Garage Door Repair OKC involves diagnosing and addressing issues with garage door mechanical components. It requires technical knowledge, manual talent, and the ability to work under stressful conditions.
Broken garage doors can be a safety hazard for you and your family. They can also damage your vehicle or personal belongings stored inside.
Garage doors are heavy, complex machines with many working parts. While they may seem straightforward to operate, hidden problems can arise when a part is worn out or not properly maintained. For example, broken cables can cause the door to become unbalanced and dangerous to operate. Regularly inspecting and replacing these cables can help ensure the smooth operation of your garage door.
Garage door cables work hand-in-hand with different spring systems to lift and lower the door efficiently and safely. They are typically made of galvanized steel and designed to withstand the weight and tension of the garage door. The cables run through a system of pulleys or wind on a cable drum, helping the springs provide the lifting force. Over time, these cables can wear out due to use or deterioration from moisture near the bottom of the garage door.
These cables don’t receive nearly as much attention as other garage door components, but they are just as important to the overall function of the system. Without them, the door could leave its intended path and damage any cars parked in the garage. Additionally, it could injure people or pets inside the garage and pose safety risks. Therefore, it’s crucial to replace the cable as soon as you notice it is worn out or damaged.
The replacement process is fairly simple, depending on the type of cable you have in place. If you have torsion cables, you will need a ladder and locking pliers to detach the old cable from the drum and attachment point on either side of the garage door. After removing the old cable, carefully feed the new one through the same path, starting with the drum. Once the cable is through, reattach it to the drum and attach it to the attachment point using the appropriate hardware.
If you have extension springs, the procedure is similar but less complicated. Instead of winding around a drum, extension springs expand and contract, so there is no need to wrap them around the drum. However, it is still a good idea to use the locking pliers to secure the extension springs, as they can break under tension and cause injury if not supported correctly.
Broken Springs
The garage door’s springs are responsible for lifting the weight of the entire door. Therefore, if a spring breaks it can cause the door to move unevenly and can lead to other problems that will require professional repair services.
If a homeowner notices that one of their garage doors’ springs has broken, they should call a professional immediately to schedule a replacement service. A broken spring is dangerous and should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid the risk of injury or property damage. Homeowners can try to replace the spring on their own, but it isn’t always a good idea. The process can be difficult and dangerous, especially if the spring is under high tension. It’s also important to know the type of spring that is being used so that the right replacement can be purchased.
Torsion springs, which are wrapped around a bar above the door opening, are typically more difficult to fix than extension springs, which run along the horizontal track on each side of the door. It’s important to read and understand the instructions for replacing these springs before starting the project. There are also some steps in this project that can be extremely dangerous, such as using a spring winding tool, and it is important to remember that these springs are under high tension.
Extension springs are long, skinny springs that store energy by extending or stretching. They are typically attached to a pulley or eyebolt at each end and can be open-looped, double-looped, or clipped-end springs. The type of spring that is being used will determine how much force the spring will hold before breaking.
The most common sign of a broken extension spring is a loud bang when the spring snaps. This happens because the tightly wound coils contain a lot of bound energy, and when they break, the released energy causes a sudden shock. If this happens while the door is in motion, it can cause the entire door to fall rapidly and could seriously injure anyone underneath it.
If a garage door’s springs are broken, it can put additional strain on other components, such as the cable and rollers. This can cause them to wear out faster and may even result in their failure, which will require extensive and expensive repairs. A professional can help make sure that all of the mechanical parts are in good condition and meet safety standards.
Misaligned Tracks
Misaligned tracks can cause the door to stop opening or closing or, in extreme cases, can lead it to completely derail from the track. This type of problem is usually caused by an accident, though natural deterioration can also be a factor. To keep your garage door running smoothly, you should regularly inspect the tracks for signs of damage or misalignment. While you can perform some minor adjustments yourself with basic tools, a professional should be called in for more severe issues like bent or damaged tracks that need to be replaced.
Common causes of garage door track misalignment include hitting the tracks or door with a car (either because you’re distracted while parking or you’re too eager to get out of your driveway before the door fully opens). Accidents can also happen when moving items in your garage, such as when boxes or storage shelving collide with the door or the track. If you aren’t careful, these accidents can easily bend or even break the track.
Bad weather can also be a contributor to misalignment. If your home experiences frequent rain or humidity, the metal in the tracks can corrode and shift out of alignment. Likewise, if you’re located in a particularly windy area or in an especially hot or cold climate, the constant movement of the door can cause the tracks to sway and shift.
If left unchecked, serious misalignments can cause the entire track to come off of the garage ceiling or wall. This can be difficult to fix and requires the assistance of a professional. You should always have a professional service handle this type of repair because the track and rollers can be dangerous to work on without proper safety precautions.
To adjust your garage door’s tracks, first disconnect the opener and make sure the door isn’t touching anything as you work. Visually inspect the track system for any obvious dents or damage and use a level tool to ensure that they’re perfectly vertical and aligned with each other. Next, loosen the screws or bolts that hold the track in place and use a rubber mallet to gently tap it back into position. Once the track is correctly aligned, tighten the screws or bolts and double-check your work with a level. Finally, reconnect the opener and test the door to make sure it opens and closes properly.
Broken Bottom Seals
A broken bottom seal can cause dust, debris, and pests to enter your garage, which in turn can cause problems with your garage door. Fortunately, replacing the seal is an easy DIY project that will keep your garage more energy-efficient. In addition, a new seal will keep the cold air out and the warm air in, which will help you save on heating or cooling costs.
Often, the rubber seal that runs along the bottom of your garage door will become brittle and break over time due to exposure to harsh weather conditions. If you notice that the seal is deteriorating, it’s important to replace it immediately to prevent costly damage to your garage.
There are a few steps that you can take to prevent the rubber seal from breaking, including regular cleaning and lubrication. Using an all-purpose cleaner or a rag and some warm water will clean the dirt off of the seal, and lubricating it with silicone-based lubricant every three months will help to extend its lifespan. It’s also a good idea to lubricate the rollers and tracks, too, as they can cause damage to your garage door over time.
If you notice that your garage door is leaking or making loud noises when you close it, this could be a sign of a broken seal. Inspect it regularly for any rips or cracks, and contact a Chandler garage door service to have it replaced as soon as possible.
To check for a broken seal, place a piece of paper on the ground next to the garage door. Any shifting of the paper is a sign that there is a gap in the seal. You can also simulate rain by running a hose over the seal to see if any water gets in.
Unlike some garage door repair jobs, replacing the bottom seal is a relatively easy DIY task that can be completed in a few hours. It’s also a great opportunity to replace any rotting wood trim around the garage door and ensure that it’s well-sealed against the elements.