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Garage Door Repair Basics
Garage Door Repair Peoria AZ is the process of restoring a broken or malfunctioning garage door system to full functionality. It includes troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing faults with springs, hardware, tracks, automatic openers, and other mechanical components.
With access to the right parts and equipment, DIY repairs may be possible. However, there are several reasons to leave these repairs to professionals.
Attempting to fix your garage door yourself can save you money, but it is important to understand how to do so properly. It is also a good idea to begin with basic repair tasks that are well-documented and easy for most people to perform. This will help you become familiar with the overhead door system and its parts so that you can successfully tackle more complex problems in the future.
If your garage door has been hit by a car, the first step is to assess the damage and determine what needs to be done. This may involve filing an insurance claim or simply getting a quote from a professional to determine the most cost-effective solution.
Minor dents and bends can often be repaired by gently nudge-ing the metal back into place with a rubber mallet or wood block. However, more significant damage will likely need to be replaced or repaired.
Other common DIY repairs include:
- Replacing a broken panel.
- Re-tightening loose screws or bolts.
- Lubricating the garage door opener and its moving components.
- Recalibrating the opening limits and force of the motor.
It is always a good idea to check your garage door manual before beginning any repairs, as these tasks can be dangerous if not handled properly.
One of the most common reasons a garage door malfunctions is the sensors’ dirty or misaligned. These sensors look like cameras and are located one-to-two feet from the ground on either side of the garage door. They detect objects in the path of the door and prevent it from closing if anything is detected. It is possible that these sensors have been knocked off-track by a vehicle or debris, and that is why it is a good idea to call American Garage Door and Repair Services to clean and realign the sensors.
Another common problem that can be fixed by the average homeowner is when the garage door opener fails to respond to a remote control signal. This is usually caused by dead batteries in the remote or an issue with the door sensors. These sensors can be reset by locating the “learn” and “program” buttons on the operator unit and following the steps in the user manual to re-program them.
Breaking Your Warranty
A warranty is a great thing to have when you need a repair done, but you need to understand that certain things can void it. If you do something egregious like break the glass in your garage door panel, for instance, you could be on the hook for a replacement cost. This can add up fast, so you should be careful to make sure that you are doing the repair properly before attempting it yourself.
Homeowners can take on some parts of a garage door maintenance program themselves, but there are some tasks that require professional assistance. For example, high-tension springs and cables are under immense pressure and can cause serious injury if mishandled, so they should never be tried to fix by anyone without the right skills.
Instead, homeowners can perform basic maintenance by visually inspecting the entire system for signs of wear and tear, cleaning the tracks and other components, lubricating moving parts with products designed for the job, and testing safety features such as auto-reverse mechanisms by placing an object like a roll of paper towels in the path of the closing door (when it detects it is obstructed the doors automatically reverses direction). You should also replace worn weatherstripping, which can keep cold air from entering the garage and save you money on your heating bill.
Another important part of maintenance is disconnecting the power to the garage door when you are working on it, as it can still be activated by someone who happens to be near an open circuit. In addition, wearing gloves and a hard hat can protect your head from injuries caused by falling debris. Lastly, earplugs or earmuffs are recommended when using loud tools or machinery to avoid hearing damage. And, of course, proper eye protection is important to avoid contact with harmful chemicals.
Safety Concerns
In addition to being a major home improvement project, garage door repair is also a safety concern. Whether you’re dealing with a dented aluminum door that can be easily fixed by yourself or an old, wooden door with gouges and chipped paint that can pose a threat to the structural integrity of the door itself, it is important to take safety precautions when working on your garage door.
Always follow all manufacturer’s recommendations regarding installation and maintenance. The best way to maintain your garage door is to conduct visual inspections at least twice a year and call a professional when you spot anything unusual.
While inspecting your garage door, pay close attention to the rollers, pulleys, springs and cables for any signs of fraying or other damage. You should also note if the door seems unbalanced. If it does, you may need to have the springs rebalanced by a qualified professional. Remember, these springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle without the help of a trained technician.
Aside from these visual checks, you should also test the photoelectric sensor and mechanical auto-reverse features on your garage door at least once a month. Simply wave a broom or similar object under the automatic closing path of the garage door to trigger the feature. If your garage door touches an object while closing, it should automatically reverse to prevent injury or property damage.
Educate your children about garage door safety, and keep remote controls and wall switches out of reach to prevent kids from opening the doors by hand. Keeping the door in good shape and making it easy to close with an automated opener can greatly reduce your risk of burglary or other threats.
Taking some simple steps can improve the value of your home while reducing your risk of injuries and expensive repairs. But even the most diligent homeowners must rely on a professional from time to time, so if you suspect your garage door needs more attention than a DIY checkup can provide, give us a call.
Cost
The cost of Garage Door Repair can vary depending on the issue and the level of expertise required to fix it. It may also depend on the parts that are needed. For example, a garage door motor might require new brackets or rollers. If these are not readily available, the repairman might need to order them which can drive up the cost of the work.
In addition, a garage door is often a complicated system that requires special tools and knowledge of how the system works to troubleshoot the problem and provide the right solution. This type of work typically requires disassembly, reassembling and testing the equipment to ensure it is working properly. It is important to note that these repairs can be quite time-consuming, which means they are more expensive than simple maintenance or diagnostic tasks.
One of the most common repair issues involves broken or faulty garage door springs. These are under high tension and are difficult to replace without the help of a professional. It is generally best to avoid attempting to repair these yourself due to the risks involved. If you notice that your garage door springs are damaged, it is essential to call a professional to perform the necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Another common repair involves broken glass in the garage door. This is both a security risk and an eyesore. It is typically best to have this repaired as soon as possible, as it can be very costly if left unattended.
A broken garage door panel is less common, but it can still be costly if left unattended. These can be more expensive than other types of repairs because they are usually made of wood or metal, which require additional material and skill to repair.
It is important to be aware of scammers in the Garage Door Repair industry who will attempt to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. This can be done by learning to recognize certain signs of a scammer. For example, if you ask a technician to balance your garage door and they advise that the entire system needs replacing, this is a red flag that you are dealing with a scammer.