Garage Door Tech: Must-Have Functional Upgrades

Garage Door Tech: Must-Have Functional Upgrades

Thinking about upgrading your garage door? Have you considered the latest functional improvements? Garage door technology has advanced considerably over the last decade in terms of security improvements and performance. If you’re upgrading the rest of your house to operate using smart technology, why not add a few smart upgrades to your garage, too? At Door Power, we pride ourselves on offering industry-leading products, and today, we’re here to discuss the latest and greatest upgrades to garage door technology. If you’re in the market for a new door, check out these must-have features.

Smart Garage Door Opener

The Internet of Things has ushered in an array of smart products designed to make your life easier. One such product is a smart garage door opener! Have you ever forgotten to close your garage door in a frenzied rush to drop off the kids and hurry to work? A smart opener can save you the hassle of having to rush back home and close the door. With this advanced technology, you have total freedom to control the door remotely, right from your smartphone! Plus, you can program your opener to send you a notification each time the door opens and closes. With a smart opener, you can more closely monitor entries and exits, giving you tighter control over your home’s security.

Keypad Security Access

If you only have a couple of garage door openers but multiple vehicles, a garage door keypad can make your life easier. Or, if you have kids who are prone to losing house keys, a keypad can be useful for them, too. Today’s keypads include nifty features like rolling passcodes and interior light triggering to help bolster home security. Plus, if you accidentally lock yourself out of the house, you can always get back inside through the garage—provided you haven’t forgotten the passcode, that is.

Better Insulation

This one isn’t necessarily a technological upgrade, but it’s a smart upgrade, nonetheless. Garage door insulation has come a long way in recent years, and if your door isn’t currently insulated, you should absolutely consider changing that. At Door Power, we offer the best doors in the business made by Clopay®, the only company to receive the Good Housekeeping Seal of approval. Intellicore® insulation from Clopay® is a one-of-a-kind polyurethane foam designed to provide superior insulation for improved energy efficiency. Intellicore® offers industry-leading R-values (how well your garage door insulates) of up to 20.4, so your garage will feel comfortable year-round.

Photoelectric Sensors

If your garage door was manufactured before 1993, chances are it doesn’t have photoelectric safety sensors. These sensors prevent the door from closing when objects or people are within the door’s downward path. As a safety measure, all garage doors manufactured after 1993 come equipped with photoelectric sensors, and if you don’t have them, for your own safety, you should upgrade your door. What if you’re not in the market for an entirely new door? Consider having a professional garage door company retrofit your existing door with the appropriate opener and associated sensors.

Expert Garage Door Installation in Norwood, MN

If you’re looking to upgrade your existing garage door, the professionals at Door Power in Norwood, MN, have you covered. We offer the best doors in the business and can install any of the latest and greatest technological upgrades for your door.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

The Complete Guide to Garage Door Opener Horsepower

Updating your home’s garage door is a solution for improving both the value of your house and your everyday comfort and convenience. It’s also a significant investment, so you want to choose quality components.

Brown Garage Door From Clopay

While it may be tempting to upgrade to a garage door opener model that’s cost-effective or simply features the latest technology and performance improvements, there are several factors to consider when purchasing a new opener machine.

Most homeowners use their garage doors every day as the primary entrance to their homes — meaning your door may cycle 1,500 times every year — and the convenience, functionality, and reliability of your door largely depend on the garage door opener and its operating capacity. By choosing the right horsepower for your garage door opener, you ensure smooth, long-term operations and dependable performance for the door and its components.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a New Garage Door Opener

The garage door opener motor is responsible for lifting and lowering the door when prompted, and there is a range of different electrical motors and opener horsepower options available. How can you determine which opener model and size is appropriate for your garage door and household’s needs? When exploring your garage door opener options, it’s important to consider:

  • Garage door size and weight: Before settling on an opener model, determine whether your door is covering a single or double opening size and evaluate the door’s construction material. These factors are crucial in determining a garage door opener’s recommended horsepower.
  • Opener machine lifespan: While it’s tempting to install an opener machine that’s on sale or less expensive, it’s important to note that openers with limited operating horsepower will likely need to be replaced much sooner than a machine with the appropriate horsepower.
  • Additional garage door components: If your garage door opener’s horsepower isn’t properly matched to the size and weight of the door, it can place additional strain on other moving and lifting components of your garage door system like the springs, cables, and tracks. This stress will eventually lead to excess wear and tear and require parts repair or replacement.

Different Garage Door Opener Horsepower Capacities

There are several different motor sizes to provide the horsepower needed for garage door openers. The most popular horsepower capacities for residential garage door systems include:

  • 1/3 HP: This horsepower option is best suited for lightweight steel garage doors for a single car garage. While it can lift any type of door with evenly distributed weight, it will require regular and frequent replacement.
  • 1/2 HP: A 1/2-horsepower garage door opener is the most popular capacity for single and double garage doors between eight and 12 feet wide. This opener horsepower can manage many types of door materials, including aluminum, steel and composites.
  • 3/4 HP: For larger and heavier doors — like those crafted from wood — a 3/4 horsepower opener is the best option for maintaining long-term functionality.

Streamline Garage Door Performance With a New Opener From Custom Overhead Doors

For help selecting and installing a new garage door opener for your home, reach out to the experienced and helpful garage door experts at Custom Overhead Doors. We proudly install LiftMaster openers in a variety of horsepower options and types with the latest improvements for better convenience and long-term performance. Call us today at 919-457-9489 or complete our online contact form to request services — we happily provide garage door opener horsepower recommendations throughout Raleigh, NC, and beyond.

This post first appeared on https://customoverheaddoors.net

Winterizing Your Garage Door

Fall is a busy time of year for homeowners. Not only is it a time to finish up projects that you started over the summer, but it’s also the time to prepare your home for a cold winter. ‘Tis the season to clean up leaves outside, get your HVAC system serviced, and make sure your fireplace is in good condition. While the list of things to get done is long, the team at Affordable Garage Door Repair encourages you to winterize the most prominent entryway into your home — your garage door. As a leading garage door replacement company , we know garage door problems can stop your holiday season right in its tracks — literally!

Why Should I Winterize My Garage Door?

It’s likely you and your family use the garage door multiple times a day but haven’t considered the effect that has on the inside of your home. Without taking the proper precautions, frigid winter air can seep through your garage and into the house, even when the door is closed. If the unwanted cold temperature isn’t enough, ice, snow, and freezing rain can make their way into your garage. An unprotected garage door is an open invitation for bugs and insects to get out of the cold and into your home.

While you and your family’s comfort during the cold season is a top priority, the mechanical elements that make your garage door function correctly are at high risk if they’re not appropriately treated for icy-cold conditions. Low temperatures can cause the metal parts of your garage door track to shrink, especially springs and screws. This issue affects the door’s ability to open and close and impacts its overall durability and longevity. When exposed to the cold, tracks are likely to warp, and springs are more likely to break. If suddenly coming home to a malfunctioning garage door doesn’t sound inconvenient enough, these problems would likely need to be fixed by a garage door professional.

How Do I Winterize My Garage Door?

That’s all some pretty chilling news, but fret not! See the infographic below for a few winterizing tips and continue reading to find out how Affordable Garage Door Repair can help you!

Choose Affordable Garage Door Repair

For more information about our products and services, or if you need garage door replacement near Salt Lake County, contact Affordable Garage Door Repair today.

The post Winterizing Your Garage Door appeared first on Affordable Garage Door Repair | affordablegaragedoorfix.com.

Garage Doors: Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

Troubleshooting and maintaining your garage door can be confusing, not to mention potentially dangerous. If you’re selecting a new garage door for your home, the vast number of choices can be overwhelming. At Bluff County Garage Doors, we’re always here to make your garage door repair or installation as seamless as possible. That’s why we’ve put together this compilation of some of our most frequently asked questions! Is yours on our list?

When Should I Replace My Garage Door Spring?

First thing’s first: You should never attempt to replace a worn or broken garage door spring on your own. Depending on the type of door you have, it may weigh up to 500 pounds; if it falls, you could seriously injure yourself. Not to mention, the spring itself is under an enormous amount of tension, and without the proper training and tools, removing the existing spring is extremely dangerous.

As for a spring replacement timeline, your garage door has a life of approximately 30 years. However, the spring itself is rated for around 10,000 cycles, so replacement times vary based on the frequency with which you open and close the door. Here’s a simple breakdown:

●        Two cycles per day – replace the spring every 13.7 years

●        Four cycles per day – replace the spring every 6.8 years

●        Six cycles per day – replace the spring every 3.5 years

Why Does My Garage Door Make Loud Noises During Operation?

There are a number of reasons your garage door might make loud noises. Here are a few of the most common:

●        Grinding. If your garage door grinds during operation, improper installation may be the culprit. Loose rollers, stripped gears in the opener motor, or lack of lubrication may also cause grinding noises.

●        Squeaking or squealing. Loud squeaking is usually due to improper lubrication. It may also be the result of loose nuts and bolts that hold the door together.

●        Rattling. Rattling noises are usually due to improper garage door installation or loose nuts and bolts. Misaligned tracks or an unbalanced door can also lead to rattling noises during operation.

●        Scraping. Scraping noises are usually due to misalignment of your garage door’s tracks or an unbalanced door.

●        Popping or snapping. If you hear a loud pop or snap during operation, there’s a good chance your door’s spring has broken. Do not try to repair a broken spring by yourself. Call a professional garage door repair company.

What Type of Material Should I Choose For My Garage Door?

Choosing a material for your garage door is essentially a matter of preference. Certain materials are well-suited to different climates, but you’ll want to take aesthetics into account, too. At Bluff County Garage Doors, we offer a variety of materials, including wood, steel, fiberglass, aluminum, vinyl, and wood composite. Each material features unique benefits and aesthetic appeal; the challenge is in selecting the one that best fits your budget, maintenance preferences, energy efficiency needs, and aesthetic goals.

What is R-Value? Do I Need to Worry About This When Selecting a Door?

R-value denotes how well a garage door insulates; the higher the number, the better the insulation. If you’re worried about energy efficiency—or how much heat your garage loses during winter—you’ll want to consider R-value when selecting your door. Depending on the type of material you’re considering, you can purchase a door with added insulation. If you have a detached garage, you can usually select a garage door with a lower R-value.

Your Garage Door Installation and Repair Experts

At Bluff County Garage Doors, we’re dedicated to delivering an outstanding customer experience. From your selection process, all the way through your garage door installation, we’re here for you every step of the way. With over 20 years’ experience in the overhead door industry, we stand behind our knowledge and service. We’d be happy to help you achieve both the functionality and aesthetic design you desire. For any questions or to schedule your service appointment, give us a call at 612-226-4721. Or, to get started right away, feel free to request your free garage door quote.

This post first appeared on http://www.bluffcountrygaragedoor.com

Cold Weather and Your Garage Door: 3 Common Problems

Leaves have turned, temperatures have cooled down, and in Minnesota, we know the coldest period of the year isn’t far off. In anticipation of the snowy, icy days ahead, it’s important to prepare your home to withstand the winter, and that includes your garage. Your garage door can take quite a beating during winter if you don’t take care of it properly—and even if you practice proper maintenance, you can still run into problems. Today, the experts at Door Power in Norwood, MN, discuss three of the most common winter garage door issues and what you can do about them.

Damage To Weather Stripping

Temperature fluctuations throughout the day can cause snow outside your garage door to melt and refreeze. As melted snow transforms into ice, it can cause your garage door to stick to the ground. When you open the door, the weatherstripping may peel right off the bottom, compromising the door’s seal. Damaged weatherstripping allows frigid air and moisture inside your garage, which can affect other door components. Both the garage door tracks and motion sensors are sensitive to extremely low temperatures; to avoid more extensive damage, have a garage door repair company fix the weatherstripping promptly.

To avoid this situation entirely, be sure to shovel outside your garage door frequently. Remember to knock existing snow off your vehicle’s tires before parking in your garage, and sweep away puddles of water with a shop broom. Do your best to prevent moisture accumulation around the bottom of your garage door to eliminate ice formation.

Door Opens Slowly

Freezing temperatures affect many of your garage door’s components—from the tracks and rollers to the springs and even the opener itself. Lubrication within the garage door tracks can harden when temperatures drop, making it difficult for the rollers to pass along the tracks unimpeded. Conversely, inadequate track lubrication can also lead to slow opening. In warm weather, a scant amount of grease isn’t typically a problem, but during winter, the rollers need substantial lubrication to move the door smoothly along the tracks. If your garage door opens slowly on a cold, wintery morning, the tracks should be the first thing you check.

If the tracks don’t appear to be the issue, perhaps the opener motor or spring is the problem. However, it’s often difficult to locate the source of the issue without extensive training. Your best bet for achieving a fully functional door is to contact your local garage door repair company.

Contracting Metal Components

In cold weather, the metal components of your garage door can contract if your garage is not well insulated. Because the tracks, chain, and springs are all fashioned from metal, this phenomenon can compromise the integrity of the doors moving parts. In freezing temperatures, the springs that control the door become stiff and brittle; under the weight of the door, they can easily break. Broken springs are extremely hazardous and should only be handled by a professional garage door company. To help ensure frigid temperatures don’t significantly affect the door’s moving parts, consider purchasing a well-insulated garage door, which will help retain more heat.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

6 Common Garage Door Problems That Call for Garage Door Repair

6 Common Garage Door Problems That Call for Garage Door Repair

The function of garage doors is simple – going up and down, over and over again. A good quality garage door can last for decades. However, to make it last that long, you need to make sure that you get your garage door inspected for any repairs or maintenance work that it may need.

Sometimes, problems with garage doors may go unnoticed. However, closer observation will definitely make these problems evident. The common garage door problems that call for garage door repair have been listed down below.

1.  A Vibrating Opener

A vibrating opener may seem harmless at first. However, if you notice vibrations coming from the opener, you should get it inspected and repaired immediately. These vibrations are usually an indication that the motor’s armatures have worn out or its shafts have been bent. As a result, the opener may shake at the points where it has been mounted. Whatever the cause of the vibrations is, a vibrating opener may break free and fall, putting you and your car at risk.

2.     Garage Door Opens and Reverses

One of the most common problems with a garage door is when it opens and reverses. It indicates a problem with the security sensors that are located at the bottom of the door frame. When that happens, you should check the garage door to make sure that the sensors are aligned. However, if aligning the sensors doesn’t fix the problem, your garage door might need thorough repair and maintenance.

3.     Unusual Noises

Traditional chain drive openers are noisy but to a tolerable level. However, as they get older, they become noisier. When your garage door starts making noises that are louder than they should be, you may need to opt for garage door repair and get a new belt drive installed.

4.     Unresponsive Opening

Your garage door may not respond when you use the remote control or press the buttons on the panel. This may be due to a problem with the wiring or the logic board of the opener. When that happens, you will need to contact a garage door repair service provider.

5.     Worn-Out Springs

A garage door consists of extension springs that provide a counterforce to the weight of the door and allow the door to be raised and lowered with a just a little force. If you see that your garage door opening and closing with great difficulty or it feels heavier if you try lifting the door by hand, it calls for garage door repair. You may need to get the springs replaced.

6.     Frozen Garage Door

Your garage door may freeze and refuse to budge. This may happen during winters when the door gets stuck to the ground due to ice. But sometimes, the garage door freezing is an indication of other problems such as broken springs, tripped gears, or a burned-out opener motor. When your garage door freezes, you have no other option than to call a garage door repair service provider to come to your assistance.

Summary

Garage doors get worn out with time, which may affect their performance. When you observe that your garage door isn’t working as smoothly as it should, you should get the garage door inspected and repaired.

This post first appeared on https://triplebgaragedoors.com/

Winter Weather: How to Prepare Your Garage Door

Winterizing your garage door may not seem like a necessary task, but if you hope to enjoy a fully functional, long-lasting door, you’ll want to add it to your to-do list. Frigid winter conditions can negatively affect your garage door if you don’t make the appropriate preparations, and fortunately, there’s still time to get started. Here to help you check garage door prep off your autumn to-do list are the professionals at Door Power in Norwood, Minnesota. Let’s take a look at what every garage door owner should be doing come fall.

Check Your Garage Door’s Seals

An improperly sealed garage door can allow harsh, frigid air to make its way into your home during the winter season. To prevent this from occurring, take a few moments to examine the seals around your garage door. The easiest way to do it? After dark, turn the lights on in your garage with the door fully closed. Head out to your driveway and take stock of the area around the sides of the door. If you can see any light emerging from around the door, you likely have a sealing problem. Contact a garage door repair technician to fix the seal before the chillier temperatures settle in.

Touch Up the Lubrication

Your garage door has numerous moving parts, all of which require lubrication to function properly. Ideally, you should lubricate all moving parts once per year, and just prior to the chilly season is the perfect time to do it. Here’s how:

●        Begin by closing your garage door fully. Doing so will give you unobstructed access to the door’s moving parts.

●        Once you’ve closed the door, for safety’s sake, be sure to disconnect the door from its power source. Alternatively, you can switch off the appropriate breaker in your circuit box.

●        Thoroughly wipe down the inside of your door’s tracks to remove any buildup that may slow the door’s rollers. You can use a damp cloth for this step. For difficult-to-reach buildup, try using the hose attachment of a heavy-duty vacuum.

●        Using spray lubricant, apply a thin mist of product to all of the door’s moving parts. These include hinges, rollers, springs, bearings, locks, and the armbar. After you’ve finished the moving parts, spray an even mist of lube along the top inner side of the rail that houses your garage door’s chain.

Inspect the Garage Door Tracks

Many a homeowner has awoken on a frigid morning to find their garage door hopelessly stuck. Fortunately, this scenario is almost always preventable. One of the most common culprits behind a seemingly immovable garage door is a problem with the tracks that house the door’s rollers. Debris and grime can easily build up within these tracks throughout the year. Come winter, this buildup can freeze into a dense, impenetrable sludge. Or, if the tracks are slightly out of alignment, freezing temperatures can cause the metal to contract, throwing the alignment even more out of whack.

Before the first frost hits, you’ll want to examine your garage door tracks for any buildup or any signs of misalignment. You can easily wipe away buildup yourself, but if you notice an issue with the structure of the tracks, it’s best to have a garage door repair technician bring the tracks back into proper alignment.

Observe the Door’s Movement

Perhaps the easiest and quickest way to spot an issue with your garage door is to simply watch the way it moves along the tracks. Ideally, you should observe the door’s movement from both inside and outside of your garage to conduct the most comprehensive evaluation. If you notice any unusual noises, wobbling, catching, uneven movement, or anything out of the ordinary, it’s time to call in the professionals. Early detection is key if you hope to avoid the hassle of sub-zero garage door repairs, so don’t forget to perform this often overlooked step!

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

Common DIY Garage Door Installation Pitfalls

More and more people are diving into the DIY craze. Thanks to the internet, it’s easy to get help with DIY projects, especially those around the house. With the resources available, why wouldn’t you save money while simultaneously achieving a sense of accomplishment?
At Garage Door Doctor, we are all for DIY projects to enhance the look and functionality of your home, but here to remind you that not all projects should be tackled on your own — and that includes garage door installation. 

Don’t Risk These DIY Garage Door Installation Mistakes

At the beginning of the new year, our garage door contractors shared a post on Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Try DIY Garage Door Installation. Unlike other DIY projects, rather than save you money and bringing a sense of accomplishment, trying DIY garage door installation will likely result in damage expenses and a sense of incompetence and frustration. If you do not have the proper knowledge, experience, and equipment, the mistakes made during your attempt with garage door installation can result in costing you more than having a professional garage door company install your garage door from the get-go. 

Regardless, some people have larger egos and think they can accomplish the task at hand, and it’s to those DIY-ragers that we dedicate this blog to. Continue reading, as we look at some of the common garage door installation mistakes that untrained people make when attempting to install their garage door.

Not Considering The Garage Space Beforehand

More likely than not, when homeowners try the DIY route it will be their first time installing a garage door. Many make the rookie mistake of installing their garage door after finishing the interior of their garage, including all the electrical wiring outlets and fixtures. This often leads to installing lights and other fixtures in the wrong area, throwing the whole installation off. The garage door opener needs to be at the exact center of the garage door; if the light is in this spot, the light will have to be moved to ensure a proper installation. The only solution to this problem is changing all the wiring to the light fixtures or installing the garage door opener off-center (which we don’t recommend – see why below).

Improperly Alignment Of The Door And Opener

When fixtures or outlets are placed in the center of their garage ceiling, many homeowners will install their garage door opener slightly off-center believing that it will not affect the functioning of the garage door. This is a big-time mistake as automatic garage door units need to be lined up with the center of the garage door itself. Even the slightest error in alignment of cani result in the twisting of your garage door whenever opening or closing, causing damage to the garage door system itself. Fixing this problem will definitely require the services of a professional garage door contractor, so why not hire one to begin with and avoid these risks?

Using Nails To Install The Tracks 

Many do-it-yourselfers will try to keep some cash in their wallet by using nails instead of screws to install the garage door tracks. This is a total waste of time and money. In order to properly install a garage door track, you should use lag screws, not nails. Garage doors simply put too much stress and strain on the track and will easily pull nails out of, surely causing some damage to whatever the tracks and door fall on. When you hire professionals for garage door installation, you won’t have to worry about them using the wrong hardware and increasing the risk of damages.

Not Adjusting The Garage Door Once Installation Is Complete

Another common DIY garage door installation mistake is failing to adjust their garage door after installation. Professional garage door experts will check your garage door system after installation to ensure everything is in working order. If needed, they will make small but critical adjustments to ensure your new garage door system functions properly. If you do not have the proper knowledge or experience of garage door installation, you will not know if adjustments are necessary nor how to properly do them, which will cause your garage door to be less efficient and can lead to expedited wear and tear on system parts and components. 

Trust Our Experts For Garage Door Installation Service

Don’t be a victim to the damages, expenses, and frustration that comes with trying DIY garage door installation. Instead, let the professionals handle the job. Hiring a professional garage door company to perform the installation services will save you money in the long run and give you the extra peace of mind that your home and family are safe. If you are in need of garage door installation in Indianapolis or the surrounding area, contact Garage Door Doctor for prompt and affordable service.

This post first appeared on https://www.garagedoordoctorllc.com

Ideas For Converting Your Garage

Like many homeowners, you’ve probably found yourself wishing you had more space in your home.

Clopay garage door

Unfortunately, home renovations and expansions can be very costly. The good news? You may be overlooking a space in your home that can be easily converted: your garage.

Garage Room Ideas

Need some inspiration to envision your garage as a living space? We’ve put together a few garage room ideas to get you started:

  • Game room: Add a pool or air hockey table to take your next get-together up a notch. Or maybe video games are more your style — either way, your garage can be the perfect gaming space.
  • Home office: If you’re one of the many Americans who work from home or have a side hustle, you know how important it is to have an office space.
  • Reading nook: Wishing you had a special place to curl up with a good book and relax? Make it happen! Or if you unwind in a different way, adjust accordingly. You can easily add a bar cart and some comfy seating, for example.
  • Craft room: Maybe your craft is woodworking, ceramics, scrapbooking or knitting. Whatever it is, a dedicated space can make it that much more enjoyable — and free up space elsewhere.

Of course, these are only a few ideas. You could also change your garage into a living room, a laundry room, a guest bedroom or even a home gym. This is an opportunity to get creative and turn your house into the home of your dreams!

Think about it — your garage is already an extension of your home. Converted properly, garages can easily function as living spaces. Of course, you should always consider the pros and cons before making any significant updates to your home. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Adding livable space can increase the value of your home.
  • Converting a garage into a room is a budget-friendly house extension.
  • Since the structure is already built, you can do most of the work yourself without hiring a professional.

Some of the downside factors to consider before converting your garage include the following:

  • You’ll lose the dedicated space for your car.
  • While it’s less costly than an expansion, converting your garage can still be pricey depending on its current state.
  • ou may need a permit for a garage conversion. Double-check before beginning your project!

How to Convert a Garage Into a Living Space

Do you have your heart set on converting a garage into a room? Following are the first steps you’ll need to take to ensure a functional living space:

  1. Insulate the walls and ceiling if you haven’t already, but don’t stop there. A properly insulated garage door will have a profound effect on temperature control.
  2. Install drywall and flooring.
  3. Upgrade the electrical wiring. You’ll want plenty of lighting in your new space.
  4. Connect to your home’s HVAC unit or install an independent system to regulate temperature.

Your next steps might vary depending on the type of room you have in mind. You may want to paint, measure the room for new furniture and/or finish up any carpentry. The sky’s the limit — just have fun customizing your new room!

Finish Your Renovation With a New Garage Door

Top off your brand new garage room with an updated garage door! A new door will ensure that your room is properly insulated and protected from the elements. Plus, it will add curb appeal and style.

Contact Custom Overhead Doors for installations and repairs. We have more than 25 years of experience making homes like yours beautiful.

This post first appeared on https://customoverheaddoors.net

Garage Door Troubleshooting: 4 Reasons Behind Door Failure

Is your garage door on the fritz? Have you recently noticed strange noises or abnormal movement patterns? When you have an automatic garage door, a variety of issues can cause your door to function improperly. And while a non-functional garage door may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can be a serious safety issue for the untrained homeowner. At Bluff Country Garage Doors, we take safety seriously, which is why we offer dependable, on-call service. Today, we’d like to discuss the most common reasons behind garage door failure, and why you should always hire a professional to perform your repairs.

Improper Track Alignment

The metal tracks that houses your garage door’s rollers must be in perfect alignment for the door to open and close properly. If they become slightly misaligned, you may notice the following telltale signs:

●        Grinding noises

●        Gaps between the rollers and the track

●        Bent tracks

●        Abnormally slow movement in isolated areas

Continual opening and closing of an improperly aligned garage door can exacerbate the problem. Because the average garage door is heavy—weighing between 130 and 400 pounds—it may cause the rails to bend even farther out of alignment as it moves through the track. If you observe any of the symptoms noted above, it’s best to call a garage door repair technician before the misalignment gets out of hand.

Broken Torsion or Extension Springs

If your garage door suddenly fails to move up or down, you may be dealing with broken torsion or extension springs. Springs control the movement of your garage door by regulating the tension required to move the door—but they don’t last forever. Depending on the type of springs you have, you’ll typically need to replace them every seven to nine years if you open your door an average of four times per day. And if you open your door more often, you’ll need to be diligent about having replacement springs installed. A word of caution: if you observe a broken spring, do not try to open the door yourself. Springs are highly dangerous and should only be handled by a trained professional.

Broken Cables or Tension Springs

Just as the door’s torsion and extension springs have a limited life, so do its cables and tension springs. If you’ve noticed your garage door closing unusually fast, or if it slams loudly to the ground as it reaches the last foot or two, it’s probably time to replace the tension springs or cables. Like torsion springs, cables and tension springs can be very dangerous to handle if you are not properly trained. Most components of your garage door hold an enormous amount of tension as a high level of force is required to open the door. Rather than risk harm, it’s best to let the professionals repair any broken garage door components.

Objects Inhibit the Door’s Movement

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it still stumps people every day. If your garage door is equipped with a sensor mechanism, it will fail to close fully if there is an object blocking its path to the ground. If your door moves downward, but suddenly stops and reverses, an object is likely tripping the sensor.

A less common occurrence is debris buildup within the door’s track. For the door to close properly, the track must be unobstructed for the roller wheels to move freely along their path. Even the smallest object—gum, a ping pong ball, your child’s action figure—can stop the door in its tracks (literally). You’ll need to examine the length of the track to determine if debris is causing the problem.

This post first appeared on http://www.bluffcountrygaragedoor.com

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