Garage Services

Garage Door Repair Basics

Garage Door Repair Goodyear AZ is a physically demanding job that requires the ability to work in challenging environments. It also involves technical knowledge, manual dexterity, and diagnostic skills.

Visible but minor cosmetic damage, such as faded decorative hardware or scratched paint, can be easily fixed with a fresh coat of paint. However, replacing the entire door may be a better option if it has shown signs of significant wear and tear over time.

Attempting to repair or replace a garage door without the proper training and tools can lead to dangerous results. Many people attempt to DIY their garage door repairs because it is a quick way to save money. However, DIY repair is often a trial-and-error process that ends up fixing only the symptoms of the problem and not the root cause. This can result in the problem returning and costing more money down the road. In addition, trying to fix the problem yourself can also break any warranty that may have been on your garage door.

Whether it is an electrical or mechanical issue, attempting to work on any garage door component without the right training can be extremely dangerous and lead to serious injury. The most common injuries incurred during DIY garage door repair are pinching, crushing and entrapment. These problems can be caused by a variety of issues, including misaligned sensors or an unbalanced or malfunctioning closing mechanism.

It is important to have a qualified professional conduct any garage door maintenance, especially on springs. This is because springs are under significant tension and can easily snap or become dislodged if not properly handled. Injuries from this type of damage can be devastating and even deadly.

Another safety concern is the potential for shards of glass to break off from the garage door and cut someone. These shards can be particularly hazardous for children or pets and should be carefully cleared up to avoid any injuries.

Many DIY garage door repairs involve working with power tools and tinkering with moving parts. This can be dangerous for anyone who is not familiar with these tools and should never be done on your own. Professionals are highly trained in these areas and can safely repair any problem with your garage door. In addition, most companies will provide a full work guarantee and high-quality materials to ensure that the job is done right the first time. This can help to give you peace of mind when tackling any DIY home improvement projects in the future.

Damaged Parts

In many cases, garage door repair involves repairing or replacing a damaged part. For example, a damaged spring could be replaced to restore smooth movement and prevent sudden movements that might result in accidents or damage property. Alternatively, a garage door opener can be replaced to improve performance and ensure your family’s safety. In some cases, a complete replacement of the garage door itself might be necessary if it has sustained extensive or severe damage.

Minor dents and bends on your garage door may be easy to fix with a rubber mallet or a hammer. However, more significant damage can often only be repaired by a professional. This is because the mechanics of a garage door are highly complex and involve interconnected parts. As such, even a small alteration might have unexpected impacts on other components.

For instance, if you try to repair one of the rollers without realizing that another is impacted by this, the entire system might be compromised. This is why it’s best to leave these repairs to the experts.

It’s also worth noting that your garage door might need to be replaced if it is nearing the end of its lifespan. If frequent repairs are needed and the cost of repairs starts to exceed the value of the door itself, it might be more financially wise to invest in a new installation.

Trying to tackle garage door repair on your own can often be more trouble than it’s worth. For one thing, the specialised knowledge and tools required to work on these systems can be difficult to acquire. In addition, you can often inadvertently cause further damage by using the wrong tools or making mistakes when dismantling and reassembling a garage door. This is especially true if you’re dealing with high-tension springs that require specialist training and tools to replace. It’s best to always hire a professional to do the job right and ensure that your garage door meets all the safety standards required by law and code.

Slow Movement

If your garage door has begun to move slower than it used to, you should first make sure that nothing is stuck in or obstructing it. Dirt, gravel, sand, mud and other debris can easily jam rollers or catch on pulleys, slowing down operation. You should also check to see that the sensors are clean and properly aligned and that nothing is obstructing their view.

If a simple once-over doesn’t solve the issue, it may be time to call in a professional. They can examine your system to see what else could be causing it to move more slowly and then give the whole thing a thorough cleaning. This includes the tracks, springs and rollers, as well as lubricating all of them to ensure that they move smoothly and quickly.

Garage door specialists can also help you with any tangled or damaged cables, which can seriously slow your door’s movement. Regular inspections and lubrication will keep your garage door functioning at its best and prevent any sudden, catastrophic failure that could leave you with costly repairs.

Oftentimes, your garage door will move slower than it should because the up-limit switch has moved too far from the motor unit. This can cause the motor to shut down before it reaches its full height, slowing the opening process. By moving the up-limit switch closer to the motor, you can get your garage door back up and running in no time.

If you have a newer opener, your system may simply be unable to keep up with its demands because the motor has not been updated. A professional will be able to tell you whether it is time to upgrade to a more powerful model that will boost the cycling speed of your garage door. Having the right system can also make your home more energy efficient, which will reduce your utility bills. This is another reason why investing in a professionally installed system is so important. It will pay for itself in the long run.

Noisy Operation

A noisy garage door is frustrating to deal with and can reduce the value of your home. It may be caused by loose or misaligned hardware, but more often than not, it is the result of a lack of lubrication. Lubrication provides a thin barrier between moving parts, which helps to decrease friction during operation and eliminates the noise that can cause squeaks and jerks.

Whether the rollers are grinding or scraping against the tracks, the sound of metal-on-metal can be extremely annoying when you are trying to work or relax inside your home. Similarly, the track guides can develop flat spots, which can make loud banging sounds as they move along the tracks. If you hear this noise, it is important to contact a professional right away for a garage door repair service to prevent further damage to the system.

If the tracks are misaligned, the rollers can also rub against each other, which leads to loud clinking or rattling sounds during operation. A professional can fix this issue by properly aligning the tracks and adjusting them as needed.

Loose nuts, bolts, and screws are another common source of garage door noise. These can be tightened to remove the excess noise, but should never be driven beyond snug, as this could damage their integrity and impact the proper functioning of the door. A Clopay Dealer or trained door systems technician can replace any loose hardware components as needed.

Finally, a lack of lubrication can be a serious problem that affects all components of the system. Applying a light coat of silicone-based lubricant to the springs, roller bearings (on rollers that use metal wheels), and hinges can help to eliminate the squeaks and rattles that often occur during operation. It is recommended to lubricate these parts every two or three months to ensure that they remain well-oiled and quiet during operation.

Working on a large, heavy-duty system like a garage door requires the right tools and the right amount of time to get the job done correctly. This type of project should never be taken on by a homeowner without the necessary skills and experience. Moreover, there is always the risk of making a mistake that can lead to injury or property damage.