Your garage door is one of the most-used parts of your home. Because of this, it can sustain damage that requires a professional repair service.
For small dents and bends, you may be able to fix them with a rubber mallet or block of wood. However, more extensive damage requires a professional Garage Door Repair Norman OK technician.
Whether your garage door is made of wood or aluminum, its panels will eventually be damaged by impacts or weather. The impact of driving a car into your garage door panel can cause it to become dented or even cave in. Additionally, damage can occur from wildlife or sports equipment such as a wayward basketball.
A damaged garage door panel is not only unsightly but can also reduce your home’s curb appeal and decrease its value. Luckily, most panels are easily repaired or replaced. To replace a damaged panel, first remove the hinges that attach it to the track assembly. Then, carefully remove the old panel and lay it out on a flat surface. Once the new panel is positioned, align the hinges and screw it into place.
Repairing the Cracked Door Panel
While dents and scratches can be fixed with a quick fix, larger cracks require more time to repair. In this case, it’s best to leave the task to a professional so that you don’t end up with an uneven appearance.
Regardless of the type of damage, it’s important to address your garage door as soon as possible. Doing so helps prevent the problem from getting worse, saving you money in the long run. In addition, if the problem is left unattended, it can lead to other problems such as buckling or warping of the door. Ultimately, this can lead to a complete door replacement. In these cases, it’s best to work with a company that offers full door replacement services. This allows you to get a completely new look while saving you the hassle of repairing or replacing the existing one.
Broken Rollers
The rollers on the vertical tracks of your garage door help it move smoothly up and down. Like other parts of the system, they can be subject to wear and tear and need to be repaired or replaced as needed. When your garage door starts acting erratically, the rollers are probably to blame, and identifying the issue early on can save you from more costly repairs in the future.
The most obvious sign that your garage door’s rollers are starting to wear out is if you notice unusual noises when operating the system. If you hear grinding, squeaking, or rattling sounds during operation, this is a clear indicator that the rollers need to be fixed or replaced.
Another common sign that your rollers are in need of repair is if the door feels jerky when it goes up or down. The rollers may be loose and moving around within the track, or they may be damaged and not able to support the weight of the garage door.
If the rollers aren’t working properly, they can cause additional strain on other components of the system, leading to further damage and more expensive repairs down the road. It’s important to address any issues with your garage door and its components promptly to minimize the impact they have on the rest of the system.
Always replace or repair one hinge or roller at a time. Attempting to remove multiple at once can cause the door to collapse, which could result in property damage or even personal injury. It’s also a good idea to turn off the opener before you start working on your garage door. This will prevent anyone in your home from accidentally activating the system while you’re working on it.
Damaged Tracks
The tracks that the garage door moves on can become damaged over time. This is often caused by being bumped or hit by a vehicle or debris. If the track becomes damaged, it can make it difficult for the garage door to open and close properly. A technician can repair the track and restore its proper function.
The most common sign that the track is damaged is a gap between the tracks. This can be caused by the track being misaligned or a lack of lubrication. In either case, the track should be inspected regularly and lubricated as needed to keep it in good working condition.
Another common issue is when the tracks are bent or warped. This can be caused by frequent use, or it can be the result of a problem with the rollers or the tracks themselves. It is important to have the tracks repaired as soon as possible, since they are an essential part of the functioning of the garage door.
If your garage door is off the tracks, you should not attempt to move it manually or by using a remote. This could lead to further damage or even injury. It is best to call a garage door specialist immediately to ensure that the problem is addressed and fixed correctly. They can assess the problem and provide a fast, affordable solution. Their technicians have extensive experience in garage doors and can provide a variety of services, including repairs, replacements, and upgrades. Their team also offers 24-hour emergency service and can respond to calls within the same day. The company also provides free estimates for all of their services.
Broken Springs
If your garage door uses springs to counterbalance the heavy weight of the door so that it can be easily opened and closed manually or with an automatic opener, you’ll know if one of them breaks because the door will become extremely difficult (or impossible) to open. The springs are high-tension pieces of steel that have a limited lifespan and will eventually break at some point. The good news is that replacing them is not as expensive or complicated as it may seem, though many homeowners choose to have the job done by a professional since working with springs under such high tension can be dangerous.
Homeowners that opt to tackle the task themselves should first make sure the door is completely closed (you can disconnect the opener if necessary). Next, they should use locking pliers to secure the center bracket of the torsion bar in place (this will prevent it from falling as you disengage it). Finally, they should detach the lift cables from their pulleys on the wall above the track and loosen the set screw on each cable drum, which will allow them to slide off the ends of the torsion rod.
To remove the broken spring, homeowners should use a winding bar specifically designed for garage doors and insert it into the winding hole on the end of each spring. Once the spring is unwound, it can be removed and replaced with a new one that matches in color to the old springs (they typically come as a matched pair). When rewinding the new springs, great care should be taken to ensure no body parts are in the path of the coils as they turn; such force, uncontrolled, could seriously injure or even kill someone.
Damaged Weather Stripping
The weather stripping on a garage door helps to create a tight seal when closed and keeps drafts, cold air, water, moisture, and other elements from entering the garage. However, it is also subject to wear and tear over time and can become damaged. This can lead to a reduction in energy efficiency, increased utility bills, and damage to stored items. Replacing the weather stripping can help to keep the garage comfortable, reduce energy costs, and protect items from the elements.
When a garage door’s weather stripping becomes damaged, it should be repaired immediately to prevent unwanted elements from entering the home. The process is simple and doesn’t require any specialized skills or tools. A basic adhesive fix or patch job may be sufficient if there is only minor wear and tear, but replacement may be necessary in more severe cases.
Before beginning any repair work, make sure that the area where the weather stripping will be installed is free of dirt and debris. Then, carefully peel the old weather stripping from the door or opening to remove any glue residue or adhesive from the area. Make sure that the new weather stripping is the same size and shape as the original to ensure proper installation.
Once the weather stripping has been installed, it is important to periodically check it for any cracks or breaks that need to be repaired. Also, it is important to keep the weather stripping clean by regularly cleaning it with a cloth and a mild detergent or household cleaner. It is recommended to use silicone-based lubricants to help keep the weather stripping flexible and create a tight seal. This will also help to reduce wind noise and improve insulation.