A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Broken Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are often overlooked until they become a visible or audible problem. However, proper maintenance and replacement are essential to their longevity. This guide provides information about preventative maintenance, repair, signs of wear and tear, typical life spans of door springs, and more. Types of Garage Door Springs Two types of garage door springs exist. Extension springs are commonly used in residential garages, while torsion springs are found in heavier-duty garage doors or commercial builds. Extension Spring Extension springs extend and stretch to provide the movement of the garage door. Generally, garage doors have two extension springs – one on each side of the gate parallel to the track. When the door is closed, they extend; when the door is open, they retract, utilizing pulleys and cables to create movement. Different cables within the extension spring style are available: double-looped and clipped ends. The double-looped extension spring is more robust but harder to replace, while the clipped-ends style excels in durability and is a smarter choice for heavier garage doors. Torsion Spring The size and weight of your garage door determine how many torsion springs are necessary to open and close the door. There are generally one or two for average garage doors, but there can be as many as four for heavier-duty ones. Torsion springs utilize torque to open and close the garage door by winding around the shaft as the door lifts and gains tension as it approaches. Steel rolling door options are found in commercial builds and used on rolling doors while having the springs encased in the torsion shaft makes the torque master the safest option for the torsion spring system. How to Know If Your Garage Door Has a Broken Spring? The garage door will start functioning strangely if it has a broken spring. It may have trouble opening and closing correctly, and you may see springs swaying if disconnected. Other signs include the garage door bending outward when you raise the door without functioning springs, the door closing faster than expected and not moving as smoothly, and nothing happening if you try to open the door with the emergency rope. Why Do Garage Door Springs Break? Garage door springs have an engineered set of cycles, and the main reason they break is due to wear and tear. The springs have a rating of about 10,000 cycles, which may seem like a lot, but it adds up quickly when considering how often you use the garage door each year. Rust and improper maintenance are other reasons for spring failure. Rust increases the friction the coils cause while expanding and retracting during cycles. At the same time, proper maintenance, including lubrication and seasonal balance checks, can help prolong the lifespan of the springs and give you insight into when they start failing. Repairing Broken Garage Door Springs: Tips and Hazards If your garage door springs need repair, it’s essential to take caution. Even though you can buy parts online or from hardware stores, fixing broken garage door springs can be dangerous. It’s best to seek professional help to replace them. Extension Springs Replacement You may have two types of springs in your garage door, each with different hazards when replacing them independently. Although extension springs may be easier to replace, there are still potential dangers. The garage door could fall on you or someone else, or you could cut yourself on the rusted metal of the springs. Buying the right size according to your garage door’s weight is crucial when purchasing extension springs. If you use a spring bigger than you need, your garage door may fly up quickly when you open it, and closing can be challenging. This issue can cause additional damage to your springs, requiring further repairs. Buying extension springs through a certified garage dealer is recommended rather than making the purchase yourself. That way, you know you have the correct-sized spring adequately suited to the weight of your door. Torsion Springs The tension that comes with torsion springs also comes with many potential hazards when attempting to replace them alone. Because the metal has so much tension, it poses a severe risk of metal flying out from a part if something snaps or breaks during the repair. Along with potential flying metal, you can get cuts from rusted metal, or the garage door could fall on someone. Professional Replacement Is the Best To circumvent potential hazards to yourself or others, you need to get professionals to repair or replace your garage door springs. Attempting to do any repairs or replacements on your own poses a risk of serious injury. Is It Safe To Open the Garage Door With a Broken Spring? It’s unsafe to open the garage door, even with an opener, if you have a broken spring. The door panels could crumble, you could strip the gears in the opener attached to the garage, the opener’s motor could burn out, the rails may bend, and parts of the opener carriage could break off as the engine works harder to open the door. There have been instances of the opener ripping itself from the ceiling, causing even more damage and other potential hazards. If a single spring is still functional, you can open your garage door, but it’s not recommended to do this frequently. The door will be challenging to open, and the risk of harm still exists. You can also use your garage opener to assist in opening the door safely if someone is trying to back their car out of the garage. Practice caution when opening your garage door to prevent damage or injury, even if one of your springs is still intact. Contact a Professional If you need to get into the garage with a broken spring, you can have someone help you lift the door; make sure you use proper precautions for your back and don’t let the door fall on your fingers or feet, and disengage the door by pulling the rope hanging from
Determining Whether to Repair or Replace Your Garage Door
Are you considering whether to repair or replace your garage door? It’s not always easy to decide, but several factors help you make the right choice. Here is a helpful guide to determine whether repair or replacement is the best option. When to Replace a Garage Door Typically, garage doors can last for several decades, but wear and tear from age and weather can make replacement the best choice. Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your garage door: It lacks child safety features: Older garage doors do not have the safety features that newer garage doors offer, such as safety sensors that stop the door from moving if it detects pets, children, or objects under the door. Aftermarket add-ons can be expensive, so it may be more cost-effective to replace the door entirely. The door is old: An older garage door can detract from your home’s curb appeal and offer less security than newer models. Newer garage doors are more visually appealing, better suited for modern vehicles, and provide higher levels of security. There is weather damage: Weather damage, including rusting, warping, or discoloration, can result from exposure to wind, rain, snow, and UV rays. Dirt leaves and other debris can also become lodged inside the garage door’s tracks over time, causing friction and issues with track misalignment. Energy costs are increasing: Garage doors can let in much outside air, increasing energy costs. Newer garage doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind, with materials and insulation that reduce energy costs. The wood is rotted: Wooden garage doors can be prone to warping in moist environments. If your garage door has shown signs of wood rot, replacing it with a newer version is best. When to Repair a Garage Door Minor issues can often be repaired, which can save you on expenses. Here are some common garage door problems that can be fixed: The garage door is sagging: A garage door can indicate that the balance is off and the lifting mechanism works harder than it should. This can lead to broken or worn springs and sagging doors, but an experienced technician can generally fix this issue. It suddenly breaks down: While it can be frustrating when a garage door breaks down, it can likely be repaired. Call a technician to troubleshoot the issue and fix it quickly and correctly. Your budget doesn’t allow for a replacement: If you can’t afford a new garage door, repairing it is an excellent option to explore. A qualified technician can help determine if a repair is the best solution for your budget. Standard Garage Door Problems That Can Be Fixed Here are some of the most common issues that can be repaired: A single panel is damaged: Damage to a single panel is generally a simple fix, but ignoring it can lead to expensive repairs in the future. The door is discolored: If your garage door is discolored, washing the surface and carefully removing any peeling paint can restore its appearance. A single panel is dented: Repairing a dented garage door is less costly than replacing it and helps prevent damage to the rest of the garage door system. If you’re unsure whether your garage door needs to be repaired or replaced, contact the experts at Precision Overhead Garage Door Service for an inspection and professional advice.
Silencing Your Noisy Garage Door: Causes and Solutions
Do you find yourself annoyed by the loud noises your garage door makes? Not only can it bother your neighbors and wake up people who are asleep, but it’s also a sign that your garage door may have a problem. Fortunately, there are solutions to these issues that can be done quickly and efficiently. Here are some possible causes and solutions for your noisy garage door: Nuts and Bolts: Nuts and bolts can loosen over time, causing rattling or vibrating noises. Tightening these parts with a wrench and socket can make a significant difference in reducing the volume of the noise. However, be careful not to secure them too tightly, as this could strip the screw holes or cause other damage. Rollers: Squeaking and grinding noises may indicate that you must lubricate your rollers. If the noise persists, you may need to replace them, especially if they have rust or other signs of wear. Nylon rollers are a great alternative to metal ones since they produce less noise. Springs: Springs are responsible for lifting the door and holding the tension that keeps it in place. If your springs are worn out, broken, or damaged, it’s best to call a professional to replace them. Never attempt to replace springs alone, as they can become dangerous projectiles if they break. Hinges: Hinges ensure that your door opens and closes properly, so it’s essential to lubricate them regularly. A professional should replace worn or broken hinges to avoid further damage or injury. Loud Garage Door Opener: If you’ve checked all other parts and still can’t locate the noise source, your garage door opener may be the culprit. Loose chains or support rails can cause rattling, while a dying motor could produce straining noises. Troubleshoot your opener by referring to the operation manual, and contact a professional if necessary. Prevention is key to avoiding noisy garage doors. Regular maintenance can help keep your door running smoothly and quietly. If the noise persists, contact Precision Overhead Garage Door Service for expert advice and quality work at a fair price.
What to Do If You Accidentally Back Into Your Garage Door
Backing into a garage door can be frustrating and unexpected, but knowing how to react in such a situation is essential to prevent further damage and ensure everyone’s safety. Fortunately, you can follow several simple steps to address the accident and minimize its impact. Follow these steps to quickly resolve the issue and get your car and garage door back in order: 1. Turn off the engine and ensure that everyone is safe. Once you’ve backed your vehicle into your garage door, put the car in park and engage the emergency brake. If necessary, Turn off the headlights, close all windows, and turn off the engine to prevent accidental acceleration or damage. Ensure everyone inside the car is safe. 2. Check for any damage. After shutting off the engine and ensuring everyone is OK, get out of your car and inspect it for any signs of damage that may have occurred. Look for dents, scratches, or any other issues that require attention. Take photos of the damage. Then, inspect the garage door for any broken panels, damage to the springs, or further damage. Note the damage so that a professional can assess it correctly. 3. Check for any leaks. Take a quick look underneath the car for any signs of leaks, including oil, coolant, or transmission fluid. If you notice any leaks, have them addressed by a mechanic as soon as possible. 4. Call a professional. If your car has any damage, contact your car insurance provider immediately. Note that because you caused the damage, it’s unlikely that your insurance will cover it, but you may want to contact them anyway. However, your homeowners’ insurance might cover the damage to your garage door, so get that too. From there, you’ll know whether you must contact a mechanic to tow your car or assess the damage. You should also contact a garage door repair company to ensure your door is repaired as quickly as possible. Common Issues Caused by Backing into a Garage Door Thousands of accidents occur in parking lots and garages annually, leading to minor or major accidents. Here are some common issues caused by backing into your garage door and parking incorrectly: Scratches and dents: If you misjudge the distance between your vehicle and the garage walls, scratches and dents on your car’s body can occur. Damage to garage doors and walls: Backing into your garage without paying attention can also cause damage to your garage doors and walls. Damage to headlights and taillights: Headlights and taillights are more fragile than the metal of your car and will likely break first in a collision with your garage door. Mechanical issues: Accidentally backing into your garage door can also cause mechanical problems in your vehicle, including damaged parts such as the transmission or suspension systems and damage to your tires. Damaged garage door track: The jolt of your car can cause the garage door to misalign or damage the track. A garage door professional can assess the situation and safely fix the issue. Broken panels: If you reverse into your garage door, your car could damage the sectional panels. A professional can replace the garage door panels depending on the extent of the damage. To lower your risk of accidents, take your time when backing into your garage. Always ensure your garage door is fully open before parking inside your garage or pulling out of it. Make sure to correctly judge the distance between your vehicle and the walls and park your car in the right gear. By following these precautions, you can avoid causing any damage or safety hazards when backing into your garage. FAQs About Fixing a Damaged Garage Door If you have a damaged garage door, getting it fixed as soon as possible is essential to ensure your safety and home security. Here are some frequently asked questions about fixing a damaged garage door: How do you know if your garage door needs repair? If you reverse your car into your garage door, it’s best to contact a professional to assess the damage and determine whether you need repairs. If your door has a dent, you could need a total garage door replacement, depending on the extent of the damage. How long does it take to repair a garage door? The time it takes to repair a garage door will depend on the extent of the damage and the required parts’ availability. A professional can repair a garage door within a few hours to a full day if parts are available. Does insurance cover hitting your garage door? While many homeowners’ insurance companies will cover the damage to your garage door, it’s best to contact your provider directly and ask about your policy. They may ask for photos and quotations on the damage. How much does it cost to fix a bent garage door? It depends on the extent of the damage. If the damage is extensive, installing a new garage door might be better. A professional can advise you on the best course of action. The Importance of Seeking Professional Garage Door Services Whenever your garage door becomes damaged, it’s essential to seek the help of a professional. Attempting to fix the problem can worsen the situation, resulting in more expensive repairs. Attempting to repair your garage door by yourself can also be highly dangerous. A professional garage door repair company has the knowledge, tools, and experience to safely and effectively repair any damage caused by backing into your garage door. They can also provide valuable advice on preventing similar accidents in the future. Call Precision Overhead Garage Door Service to Fix Your Garage Door It’s always best to trust the professionals to handle garage door repairs. Precision Overhead Garage Door Service is here to help you assess the damage to your garage door and advise you on how to proceed. Whether you need a simple repair or a complete replacement, our professional team will help you determine the best option for your needs and budget.
Tips for Keeping Your Garage Cool and Comfortable
Many homeowners use their garages for activities like home improvement projects or home gyms. However, when the garage’s interior becomes uncomfortably hot, the space can become an underutilized storage area rather than where you want to spend time. Here are some tips on how to cool a garage and make it a livable space: Open the garage door: The easiest way to cool a garage is by opening the door. A cross breeze can be created by opening windows in addition to the door, which will replace hot and stuffy air with fresh, cool air. Remember to stay nearby when the door and windows are open. Declutter your garage: The items stored in your garage can affect the temperature. Heat can be retained, and airflow is prevented by a garage full of boxes and other things. Decluttering can help create airflow space, which can cool the garage. Consider installing shelves and overhead storage to keep the floor clear. Install a ceiling fan: An industrial-strength fan is a cost-effective and straightforward solution to help move air around the room. If you can’t install a ceiling fan, use a portable air conditioner, oscillating fan, or window fan. A dehumidifier can also help to reduce humidity and make the space more comfortable. Utilize and improve insulation: Properly installed insulation will prevent heat from building up and keep cool air from escaping. Check the insulation in exterior walls, and use blow insulation to fill in gaps if drywall is in place. Replace your garage door with an insulated one and use weather stripping or caulk to seal any cracks. Park vehicles outside: Parking a hot car in the garage can contribute to the garage’s heat level. Please wait until the vehicle has cooled down before parking it in the garage. Following these tips, you can make your garage a comfortable and functional space again. Precision Overhead Garage Door Service can provide high-quality customer service and offer various residential garage door services, including installation and repairs. Contact us today to learn more.
Common Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them
Garage doors can malfunction for various reasons, such as making noise, moving at a slower pace, or appearing uneven. If you encounter such issues, there are multiple DIY solutions that you can try. Here is a list of common garage door problems and how to fix them: 1. Trouble Opening or Closing Test the door balance by manually turning off the power and lifting the door. If it stays in place, it is balanced and functional. Check the fuse; contact a professional for further assistance if it’s not working. 2. Blocked Sensors Check for any obstacles blocking the signal between the remote and the garage door. Ensure that the antenna is clean and in the correct position. 3. Broken Springs Replace your springs when they reach their maximum cycle limit to avoid damage to your vehicle or injuries to yourself. If the springs snap when the door is not in use, don’t try to open the door, as it can cause harm. 4. Roller Issues Lubricate your rollers and replace them if necessary. Please keep track of when your rollers are coming up at the end of their lifespan. 5. Dying Opener Troubleshoot the issue by checking the batteries and clearing the path of your antenna. If you’re still having problems, update and replace your opener with the help of a professional. 6. Unusual Noises Identify the noise and related issues, such as loose chains, rust, or broken springs. Contact a garage door technician if unsure about the sound or where it originated. 7. Uneven Door Check for obstacles, rust, and appropriate settings in your manual. Contact a professional if the problem lies in the spring system. 8. Slow Opening Examine your rollers and tracks, and keep them well-lubricated. Plan to give your system regular maintenance at least twice a year. 9. Transmitter Problems Test the transmitter inside your garage, and replace the batteries if necessary. Ensure that the batteries are facing the correct direction. 10. Keypad Not Synced Check the batteries, and refer to the manual for syncing instructions. Call your manufacturer for more information if the problem continues. If you still have issues after attempting these solutions, contact a professional for reliable and efficient repair services. Precision Overhead Garage Door Service provides top-quality doors and workmanship to ensure your garage serves you promptly and safely.
Choosing the Perfect Garage Door for Your Home
Choosing the right garage door for your home is critical as it constitutes a significant portion of your property and is often the first thing visitors see. It can be daunting considering several factors, from budget to climate. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to selecting the right garage door for your home. How to Choose a Garage Door Analyze Your Area’s Climate: Consider the weather in your area, as it affects how you use your garage. For instance, if you live in hot climates, you might want to use your garage to protect your car from sun and rain. You’ll also need to consider wind protection, as regions with high winds require garage doors that can withstand them. Understand Your Budget: The next step is establishing a budget after determining the garage door type that suits your climate and area. Your budget will depend on the door’s material, design, insulation, and the number of doors required. Think About Your Garage Door Usage: If you frequently open and close your garage doors, you might want to consider an overhead track door for efficiency. Doors that open outwards might be more time-consuming and less efficient. Decide How Much Maintenance You’re Willing to Do: Different garage doors require varying levels of maintenance. Wood doors, for instance, need regular upkeep and painting or staining every few years. If you don’t have the time or inclination for maintenance, aluminum or steel doors are an excellent alternative. You can paint these doors to resemble wood, giving you the appearance without the upkeep. How Will You Use Your Garage? The purpose of your garage will determine the type of door you need. People use their garages for: Car protection Storage Home gym Workshop Matching Your Garage Door to Your Home If you choose the right style, a new garage door can enhance your home’s aesthetics. Consider your home’s style, such as rustic, traditional, modern, or contemporary. You can customize door elements like windows, material, finish, and color to give your home a unique touch. Precision Overhead Garage Door Service offers many garage doors to fit your lifestyle and budget. We provide exceptional customer service and workmanship to guarantee your satisfaction.
Maintaining Your Garage Door: Tips for Long-Term Reliability
Your garage is essential to your daily routine, providing storage space and easy access to your home. Therefore, keeping your garage door in the best possible condition is necessary. Regular maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your garage door and prevent expensive repairs in the future. Follow these tips to ensure your overhead door has been functioning smoothly for years. Observe Door The first step in garage door maintenance is to identify any obvious issues with the door. Test the door by opening and closing it automatically and manually. Listen to the sound of the door and check for any unusual noises or jerky movements. Pay attention to the door’s weight and any visual or auditory signs of malfunction. If you notice any issues, address them promptly. Clear Tracks Spraying tracks with a lubricant and gently cleaning them with a damp rag can keep them clear of debris. It is best to leave significant adjustments or repairs to professionals to ensure the tracks are safely and correctly repaired. Tighten Hardware The nuts and bolts can become loose over time due to the vibrations caused by daily use of the garage door. Use a socket wrench and screwdriver to tighten nuts, bolts, and roller brackets. However, it is crucial not to overtighten hardware, leading to damage and faster wear on the components. Leave the red-painted hardware or hardware located on the bottom roller fixture to professionals. Check Cables Visually inspect cables for frays, tears, and other damage. Damaged lines can cause strain on the door parts and pose a safety hazard to anyone using the garage door. Avoid adjusting or repairing the cables yourself. If you see frayed or broken cables, contact a technician. Inspect Rollers Garage door rollers guide the door smoothly along the track. Inspect rollers for cracks, chips, and wear, and replace them if necessary. Make sure to keep rollers clear of debris along with the ways for the best operation. Lubricate Hardware Moving garage parts need regular lubrication to reduce friction and wear. Use garage-door-specific lubricant to treat the springs, hinges, rollers, tracks, and opener chains. Proper lubrication will keep your overhead door components moving smoothly and correctly. Test Balance An imbalance in your garage door puts extra stress on the other components. To test your door’s balance, close it entirely and disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle — typically a red cord. Then lift the door manually until it sits halfway open and let go. If your door is correctly balanced, it will stay half-open. Replace Weatherstripping Replacing a cracked or brittle weatherstrip can help protect your garage from water damage and keep the outside from getting in. Weather seals also keep air from flowing between your garage and outside, saving you money on energy costs and maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the space. Test Safety Features Check the photoelectric sensor and mechanical auto-reverse features to prevent your garage from closing on objects and causing safety problems. Test these features at home using a few household objects. If either of these features fails to reverse, contact a professional to look at your safety features. Clean Door Wash the garage door with mild soap and a wet cloth to remove all grime and debris on both sides of the door. Steel doors can form rust spots, which you must sand and repaint. Wood doors can warp when exposed to water damage, so look for bending in the door. Wood also needs regular repainting or restaining to protect the wood. Taking care of your garage door is vital to ensure it operates smoothly and safely. If you encounter any issues with your garage door while maintaining it, contact a professional technician to repair it. At Precision Overhead Garage Door Service, we provide reliable and efficient garage door repair services.
Getting Your Garage Summer-Ready
Preparing your garage door for the upcoming season is essential as summer approaches and the winter months become a distant memory. Although garage doors are designed to last between 15 and 20 years, regular maintenance is necessary to avoid any future issues. Las Vegas’s summer heat can make garages uncomfortably hot and hazardous to combustible items stored inside, so follow these tips to ensure that your garage is ready for the season: Clean the outer door: Dust and dirt can accumulate inside your garage door, but the outer area can also become dirty due to wear and tear and the elements. Start by cleaning the inside of your garage door, and then use soap and water to scrub the outer door. Add a thin layer of car wax to both sides of the door to prevent dust buildup. If your garage door is made of wood, apply a fresh coat of paint and a water sealant to prevent rotting. If you have a steel door, sand down any rust spots and apply a zinc primer. Check for wear and tear: It’s essential to look for any signs of broken or bent hinges, rusty springs, and other hardware that needs to be tightened. If you notice frayed or worn-out cables, contact a professional to replace them. Apply lubrication: After checking for wear and tear, lubricate any moving parts, weather-stripping, and the garage door opener’s tracks. Avoid using oils like WD-40 and opt for oils specially made for garage doors. Be careful not to apply too much oil, which can attract dirt and dust. Check the bolts: Always check the bolts at the back of the track to ensure none are loose. Loose bolts can cause your garage door to fall and cause damage or injury. Check the Springs: Springs can break at any time, no matter how well they are maintained. Keeping them rust-free can extend their lifespan. If a spring does break, call a professional to replace it. Check the tension of the springs by pulling the emergency release on the door while it’s closed. If the door closes, the springs need more tension; if it flies open, they require less tension. Insulation: Proper insulation is crucial for preventing heat transfer into your garage. Consider purchasing a garage door with polystyrene or Intellicore insulation to prevent heat and cool air from escaping. Hire an experienced garage door company: Precision Overhead Garage Door Service is a reliable and professional company that provides same-day, 24-hour emergency service throughout the Las Vegas area.