Getting your garage door repaired requires careful planning. The complexity of the repair and the quality of the parts can significantly impact the overall cost.
Before beginning, find the adjustment bolts at each end of the garage opener chain/belt and disconnect the power (prioritizing safety). Then, find and loosen the pulley and unthread the old spring. Contact Garage Door Repair Norman OK now!
The garage door rollers are small wheels that run along metal tracks on both sides of the garage door to allow it to open and close smoothly. When they’re damaged or off track, it affects how the rest of the system operates and can cause safety issues for your family and vehicles. Off-track rollers can also lead to other problems that require expensive repair or replacement of parts like the tracks, opener, and even the door itself.
Getting your garage door rollers repaired or replaced promptly helps keep them operating properly and avoids more costly repairs in the future. Some signs that you may have damaged rollers include a slow and difficult-to-open garage door, loud squeaking sounds while the door moves up and down, and gaps or misalignment between the track and rollers.
High-quality garage door rollers are designed to work for about 10,000 cycles or a couple of years. Unfortunately, due to their frequent usage and the stress they undergo, many Parker-area homeowners have to replace their rollers far sooner than that.
A common reason for rollers going off track is hitting the door with a vehicle or another object, which can force them out of alignment. Additionally, lack of lubrication can also make them more susceptible to damage and off-track movement. Regularly lubricating the rollers and tracks with silicone spray or household oil can help to prevent this.
To check if your rollers are damaged or need replacing, turn off your garage door opener and manually operate the door several times while paying attention to the way it moves up and down. If you notice any unusual jerking or other abnormal movements, this is likely an indication that something is wrong with the rollers or their tracks. If you’re concerned about your garage door rollers or want to avoid costly repair bills in the future, consider investing in a professional inspection of the entire system. A knowledgeable technician can identify potential problems and recommend effective solutions. Call us to schedule a consultation.
Broken Cables
The cables that lift your garage door are a critical component of the overall system. They are under a lot of stress day in and day out, working to open and close the door. They are a heavy duty, twisted cable that has long metal strands that are woven together to form a thick braid. They are designed to handle the tension and weight of the door and usually last for years, but they aren’t infallible. Over time, they can deteriorate due to normal wear and tear or from lack of maintenance and inspections.
When they break, it can be a very dangerous situation for homeowners. If your garage door isn’t properly balanced or has broken cables, it will likely fall down, potentially damaging your car and posing a risk to you and your family. These are safety concerns that can be easily prevented with a few simple steps.
First, it’s important to inspect your cables regularly for signs of wear or damage. You can usually spot a problem with your garage door’s cable when it starts to show signs of fraying or excessive wear. If you see these warning signs, it’s best to replace the cable rather than try and repair it.
The replacement process is a simple one that requires a ladder and a pair of locking pliers or C-clamps. You’ll need to open your garage door as far as it will go and place a ladder next to the track on both sides of the opener. Secure the ladder by placing a pair of locking pliers or a C-clamp on the track below each roller to prevent the door from trying to close unexpectedly. Once you’re safe to climb the ladder, locate the end of your broken cable resting in a notch in the drum. Once you have the end of your cable in hand, carefully remove the ladder and clamps.
Replace the old cable by attaching the new end to the bottom bracket and winding it onto the drum or pulley system. Be sure to wind it evenly and firmly and tighten the set screw on the drum.
Damaged Weather Stripping
Weather stripping seals around the garage door to keep the elements out and your belongings safe. If the weather stripping is damaged, it’s important to get it replaced quickly so that moisture, dirt, and pests don’t cause further damage to your garage or the items inside of it.
You can often tell the weather stripping needs to be replaced by a visual inspection. Check it to see if the edges are frayed or if there are cracks in it. You can also test the condition of your weather stripping by pressing your finger against it to see if it feels cushiony and pliable or stiff and hard to press against. If it’s hard to press against or feels stiff, it won’t be able to do its job of creating a tight seal and should be replaced.
Another sign that your weather stripping is worn out is if you can easily slip a sheet of paper between the panels of your garage. This is not a good sign and is a clear indication that the weather seals need to be replaced. Weather seals prevent air intrusion which can increase your energy bills and create drafts inside of your garage. They also protect your valuables from moisture and can help keep pests and rodents out of your garage as well.
It’s a good idea to clean your weather stripping with an all-purpose vinyl cleaner and lubricate it with a silicone lubricant. It is recommended to lubricate your weather stripping every three months to keep it in good condition. You can also spread sand under your garage door before winter to prevent it from sticking, but be careful not to use salt as this can seriously damage the cement and rubber of your garage door.
Replacing your garage door weather stripping is an easy task that can be done by yourself or with the assistance of a professional. The cost of the materials will vary based on the type you choose, but most can be purchased for around $7-$20 per foot. Be sure to measure carefully before cutting to avoid mistakes and waste. Rubber and vinyl varieties can be cut with shears or a utility knife, while metal types are best cut with tin snips. Make sure the mounting surface is completely clean and dry before installing new weather stripping.
Uneven Doors
If you have an uneven garage door, it not only looks sloppy but it also poses a safety risk for your family. If your door shifts to one side while opening or closing, it can put undue stress on the opener and the springs causing them to wear out faster and become damaged.
Generally, uneven doors are caused by misaligned hinges or tracks. These issues are usually the result of normal wear and tear or a previous garage door repair job gone wrong. In some cases, the issue could be structural and require a replacement garage door.
Loose Brackets
Over time, vibrations or impacts can loosen the brackets that hold the tracks in place causing them to become misaligned. This can lead to warped or bent tracks that make it difficult for the garage door to move smoothly up and down. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire track system.
Loose or Obstructed Tracks
Just like a train derailing, a misaligned track throws off the whole balance of your garage door. If there is dirt, rust, or debris lodged in the tracks it can prevent the smooth movement of the door and cause it to become crooked. A professional can remove any obstructions and ensure the tracks are in a straight alignment, restoring the symphony of your garage door.
Gaps Under the Door
Over the years, humidity can warp wood and metal, leading to a gap under your garage door. These gaps are not only unsightly, they can waste energy and make it easier for intruders to access your home. A professional can inspect the frame and hinges to see if they are properly positioned in the framing or if they need to be realigned.
It is important to periodically check your garage door for signs of wear and tear. However, if you notice your garage door is becoming increasingly crooked, it is best to call in a professional for repairs. Not only will they be able to save you money on expensive replacement parts, but they can also help prevent injury or further damage to the components of your garage door.