re ready to do it all in one go. You’ll next heat the foil with a lighter for around one minute.

Once you’ve done this, take the foil away quickly and then use a can of compressed air on the dent for one minute. At this time, the dent should ‘pop’ back out. In this repair method, the carbon monoxide generated from the heating and cooling will get that dent to pop back out. If you do one or both of these methods and you’re still not getting the results that you were hoping for, then it’s time to call on a professional to help you out. 

Replacing the Panel

Your garage door won’t be written off just yet. Instead, that panel can be replaced so you can still use your garage door without worrying about the dent in it. If you weren’t able to repair the dent yourself, or it’s too severe to repair, then you don’t need to worry. This is a job that a professional should handle for you. They’ll unbolt and slide off the panels in your garage door until they get to the one that’s dented.

This will be removed, and replaced with a brand-new panel. This is bolted into place, and the other panels are back on and secured again. Once the panel is in place, it can be painted to match the rest of the garage door. That ensures your door looks good as new, there’s no risk of further damage from the dent, and you’ll be able to improve your home’s curb appeal.

The Bottom Line

If your garage door gets dented, it’s not something that you need to worry about. You act quickly, either by doing that DIY repair or by getting a professional to handle it for you. Once you’ve fixed the dent, the garage door will look as good as new, and you’ll avoid any further damage from being done. If your garage needs maintenance or repairs, Your Garage Door Guys are ready to help! We are available in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

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Garage Door Repair

What Causes Garage Door Safety Sensors to Break?

Your garage door safety sensors are one of the most essential parts of your garage door system. They’re designed to protect anyone using the door and ensure that a door won’t shut on them when they’re using it. If you’re having problems with it, you’ll need to know what’s causing the issue to fix it. Here’s what will commonly cause a safety sensor to start malfunctioning.

The Role of Your Garage Door Safety Sensors

Firstly, you’ll need to know just what it is that your garage door safety sensor does. In the past, the garage door would be opened and closed at the touch of a button, but they would do this regardless of whether anything was in the door’s path. That could lead to damage to your door or car, or even worse, injury for anyone using the door who was under it at the time.

This is now avoided with safety sensors. Your safety sensors will be two photoelectric eyes on either side of the garage door frame, near the ground. These two eyes shoot an invisible beam of light between them. The system is set up so that if that beam is broken, the garage door opener knows that something is in the way of the door.

Modern safety sensors are designed to avoid anything being caught under the door. When you have them installed, they’ll detect whether anything is in the garage door’s path as you close it. This will stop the garage door and make it auto reverse, so it won’t close on whatever is in the way. It’s a safety feature that should be included with any garage door opener on the market.

What to Do if You Encounter Issues

Most of the time, your garage door opener should work as intended, and the sensor should stop the door from closing on anything in the way. However, the sensors can have issues like any part of your garage door. Most of the time, the issue will be that they’re sensing something in the way when there’s nothing there. That will lead to the door auto reversing even when you don’t need it.

This will be problematic because while you’re waiting to fix the issue, you’ll need to shut the garage door. You won’t be able to leave it open, as that will be a security risk. Pull the red safety cord on your garage door opener to close the door, which will disconnect it from the door. Then, you’ll be able to close the door and lock it manually.

What’s Causing the Garage Door Safety Sensors to Malfunction?

There could be a few different reasons why your garage door safety sensors aren’t working as they should. The good news is that some of the reasons are very simple to diagnose and rectify.

  • The sensors are dirty: This is the most common reason your safety sensors aren’t working. If there’s dirt on the lens, they can’t emit light, which signals that the beam has been broken, so something is in the way. This happens easily as the traffic in and out of your garage will kick up dust and dirt.
  • The sensors aren’t aligned: This is another common issue that could cause the sensor issues. The two sensors on either side of the door must be properly aligned. The beam of light they emit can’t meet in the middle if they aren’t. This often happens if one of the sensors has been knocked out of place, easily done if you’re walking past them or accidentally tap them with your car.
  • The sensors are obstructed: Many homeowners habitually store things in their garage, which can affect their safety. If you have a lot of stuff stored near the sensors, these objects can obstruct them without you knowing. Something like a broom sticking out too far will get in the way and stop the sensors from working correctly.
  • The sensors have faulty wiring: If you’ve checked for all of the above issues and still can’t pinpoint the problem, it can be that the wiring in the sensors is faulty. Look for wiring that has come out of place or corroded. Pests or pets may have also chewed on it.

How to Fix Your Garage Door Safety Sensors

Now that you’ve identified an issue with your garage door safety sensors, you’ll need to correct it as soon as possible. A lot of the time, you’ll be able to do this yourself. The first thing to do is check that nothing is sitting in the way of the sensors. Remove any items near your sensors, and try to shut the door with the garage door opener again. If it still won’t shut, you’ll need to move on to the next step.

Get a dry, clean cloth and clean both photo eyes off. In many cases, that will be enough to solve the problem. If the door still doesn’t close, move on to the next step. Tie a string length between the sensors, and use a level to check if it’s level. If it isn’t, that shows you that the sensors are out of alignment. You’ll need to loosen the sensors on their brackets and move them until they’re both in alignment.

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 a garage door safety sensor can break and how to identify what’s causing the problem. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to solve the issue if you ever experience it.

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Garage Door Repair

All About Garage Door Alignment

Have you gone to use your garage door and discovered that it wouldn’t open? Maybe the door has started sticking as it moves, making it harder to open or close. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, you’ll need to look at your garage door alignment. Here’s what you need to know if you’re having these issues and how to fix them.

Diagnosing Garage Door Alignment Issues

There are lots of different signs that you may need to check on that garage door alignment needs fixing. Look out for any of the following issues:

  1. The door appears to be crooked in the frame.
  2. There’s a gap under the door.
  3. The door is making squeaking, squealing, or grinding sounds when you use it.
  4. The door won’t open when you try and use it.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you’ll need to investigate for garage door misalignments. The quickest way to do that manually is to raise the door and see whether it sticks when you do so. You should also see where it can be let go of without falling back down. You know you need to realign your door if it’s above four or below three feet. Other issues can lead to these things happening, but you’ll see that misalignment is the most common issue that needs to be addressed.

Addressing Garage Door Misalignment Early on Is Key to Longevity

If you see that your garage door is a little crooked, you may feel that you don’t have to fix it immediately. After all, if the problem is only minor, do you need to handle it right away? It is essential to fix misalignment as soon as you notice it’s becoming a problem. That’s because garage door problems are always easier and cheaper to fix when you deal with them early.

If you let a problem continue, it will get worse over time. It can also lead to damage to other parts of the door, and you don’t want to allow that to happen. That will lead to a more lengthy and costly fix or even needing to replace the garage door altogether. Also, you want to be sure you can open that garage door in an emergency.

You don’t want to jump into the car and open the door, only to fail because it’s stuck. It’s important from a security standpoint. If your garage door is misaligned, then it’s very easy for a thief to pry the door open and get inside. It makes your home a more tempting target, which you want to avoid.

Finally, if you have a misaligned door with a gap at the bottom, that provides entry to all kinds of pests. Your garage is perfect for them as it provides shelter, but you don’t want them making their home in there if you can help it. As such, you’ll want to ensure that you’re keeping them out by keeping the garage door in good condition.

Basics of Fixing Garage Door Alignment Issues

If you’ve determined that garage door alignment issues are present, you’ll want to fix them as soon as possible. How you fix it will depend on exactly what’s causing the problem for you.

Broken or Slipped Cables

These are what help your garage door open and close. If one cable has slipped or broken, it will need to be corrected as soon as possible. This is a repair that you’ll need an expert to handle, as the cables are an essential part of the door. You want to ensure the job is done correctly and safely, so you won’t have to worry about them until they reach the end of their lifespan.

Tracks Need Readjustment

Sometimes, the garage door tracks are slightly out of place, and that will be what’s causing the door to be misaligned. In less severe cases, you can adjust them yourself. Find the bend in the tracks you want to correct, and then use a piece of wood and a mallet to tap them back into place. This can be enough to stop the garage door from sticking and get it working again. If you find the bend in the track too severe for you to handle on your own, then again, this will be the time to call on an expert to help you out.

Gap Under the Door

If there’s a gap under your garage door, you can fix this by adjusting the lower garage door track. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts on the track, then move it back and forth slightly to get the garage door to settle. Once you’ve got the garage door into place, tighten the bolts back up and give them a tug to ensure they’re well secured. Sometimes, you may find there is still a very small gap under the door once you’ve done this. It’s ok to leave the gap if it’s a quarter of an inch or less.

Damaged Garage Door Hardware

In some cases, the culprit for garage door alignment issues will be broken or damaged hardware. There are all kinds of reasons why this may have happened, but most of the time, it’s typically down to wear and tear.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve determined that something like your springs, or the door itself, is at fault, you’ll need to call a garage door repair specialist. These are often potentially dangerous to replace, so you’ll need a professional experienced in garage door repairs. If you are experiencing misalignment with your garage door, it’s always better to fix it sooner rather than later. Now, you know what to be looking out for and how to fix it when you do come across the problem. Keep these tips in mind when you maintain your garage door.

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Garage Door Repair Garage Doors

Repairing a Damaged Garage Door

Your garage door sees a lot of action over its lifetime. In fact, it’ll open and close around 1,500 times a year. It makes sense when you’re opening it at least twice a day to get your car in and out for work and when you get home again. As such, at some point, that garage door will see wear and tear. If the door has seen damage, should you repair or replace it? Here’s how to know and how to repair a damaged garage door. 

Repair Or Replace?

This is the first question that you’ll want to ask yourself when dealing with a damaged garage door. Can you repair it, or can it be replaced? This will depend on a few factors, so you’ll want to take these into consideration:

1. Age of the Door

This is one of the biggest things you need to think about if your door is damaged. If the door is quite new, then you’ll want to repair it, as the repair will be cheaper than a replacement. However, older garage doors may warrant a replacement. 

The average garage door will last for around 30 years. If you’ve already had yours for around 20 years, and it’s taken on damage, you may actually want to replace it. This is because the older the door is, the more likely it is that parts are wearing out and getting on in years. Even if you replace one thing, another aspect of the door may need repairing sooner rather than later. As such, it’ll actually be cheaper in the long run to replace the whole thing. 

2. Type of Damage

The way the garage door has been damaged will factor into whether you repair or replace it. There are some types of damage that are fairly minor and won’t take a lot of work to repair. As such, you’ll want to repair rather than replace it. 

This includes cosmetic damage, such as chipped paint, scuffs, or cracks. Small dents can also be handled as well without having to replace the whole door. 

3. Amount of Damage

As well as the type of damage, you’ll need to consider just how extensive the damage is. For example, if there’s cosmetic damage such as dents, as well as structural damage such as bent tracks, then you may want to consider replacing the door. Replacing it will make more sense than repairing it, as you’d have to spend more to do all the repairs themselves. 

4. Price

This is another important thing you’ll have to think about when it comes to repairing a damaged garage door. Will it cost more to repair or replace? If the cost of replacing the garage door is less than simply repairing it, then, of course, it makes more sense to replace it. There are some fairly priced garage doors out there that won’t break the bank to install. To make the best decision, always request a garage door estimate.

When To Repair a Damaged Garage Door

There are many times when repairing a garage door will make a lot more sense than taking the whole thing out and replacing it. Here are some issues that can be solved with repairs: 

1. Damaged Door Panels

If it’s just one or two panels that have been damaged on your garage door, you can repair them without too much fuss. The old panels can be slid off the rails, and new ones slotted in and bolted into place. Once the garage door has been painted, you’ll never know there was any damage at all. 

2. The Door Has Stopped Opening and Closing

If you have an automatic garage door and it’s not working, then there are several reasons why it may have stopped working for you. It could be a broken spring, a snapped chain, or a burned-out motor. These things are all quite simple to fix, and a garage door tech can come and help you out with them. 

3. The Door Feels Heavy

Does the door feel heavier than usual when you manually move it? That’s a sign that a garage door spring is wearing out or broken. This is something you want to address quickly as a heavy door will put stress on the motor, but it can be fixed quickly. It’s usually best to have a tech handle this, too, as spring can pose a danger to you. 

4. The Sensors are Failing

The sensors on your garage door open are essential, as they prevent the garage door from closing on anyone who’s passing through it. If they’re failing, you can take some steps to correct them. If you’re still having problems, though, they can be handled by a technician.

When To Replace a Damaged Garage Door

When do you know if the problems your garage door is having can’t be replaced? There are some signs that show you that a replacement will make more sense. 

1. The Door Makes a Lot of Noise

If the garage door has started making loud squealing sounds or has started to vibrate excessively, that’s a sign it needs to be replaced. There could be several issues that need to be resolved, and that will mean it’s pricey to repair them all. In this case, it’s better to replace the entire door.

2. To Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

In some instances, the damaged garage door itself may not be damaged too badly, but it’s a good opportunity to update it. If the door is showing its age and just doesn’t look good anymore, you can upgrade it for a newer and better model. This is especially something you’ll want to look into if you’re thinking of selling your home.

3. There’s Long-Term Structural Damage

Have you been putting off that repair for a while? If so, you’ll see that the damage increases over time, and it’ll create more problems. As such, you’ll want to look into replacing the door.

Let the Pros Repair Your Damaged Garage Door Today

So there you have it. Repairing a damaged garage door boils down to many factors, such as the age and the symptoms it’s displaying.

If your garage door is damaged, look no further! The professionals here at Your Garage Door Guys can help. We are experts in garage door repairs, maintenance, overall maintenance, and much more. Give us a call today, or alternatively, contact us online to see what we can do for you.

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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.

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Garage Door Repair

4 Common Commercial Garage Door Repairs

Your commercial garage door is going to go through a lot, day after day. It has to be opened and closed multiple times a day, and of course, it won’t be immune to bangs and scrapes over time. If you have one on your property, you probably will need some commercial garage door repairs at some point down the line. Here are some of the most common repairs that repair experts see when they come to inspect garage doors

1. Worn Or Broken Torsion Springs

This is probably the most common repair that repair experts are called out to do in commercial buildings. The torsion springs on your garage door are what give it the tension needed to open and close on command. Every time you do so, it does add to the wear on the spring. Over time, it’s going to get more and more worn out, and you’ll need to address the issue. 

If the springs are left for too long, then they can actually snap. That’s something you want to avoid, as it can be hazardous. If the spring breaks, then it can spring away at high speeds thanks to the tension it was holding. That can damage anything in the garage, or worse, cause someone serious injury. Typically this is less common now, as springs are often installed on cables that hold them in place should they snap, but you still want to avoid this happening. 

If you’re not sure if the springs are worn out, the best thing to do is test them. Open the garage door about halfway, after unplugging the garage door opener if you have one. Let go, and watch to see if the door stays open. If it starts to close on its own, that’s a sign that the springs are beginning to wear out. 

If you think the springs need repair, then you’ll want to get an expert to handle them. As they’re so dangerous to handle, you want someone with expertise to do it. There are plenty of guides online showing you how to do it, but it should only be attempted if you’re experienced with garage door repair. 

2. Damaged Tracks

The tracks are what your garage door travels on when you move it up and down, and the state of them has more of an effect on your garage door than you’d think. 

Sometimes you may find that one of the tracks has a slight warp or bend in it. Typically, this happens after a collision with a vehicle or simply being hit with enough force. It takes less than you’d think to bend the track out of shape. You may think that the door is opening and closing as expected, but over time you’ll see that the damage to the track will get worse. If you leave it long enough, it can even buckle. 

When that happens, you won’t be able to move the garage door in its track and may need emergency help to get it open. You’ll want to check your garage door before this happens, though. If you see a slight bend, these can often be corrected yourself by using a mallet and a 2 x 4 piece of wood to hammer that bend out

This will work for minor issues, but if the damage is pronounced, you’ll need to call on an expert to handle it for you. They may need to replace the tracks entirely to avoid any further damage. 

3. Dirty Or Damaged Rollers

This is another common problem with commercial garage doors. The rollers allow your garage door to run smoothly along the tracks, giving you the best performance from it. Over time, they do start to get dirty and so will need to be cleaned out. If rollers are not maintained, then the door may begin sticking and not moving as smoothly as it should be. 

You’ll also see this happen if the rollers are getting worn out, as they will do after a while. How long you have on your rollers will depend on the type you have and how often you use that garage door every day.

This is a problem that will often be avoided with regular maintenance, though. Cleaning out any dirt twice a year and lubricating the rollers will go a long way to keep them in top shape. If you’re still seeing problems, it may mean that you’ll need to replace your garage door rollers. Again, this is something that an expert can help you with. 

4. Worn Out Or Damaged Panels

The panels in your garage door do need to be cared for, just like the rest of the garage door. It’s not uncommon for them to take a bit of a beating, and many building owners leave it as they see it as just a cosmetic issue. However, you do actually want to keep those panels in top condition. 

If you leave dents in the panels or sections, they can cause problems with other areas of the garage door. That includes the rollers, tracks, and springs. As such, if you see any damage, you’ll want to handle it right away. 

If the dent is small, you may be able to fix it yourself. These can be handled with a 2 x 4 and a hammer to hammer the dent out. There’s also a trick that uses a lighter, aluminum foil, and compressed air to pop it out. If the dent is too large, though, that panel may need to be replaced. As such, you’ll want to call on an expert to replace it before it causes damage to the rest of the garage door unit. 

Get Commercial Garage Door Repairs by the Experts

There are several things you need to be looking out for when it comes to your commercial garage doors. If you keep them well maintained, you should be able to spot them before you have any serious problems. Always call an expert if you think you need repairs, and they’ll be able to handle it for you.

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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.

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Garage Door Repair

When to Call a Garage Door Repairman

Your garage door is a complex piece of machinery, with lots of moving parts. On top of that, it’s used at least twice a day. Because of this, it’s always in motion and those parts are wearing out. That’s not something to be concerned about, as that’s going to happen with all kinds of mechanisms in your home. However, you do need to be aware of when something is wearing out or going wrong.

Here’s when to call a garage door repairman to help you out with your garage door. 

When Can You DIY A Repair?

The first thing you’ll be wondering is, can you actually do some repairs yourself, rather than call in a repair expert? It’s a good question to ask, and the answer is it very much depends on your level of expertise. 

Again, that garage door is made up of many moving parts, and they all need to be working together in harmony. If one part isn’t right, then it’s going to throw the entire balance off. As a DIY enthusiast, you may be able to diagnose some issues and try to put them right. For example, if you can see the weatherstripping wearing out at the bottom of the door, you can replace it yourself

The problem is, lots of parts in your garage door are more complex than you’d think. Take your garage door springs, for instance. They’re an important part of the system, giving the garage door the tension it needs to stay open as you drive through it. Those springs wear out over time and will need to be replaced. You could do it yourself, but they will still hold a lot of tension. That makes it dangerous for you to handle, as the spring can fly away, causing property or worse, injuring you. 

In these cases, it’s always better to call on an expert. They have the know-how and the right tools to handle the repair and ensure that it’s done properly. As such, even if you think you could do the repair, you should ask an expert to take a look first. 

Uneven Garage Doors

So, when should you call on a garage door repairman to help you with your garage door? Firstly, it’s worth calling if you’re having issues with the garage door being uneven. Is one side of the garage door higher up than the other? This could be down to those springs. 

You can test this first, by doing a balance test. Simply unplug your garage door opener, and open up the garage door by hand. Open it up halfway, and then step away. Does the garage door stay put? If not, then the springs could well be wearing out. 

If you think this is the case, then you can call on an expert to help you. They will be able to determine whether the springs are at fault, and remove them safely. They’ll then add new springs onto the door, which should give it the tension it needs. 

It’s important that you call them as soon as possible. The longer you leave the issue, the worse it will get. That will cause damage to other parts of the door over time, leading to a more expensive repair. You’ll also need to consider that an uneven door won’t protect your home from rodents and other pests or weather. Make the booking now so you don’t have to deal with more damage down the line. 

The Garage Door Won’t Open

This is another common issue that garage door experts often have to handle. There are actually many reasons why it’s not opening up when you need it to, and it can be hard to work that out on your own. For example, the door may have come dislodged from the track, or or the cables have snapped. It could be another issue that broken garage door springs have caused, as they won’t be able to pull the garage door up and open when needed. 

As there are so many causes of a garage door not opening, it’s hard to know where to start with it yourself. Instead, call on an expert to take a look at it for you. They’ll be able to run tests to narrow down the cause of the problem, and as soon as they’ve found it, they’ll be able to put it right for you. 

Rollers Have Come Off The Track

The rollers on your garage door are what allow it to move up and down the track as needed. As the door gets older, or when it’s damaged, it’s easy for the door to come off the rollers. You’ll know this has happened if you’re unable to open or close the door. 

Obviously, this is an urgent issue, and so you’ll need someone to come to take a look at it quickly. You can get an expert to come on an emergency6 repair, and they’ll be there as soon as possible to help you out. They’ll be able to identify whether it is the rollers that have caused the problem, and put it right for you. 

Maintaining Your Garage Door

Of course, you don’t want any damage to take place to your garage door if you can help it. As such, you’ll need to do regular maintenance in order to keep the door in good repair. If you’re doing basic maintenance, you’ll stop most issues in their tracks. If something does go wrong, then you’ll be able to spot it quickly and have someone come and take care of it. 

To maintain the door, you’ll need to do a visual inspection of it regularly. Look for any wear and tear, such as slack in the garage door springs. Also, ensure you’re lubricating all moving parts of the door at least once a year, to prevent wear. 

If you’re having any issues with your garage door, it’s a good idea to call a repairman to help you sooner rather than later. This ensures you have a smaller repair bill, and a garage door that’s in full working order. 

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