Performing routine maintenance on your garage door can help it last longer. It also helps prevent expensive repairs or even replacements.
However, some repairs and adjustments are best left to the professionals. Trying to fix your garage door without proper training can result in only fixing the symptoms of the problem, which will lead to further problems and more costly repairs down the road. Contact Garage Door Repair OKC for professional help.
Misaligned garage door tracks can be a major problem. They prevent the rollers from smoothly sliding along them, which in turn leads to uneven and erratic movements of your door as it moves up and down. Common signs of this issue include loud clunking sounds while the door is moving up and down, visible gaps between the tracks and rollers, and jerky movements.
Fortunately, this problem is fairly easy to fix on your own. Here’s how to do it:
Start by identifying the areas of your track that are misaligned. Obvious bends should stand out visually, but more subtle ones can require running your hand along the length of the track to feel for inconsistencies. If you discover any of these, gently tap the track with a rubber mallet (not too hard!) until it’s straight. Repeat this process on the other side of the track until symmetry is achieved.
Next, use a wrench to loosen the bolts that secure both tracks to their lower track brackets. Then, carefully align the track by loosening its screws and tapping it with a rubber mallet until it’s in position. Tighten the bolts when you’re finished, but be sure not to over-tighten them. This could damage the track.
Finally, recheck the alignment of your track with a level to make sure that it’s perfectly vertical (for the side tracks) or horizontal (for the horizontal part of the garage door track). If you notice that there are still any issues, give us a call for professional help! We have the knowledge, tools, and experience to handle these problems safely and effectively. We also have the training necessary to diagnose more complex underlying issues that may be causing misalignment.
Damaged Panels
The sandwich panels that make up the outer body of your door are prone to scuffs, scratches and dents as they come into contact with all sorts of other things on a regular basis. Minor scuffs and scratches are cosmetic issues that can be fixed with touch-up paint. However, it’s important to assess the damage before deciding to repair it or replace the panel. If the metal is severely damaged, replacing it is often easier and cheaper.
Scratches that go down to the metal may rust over time, so it’s essential to protect them with a protective coating like clear coat or wax. It’s also a good idea to touch up the panel with a matching paint color before applying clear coat or wax.
Dents are another common problem that can be repaired with either paintless or conventional methods. The first step is to apply the glue that came with the kit to the deepest point of the dent. Once the glue has dried, use a bridge puller (which is essentially a bolt with a head on it) to slowly move the metal back into its original position.
If you have a door with a severe bend, it might be necessary to remove the panel and straighten it out. A few simple tools can help you do this, such as a claw hammer, a pry bar and distilled water. Spray the back of the panel with distilled water and place it in a warm area to reverse the bend. You can then nail the panel back in its place. If the damage is too severe to repair, a new panel can be purchased second-hand or professionally replaced.
Broken Cables and Springs
A broken garage door cable can lead to other problems, such as the springs having to bear too much of the load and causing them to break. A snapped cable can also cause the heavy door to become unbalanced and fall off the tracks, potentially damaging cars parked in the garage or posing a danger to anyone who is inside or nearby when the door moves. A broken cable is usually the result of normal wear and tear, but regular inspections and proper maintenance can help you catch a problem before it becomes too serious.
If you suspect that your garage door cables have worn out, first use C-clamps or blocks to hold the track in a fully open position and disconnect power. Next, remove the old cable from the track and the door. If the cable is only slightly frayed it may be possible to reuse it. However, if the cable is cracked, rusty or otherwise damaged, it should be replaced.
Before installing a new cable, make sure you have the correct diameter. The grooves in the drum must match the cable diameter, and a mismatch could lead to it slipping out of the grooves. It is also a good idea to inspect the rest of the system for damage. Check for kinks or rough areas on the pulleys, as these can reduce the cable’s diameter.
To replace a cable, follow the steps in our guide “How to Replace a Garage Door Cable.” Be sure to use a ladder or step stool when working above your head height and wear safety glasses and gloves. Remember to disconnect the power and secure the door in an open position before starting.
Damaged Bottom Seals
Weathering from exposure and environmental conditions accelerates the wear of garage door bottom seals. When they fail, cold or hot air seeps into the garage, causing temperature fluctuations and potentially damaging items stored inside. Additionally, water can penetrate the seal, causing mold and mildew to form. These conditions can be costly to repair and should not be ignored.
A failing bottom seal not only costs homeowners money in energy expenses, but it also allows rodents and other pests to enter the garage. In addition, a poorly functioning seal can allow sunlight to pass through, which can cause the metal components of the door and frame to rust.
To correct this issue, homeowners can replace their bottom seals. To do this, the first step is to remove the old seal by prying it away with a utility knife or other suitable tool. Then, the new seal can be inserted into place by sliding it into the existing retainer. Finally, the top edge of the retainer can be sealed with caulk to prevent moisture from leaking into the garage again.
Identifying when the garage door seals are wearing down is crucial to saving money on heating and cooling bills, protecting garage contents, and maintaining the aesthetic of your home. By regularly assessing the condition of your garage door’s seals, you can make timely repairs to ensure it continues to function properly and provide an effective barrier from the elements. Contact our professional garage door service to learn more about how we can help you keep your garage clean and dry. We offer a wide variety of services, from replacing dents and dings to complete garage door replacement in Lansing and Grand Rapids.
Damaged Weather Stripping
Weather stripping lines the perimeter of your garage door and prevents drafts, moisture, debris, and pests from entering. It’s important to check the weather stripping regularly for damage, as it will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. If left unattended, damaged weather stripping can lead to higher energy bills and reduced energy efficiency for your home.
In order to keep your weather stripping working properly, you should clean it periodically using a brush or cloth, mild detergent, and water. This will help remove dirt and grime that can cause the stripping to lose its elasticity, which will make it less effective at sealing your garage. Additionally, you should keep your weather stripping away from harsh chemicals, which can deteriorate the material over time.
One of the most common signs that your weather stripping is wearing out is if it becomes hard and brittle to the touch. Weather stripping that feels brittle and hard to the touch is likely no longer creating a seal between your garage and the outside world, which will result in higher utility bills and decreased energy efficiency for your home.
Whether you have vinyl, spline, or adhesive-backed foam weather stripping, it’s usually fairly easy to replace. Just remember to measure carefully before cutting to avoid making mistakes or wasting materials. It’s also a good idea to start with a small area and test that it closes easily before proceeding to the entire door frame. If you’re having difficulty locating replacement parts, it may be best to consult with a professional. They can assess your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate repair or replacement options for your garage door and its components.