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    Garage Door Safety

    Why You Should Always Leave Broken Garage Door Spring Repair to the Pros

    Categories Garage Door Safety

    Broken garage door springs are a major issue for your door. They keep it from raising and lowering correctly. And worse, they can leave you locked out of your garage entirely. While they seem simple to repair or replace on your own, it’s always best to leave the job to the pros. Here are a few reasons why you should never DIY a broken spring repair.

    They’re Wound Tight

    Garage door springs are under a lot of pressure and broken ones are no exception. Even when they’re stretched out or broken, parts of them are still under tension. Unless you’re extremely familiar with removing them, you put yourself at risk of injury. Springs can snap or rebound back at you if they’re handled incorrectly. Pros know how to safely remove them and can make sure those broken springs won’t injure you or do damage to the door itself.

    Broken Springs Can Be a Symptom of the Problem

    Broken garage door springs are often a sign of other issues. And repairing or replacing them won’t keep your garage door working properly. You need to diagnose the cause of the problem to make sure that your new springs continue to work properly. An experienced professional will be able to assess the entire door system to find any potential issues. And once they find them, they’ll be able to fix them so you can use your door without worry.

    There’s More Than One Type of Spring

    Garage door springs perform the same task—helping lift and support the weight of the door. But there’s more than one type on the market and choosing the wrong type can keep your door from working at all. Pros know what spring your door and your motor need to work properly. This means they’ll choose the right size, tension, and weight spring for your model every time.

    If you’re worried about broken garage door springs, don’t try to handle the repairs yourself. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let our experienced technicians handle the repair for you.

    Garage, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors, Garage Safety, Maintainance

    7 Safety Tips That Help With Garage Door Maintenance

    Categories Garage, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors, Garage Safety, Maintainance

    7 safety tips that help with garage door maintenance

    Most people only know something’s wrong with their garage door when it stops working thus requiring garage door maintenance. 

    No one wants to get home at night and realize their garage door doesn’t want to open. Then begins the personal struggle: fix it yourself or call a professional. Fixing it on your own can be potentially dangerous, and it can be tough to figure out just what the problem is. If you call a professional, the costs can rack up quickly.

    Luckily, there are some steps any homeowner can take to prevent their garage door from breaking suddenly.

    With these garage door maintenance tips in your toolbox, you’ll never be taken by surprise by a garage door suddenly malfunctioning. Use these measures to keep your garage door in great working order.

    Ready? Let’s go through our 7 safety tips that help with garage door maintenance.

    Why Garage Door Maintenance Matters

    You might be thinking, “well, if I can just call someone to fix it, why should I maintain my garage door?”

    What people don’t realize is that garage doors can be dangerous if they aren’t well-maintained. A door that suddenly breaks, fails to open, or closes randomly can not only cause damage to vehicles, but it can injure people as well.

    This applies to self-repairs as well. Trying to fix your garage door alone isn’t a good idea if you don’t know what you’re doing. No one should hurt themselves doing DIY repairs if it can be avoided. However, doing some quick checks on your garage door is fairly harmless and actually prevents future injuries.

    By maintaining your garage door, you’re keeping you and your family safe.

    1. Use your eyes and your ears

    With garage door maintenance, your eyes and your ears are great tools for diagnosing issues.

    A well-maintained garage door won’t sound loud and noisy — in fact, it will sound rather quiet when it closes. Loud creaks and groans can indicate issues with the garage door, so if your opener makes a racket it might be a good idea to do some DIY maintenance.

    2. Keep your garage door balanced

    Your garage door has a balance system that keeps it from coming down too quickly or not far enough. If the door is out of balance, it might slide down with a lot of force, potentially damaging anything underneath it. This also puts a lot of wear on the door, causing it to break early.

    It’s fairly simple to check your garage door’s balance. Before you do anything, make sure that the opener is disconnected. Usually, you can disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle, which is generally a red cord.

    After that, pull your garage door up manually until it’s halfway open.

    If your garage door stays in place at that position, it’s balanced. If it slams down or keeps moving upward, it’s unbalanced in one way or the other.

    Unfortunately, if your garage door is unbalanced, you will need a professional to adjust it.

    3. Keep moving parts oiled and greased

    Just like with any other machine, doing garage door maintenance means you keep the moving parts in working order.

    There are tons of moving parts in a garage door opener and they all need lubrication to work properly. The rollers, springs, and hinges need it, as well as the opener chain.

    If you live in a cold climate, you might need to use specific oils and greases made for low temperatures. Also, try not to over-oil or over-grease any parts — while not dangerous, it’s a mess that can get on people’s clothing.

    4. Inspect your sensors

    If the garage door isn’t closing properly, there may be an issue with the LED sensors at either side of the entrance.

    Check them for dust or obstructions and clean the lenses if they’re dirty. If that doesn’t work, check the LED lights themselves. If either one isn’t working, the door won’t close anytime soon. Adjusting the sensors so that they match up should cause the door to successfully close.

    If not, it’s time to call the professionals.

    5. Adjust the door’s force

    Most people don’t know that you can actually change the force of the opener. This affects how hard the door comes down.

    What this system is useful for is detecting objects beneath the garage door. If the force is too high, the door will crush anything beneath it. With a weak force, however, the door won’t actually close at all.

    An easy test is to put something like a wooden board or a rock underneath the door. If the garage door detects the object and opens again, the force is probably fine.

    However, if the door refuses to close at all, or if it smashes down on the object, it needs some adjustments.

    6. Childproofing

    While not technically garage door maintenance, this is a safety concern nonetheless. If you or your friends have children, it’s useful to figure out ways to childproof your garage door.

    Never leave the garage door opener where a child could get hold of it. It might seem like a toy to them.

    The button on the wall for opening the garage door should always be high up on the wall, far over the height of any child. It’s also important to understand how the emergency reverse function works. Educating your children on this feature is vital for their safety.

    7. Update your garage door

    It’s much tougher to do garage door maintenance on old, outdated garage doors.

    Many of these aged doors lack the modern safety features that new doors have. For example, older doors might not reverse until the door actually hits the object. If the object is a person, then it’s already too late.

    While it can be costly to replace, the added security and function of your new garage door will surely be worth it.

    Regular garage door maintenance creates a smooth-running door and a safer environment.

    If there are issues, don’t hurt yourself trying repairs — call our trusted garage door technician and we will help you get your door working.

    Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Door Safety

    Signs You Need Garage Door Repair

    Categories Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Door Safety

    signs you need garage door repair

    Garage door have you worried?

    We use our garage door every day, many times a day but rarely do we bother to think twice about them. 

    Your garage door requires regular monthly checks and maintenance measures. These protect you, your family, and your property. More than 13,000 garage-related injuries occur every single year.

    Waiting until disaster strikes can cost you an expensive emergency repair. Hire a licensed professional to carry out your garage door repair or routine maintenance. This can save you money and time in the long-run.

    Let’s discuss the anatomy of your garage door and what signs to look for to determine whether you need garage door repair.

    The Anatomy of Your Garage Door

    Your garage door contains one of the following types of springs: extension or torsion. 

    Extension springs run perpendicular to the door on both sides and stretch when your door moves downward. Torsion springs consist of a steel bar across the top of your garage door that operates under tension.

    When you are considering a repair, you should be careful to replace both at the same time. One broken spring indicates the other is close to needing repair.

    But why do your springs break?

    Poor installation or maintenance may be to blame. Or you may experience extreme weather fluctuations in your area.

    Knowing what to look for when you need garage door repair is essential for ensuring you and your family’s safety.

    Signs You Need Garage Door Repair

    Noise

    Garage doors are noisy. There’s no denying it. But if your garage door is making squeaking or scraping noises, it may be time to consider garage door repair.

    Also, amplified noise needs addressing by a professional. Excessive or unfamiliar garage door noise suggests loose parts or a need for lubrication. 

    Non-responsive Remote Or Door

    If your garage door refuses to open or close in response to your use of controls, you need garage door repair. 

    There are many reasons this problem occurs. These include:

    • a poor connection between the door and the remote or control panel
    • door malfunction
    • the need for battery replacement

    If the problem persists, it may mean an issue with the door itself such as damages springs, cable issues, or broken safety sensors.

    Sections of Your Door Sag

    Experts recommend you test your garage door’s balance monthly. 

    How can you do this?

    Disconnect the opener from your garage door. You will then need to higher or lower the door to about midway by hand and leave it in this position.

    If your door rises or falls, there is an issue with the tensions spring or another part of the door.

    While you can check for a problem in this way, you should not try to test or repair these parts on your own. Call a professional to perform your garage door repair.

    Shaking Or Inconsistent Movement

    Your garage door should run smooth at all times. 

    If your garage door is shaking broken parts may be the cause. A repair might solve this problem, but be aware you might need a garage door replacement.

    Slow Response Time

    A garage door should begin to open or close in response to you pressing the opener within one or two seconds. It should then move without delay and without shaking.

    Observe the length of time your door takes to respond. If there is a delay in this time there may be a problem with the opener or the door itself. 

    Door Off The Tracks

    The tracks on either side of your door are there for the safe operation of your garage door. Unfortunately, your garage door might come off these tracks. This occurs when the door undergoes damaged or in poor condition.

    Garage doors that fall off their tracks cause approximately 2,102 injuries per year.

    A professional technician can conduct your garage door repair. 

    Your Energy Bill Increased

    When we see an increased energy bill, our first course of action is to blame the air conditioner or heating systems in our homes. These systems do not always the cause your energy bill to soar.

    Older garage doors or broken garage doors often drain more energy than necessary.

    Consider replacing your door or undergoing a garage door repair for an energy efficient home. Companies design newer garage door models with energy efficiency in mind.

    Checking Your Garage Door

    There are parts of your garage door you can check on your own. You should always hire a profession technician to conduct your repair.

    Springs

    You can check the springs of the door in the same way you check to see whether or not your garage door sags. Manually open or close the door midway and monitoring if it remains still. 

    If the door moves, springs may need repair.

    Do not attempt to adjust or replace a spring on your own.

    Cables

    If worn strips or frayed cables hang from the sides of your door, you run the risk of the door breaking.

    To avoid injury or damage to your property, call a technician.

    Hinges

    Observe your hinges, looking for dents or breaks. If you find any of these signs, you will need to replace them.

    Rollers

    Inspect your rollers for noise and smooth movement. If they are noisy and the movement is uneven, your garage door may require lubrication or replacement.

     

    If your garage door exhibits any of these signs it could result in injury to you, your family, or your property. 

    Conduct monthly inspection and maintenance measures on your garage door not only as a safety precaution but as a money-saving measure.

    Never conduct repairs on your own. Hire a professional to conduct your garage door repair. This professional will identify your problem and perform the correct repairs in the correct ways. 

    Garage, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors, Garage Safety

    Safety First

    Categories Garage, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors, Garage Safety

    safety-firstHow safe is your garage? You might be surprised to learn that it’s not as safe as you think. According to expert statistics, there are more than 13,000 garage door or garage-related injuries every single year. Some of the most common include:

    • Getting pinched or crushed between the sections of the garage door (7557)
    • Garage doors that fall off their tracks, typically the result of old springs (2102)
    • DIY garage door repairs or replacement (1610)
    • Lacerations from sharp edges on the door/track (805)

    And the list goes on.

    Routine garage door maintenance prevents injuries

    The good news is that making one, simple change can have a dramatic impact when it comes to improving garage safety: Observing a routine garage door maintenance plan.

    When you sign up with a licensed garage door company to inspect, tune-up and repair your garage door, you gain a partner in the mission towards garage door safety. If your door is outdated and doesn’t have many of the safety features that stop its activity at the first sign of resistance or pressure, we’ll let you know. If your springs are looking old or misshapen, we’ll replace them for you.

    Garage door techs will automatically repair or replace parts that aren’t working properly or that are showing signs of wear and can dull down, or point out, any sharp edges or danger zones that might get in the way of precious human bodies or pets. Plus, if you are part of our regular maintenance plan clientele, you get top priority when your garage malfunctions or breaks down, and you also have access to premium price savings.

    It’s easy to neglect garage door maintenance until something undesirable happens, so a proactive maintenance approach is the way to go.

    5 tips for improving garage safety

    Once your garage door is in ship-shape the following tips will also help to improve garage safety:

    1. Secure hazards up and out of the way, or in locked containers. The garage is full of tools and chemicals that are unsafe for pets and children. Make sure these items are secured up and out of the way, or lock them up in a labeled container or cabinet. Don’t forget that ladders are a danger. When propped up against the wall, they pose an irresistible temptation for little ones. Instead, install hooks in the rafters or along the wall and suspend the ladder on the horizontal plane instead.
    2. Eliminate clutter. Does your garage resemble a contemporary obstacle course? This is a recipe for disaster since the more your household members and/or guests have to navigate the clutter, the more apt they are to trip and fall on the hard garage floor. This is especially true for the senior population and those who have to maneuver around cars, toys and other items with a mobility aid. Pick a day when the weather is reasonable and perform a thorough Spring Cleaning (regardless of the season). Read, Garage Spring Cleaning, for tips on getting started.
    3. Have a fire extinguisher on hand. From fertilizer and paint thinner to pesticides and various types of fuel, the average residential garage is a much bigger fire hazard than most homeowners give it credit for. As we mentioned in #1, storing these hazardous chemicals and flammable products in well-marked, locked containers is a good first step. Even so, accidents happen so have a fire extinguisher or two in easy-to-reach locations so you can put a fire out quickly. Also, calendar the inspection date on each one and take it to a local fire protection company to trade it in or have it re-inspected so it’s ready to go when you need it.
    4. Provide adequate ventilation. Garages are notorious for having poor air quality due to the off-gassing of your vehicle when it starts and stops, as well as the various toxins that are stored inside. Make sure the door between the garage and the house is very well sealed, and then talk to your HVAC company about secure ventilation options so noxious gases have a way to escape rather than to accumulate inside.
    5. Upgrade security measures. Garages are a primary entrance for many burglars, especially if you’re in the habit of leaving a window cracked or keeping it in a slightly raised position so pets can get in and out. Read, 6 Tips on How to Make Your Garage Burglar Proof to make your garage more safe and secure.

    Ready to make garage safety a priority for your home? Contact us here at R&S. Our friendly maintenance technicians will stop by each year to ensure your garage door parts are safe, functioning properly and secure. Don’t forget to ask us about our regular specials, which allow homeowners and landlords to replace outdated garage doors for a highly competitive price.

    Garage, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors, Garage Safety, Maintainance

    The Benefits of Professional Maintenance

    Categories Garage, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors, Garage Safety, Maintainance

    the-benefits-professional-maintenanceIn a perfect world, all of us would schedule routine maintenance for our mechanical appliances, accessories, and vehicles. The reality, however, is that we don’t. As a result, these hard-working machines wind up in a bind from time to time, often requiring a costly repair or replacement in order to make it right again. Your automatic garage door is no exception.

    The downfall to this wait-until-disaster-strikes approach is that those expensive emergency repairs and big-time malfunctions are largely avoided with a little, cost-effective maintenance along the way. When you add to that the fact that many manufacturers make “proof of professional maintenance” a requirement for any warranty obligations, it makes, even more, sense to hire a licensed professional to maintain your garage doors.

    Benefits of Hiring a Professional to Maintain Your Garage Door

    Here are some of the benefits of establishing a routine, professional maintenance schedule with a professional garage door company.

    More reliable operation

    First and foremost, routine maintenance proactively addresses any latent issues and ensures everything is functioning as it should. This means your garage door will work more reliably, quietly and efficiently day in and day out. An annual or bi-annual inspections mean your sensors are less likely to get out of whack, the door will remain balanced and on track, tracks will be clean and all moving parts will be adequately lubricated.

    Catch small issues before they grow into bigger ones

    Nothing lasts forever and that’s true for garage doors, too. However, annual maintenance means catching small issues you might not notice on a daily basis before they turn into big issues that lead to expensive repairs, replacement parts or an avoidable replacement of the entire kit-and-caboodle. While maintenance appointments will cost a nominal amount here and there, those big-ticket – often avoidable – repairs and replacements cost a whole lot more.

    Enhance garage door function

    While the licensed professional goes about his business, he’ll be looking at your garage with an objective eye. If it seems like the insulation could be beefed up, he’ll make recommendations and even tell you how to do it if you prefer to handle the job yourself. Perhaps the weather stripping is shot, in which case he’ll recommend replacing that as well. These may seem like small things, but they make a big difference – especially if you spend time in the garage working on hobbies or watching the game with neighbors.

    Keep you and your family safe

    Garage doors are dangerous – they’re heavy, cumbersome and can cause accidents if they’re in a state of disrepair. This is especially true for manual garage doors or outdated models that don’t have built-in safety features. The technician tests the door’s safety mechanisms to make sure they’re functioning properly. He will also let you know when it’s time to replace your garage door and can make recommendations for the right make and model for your taste and budget.

    Get in on great deals and offers

    We take pride in our commitment to superior customer service with each and every customer. Even so, long-term relationships matter. When you establish a routine maintenance schedule with a local garage door company, it’s inevitable that you’ll be the first to know about great deals and offers as they’re available, and many companies pass down discounts to regular customers when the garage door needs to be replaced or requires an expensive repair. This all adds up to major savings over the lifetime of your garage door(s).

    Interested in establishing an on-going relationship with Bay Area garage door professionals? Contact us here at R&S and we’ll get you on the books. We’ve provided decades of reliable, customer-centric garage door and commercial door maintenance and repairs. (925) 671-7606.

    Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors

    Tips for DIY Garage Door Installation

    Categories Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors

    tips-for-diy-garage-door-installation

    The good news is that YouTube and other online resources have plenty of How-Tos and well-made videos that demonstrate how to fix everything under the sun. Residential garage doors are included in this mix. However, we highly advise that you leave garage door installation to the pros.

    Garage doors are heavy and cumbersome. In addition to risking your own personal safety, one slip, drop, or unwieldy movement can yield your new garage door kit unusable, and you’ll be stuck having to fork out the money for another one. Also, it’s important to note that many garage door warranties are written such that DIY work isn’t covered.

    Read your garage door manual carefully before moving forward with DIY repairs or replacement. There’s a chance that by not using a licensed, garage door professional will mean you’re out of luck down the road – even if you did the job correctly and the garage door error or malfunction isn’t your fault.

    Safety Always Comes First When Installing Your Own Garage Door

    Safety is the top priority, so never be cavalier. Read the garage kit instructions carefully and watch a video a few times before attempting it on your own. Also, always work with a buddy or two. Garage doors should never be installed by yourself.

    We’ve been called in more times than we like to count to rescue homeowners who have experienced traumatic injuries and/or property damage as a result of their good intentions. Always prioritize safety first!

    Tools and Materials to Have on Hand

    Your materials list will include:

    • Garage door kit
    • Easy tensioning system
    • Cord or rope
    • Masking tape
    • Operator bracket
    • Garage door lubricant
    • Garage door stop with rubber gasket
    • Shims

    Plan to have the following tools within reach:

    • Safety Glasses
    • Stepladder
    • Level
    • 4-in-1 screwdriver
    • Adjustable wrench
    • Cordless drill
    • Locking pliers
    • Sawhorses
    • Socket/ratchet set
    • Rags

    Tips for Replacing Your Garage Door

    1. Establish the age and condition of the current door. Older garage doors can weigh as much as 450 lbs. When you consider their weight and breadth, combined with old and/or malfunctioning hardware, you need to be exceedingly careful when removing the old door. Identify which type of spring you’re dealing with – torsion or extension. The former are the safest and easiest to disconnect. Extension springs can be extremely dangerous, especially if they don’t have a cable installed. Consider hiring a professional to at least release your spring for you.
    2. Look for garage doors with modern safety features. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself and your family from garage door injuries is to replace your old door with a high-end model with built-in safety features. These include things like light-weight doors (no more than 200 lbs.), pinch resistant section designs to prevent pinched fingers or arms (these injuries can even lead to amputation in older doors), containment cables that run through springs and prevent the deadly whip effect of a sprung spring, or automatic door operators that reverse if something is in the way or at the first sign of resistance.
    3. Replace the hardware as well as the door. As long as you are replacing a new door, you might as well replace all the parts so the entire system is new. This will ensure the door works efficiently and quietly and will extend the amount of time until you’ll need to be up on your stepladder again for another repair or parts replacement.
    4. Install new weather stripping. Once the door is replaced, install new weather stripping to improve the door’s seal. In addition to keeping your garage cleaner and free of moisture that can cause parts corrosion over time, you’ll notice that a well-sealed garage door can reduce the amount of money you spend on heating and cooling the interior of your home.
    5. Hire professionals to release torsion tension. Again, garage door springs are not to be taken lightly. If you install a door that has torsion springs located over the door, it is well worth the nominal fee (usually around $50 or so) to have a professional garage door technician come by to release and/or adjust the tension.

    Not sure garage door replacement is the best DIY task for you? Contact R&S and we’ll be happy to send someone out to do the job for you. (925) 671-7606.

     

     

    DIY Repair, Garage, Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Repair, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors, Garage Safety

    The Dangers of DIY Garage Door Repair

    Categories DIY Repair, Garage, Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Repair, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors, Garage Safety

    the-dangers-of-diy-garage-door-repair

    A few of the most common garage door issues are easy to fix on your own – things like misaligned garage door photo eyes or sweeping the track free of debris. Others are not so simple. Anytime your garage door repair requires disassembly, manipulation of the door, or more in-depth parts replacement/repair we strongly advice calling a professional. We aren’t saying that to get your business, we’re saying that because we have seen more than our fair share of horror stories.

    DIY garage door repair can be dangerous and the team at R&S always shudders when we get a call from a client who was injured after trying to repair their own door.

    Avoid These Dangers By Using a Professional Garage Door Repair Company

    Here are some of the fix-it items that can result in dangers to both you and your garage door.

    A malfunctioning garage door opener. If it’s not something simple like the photo eyes causing your opener to malfunction, be very, very wary of trying to fix a malfunctioning opener. The garage door can be incredibly unpredictable, and this is dangerous. If the door happens to get off track, you can be thrown off balance from your stepping stool or ladder, or the sheer weight of the door can cause injury.

    The spring of a torsion spring. There are still many reliable garage doors that open using a torsion spring system, rather than an extension system. To operate, the torsion spring is mounted horizontally above the garage door. The spring it wound up with the door is pulled down and that wound up energy is powerful. It’s used on the other side when you open the door, to help energize the door’s lift. If you wind up on the wrong side of a wound up torsion spring when it breaks, the force is violent and serious injury can occur.

    Using the wrong tools. Garage doors have very specific mechanical parts and some of them require professional tools. These tools are not typically found in the average homeowner’s toolbox. This can lead to you running to the hardware store to purchase a tool you’ll never use again, or it can lead to you trying to manipulate the part to the best of your ability using the tools you have. This is a bad idea because not only can it lead to potential injury, it can also lead to a broken or damaged part, which puts you right back where you started.

    A collapsed replacement garage door. Watch a YouTube video about replacing or installing a new garage door and it all looks so straightforward. The reality is quite different. First, it is at least a two person job, and both parties need to know what to do when. Second, garage doors are very heavy and modern residential garage doors – with their multi-layered construction – are cumbersome. One wrong move and the entire door can come crashing down, injuring yourself as well as the door. Assuming you remain unscathed, that damaged door will no longer fall under warranty because you violate the manufacturer’s recommendations by not using a professional installer. Now you’re injured, have a trashed garage door, and still have to fork out money for a new one and professional installation.

    Replacing garage door panels. Here’s one that seems pretty simple at the outset; how hard is it to replace a garage door panel anyway? Well, first you may have problems getting your hands on the correct panel if you door is several years old. A professional garage door repair and installation company, on the other hand, can typically order one with a single call to a vendor. If you are able to get the correct panel, you still run into potential issues like door panels that break while you’re trying to install them, or cracking or chipping adjacent panels when you’re trying to remove/replace the damaged one. Worst of all, if the door manually malfunctions while you are in the midst of the repair, you risk the door opening and/or closing while you are in its path or near the tracks.

    A painful fall. The number one leading cause of injury and deaths on the home front is falls. In almost all cases, a garage door repair will require standing on a ladder or elevated platform of some kind. If you get in over your head (pun intended) or make one wrong move, your fall can be life changing. No reasonable labor charge is worth that risk.

    Don’t get too carried away in the DIY world. Dedicate those commendable intentions to the more risk-free home repairs – gosh knows there’s plenty of them – and honor your door’s manufacturer’s instructions. Contact a licensed garage door company. You’ll benefit from quick, accurate diagnosis and a timely repair.

    Garage, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors

    Is it Time to Repair or Replace that Garage Door?

    Categories Garage, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors

    is-it-time-to-repair-or-replace-that-garage-door

    In a perfect world, garage doors would be a once in a lifetime purchase. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. If you’ve moved into a home with an ancient garage door, or one that was cheaply made, you may have a hard time deciding whether to repair or replace it.

    Here are a few signs that it’s time to replace, rather than repair, your garage door. Still not sure? Feel free to contact us here at R&S. We will always give your our honest recommendations, starting with the most affordable options first.

    1. It’s a Manual Garage Door. Do you have one of those old, heavy, wooden garage doors? The kind with the spring-loaded action but no automated parts to speak of? If so, it’s time to upgrade. First, getting in and out of your car each time you have to open your own garage door is a pain and while you should be proud for holding out all these years, you’ll feel even better when you simply push a button and the door opens for you. Even more importantly, those garage doors are dangerous. There are no safety mechanisms in place to protect the people, pets and toys you love from the trauma of a slammed garage door. It’s time to upgrade to an automated garage door. We’re confident you’ll never regret it.
    2. It Suffered Serious Damage. Sure, your garage door might operate alright since you accidentally backed into it – but that probably won’t last for long. Once a door has been significantly dented, cracked and/or punctured – the days of reliable, smooth and quiet opening/closing are numbered. Exterior damage will begin to take an irreversible toll on the door’s automatic functions, and any perforations in the metal will cause door parts to deteriorate.
    3. Your Automatic Door is More Than 15 Years Old. Odds are a garage door that is 15-years old or older lacks important safety and efficiency features. Does your door automatically lift if it senses an object or person in its direct path? Does it automatically retract if it makes contact with a person or object? If not, you should replace it. Is your water heater housed in the garage? What about your HVAC system? Modern garage doors have efficient insulation and sealing options that can save you on your utility bills and create a more comfortable garage space.
    4. Repeat Garage Door Service and Repair Costs Are Adding Up. No garage door is perfect. They are mechanical systems and they are exposed to the elements. Therefore, a little annual maintenance and attention will be required for any garage door. However, if your garage door acts up on a regular basis, and/or you’ve had to call the service technician more than once in the last several months, it may mean you’re ready for a replacement.
    5. You’ve Converted Your Garage Into a Living Space. Many homeowners opt to convert their garage into a more livable space – be it a man cave or a hobby shop. If that’s in your future plan, it’s time to begin shopping for garage doors that offer the sound and weatherproofing you’ll need to be comfortable.
    6. Your Home Just Got a Facelift. Have you recently renovated or added on to your home? Often, that means the exterior gets a facelift as well and your current garage door may no longer cut the muster. You’d be amazed at the different styles of residential garage doors available, from steel-core doors that look just like real wood to high-end, solid wood carriage house garage doors, choosing the right door for your home’s architecture yields greater curb appeal.

    Suspect your garage door needs to be replaced? Contact us here at R&S and we’ll be happy to stop by and provide a free estimate. (925) 671-7606.

    Garage, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors

    Garage Door Safety 101

    Categories Garage, Garage Door Safety, Garage Doors

    garage-door-safety-101

    For those who lived in a world before automatic garage door openers, the garage door was a scary entity. Often controlled manually, and with the use of a weapon-like torsion spring, heavy wooden doors could slam down in an instant, and woe to the person or pet in its way.

    Fortunately, today’s automatic garage door technology includes a range of safety features to keep you and your home or business occupants safe. Even so, accidents can happen so paying attention to a handful of basic safety rules is the best way to make sure your garage remains an accident-free zone.

    1. Use licensed professionals for installation. Yes, R&S is a garage door company, so we admit we have a vested interest in this one. Even so, we stand by the fact that using licensed professionals to install your automatic garage door will go a long way towards preventing accidents. The garage door is the largest moving object in most homes, and it weighs hundreds of pounds. If it’s installed improperly, it can come crashing down with hundreds of pounds of force. While we recommend learning some DIY garage door maintenance tips, make sure you hire a licensed professional for bigger-ticket maintenance items for added safety.
    2. Observe routine maintenance requirements. Your garage door is opened and closed on a daily basis, often more than once a day. Don’t ignore the hard work it does. Reward it by paying attention to the recommended maintenance list provided in the manufacturer’s manual. When the tracks, door and moving parts are kept clean, lubricated and repaired/replaced as needed, you’re much less likely to experience an accident.
    3. Teach children about garage door safety. Unfortunately, children are the victims in the large majority of garage door accidents that result in serious injury or death. First, make sure the garage door opener is at least 5-feet up on the wall so it is out of reach of the littlest crowd. Then:
      –Teach children that garage doors are not toys.
      –Maintain the rule that children should not play directly under or around the garage door opener.
      –If they use the opener, insist that they stay well clear of the door while it’s in motion.
      –Never, ever play “beat the door,” under any circumstances.
      –Make sure children keep their hands and fingers free of the track, joints, hinges, springs and other door parts.
    4. Conduct monthly reversal tests. This is especially true for those who have younger children or beloved pets. The reversal feature is one that ensures the garage door stops and opens again if it makes contact with anything on its way down. Every month, test the feature by placing a 2×4 on the ground where the door makes contact with the floor. If the feature is working, the door should immediately stop and open back up when it hits the wood. If it doesn’t, contact your garage door company and have them check it out. It needs to be repaired or replaced.
    5. Conduct visual inspections. Every month or so, take a good, hard look at the garage door and its parts. Does anything look odd? Are there any parts that look loose, saggy or out of place? Is the door lopsided or opening/closing in a stop-start matter. Does it “act up” from time to time? Does the door make unusual sounds? None of these should be taken lightly. If you suspect something is wrong, contact the professionals to take a look so the door can be repaired or replaced before something more serious goes wrong.

    If your automatic garage doors is professionally installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions, odds are your family will never become one of the statistics.

    R&S Erection of Concord, Inc.

    2424 Bates Ave. Concord , CA 94520
    (925) 671-7606 Fax: (925) 671-7621
    License # 667038

    CALL US TODAY!

    925-671-7606

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