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Garage Door Repair Guide

Of all the doors in your house, odds are the garage door is the one you travel through the most. Because of this it will usually show signs of wear and tear faster than any other part of your house. Even if your door is not the most frequently in use, it is most likely to be the one with the most moving parts that you have to maintain. It is for this reason that the garage door often is in need of repair. A wise homeowner will take steps to rectify any problem as soon as possible.

1. Basic Garage Door Repair

The fact that an issue could come up with any one of the moving parts means that each part of your garage door must be maintained on a regular basis. But if you're a homeowner that doesn't know what to do when your garage door has a problem, here are a few common problems that you should know how to take care of:

  • The Screeching Door: When your garage door makes that annoying screeching noise it is usually the result of rusty hardware components. It can also be the result of a defective spring.
  • For rusty components: check all of the springs and screws to find the source of the problem and replace them with new ones.
  • Defective components: you might need to find a repairman to determine if the components can be replaced or repaired.

2. Garage Door Won't Close Completely

There are two reasons why this might happen. The automatic sensors are usually placed either too high or too low to detect where the door is in its track or it could also be the result of normal wear and tear on the pressure sensors. These are designed to move the door up if something is detected in its path. Over time, wear and tear can require them to need more pressure in order to work properly. In either case, the best solution to this problem is to replace the sensors or have them realigned.

3. When the Door Opener Fails

One of the most common garage door problems is when the opener malfunctions. There are several things you can do when this happens:

  • When there is a problem with the power source: Change the batteries
  • Check the programming: Sometimes, a switch has been moved out of place and once you've reprogrammed it, it should begin to work again.
  • If the problem is wear and tear: Replace the device entirely.
  • If the device is mounted on the wall: The problem could be in the electrical current or the sensors. If this is the case, it might be best to call in a professional repairman to make the needed repairs.

4. If Your Garage Door Gets Stuck

Sometimes your garage door gets stuck somewhere between up and down and there is nothing you can do to move it. Depending on the source of the problem, there are several things you can do to remedy the situation.

  • Look for a cord hanging somewhere inside your garage. Pulling on the cord will allow you to close the garage manually and pushing up on the door itself can allow you to open it.
  • One reason the door may stick could be due to freezing temperatures. If this is the case, you should check the pressure mechanisms and make the needed adjustments.
  • If the door is visibly broken then you need a professional garage door installer to come in and make the needed repairs. If it cannot be repaired you will most likely have to operate the door manually or have it replaced.

5. Door Closes Part Way and Then Reverses

This problem can have many different causes so you'll have to check everything to determine its source:

  • A broken tension or extension spring cable: With a broken tension spring cable the solution is simply a complete replacement.
  • Close force needs to be adjusted: Sometimes there is not enough force applied to fully close the door. In that case, you simply need to readjust the amount of force needed to close the door.
  • Dry rollers or bearings: There are times when the mechanical rollers and bearings simply need to be lubricated. If this is the case, use 3 in 1 motor oil and lubricate all the rollers and bearings in the door.
  • Photo eyes are out of alignment or dirty: If you find that too much dirt or gunk has accumulated in the garage door tracks, the solution is simply to clean or replace them whenever they need it.

6. How to Maintain Your Garage Door

A garage door is a mechanical device with lots of moving parts that need to have regular maintenance. Here are some tips:

  • Use a lubricating spray or a powdered graphite on the pulleys and tracks.
  • Regularly check to make sure that all of the screws, nuts, and bolts are regularly tightened.
  • Pound out any dents that are found in the tracks and keep them clean and free of dust, dirt, or any other debris that may accumulate in them.

7. Cost of Garage Door Maintenance

The cost of garage door maintenance can vary depending on a number of different factors:

  • The type of door you have
  • The type of opener you use
  • Your remote system
  • Wiring

On average you can expect to pay on between $200-$300 for each repair. These kinds of costs can easily add up so if you can troubleshoot many of these problems yourself you can save a considerable amount of money.

8. How to Find a Good Garage Door Repair Company

Finding a good repair company requires a little research on your part. In order to get the best possible service, it is always helpful to know what you need and what you can expect. When interviewing potential candidates here are a few things they should be able to do at a moment's notice:

  • Have a price book on hand listing all parts and replacement and repair costs.
  • Have sales literature showing what he is offering.
  • Know exactly what's in stock so you're not caught listening to a pitch he doesn't have.
  • Carry a good supply of standard parts so that he can handle most problems right away.
  • Is able to analyze the problem and the best way to solve it.
  • Always check references and make sure that they have the expertise to identify your problem and complete the job.