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