The look and function of your garage door can be affected by dents, paint chipping, and other wear and tear. Taking care of minor damage can save money in the long run compared to replacing the entire door.
Routine maintenance includes a visual inspection of springs and cables and a monthly dusting of the tracks. Lubrication is also important for smooth operation, especially every six months on radius sections. Contact Garage Door Repair Yukon now!
The tracks on which a garage door moves help the door operate smoothly and provide support. Over time, however, they can become damaged or misaligned.
Regular inspections can help identify issues with your track system. Professionals will look for dents, bends or rust. They will also check for loose hardware and adjust the alignment of horizontal and vertical tracks if necessary. The experts can also help you choose the right track system for your home or business.
Aside from a visual inspection, your technicians will also clean your tracks and rollers. The use of a gentle brush helps remove debris and dirt. A damp rag can wipe off any remaining stubborn gunk. They will also lubricate the track system to reduce friction and wear and prevent the need for further repairs.
Several types of garage door track systems are available, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. For example, steel insulated tracks are typically less expensive than other options, but they can warp over time. Aluminum and stainless steel tracks resist corrosion and are less likely to warp or dent. Finally, specialty tracks are designed for high-rise buildings. These tracks are machine-riveted to the angle and are often weldable, which helps keep them in place.
Even with proper maintenance, your garage door can encounter problems that call for track repair or replacement. For example, the bolt that holds the rear of the horizontal track may come loose. This causes the track to decline, which can lead to a bent track radius. This type of issue requires professional attention.
A garage door expert can also test your safety features during the repair process, including the photoelectric sensor and mechanical auto-reverse system. These sensors and safety features prevent the door from closing on objects. A quick way to check these is to wave a broom under the door as it’s closing. If it doesn’t automatically reverse, the safety features aren’t functioning properly and need to be adjusted. A garage door expert can quickly fix these issues to ensure your family’s safety.
Cables
A garage door’s cables are made from strands of wire that are twisted together. They are used to help lift and lower the door. If the cables snap, it can cause the door to become unbalanced and fall or become stuck. It is important to replace the cables when they show signs of wear.
These signs may include a visible broken cable with frayed strands or rusting, or the cables may be pulling away from the drum. A broken cable can also lead to the door making a loud bang when it moves. It is also a good idea to inspect the cables regularly to ensure that they are not rubbing against anything. If there is any rust or debris that could be causing them to rub together and break, it is best to clean it immediately.
It is a good idea to spray the cables with a lubricant at least once a year. This will help them to last longer and prevent them from breaking prematurely. It is also a good idea to check the springs to make sure they are not getting too weak, as this can put additional stress on the cables and lead them to break prematurely.
When the cables are replaced, it is a good idea to replace all of them at the same time. This will keep them all at the same age and reduce the likelihood that one of them will fail shortly. It is also a good idea to make sure that the new cables are the same length as the old ones. A standard cable length is 105” for a 7’ high door, but some doors may require different lengths. If you hear a loud bang while the garage door is moving, it is likely that one of the cables has snapped. A1 technicians can check to see where the noise is coming from and if needed we can replace the damaged cable. It is not difficult to do this, but it should only be done by a qualified person as the cables are under tension.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is an important part of the garage door that helps to keep cold air out in the winter and warm air in during the summer. It also helps to prevent water and dust infiltration. In addition, weather stripping can help to reduce noise. If your garage door has old or worn out weather stripping, it may be time to consider replacing it.
When installed properly, weather stripping can last up to 30 years. However, it is not uncommon for it to require replacement after only a few years. Having proper weather stripping can save you money in energy bills and maintenance costs.
The cost of weather stripping can vary depending on the type and quality you choose. Generally, you can expect to pay $7-$20 per foot. However, if you are looking for a high-quality product, it is worth paying the extra price.
Before starting to install weather stripping, make sure that the area is clean and free of debris. It is a good idea to remove any loose or broken pieces first, as well as paint or caulk that might be present on the edges of the door frame.
If you are installing new weather stripping for a sectional garage door, start by removing any old or damaged pieces from the bottom of the door. Then, cut a piece of tubular weather stripping to the width of your door and fasten it to the bottom of the door using a nail or screw. You can find tubular weather stripping at most home centers. Look for a product that has adhesive stickers on both ends or holes for screws.
For roll-up doors, measure the bottom slat of the door and cut a bulb seal to fit. This will create a round seal against the floor when the door closes. Next, cut brush seals or weather strips to fit the sides and top of the door. Once the new weather stripping is in place, test the door by closing it and observing the seals. Make sure there are no gaps or leaks and that the sensors are properly aligned.
Extension Springs
Typically, extension springs are installed on either side of the door opening. They retract when the door is opened and pull on cables that counter the weight of the garage door. The cables run through a cable clip at the end of each spring, and when they are pulled, the extension springs apply pressure to the cable clip to prevent it from coming off. The springs also store energy to help the garage door close.
While it is recommended to install torsion springs for better efficiency and safety, sometimes extension springs must be used due to site conditions or homeowner preference. Extension springs must be properly inspected and lubricated regularly. If they are not, the coils may start to show signs of wearing or break. Regular maintenance and inspections can extend the lifespan of your garage door springs.
When a spring is worn, it will need to be replaced. Identifying the correct replacement is not a difficult task, but it is one that should only be completed by a professional. In order to find the right size, the height of the garage door must be known. Additionally, it is important to remember that the springs are designed to stretch a certain length. This means that a 25-42-100 spring won’t work on a 7-foot high garage door because it is too short.
Once the new springs are in place, it is important to test the balance of the garage door by manually pulling the handle to open the door and then pressing down on the track. If the door moves unevenly, or if it stops halfway, there is a problem with the springs that will need to be adjusted.
Keeping your garage door springs in good condition can save you time and money. Inspect them for signs of wear and tear and regularly lubricate them to reduce friction and increase their lifespan. Regular inspections can also help to avoid major issues that require costly repairs. Lastly, limiting the use of the garage door, especially during heavy rains and storms, can reduce the amount of moisture that can cause rust on moving parts.