Garage doors are one of the most used parts of a home and they can be subject to wear and tear. Repairing them requires knowledge of technical skills, labor, and reading diagnostic manuals.
A poorly maintained garage door could fall and seriously injure you or someone you love, damage your belongings, or crack your garage floor. A professional service at Garage Door Repair Peoria AZ will ensure your door meets safety standards.
When you hire a professional for your garage door installation, you’ll benefit from their expert knowledge and skill. They’ll start with a brief yet crucial consultation to understand your preferences, take accurate measurements and provide a detailed quote for your new door. This phase sets the stage for a seamless installation process.
To begin, they’ll disconnect power to the existing garage door and its opener. This ensures that you won’t accidentally activate the door during your DIY project. They’ll also release any tension on the springs, which can cause severe injury if they snap under pressure.
Next, they’ll install vertical tracks on each side of the garage door opening, ensuring that they’re properly aligned with one another and parallel to the ground. Then, they’ll install the horizontal tracks on top of these vertical ones, securing them to the ceiling or support structure using brackets. Once the horizontal tracks are in place, they’ll install the trolley and chain or belt, connecting it to the track’s sprocket and door arm, then following the instructions in the manual to tension it properly.
If there are any electrical issues with the motor unit, they’ll resolve them immediately to prevent further damage and safety hazards. Then, they’ll connect the motor wires to a wall switch and infrared sensors to prevent people or objects from getting trapped under the door. Finally, they’ll test the door to make sure it opens and closes as expected.
Sometimes the damage to your garage door is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect its function. For example, your door might have chipped or fading paint that you want to replace to improve its aesthetics. Or, you might need to replace a panel that has cracked due to weather or an accident.
But don’t mistake a cosmetic repair for an upgrade or replacement. Attempting to do these kinds of upgrades yourself can violate your warranty and lead to more expensive repairs down the road. Plus, it can be a huge safety hazard for you and your family. So, when in doubt, always rely on a professional.
Repair
When the garage door isn’t working properly, it may be time to call a professional. The repair process is relatively straightforward if the problem can be isolated and the correct parts are available. Some problems require specialized tools that homeowners usually don’t have. Others involve complex electrical components that are best left to professionals to avoid further damage and potential injury.
Before attempting any repairs, turn off the power to the garage door. This helps prevent any accidental injuries if something goes wrong while you are working. Next, carefully inspect the garage door and the related parts for any signs of wear or damage. You should also look for any obstructions or misalignment that may be causing the garage door to act strangely. If you notice any of these issues, make a note so that you can address them later.
Many home improvement centers carry a wide range of garage door parts. Before purchasing a part, be sure to read the instructions and follow all safety precautions. You should also be familiar with your garage door’s particular model and any special features it might have. This will help you select the correct part for your needs and avoid any frustration down the road if you need to return it.
Once you have the necessary parts, it is important to assemble them correctly before beginning any work. If you’re unsure of how to do this, consult a professional or online tutorial for advice. Some parts may be difficult to install, such as replacement springs or an electric opener. It’s important to understand your limits and not attempt any repairs that are outside your comfort zone.
Once the garage door is assembled, it’s important to test its performance before finishing up the job. Be sure to close and open the door several times and listen for any unusual sounds or movements. A final step is to lubricate all moving parts, which will reduce friction and noise. This is particularly useful for the rollers, which can easily get gummed up by dust and dirt. It’s also important to regularly clean the tracks and wipe down any surfaces that might be prone to corrosion.
Maintenance
Every component of your garage door is subject to wear and tear over time, so it requires regular maintenance. A professional can inspect your garage doors, detect early signs of wear and tear, and identify problems that may be causing safety issues. They can also help you with your garage door maintenance and recommend any necessary repairs.
In addition to the aforementioned repairs, technicians are often called in for rebalancing, which involves adjusting the springs and cables of your garage door to provide an evenly distributed weight distribution. This process can be dangerous and requires expert knowledge of the mechanics of your garage door.
During the inspection, a technician can check for the following issues:
Cables:
Ensure there is no visible wear and that the pulleys are properly secured in place. If you notice any looseness or fraying, it is important to contact a professional as soon as possible to prevent an accident.
Sensors:
The sensors that prevent your garage door from closing on objects are vitally important to your safety, but they can become misaligned. In most cases, this problem can be solved by unplugging the motor and readjusting the sensors until they are aligned. After readjusting the sensors, plug the opener back in and test them to make sure they work.
Lubrication:
Many areas of your garage door require lubrication, such as the keyhole and large armbar near the top section. Apply lubricant to these areas with a rag and test them to see that they move freely. In most cases, it is a good idea to lubricate the hinges that connect the sections of your garage door as well.
Other Maintenance Items
In addition to the above, it is a good idea to replace the weather strip that seals the gap between your garage door and the frame of your house. This helps to prevent water damage and the elements from entering your garage and can save you money on energy costs.
Replacement
If a garage door has sustained extensive structural damage or long-term wear and tear, replacing it may be the best option. Replacing both the garage door and the opener is a significant project that can take a full day or more to complete, depending on how complex the new system is and whether the replacement parts are readily available.
A damaged or faulty garage door can allow rain, snow, wind, and pests into your garage. This can lead to damage to your vehicles, possessions, and stored items. In addition, a poorly functioning garage door can let in drafts and hot or cold air, increasing your energy costs. It’s important to fix or replace your garage door as soon as possible to protect your belongings, prevent further damage, and save money on increased energy costs.
Minor damage can often be fixed with simple maintenance. This includes brushing the tracks to remove any dirt that could impede functionality and lubricating the rollers to reduce friction, which can cause excessive wear. It’s also a good idea to inspect the entire door for cracks or signs of rust that may need attention.
If you choose to repair or replace your garage door on your own, it’s essential that you understand the process and have all of the necessary tools. Working with large and heavy parts can be dangerous, and it’s easy to make a mistake that will cost you more time, money, or even your safety.
In many cases, it’s possible to install a new garage door without the need for professional assistance. However, some complex installations require a comprehensive site preparation process that can add to the total installation time. This may include adjusting the existing garage opening to accommodate the new door, adding reinforcements to support the weight of the new door, and more.
Regardless of your experience level, you should always prioritize repairs that ensure the safe operation of your garage door and the security of your home. In addition, addressing problems that affect the appearance of your garage door is a great way to increase curb appeal and add value to your property.