Garage Doors

Garage Door Repair – DIY Fixes That Can Save Homeowners Time and Money

Garage Door Repair Mustang OK are regularly used and, as a result, are subject to normal wear and tear. Repairing these systems requires a variety of skills and expertise, including technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, understanding diagnostic manuals, physical dexterity, and communication abilities.

A crooked or sagging garage door usually indicates a need for new springs. Uneven distribution of rollers can also cause the door to move erratically.

Whether or not a garage door panel needs to be replaced depends on the nature and severity of the damage. Damages can affect the structural integrity of the garage door and may pose a safety risk, which makes it essential to address them promptly. However, some damage can be repaired easily with DIY fixes that save homeowners time and money. For instance, repairing minor dents and scratches, tightening loose components, realigning misaligned tracks, lubricating moving parts, and reinforcing damaged sections are all viable options that can provide long-term benefits.

Alternatively, replacing the damaged garage door panel can be a better option in some cases. Depending on the extent of damage, replacing the entire garage door can cost less than repairing a single panel. Moreover, replacing the panel can also ensure the best possible aesthetic results.

It is also important to consider the impact of a single damaged panel on the overall look of your garage door. One or more damaged panels can make the entire door look unsightly, which may not suit some homeowners’ aesthetic preferences.

Damaged garage door panels can also cause the door to operate inefficiently. This is because the panels can shift from their original positions, which causes a misalignment that leads to resistance and other problems when opening and closing the garage door. Such issues can be difficult to detect, but are often evident in the form of grinding or scraping sounds that can occur when opening and closing the garage door.

Besides the cost and aesthetics, it’s also essential to note that a repaired panel may only be a temporary solution. For example, if the panel is rotting or warping due to weathering or extreme temperatures, it will be difficult to conceal these damages with sanding and filler. Hence, it’s important to consult with a professional garage door repair company to understand the best course of action. This will help you avoid further damage to your garage door and save you from the hassle of a costly replacement in the future.

Damaged Weather Stripping

The weather stripping on the garage door is a vital component that helps prevent cold air from seeping in and hot air from escaping. Keeping this in good condition is important for maintaining the efficiency of the garage and reducing energy costs. When it’s damaged, it’s no longer effective and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

A visual inspection of the weather stripping is a great place to start. Look for any cracks or breaks in the material and if it’s become discolored. It’s also important to check for gaps. These can allow cold air to get into the garage and warm air to escape, and they can also give insects and rodents an entry point into the home.

You should also check the bottom weather seals for damage and adjust them if necessary. These are usually made of 2 pieces: a PVC or aluminum support and a rubber strip. Most problems with these will be in the rubber section, which can become dried out and discoloured over time. This may cause the seal to no longer be flexible and will need to be replaced.

Other areas of the door that need to be checked for damage are the sides and top of the door. The sides can be closed with weatherstripping or doorstop molding. These can be cut to the proper size and placed over the existing weatherstripping to close the gap.

The top of the door isn’t usually used for weather stripping, but it can be added if needed. This is particularly important if the garage is used as a workshop and needs to stay very cold or warm.

If you notice dirt or dust getting into the garage despite the door being closed, this is a sign that the weather stripping needs to be replaced. You can test for this by placing a piece of paper on the ground next to the garage door. If the paper shifts in any way, it’s not sealing the garage properly and will need to be replaced. You can also simulate rain by spraying water on the garage door’s seal strip to check for any leaks.

Clogged Tracks

If you’ve been noticing squeaky or grinding noises while the garage door opens and closes, this is an early warning sign. These sounds may be due to dirt, grime or a lack of lubrication. It’s a good idea to grab a can of silicone-based lubricant (available at most hardware stores) and give the tracks a light coating. This can prevent future problems and help keep your garage door quieter and smoother to operate.

Your garage door has several sensors to ensure the system is safe and secure. One of the most common problems is when the sensors are not properly aligned. A quick test of the sensors will reveal whether they are facing each other. If not, simply align them using the LED lights on each sensor. If you can’t seem to get the sensors to work properly, you may need to replace them.

Another common problem is when the garage door reopens after it hits the ground. Usually, this happens when something is blocking the photo eye sensors, which are located near the floor of the garage. These sensors look for objects, people or cars in the way of the garage door and automatically halt and reverse when they sense an object. This is easily fixed by ensuring the limit adjustment screws are not set too high and clearing any objects that could obstruct the sensors’ view.

If you notice the garage door coming off its track, it’s important to stop using it immediately. Attempting to force it back onto the track could cause real damage and injury. If you’re able to determine the issue and can see where the track is misaligned, it might be possible for you to reposition it carefully with your own hands. However, if you see any significant damage, it’s a good idea to call in professionals to repair it safely. They have the tools and expertise to fix any damage and correctly reposition the tracks.

Malfunctioning Sensors

The safety sensors on a garage door help prevent the door from closing on objects or people that are in its path. When a sensor becomes blocked or malfunctions, it can cause the door to reverse even when something is in the way, which could lead to injuries. Luckily, this is an easy fix for homeowners with some basic troubleshooting steps.

The first thing to do is test your sensors. If the garage door continues to move after you’ve placed an object in front of the sensor, then the problem is with the sensor itself and it may need replacing. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity or wiring, call a professional for help.

Another common issue is that the sensors are dirty or misaligned. Dirty sensors can interfere with their ability to detect an object in the way and cause a failure. Cleaning the sensor lenses can help resolve this issue, especially if you live in a dusty area or have pets that shed hair.

A final potential problem with sensors is that they are damaged or wet. If the sensors get wet after a rainstorm or are inadvertently sprayed by a garden hose, they can fail to function until they dry out. If a sensor is wet or dirty, it will need to be replaced in order to continue functioning properly.

If your sensors are not the issue, the problem may be a simple one like an unplugged power cord or a blown fuse or circuit breaker. In these cases, the simplest solution is to plug in the cord or have a professional service reset your fuses. While these are relatively straightforward fixes for most garage doors, it’s still best to work with a professional for any electrical or wiring issues because of the dangers that can occur if done incorrectly. Contact Team Taylor Door to schedule your appointment to fix a garage door that won’t open or close. We provide fast, professional repairs and services with a dedicated commitment to customer satisfaction. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive maintenance programs and to receive your free estimate!