Garage doors are often subjected to wear and tear. Some repairs, like resealing weather stripping, are simple do-it-yourself projects.
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However, other issues need the professional skills of a certified technician. Attempting a repair without the proper knowledge can result in major damage or injury. Thankfully, a little planning can help the repair process run smoothly. For professional help, contact Garage Door Repair OKC.
If your garage door panels are damaged, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Damaged panels create openings that expose your garage to the elements and can compromise the structural integrity of your garage door. When the garage door is open, these openings can also allow rain and snow to seep inside and cause water or other weather elements to damage your belongings stored in the garage.
Garage Door Panels can be repaired in a variety of ways. They can be sanded down and then repainted to restore the look of the door. If they are too badly damaged to be repaired, they can be replaced. Whether this is the best option depends on the extent of the damage and the condition of your other panels.
In most cases, the easiest way to repair a garage door panel is to simply replace it with a new one. This will ensure that the entire panel is structurally sound and that it matches the rest of the panel set on your garage door.
The most common reason that a garage door panel is damaged is due to impact-related incidents. These can include accidental collisions with vehicles or sporting equipment, or even the general wear and tear of everyday use. This can result in dents and holes that may not only ruin the aesthetic of your garage door but also make it difficult to open and close.
Another sign that you may need to have a garage door panel repaired or replaced is excessive noise during operation. A properly functioning garage door should not make any loud screeching or grinding noises, so any unusual sound could be a symptom of damaged or loose panels. The best course of action is always to contact a professional and have a technician inspect your garage door to determine the appropriate course of action. It is not only cheaper and easier than trying to do it yourself, but it will also ensure that the repair is done correctly the first time so that you don’t have any further issues with your garage door down the road.
Damaged Weather Stripping
The bottom weather stripping on a garage door is typically made up of two pieces: a rubber seal and an aluminum or PVC support. The issues most often found with this type of weather stripping stem from the rubber portion, which can become overly damaged or rigid and no longer remain flexible. This can lead to a drafty garage, as well as allow in rainwater and rodents.
Inspecting the weather stripping regularly will ensure that it does not deteriorate over time. This is an easy, low-cost fix that can help you keep your garage doors properly sealed.
You can inspect the weather stripping by noticing any signs of damage, such as cracks, drooping, or discoloration. Additionally, if you notice that sunlight can easily pass through the bottom of your garage door when it is closed, this is an indication that the weather stripping needs to be replaced.
It is also a good idea to inspect the weather stripping between the garage door sections. There are several types of weather seals available for this part of your garage door, including the InterlokTM joints from Garaga. This type of weather seal helps to ensure that nothing can get through between your garage door panels, including air, light, and any rodents or pests.
You can do a few things to help prevent problems with your garage door’s weather stripping, including cleaning it regularly and using a silicone-based lubricant on the top and bottom of the rubber strip. This will help the seals not only stay supple and flexible, but will also prevent them from becoming overly stiff or rigid. This can prevent the need to replace the weather stripping, and will also help you avoid other costly repairs that may occur as a result of damage or wear and tear on your garage door.
Broken Cables
A functional garage door is crucial for the security, comfort, and storage of cars, tools, and other household items. The doors are heavy, however, and the cables that move them across a pulley or spool system can break over time with age and use. When they break, it’s important to fix the broken cables as soon as possible to avoid potential injuries and to keep the garage door functioning properly.
Garage door cable repair is typically an easy job for a professional to perform. The cost of the service can vary, however. Depending on the amount of work needed to fix the broken cable, a technician’s hourly labor rate will play a role in the final price. The cost of the replacement cable will also be a factor, especially if the old one was damaged or worn out.
There are two different types of garage door cables: extension and torsion spring cables. To determine which type you have, open the door as far as it will go and look for a piece of metal that runs through the center of the door from the track on each side to the ceiling above. The torsion spring cable has a winding drum and is held in place by a pin on the top and bottom of the track, while the extension spring cable doesn’t have a drum and is simply hooked to the ends of the extension springs.
A broken cable can cause the extension springs to contract rapidly and become disconnected from their mounting points. This can create a safety hazard and result in debris flying everywhere when the system is activated. If the cable breaks in an extension spring system, a safety cable will usually prevent the broken metal from hitting people or objects in the garage.
The best way to prevent a broken cable is with routine visual inspections. Performing these inspections can help you spot problems before they turn into major repairs. Keeping your cables well-lubricated can also reduce wear and tear. A common indicator that your cable system needs lubrication is a loud squeaking noise when the door moves or if it suddenly stops moving.
Broken Rollers
If one of your garage door rollers or pins breaks, it’s important to have it replaced immediately. One broken roller can cause the other rollers and pins to become worn out faster than they normally would. This can lead to further problems with the door, including being stuck in a closed position or moving unevenly. A professional technician can help you find the right replacement rollers for your specific garage door and ensure they are installed correctly.
You can also identify a broken roller by noticing that the garage door moves more slowly than usual or that it’s making loud, grinding noises. These signs can indicate that the rollers are starting to wear out and are beginning to cause damage to the other components of your garage door.
One of the most common causes of broken rollers is damage to the track itself, which can force the rollers out of alignment. This can be caused by debris or even just regular use, but a professional technician will be able to fix this problem and ensure your rollers are properly aligned.
Replacing your own rollers can be challenging if you’re not familiar with the process. It’s important to remember that these are heavy, high-tension components that can cause serious injury if you’re not careful. You should always use a pair of locking pliers to remove and replace the hinges and rollers. This will keep the rest of your family and any pets from accidentally getting caught in the middle of the repairs. It’s also a good idea to have someone else around to assist with the work, as removing and replacing multiple hinges and rollers at once could cause the entire door to collapse.
Professional technicians are experienced in working with garage doors and have the tools needed to safely perform any necessary repairs. They can quickly diagnose the issue and provide a cost-effective solution, saving you time and money. They can also recommend routine maintenance to keep your garage door working smoothly for years to come. Make sure you choose a company that offers transparent pricing and a warranty on their repairs. This shows that they stand behind their work and are committed to providing quality service.