by Woodlands Garage Door Team | Apr 26, 2019 | Troubleshooting
Functioning springs are essential to your garage door performance. Broken garage door springs are dangerous and need to be immediately repaired by a professional. It’s important to know how your door system works in order to maintain a working garage door and prevent damages.
Your garage door will either be running smoothly, or it won’t. A garage door that’s struggling to open and close means it’s time to take a look at your springs and resolve the issue.
Types of Springs and How They Work
There are two types of garage door springs; torsion and extension. Torsion springs run parallel to the length of the door, working in a coiling and uncoiling motion. Extension springs run perpendicular to the length of the door and work to lift or drop the door by stretching and contracting. You’ll notice that extension springs need replacing when they look loose. Other signs of wear and tear include the door opening slowly or hanging askew.
How Springs Become Damaged
The average garage door springs last for about 10,000 cycles. The average spring life is 7-9 years but in some cases, with the garage door being used much more frequently they may only last 4-6 years. Be sure to purchase your springs from a reputable company and get a warranty on them, as there should be no reason for them to give out in any less than 4 years. Springs must be re-balanced a couple of years after installing, to ensure they are in the right position.
When to Hire a Professional
A professional is required for replacing broken springs. Your garage door service technician will replace both springs at the same time to keep them lasting longer and keep the door functioning in case one does break again. Garage door spring replacements are affordable and a quick fix when done by a reputable professional.
Pro Tip: Do not try to fix your garage door springs on your own! It is too dangerous to be considered a DIY project.
Conclusion
Keep an eye on your garage door springs and be aware of any damages that can occur. Make sure they are always up-to-date, even if they seem to be working just fine. Join the conversation for more information on our garage door services.
by Woodlands Garage Door Team | Mar 29, 2019 | Troubleshooting
Damage to your garage door, big or small, can be frustrating. There are lots of things to consider such as replacement costs, materials, and curb appeal. Does your garage door need repairs on some major damages or just some quick fixes for small blemishes?
You want your garage door repair to be cost-effective and timely. The garage door repair service that you choose should understand the importance of completing repairs effectively and on time. Do your research beforehand to find the best repair service in your area. Consider the recommendations below in order to determine the correct option to fix your damaged door.
Repairing for a Quick Fix
Some garage door damages, such as damaged door springs, need replacing completely. Replacing springs is a quick fix and, conveniently, both are replaced at the same time if just one is damaged. This helps them to last longer and keeps them working long enough in case one of them does break over time.
Pro Tip: It’s best to fix issues with your garage door as soon as you notice it in order to prevent the problem from worsening over time.
Refurbishing the Panels
There are many options available for fixing damaged garage door panels. Fortunately, garage door panel replacement is easy and inexpensive. The manufacturer may offer replacement panel sections for your door if it’s newer, but older models might require replacing the panels completely with newer ones. Bent panels might just require a quick fix, but it’s best to tend to the issue as soon as you can to prevent the door from buckling and damaging other components of the garage door. You can choose to fix the broken pieces or replace the damaged panel sections.
Replacing the Old with the New
How is the garage door’s system? Is it running properly without issue? If your garage door is older and seems to have multiple issues, it may be best to focus on a new garage door installation. Replacing the entire door is beneficial for cosmetic and security reasons. A garage door repair specialist will be able to tell you through inspection if your garage door is safe and able to use.
Conclusion
You’ll need a garage door expert to find what will work best when looking into repairing your garage door. These types of repairs and replacements require professional service to get the job done safely and efficiently. It’s important to understand what it is that needs fixing on your garage door and how you and your installation specialist can work together to fix the issue.
Follow us to learn more about our garage door services and how we can help fix your damaged garage door.
by Woodlands Garage Door Team | Mar 1, 2019 | Troubleshooting
If your garage door has malfunctioned, you’ve probably considered fixing it yourself or hiring a professional. While Youtube and social media might make DIY garage repair seem easy, it’s actually pretty difficult and can even be dangerous.
Garages are automatic and mechanical systems. In the event that your garage door isn’t working the way it used to, you might think you can do some simple research online to resolve the problem on your own. However, you shouldn’t put yourself at risk by attempting to make the repairs yourself. Garage repairs require a trained professional; read further to learn why.
What’s the Problem?
In most cases, garage door malfunctions are related to the automatic doors not opening and closing efficiently. When your garage door opens and closes ineffectively, or won’t open and close, the problem might have to do with a broken spring. It may appear simple to maneuver at first but can prove to be quite complex. The seemingly easy repair should be handled by someone who is professionally trained to fix garage doors. Other issues may be electrical, which can hold you at even bigger risk if you’re inexperienced with electrical repairs.
Understand the Dangers
Undergoing a task like repairing your own overhead garage door without hiring a professional could put you and your family in danger. These days many people look to online resources to learn DIY projects around the house to save money, but at what cost? Don’t put your trust or safety into anyone’s hands but a trusted garage door repair specialist.
Pro Tip: The average garage door weighs between 130-180 lbs. If it falls during a DIY repair, serious injury could occur.
Consider the Possibility of Causing Additional Damage to Your Garage Door
DIY garage door repairs may sound like a fun idea, but without a professional garage door service to do the job correctly, you could face additional damage to your garage door, which will cost more money in repairs. It could also put you and your family in harm’s way. Especially if you try to repair your own garage without experience or expert guidance.
Why Hire a Professional?
The risks involved in repairing a garage door yourself are too large to take on. Contact a garage door professional in The Woodlands to assess and solve the problem for you in an efficient and meticulous manner.
Contact us for assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and let us know how we can help you!
by Woodlands Garage Door Team | Feb 22, 2019 | Troubleshooting
If you have noticed some changes in how your garage door operates lately, it could be that your garage door springs need adjusting. All garage door springs lose tension over time, so it is important to recognize some of the signs that yours need adjustment and some professional attention.
Keeping an eye on your garage door’s performance is the easiest way to make sure that everything is operating as it should. If your door is more noisy than usual or has been getting stuck opened or closed it is a sign that you need to contact your local garage door professional to take a look at your garage door springs.
More Noise Than Usual
A balanced garage door should be relatively quiet when traveling up or down the door tracks. If your garage door is making excessive creaking, grinding, or squeaking noises when opening or closing, your springs may be strained and most likely need to be replaced.
Door Won’t Lift or Get Stuck
Garage door springs are designed so you can lift the door manually if needed. If you are unable to lift your door, it means the springs are no longer doing their job and need to be replaced. Similarly, if you try to open your garage and it only goes up about 6 inches before stopping, your garage door opener’s force adjustment has been activated and is indicating that your garage door springs need attention.
Door is Crooked
A crooked door is often due to a damaged extension spring or cable. These springs are mounted on either side of the door and pull independently. If one of these breaks, that side won’t typically move and the door will either go up unevenly or get stuck in the tracks.
ProTip: Always look to make sure the left and right sides of your garage door are correctly aligned. If they seem off-kilter, this could be a sign that your springs need adjustment or repair.
Slow Moving Door
If you notice that your garage door is moving a lot slower than usual, this is an indicator that something is wrong. If a spring is broken, the weight of the garage door may prevent the motor from reaching its usual speed.
Garage Door Spring Repair
Garage door springs are tightly wound and are under a lot of tension, so trying to replace them yourself can be dangerous. If you see any signs that your door needs spring repairs, it is important that you contact a professional for help rather than attempting to do it on your own.
If you think your garage door might be unbalanced, join the conversation to learn more about whether your garage door springs need an adjustment or possible replacement.
by Woodlands Garage Door Team | Feb 8, 2019 | Troubleshooting
No matter what you use your garage for, there is nothing more irritating than hearing an ear-piercing screech of a noisy garage door when it’s opening and closing. A noisy garage door can annoy your neighbors, wake up people who are sleeping in your home, and generally bother everyone in its vicinity.
A noisy garage door can be a serious disruption, but as long as the door is opening and closing properly, it is usually pretty simple to reduce the racket when you tighten up the nuts and bolts and lubricate rollers and hinges. Here are some great ways to fix a noisy garage door.
Tighten It Up
Sometimes a garage door can get noisy if nuts and bolts become loosened. Tightening up nuts and bolts should be the first step to quieting down your door. First, inspect your garage door for any loose parts. Then, tighten the nuts and screws with a wrench or socket. Be careful as the nuts should not be too tight..
Get Lubricating
If your garage door is older or the weather has recently changed, it could be easy to fix your noisy garage door simply by adding lubricant to all the metal parts of your garage door. Spray lubricant on the rollers, hinges, and track. Lubricating is not a one time job. Make sure you repeat this procedure every six months to keep your garage door quiet.
ProTip: Frequent lubrication of your metal garage door parts, like springs, hinges, and rollers, can help keep your garage door from being squeaky and loud while opening and closing.
Rollers, Hinges & Springs
If the above two fixes don’t do the job in cutting down on the noise of your garage door, there could be a more serious problem, and your garage door might need to have the rollers, springs, or hinges replaced or repaired. You should never attempt to do this on your own, so make sure to contact your local garage door specialist to discuss the repairs.
Contact Your Local Garage Door Professional
Preventing a noisy garage door can be easy when you perform monthly maintenance. Keep metal parts lubricated and all moving parts tightened. It is also a good idea to have your garage door professional come out once a year to make sure the springs and other moving parts are functioning properly.
Tired of listening to that squeaky garage door? Join the conversation to learn more about how you can help quiet it down.
by Woodlands Garage Door Team | Jan 18, 2019 | Troubleshooting
Just like any moving part of your home, your garage door can sometimes experience a hiccup and stop working. You might encounter a time where your garage door won’t close. There is no need to panic!
Why Won’t My Garage Door Close?
Sometimes when your garage door won’t close, it isn’t anything serious. It could be a blocked track, a disrupted power source, or you need new batteries in your remote control. Check out these five reasons that can sometimes cause a garage door not to close.
- Sensor Issues
- Blocked Track
- Disrupted Power Source
- Broken Torsion Springs
- Remote Control Malfunction
1) Senor Issues
Garage doors have safety sensors to help protect your family from an unfortunate accident. These sensors send a beam of light across the bottom of your garage door. If your garage door safety sensors are not lined up correctly or if something is blocking the sensor lights, they could be the culprit. First, check to make sure nothing is obstructing the beam. If there is nothing in the beam’s way, contact your local garage door professional to assist you in realigning the sensors.
2) Blocked Track
Another reason your garage door won’t close could be a blocked track. If the track has been knocked out of position or the track is clogged or blocked by an object, it could cause issues and prevent the door from opening or closing.
3) Disrupted Power Source
It may seem simple, but sometimes another person in the family might have turned off the power source to the garage door opener. Double check and make sure all wire connections are plugged in.
4) Broken Torsion Springs
Garage doors move by torsion springs and cables, and sometimes a torsion spring can snap, causing your cables to break and your garage door to malfunction. In fact, broken garage door springs tend to be the number one reason people call to have a professional come out. Never try to replace these on your own. Always contact a local garage door repair company.
5) Remote Control Malfunction
If you have gone through the above list and your garage door still won’t close, the issue might be coming from your garage door remote control. Check the batteries first and see if they need replacing.
ProTip: If your garage door won’t close, try running the garage door from the wall button first. If that works, it is most likely your garage door remote control causing your issue.
Keep Your Garage Door Functioning Properly
There could be several causes if you find your garage door won’t close. By going through and checking all the above reasons, you can help eliminate any issues. However, if these tips don’t help solve your problem, or if you need a cable, sensor, or spring repair, never attempt to do this yourself–always enlist the help of a professional.
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