Garage Door Repair OKC requires thorough inspection and planning. It also requires specialized equipment and training. You may need to disassemble the equipment to access damaged parts and components.
Some common issues include a noisy operation, an improperly aligned track, and misaligned safety sensors. Regular maintenance, like lubrication, can help resolve these problems.
A garage door’s tracks play a significant role in its operation. They provide a pathway for the rollers that lift and lower the doors. They also help to support the door’s weight as it moves up and down. However, if the tracks are misaligned or otherwise not functioning properly, it can lead to several problems.
For example, a common issue is squeaky tracks. This occurs when the track’s rollers encounter too much friction as they move along the tracks. It usually indicates that the track isn’t properly lubricated, which should be done on a regular basis to reduce the friction. A lack of lubrication can also cause the roller stems to become inflexible, which causes them to bend the horizontal track bottom.
Another type of track problem is the angled/pitched roof track configuration, which can be found on commercial/industrial doors that need more highlift than standard vertical tracks provide. This type of track requires less headroom than a traditional straight garage door track, and it often needs to be custom cut.
Cables
The garage door cables support the weight of your garage door, and they work in tandem with a pulley system or torsion springs. They travel over a drum or spool and wind around it every time you operate your door, so they’re under constant strain. Over time, they may wear out or snap because of this friction.
They may also become kinked or distorted, which weakens them and increases the risk of breakage. If one cable breaks, the tension that was evenly distributed by the other becomes skewed and can cause your door to come crashing down.
Your cables should be visually inspected regularly for fraying, kinks or oxidation. These conditions can accelerate their breakage, so you should replace them promptly if you spot them. Also, look for signs of corrosion on your pulley bearings; this is a sign of overuse and should be replaced as soon as possible. You should also use a spray lubricant on your cables to keep them protected from the elements and extend their life.
Seals
There are many types of seals available for your garage door. Brush seals, for example, are made of tightly compacted bristles that virtually eliminate air infiltration and block unwanted pests. They are available in easy-to-install kits or by the foot for custom installations. They come in several widths to fit a wide range of retainers and tracks.
Other seals include bulb and T-shaped types that are flexible enough to fill gaps created by an uneven floor when the door is closed. Threshold seals adhere to the bottom of the door and the garage floor and have a unique peak design to repel water and debris.
Having your professional garage door repair service inspect and replace all the seals on a regular basis will ensure that your garage door is properly insulated to keep the outside weather, dust, dirt, and bugs where they belong. It will also help your door operate more smoothly by eliminating those annoying squeaks, rumbles and grinds that result when the rollers or hinges rub against each other without being properly lubricated. A quick shot of silicone-based lubricant (never WD-40, which is a cleaner and not a lubricant) will go a long way to making your garage door quieter.
Bottom Brackets
If the bottom brackets become loose or damaged, the garage door cannot move smoothly. A homeowner can repair this problem with a few tools and some patience.
First, disconnect the garage door opener from the garage door. Using a screwdriver and socket wrench, tighten loose bolts in the tracks and brackets. This simple task could save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Also, examine the rubber seal at the bottom of the garage door for wear and tear. This is called a U-shaped astragal, and it keeps moisture out of the garage and rodents out. The hollow rubber is also subject to damage from mice and weather. A replacement is available from your garage door dealer.
The low roller bracket is a common place to find broken strands of the door’s cable. It’s a good idea to check the condition of this cable twice a year — you can do this by placing an object, like a box, in the path of the door when it’s coming down. It should reverse course and go back up when the sensor detects an obstruction. Never tinker with the high-tension cables that lift the door, as they can maim or even kill a person.
Rollers
While the opener and springs may get most of the glory, it’s the rollers that provide a lot of the power for the door’s operation. These small, often-overlooked components can play a big role in how your garage door performs and should be inspected and regularly lubricated.
There are several different types of rollers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Plastic rollers are lightweight, inexpensive, and quiet when the garage door opens and closes. They need little maintenance and last up to 20 years. Steel rollers are more durable, can handle heavier doors, and don’t require lubrication, but they also corrode quickly.
If you’re looking for something in-between, consider a nylon roller. They’re quieter and less expensive than steel, but still offer durability and don’t require lubrication. Finally, there are ball-bearing rollers, which reduce friction and make the door easier to open and close.
Regardless of which type you choose, all rollers need to be properly lubricated to prevent damage and other problems. Using silicone spray (or household oil as an alternative) and lubricating the rollers with a soft cloth are both easy ways to accomplish this. Lubricating the hinges and track as well is also important and should be done regularly to extend their lifespan.
Springs
One of the most important parts of your garage door is its springs. These powerful yet delicate springs store energy and exert force that propels your garage door up and down, based on Hooke’s Law. Springs that are properly calibrated can maneuver your garage door smoothly through its movement, avoiding jerky movements that could damage other door parts and lead to costly repairs down the road.
To make sure you have the right springs for your garage door, consult a professional. They can help you choose a high-cycle or low-cycle spring based on the door height and wire size. A higher-cycle spring will withstand more open-and-close cycles, increasing its lifespan and durability. Modern springs are also often coated with corrosion-resistant materials that minimize the need for frequent maintenance.
It’s best to have your springs lubricated twice a year to reduce friction and prevent corrosion. A professional can apply a silicone-based spray lubricant that will protect the springs from moisture and heat, as well as improve their functionality. They can also inspect your extension springs for signs of wear and tear that require replacement or re-calibration, such as visible wear or squeaking. Also, if you notice that the door is heavier or requires more effort to open and close, this could indicate an imbalance.
Hardware
Many garage door repair jobs require the replacement of hardware like springs, cables and rollers. These parts must work together to keep the door functioning properly and without problems, such as an off track or a broken cable. The best way to prevent these breakdowns is by routine maintenance.
For example, lubricating moving parts minimizes friction and damage from the elements. A silicone-based lubricant works well for most components. But, before applying lubricant, make sure that you have fully inspected the parts for any signs of wear and tear. You should also clean the tracks and rollers to remove any debris that may be causing them to move unevenly.
It’s also important to regularly check the garage door’s safety features, such as the photoelectric sensors and mechanical auto-reverse feature. A misaligned sensor can cause the door to close on objects that you or your family members are passing by, potentially injuring them. A professional from American Garage Door and Repair Services can clean or realign these sensors to help ensure your safety.