Common Garage Door Repairs Home and Business Owners Need
Garage doors are essential to our daily lives, providing our homes and businesses with convenience, security, and protection. Many homeowners use the garage as a main entrance to their home, and for many businesses, daily operations wouldn’t be possible without functioning loading dock doors or overhead doors for a warehouse. Like any other mechanical equipment, garage doors can break down, requiring repairs. In this article, we’ll discuss:
- The most common garage door repairs
- Signs you need garage door repair
- Why acting fast matters
- How garage door maintenance plays a part
1. Garage Door Spring Replacement
Garage door springs are responsible for supporting the weight of the door as it opens and closes. How long they last depends on how often the garage door is used and if they remain adequately lubricated. Garage door springs typically last 10,000 cycles or 7-12 years. Signs of a broken spring include:
- Difficulty opening the door automatically or manually
- Loud noises when opening or closing the door
- Noticeable gaps in the spring
- The garage door slams shut suddenly
- The garage door opens at an angle
Broken or deteriorating springs are dangerous and should be replaced at the first sign of trouble. Due to the extreme tension garage door springs are under, you should never attempt a DIY spring replacement. Contact your local garage door company for a safe and reliable garage door spring replacement.
2. Garage Door Cable Replacement
Garage door cables and springs work as a team to lift the garage door during operation. The stress these two parts endure makes them two of the most common garage door repairs needed. They are also responsible for keeping the door balanced as it opens and shuts. The cables wrap around a drum attached to the top of the garage door on either side, near the tracks. If you need a garage door cable replacement, you may notice:
- Frayed or worn-down cables
- Broken, loose, or fallen cables
- The garage door becoming unbalanced or uneven
- The garage door is not opening and closing smoothly
3. Garage Door Roller Replacement
Garage door rollers help guide the door up and down the tracks. When these rollers wear down, it can cause the garage door to fall off its tracks, a potentially dangerous situation for anyone nearby. Replacing old rollers is an easy fix compared to the damage that could occur if the garage door falls completely off its tracks. The following are signs that indicate you may need a garage door roller replacement:
- Grinding or screeching noises when opening and closing
- Flat spots, cracks, or bent rollers
- Misaligned garage door tracks
- The garage door opens crookedly
4. Garage Door Opener Repair
Without a garage door opener, the only way to open a garage door would be manually. The opener provides the power necessary to operate the garage door and is an integral part of the garage door system. If your garage door opener stops working, check if the power button is on. Try unplugging the opener and then plugging it back in, and replace the batteries in your garage door remote. If it’s still not working, or if you notice the following, you might need garage door opener repair:
- The garage door isn’t responding to the remote or wall switch
- The garage door opens and closes too slowly
- The garage door opens partially and then reverses direction
- The garage door shakes during operation
5. Garage Door Panel Replacement
Minor accidents and severe storms can cause damage to garage door panels which compromise the integrity of the door. Many times this damage is contained to only one or two panels. Instead of replacing the entire garage door, home and business owners can opt for a garage door panel replacement, where only the damaged panels are replaced by new panels matched by model, material, and color. Garage door panel replacements are one of the most common garage door repairs due to:
- Damage caused by a car, forklift, or other vehicle accidents
- Dented panels due to a stray basketball, football, etc.
- Fallen branches damaging a panel during a storm
- Rust or water damage on the bottom garage door panel
Dangers of Ignoring Common Garage Door Repairs
Postponing or ignoring needed garage door repairs can be dangerous. A garage door that’s not properly functioning can fall off its tracks, causing damage and injury to property and people nearby. If a garage door spring or cable breaks suddenly, the door could come crashing down unexpectedly, causing significant damage to your garage door, vehicles, and other property, not to mention the risks this causes for people close by. A broken garage door opener can compromise the security of your home or business, leaving you vulnerable to theft or intruders. Don’t delay needed garage door repairs!
Schedule a Tune-Up to Avoid Common Garage Door Repairs
The best way to reduce the risk of needing garage door repair is to schedule a maintenance tune-up once a year! Annual garage door maintenance can help identify and prevent potential issues before they become major problems. It also extends the lifespan of your garage door and its components, which saves you money on common garage door repairs and replacement parts. A professional technician will thoroughly inspect your door, identify worn or damaged parts, lubricate moving parts, ensure proper balance and alignment, and recommend further service.
Contact Original Triad Door Co. near Greensboro, NC to schedule an appointment for reliable garage door repair near you.
