11Nov, 2016

Know When To Repair or Replace Your Garage Door

Clopay Garage Doors, Garage Door Installation, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Doors

How do you know if your garage door needs to be replaced or just repaired? Here are some helpful tips.

Replacement Parts

Parts can be purchased through most garage door dealers. Garage door parts do occasionally wear out or become damaged. Virtually any component of the door can be replaced. If you are a DIY’er, you can do some repairs yourself. However, any repairs to the springs, door sections, track or garage door opener need to be handled by a garage door repair professional.

Signs That it May Be Time to Replace Your Garage Door

  • Peeled or Cracked Paint: Wood garage doors will need to be refinished periodically to protect them from the elements. The painted or stained finish can break down over time and the wood will rot. The finish can discolor or fade due to sun exposure. If the wood has cracked or there are holes in your door, it is time to replace it.
  • Dents and Dings: Steel garage doors dent and ding over time. Steel “sandwiched” insulated garage doors are stronger doors and will withstand wear and tear longer.
  • Sagging or Bent Garage Door Sections: Wood garage doors can sag over time if they are not properly maintained. When the door is closed, you will see gaps under the door. If your wood garage door is sagging, it should be replaced.
  • Energy Efficiency: Older garage doors or doors installed on new homes may not be well insulated or may not have full perimeter weather seals. A well-insulated and sealed garage door is especially important if you have living space above or around the garage. An insulated garage door will help keep those rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and can help reduce energy bills.

Your Door is Hard to Open or Close:

Garage doors have a lot of moving parts. If your door is opened and closed frequently, these parts do wear out. If your garage door springs are broken or improperly tensioned, the safety of your door is compromised and the door will not function properly.

  • Springs: If you believe your springs are broken or not tensioned properly, DO NOT attempt to adjust, remove or replace the springs yourself. The springs are under tension and will cause bodily injury if handled incorrectly. Contact a garage door repair professional.
  • Cables: Are there worn strips hanging on the sides of your garage door track or have frayed cables? If so, they are in danger of breaking and could cause serious injury or property damage. As with the springs, a garage door repair professional should be called to repair or replace the cables.
  • Rollers: Do the rollers move smoothly and quietly? If not, they may require lubrication or replacement. Nylon rollers provide the smoothest and quietest operation.
  • Sections: Look for peeling or faded paint or rusted or dented sections.
  • Tracks: Are the tracks bent or twisted? Contact a garage door repair professional for replacement.
  • Hinges: Are the hinges that join the door sections bent or broken? If so, they should be replaced. The bottom brackets on all garage doors must not be removed while the door is under tension. Again, a garage door repair professional should be contacted for this repair.

If your garage door is old, not functioning properly and you are unsure if you need repairs or replacement, we are here to help. We will be happy to come to your home, diagnose the problems with your garage door and then give our opinion on whether repairs can be done or if a replacement door is needed. We give FREE estimates!