Garage Door Repair Tips

Garage Door Repair Mustang OK is a complex job that requires a wide range of skills. It involves repairing or replacing parts and components such as springs, cables, tracks, bearings, and automatic openers.

Sometimes, garage door damage is minor. Touching up paint or removing rust may be all that is needed.

A broken cable can be a major problem that can make your garage door unsafe to operate. This is because the cables are under significant stress and tension as they move across a system of pulleys and wind on a drum. This constant movement causes them to wear out over time, making them more prone to breaking under the stress of daily use.

Garage door cables are usually made from thick galvanized steel and can last for years without any issues, but several factors can accelerate their wear and breakage. For example, suppose your home is near the coast and subject to salty air. In that case, it can corrode the metal components of the garage door cables over time, weakening their structural integrity. Moisture exposure can also accelerate the onset of corrosion, especially when coupled with high temperatures.

If your garage door is making loud banging noises when it opens or closes, it is likely due to damaged cables. A professional can quickly and safely replace the cable, preventing further damage or injury.

Whether you have an extension or torsion spring garage door, replacing a broken cable is similar. Begin by identifying the problem cable and releasing its tension. Then, disconnect the power and manually lower the door, taking care not to drop it. If the door is too heavy to open manually, use a pair of locking pliers to secure it to the tracks just above the bottom roller. Once the door is open, carefully remove the old cable and take note of its routing for proper reinstallation.

Once you have the new cable, reinstall it following the steps in the above “How To” section. Make sure to reattach the end with the loop to the pin on the bottom of the door, then wind the cable onto the drum using the grooves in the center. Once the cable is in place, test the operation of your garage door. Remember that working with high-tension springs and cables can be dangerous if you are not familiar with this work, so always call a pro for any repair jobs that require you to work on the garage door.

Damaged Panel

The garage door panels make up the face of the door and are exposed to weather conditions and other hazards over time. Therefore, they’re prone to becoming damaged or worn over time, which can cause problems for the entire system. If one of these panels becomes damaged, it’s important to know how to determine whether to repair or replace it.

It’s important to note that the decision to repair or replace a panel depends on several factors, including the severity of the damage and the age and condition of the overall garage door. A repair is often a less expensive option, but it may not be able to conceal any visual damage and might not last as long as a replacement.

Another consideration is the type of material used for the garage door panel, as this can impact the durability and insulation properties of the door. Steel panels are a durable option that provides good insulation, while aluminum is lightweight and resists corrosion. Finally, wood panels offer a classic look and require more maintenance than other options.

If a panel is damaged, the garage door repair technician can perform a number of repairs to restore it to its original condition. These include repairing or replacing a dented, cracked, or smashed panel; straightening a bent panel; and addressing any other cosmetic issues that may arise.

In some cases, a garage door repair may also involve refinishing or repainting the affected panel to protect it from further damage or wear. This can be a great way to restore the appearance of a damaged garage door and help it to match with the surrounding panels.

When a garage door panel is damaged, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage or injuries. A garage door repair technician can perform a thorough inspection of the entire garage door to identify any potential safety hazards or other issues that need to be addressed. Then, the technician can recommend and/or perform any additional repairs or preventive maintenance to extend the life of the garage door.

When deciding between repair and replacement, it’s best to leave the process to a professional to ensure that the job is completed correctly. Replacing a garage door panel requires the removal of the existing panel and the installation of the new one, which should only be done by a qualified professional to avoid any mishaps or costly mistakes.

Torn Weather Stripping

A good seal around your garage door can make a big difference in keeping out air, pests and water. But if your weather stripping is torn or damaged, it can’t do its job.

It’s easy to see damage to your weather stripping: Look for cracks, tears or missing pieces. But not all signs of wear and tear are as obvious. You can also check the condition of your weather stripping by placing a dollar bill in the gap between the door and jamb. If the bill slides out with no resistance, it’s time to replace your weather stripping.

When the weather stripping is in good condition, it will feel bouncy and create a nice seal against the elements. However, it’s possible for the rubber to become hard or brittle over time. When this happens, the rubber will no longer be able to create a tight seal and it’s time to replace your weather stripping.

To replace the old weather stripping, first remove it from the jamb or door opening with a putty knife. Clean the area where you’re going to install the new weather stripping with a damp cloth. Then, apply a thin coat of the appropriate adhesive to the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper amount of adhesive to use and the recommended drying times.

After installing the new weather stripping, close your door and test it. It’s a good idea to test all sides of the seal, so that you can be sure it’s sealing properly. If your weather stripping is in good shape, you’ll be able to hear the garage door closing and the door will no longer slam closed when you press on the sensor.

The sensors on your garage door can get dirty or misaligned and cause the door to close when it shouldn’t. Clean or realign the sensors and your garage door will be able to open and close safely. The tracks on which your garage door moves can also get dirt and dust in them, which can prevent it from moving smoothly. American Garage Door and Repair Services can clean or realign the tracks so that your garage door opens and closes with ease.

Broken Spring

A broken spring is a major problem for a garage door. They’re an essential component that store energy and release it as the garage door opens and closes. Unfortunately, they have a limited lifespan and are subject to wear and tear from frequent use.

The first thing you should do if your garage door spring breaks is to disconnect the opener from the door panels. Attempting to operate the door with one or more broken springs will likely damage or even break the opener motor.

Next, you need to determine whether you have extension or torsion springs. The longer, skinny springs that run parallel to the horizontal tracks on either side of your door are called extension springs. They can be open-looped or double-looped, with the latter being stronger and having a clipped end to connect the spring to the eyebolt at each track end. Open-looped extension springs are less expensive but don’t have the strength to hold a heavy door up. If your extension springs are broken, it’s time to call a pro.

If your door uses torsion springs, you’ll need a few special tools to replace them. These include two winding bars, which are usually available at hardware stores in a length of 1/2” x 18”. You should also get a socket wrench and adjustable wrench to assist you with the work. Torsion springs are under a lot of tension and can cause serious injury if you’re not careful while working with them.

Before you begin, make sure the ladder is secure and well lighted. You’ll need to mark the ends of each cable drum and torsion shaft. This will help you center the new shafts and cables. Also mark each spring’s position on the stationary cones and brackets with a pencil.

To remove a torsion spring, start by pulling on the bar just above the winding cone with your left hand. While doing this, tap the top of the bar with a hammer or similar tool. This will cause the cone to bind on the shaft and not slip back when you release it.