Like any mechanical system, garage doors are subject to normal wear and tear that can lead to malfunctions. A professional garage door repair technician inspects, repairs, and replaces hardware components like sensors, springs, tracks, rollers, and automatic openers.
A garage door is one of the most used parts of a home. It is susceptible to damage from weather and daily use. Contact Garage Door Repair Norman OK now!
A garage door’s rollers are small wheels that help guide the track as the door opens and closes. Over time, they can become damaged or worn out, leading to jerky movements and other issues. Replacing your garage door’s rollers is a simple and cost-effective repair that can improve the door’s performance.
During normal use, your garage door goes through two to three daily cycles (one opening and one closing). These frequent cycles can cause the rollers to wear out prematurely. Damaged rollers can also cause other components of the system to have to work harder, fighting against the added weight. If left untreated, the problem can escalate into a more extensive repair job.
Jerky movements, grinding noises, and visible signs of wear and tear are common indicators of a problematic roller. Call your local garage door service immediately if you notice any of these problems.
Many possible causes of a damaged roller include impact, rust, and lack of lubrication. A professional technician can inspect the rollers, track for damage, and recommend a solution. It’s important to regularly lubricate your rollers with a quality lubricant, such as lithium or silicone-based. This will reduce friction, helping the rollers to move smoothly and extending their lifespan.
A broken garage door can be an inconvenience, affecting your home’s security and making it difficult to open and close. A professional technician can assess the issue, repair any damages, and ensure that your garage door is functioning safely and effectively.
Broken Springs
Garage door springs store tension and help to counterbalance the weight of the panels so that the opener can move the doors up and down. When one of these springs breaks, the opener will struggle mightily to lift the heavy panels and may start to grind or squeak. It will also become crooked as it moves up and down the track because its weight is no longer evenly distributed. It’s best to have a professional inspect and repair the broken spring before it leads to additional problems.
Depending on the type of spring and how badly it has broken, you might be able to handle the replacement yourself. For example, extension springs that run horizontally along each side of the track are less complicated and safer to replace than torsion springs, which wrap around a bar above the door opening and can have a lot of bound energy that can cause serious injury if it snaps.
If you do decide to try to replace your broken springs, be sure to get help from a friend and take the proper safety precautions. These springs are under a lot of tension, and if they snap while you’re working on them, they could fall and slam into your head or the items stored in your garage.
In addition, a broken spring can place undue stress on other parts of the door system. The garage door track or rollers can become damaged from the added pressure, or they may simply wear out faster than they should. The extra weight can also cause the door to move unevenly from side-to-side when it opens and closes, causing it to lag behind as it moves.
A good rule of thumb is to have your garage door inspected and repaired by professionals whenever you notice a problem. They can fix or replace the broken spring, lubricate the tracks and rollers, and make sure the door is level from top to bottom so it operates smoothly and safely. They’ll also be able to spot any other issues before they become too serious and keep you and your family safe.
Damaged Tracks
If your garage door doesn’t open and close as it should, there could be a problem with the tracks. These are under a lot of stress from every use, and they’re prone to damage and wear and tear over time. When the tracks become damaged, it can cause a number of problems that may require extensive repair or replacement of parts. Fortunately, there are a few telltale signs that your tracks are damaged or need to be replaced.
Loose Hardware
Over time, the bolts and nuts that hold the track mounting brackets can loosen or fall off, which causes the tracks to move out of alignment. This can affect the way your garage door operates, and it’s important to tighten these components as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your tracks.
Visible Damage
Aside from the obvious damage, it’s also a good idea to check your garage doors for any visible signs of damage to the tracks, including bends and dents. These can be caused by a variety of factors, including accidents, harsh weather conditions, or normal wear and tear. If you notice any damage to the tracks, it’s best to contact a professional garage door repair company for help as soon as possible.
Bent Tracks
Over the course of daily use, your garage door tracks are subjected to a lot of movement and hundreds of pounds of weight, which means that they’re going to wear down and eventually get bent over time. A squeaky garage door is often an indication of the presence of loose components, while grinding noises indicate worn-out rollers. To keep your garage door running smoothly, it’s essential to lubricate the tracks on a regular basis with a silicone or lithium grease.
Although it may seem tempting to take on a DIY garage door repair project, working on the heavy system without the right tools and knowledge can be dangerous. It’s always best to leave the job to professionals, so you can be confident that the repairs are being made correctly and safely. The right skills and equipment will also ensure that your garage door works smoothly for a long time to come.
Uneven Doors
One of the most common garage door problems is a crooked or misaligned door. This can cause scraping, squeaking, and difficulty latching the door. It also can lead to energy inefficiency and decreased curb appeal. The problem can be caused by a number of factors, including bent tracks, tight rollers, or even a shifting foundation.
If you notice a skewed door, it’s important to act quickly before the issue gets worse. It can be difficult for the door to close properly, and it’s also a security risk as it could allow intruders to gain entry through the gap. It’s also important to address the problem early because it can cause damage to other components over time.
A skewed door can easily be repaired by shimming the hinges. This is a simple process that involves adding thin pieces of material to adjust the door’s position in the frame. To do this, start by closing the door and examining the space between it and the frame on all sides. You’ll want to look for areas where the space is wider or narrower than others to determine where you need to add shims.
Once you’ve identified the hinges that need shimming, remove the screws and then use a utility knife to cut a piece of cardboard into a shim. Place the shim between the frame and the hinge, making sure it’s flush with the surrounding area. Use a level to check the progress you’re making and then re-insert the screw. Continue to shim each hinge until the door is evenly aligned with the frame.
Keeping an eye out for the signs of these issues is a great way to avoid hefty repair bills in the future. By addressing them as soon as you notice them, you can save money and keep your door working well for years to come. If you’re concerned about your commercial door, contact CDF Distributors today to learn more about our products or request a quote for our services. Our knowledgeable team is happy to answer any questions that you may have.