Garage Door Repairs | Common Signs That You Need Garage Door Repair & Installation
You may not even realize it, but several common signs indicate you need garage door repair and installation. And if you don’t address the issue as soon as possible, it could lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road. So what are these signs? Keep reading to find out!
You Have an Old or Damaged Door
If your garage door is more than 20 years old, it may be time to start considering replacing it. Even if it isn’t that old, a damaged door can cause many problems. If your door is dented, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it may not be easy to open and close and may not be as secure as it should be.
In addition, a damaged door can be an eyesore. If you’re planning on selling your home, you may want to consider replacing your garage door before putting your house on the market. A new garage door can increase your home’s curb appeal and help you get a higher sale price. With all these factors to consider, it’s no wonder many homeowners opt to replace their garage doors rather than repair them.
Your Door Doesn’t Open or Close All the Way
If your door only opens part of the way or doesn’t close all the way, there could be a problem with the tracks, springs, or opener. It may cause by faulty alignment of the track. The tracks should be aligned perfectly for the door to open and close properly. If they’re not, your door could get stuck or come off the tracks entirely.
Another possibility is that the springs are damaged or broken. The springs help to balance the weight of the door, so if they’re not working properly, the door may not open or close correctly. The opener is another common culprit for doors that don’t work right. If the opener malfunctions, it could prevent the door from opening or closing properly. In any of these cases, it’s best to call a professional garage door repair company to diagnose and fix the problem. Trying to fix these issues yourself could be dangerous and worsen the situation.
Your Door Opens or Closes on Its Own
If your door starts to open or close on its own, it’s time to call a garage door repair company. This is usually a sign of a broken spring or opener. If it’s the spring, it needs to be fixed or replaced as soon as possible because a broken spring is very dangerous. If the opener is the problem, it will need to be repaired or replaced. Again, it’s best to leave this repair to the professionals because it can be tricky and dangerous.
However, if you must try to fix it yourself, disconnect the opener from the power source before you begin any repairs. Simply unhooking the opener from the door isn’t enough because an electrical source could still power it. Then, follow your opener’s manual instructions to make the necessary repairs.
Your Door Is Noisy
If your door makes a noise when it opens or closes, it may need some lubrication. If the noise comes from the springs, it may need to be replaced—the noise results from the springs expanding and contracting as the door opens and closes. Over time, they can become brittle and break. You shouldn’t attempt this repair alone because it can be very dangerous.
To repair the door, start by lubricating all of the moving parts. If that doesn’t work, you may need to adjust the springs. This is a tricky repair and should only be attempted by someone with experience. Most importantly, always disconnect the power to the door before beginning any repairs. If you accidentally touch a live wire, you can’t be electrocuted with the power off.
Your Door Is Slow to Open or Close
If it takes your door a long time to open or close, the opener may need to be replaced. Some instances are when there is an obstruction in the photo eye beam, which keeps the door from closing, when your garage opener’s force isn’t properly adjusted, or when the tracks that the door moves along are dirty or bent.
The first thing you should do is check for any obstructions in the photo eye beam. This can often be fixed by simply moving the object obstructing it. If that doesn’t work, you may need to adjust the force. To do this, consult your owner’s manual. It will tell you how to increase or decrease the force. If neither of those solutions works, your tracks may be dirty or bent. To clean the tracks, use a rag and some mineral spirits. If that doesn’t work, you may need to straighten the tracks with a mallet or a hammer.
You See Rust on the Door
If there is rust on your garage door, it may be time to replace it. Rust can cause many problems, making it harder to open and close the door. The rust results from water getting inside the garage and coming into contact with the metal. Over time, this can cause the metal to corrode and break down. If you see rust on your door, it’s best to call a professional to replace it.
If the rust is not severe, you may be able to remove it with a wire brush. However, if the rust is severe, you will need to replace the door. Repairing it may lead to more problems down the road. With a new door, you won’t have to worry about rust or any other problems that come with it. From there, you can focus on maintaining it so that it lasts for years to come.
The Door Is Bent
Open and close may not be easy if the door is bent. A bent door can also cause problems with the tracks. Some doors are made of wood, and if they’re not maintained, they can warp over time. If you have a bentwood door, you may be able to repair it by sanding it down and repainting it. However, you will need to replace the door if the damage is severe.
Another type of door that can bend is a steel door. These doors are more durable than wood ones, but they can still bend if not properly maintained. If the bent is severe, you will need to replace the door. If the damage is minor, you may be able to repair it by straightening the tracks. It may also be necessary to replace the ways if they’re bent.
You Have Loose Hardware
If any of the hardware on your door is loose, it must be repaired or replaced. Loose hardware can cause the door to come off the tracks. It’s a safety hazard because the door could fall and injure someone. There are some instances that some hardware may lose, such as the springs, cables, rollers, brackets, and pulleys. If any of these become loose, it is best to contact a professional to fix or replace them.
If not fixed, it could cause more damage and be expensive to repair. Some people try to repair it themselves, but this is only recommended if you are experienced. It’s always best to leave it to the professionals. They will evaluate and perform specific solutions that work best for your door. With their experience and expertise, they will know exactly what to do to get your door back in working order.
The Door Is Off the Tracks
If your door is off the tracks, it must be fixed immediately. A door that is off the tracks can be a safety hazard. It can cause the door to fall and injure someone. If you see that your door is off the tracks, do not try to fix it yourself. This is a job for a professional. They have the experience and expertise to fix your door quickly and efficiently.
They will make door alignment their priority. Once the door is back on track, they will check all the hardware to ensure it is secure. They will also test the door to make sure it is working properly. This is important because if the door is not working properly, it could come off the tracks again.
You Can See Light Through the Door
If you can see the light coming through the door, it means that the door needs to be sealed correctly. This can let in pests and make your home more challenging to heat and cool. It is the result of a gap in the door. To fix this, you will need to install a new door seal. A door seal can be purchased at most hardware stores.
Once you have the seal, attach it to the door using a screw or nails. Make sure the seal is tight against the door so no light can pass through. Also, add weatherstripping around the edges of the door for extra protection.
Summary
In conclusion, if your garage door isn’t working correctly, it may be time to call a professional for garage door repair or installation services. Some common signs that you need a garage door repair, or installation include strange noises, the door not opening or closing correctly, gaps in the door, dents in the door, and more. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, be sure to contact a professional right away.
At A Grade Garage Doors, we offer a wide range of garage door repair and installation services. We have years of experience in the industry, and our team is dedicated to providing the best possible service to our customers. Contact us today at 08 9495 2676 to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to helping you with all of your garage door needs!