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    Garage Door Repair

    Top Indicators That Your Garage Door Needs Repairing

    Categories Garage Door Repair

    If you are like many homeowners, then it is likely that you use your garage door more than you use your front door. This makes it critical that you are aware of your garage door’s condition, and that you have it repaired when necessary so that your garage door does not fail when you need it most (such as when you are trying to leave for work). Yet, how will you know if your garage door needs servicing? Here are just a few of the warning signs that can indicate that your garage door needs to be repaired.

    Slow Response Times

    A clear sign that something has gone wrong with one of your garage door components is if your garage door is acting slower than it used to. If you press the button and your garage door does not seem to want to open on the first try, or there is a delay before it starts opening, this can indicate problems with your garage door opener or clicker. There may also be cause for concern if your garage door moves slower than it used to within its tracks, as this could indicate mechanical problems that could cause your garage door to fail.

    Your Garage Door Shakes or Moves Inconsistently

    Your garage door is intended to open and close smoothly. If your garage door starts shaking while it is opening or closing, or if it seems to falter for a moment on its way up or down its tracks, then it is imperative that you have your garage door repaired right away. Broken parts are likely causing your garage door to struggle to function properly, and this could lead to a complete collapse, which can be disastrous.

    One Side Moves Faster

    If one side moves faster than the other when your garage door is opening or closing, this could indicate that one of your garage door’s springs has broken, and it is now relying on one spring to operate. You will want to have your garage door repaired before the other side breaks and your garage door stops working altogether.

    Contact us to learn more about the signs which can indicate that your garage door is in need of repairs.

    Garage Door Repair

    Common Causes for Broken Garage Door Springs

    Categories Garage Door Repair

    Broken garage door springs are one of the most common repairs we deal with. Maybe you too are dealing with a broken spring and are wondering what happened. If so, it could be due to one of these common reasons.

    Normal Wear and Tear
    Normal wear and tear accounts for the bulk of garage door spring problems. Torsion springs are designed to last for around 10,000 cycles. A cycle involves opening your door and then closing it again – something you probably do multiple times each day. If you come and go frequently or your garage door has some age on it, this is likely the reason.  

    Improper Maintenance
    As with any working part, your springs require frequent lubrication. Dry springs produce more friction each time your door is raised and lowered. Over time, this additional friction will cause your springs to wear out much faster than they would otherwise. It might also cause problems with how your door functions.

    Your springs are already exposed to the elements, and are therefore susceptible to developing rust. Regular lubrication will help prevent rust, and will also keep any that has already formed from getting any worse. At a minimum, you should oil your springs at least twice a year. When doing so, remove any superficial rust with a wire brush.

    Shoddy Installation
    Some contractors take shortcuts during installation in order to save money. For example, they may install only one spring when they actually need to use two. They might also use a smaller spring than what is recommended for your door, or install poor quality parts.

    At R&S Erection of Concord, we never take shortcuts. We use only the highest quality parts, and choose those that are recommended for your door’s size and type. Our highly-trained technicians will ensure your satisfaction during each and every service call. If you need garage door repairs or installation, please contact us.

    Garage Door Repair

    3 Signs You May be in Need of Garage Door Repair

    Categories Garage Door Repair

    For many people, their garage door is actually the most common way they enter and exit their home. If you use your garage door more than your front door, it is critical that you take proper care of your garage door so that it doesn’t break down on you when you need to leave your home. How will you know when your garage door is in need of servicing or repairs? Here are a few signs you can look out for that indicate you may need professional garage door service and repairs.

    Your Garage Door is Running Slower Than Normal

    If your garage door seems to take a long time to open or close, this could indicate a problem with the motor or electrical system. If you notice that it takes a long time for your garage door to start to open after you press the button, this could indicate an electrical issue, or it could simply indicate a problem with your transmitter. Either way, if your garage door doesn’t appear to be operating properly, you should have it inspected and repaired before you encounter further problems.

    It Makes Strange Sounds

    Another sign to be on the lookout for indicating problems with your garage door is if it suddenly starts making a great deal of noise when it’s operating. While garage doors are by no means quiet, they should not suddenly start making excessive amounts of noise, and they should not make any creaking, groaning, or straining noises. These sounds likely indicate a mechanical problem or a problem with your motor, and you will want to have it looked at before your garage door stops working altogether.  

    It Does Not Sit Evenly on the Ground

    It should also be a cause for concern if your garage door doesn’t sit evenly on the ground. This can mean that your garage door is slightly off the track which could put unnecessary strain on the motor. Regardless of the cause, you shouldn’t ignore a garage door that is not sitting properly as this can lead to mechanical or safety issues.

    Contact us to learn more about the signs you can be on the lookout for indicating that your garage door may be in need of repair or replacement.

    Garage Door Repair

    4 Reasons to Install a New Garage Door

    Categories Garage Door Repair

    If you’re looking for a simple way to add value to your home, replacing the garage door may be the solution. Installing a new garage door offers several benefits to your home. Keep reading to learn four reasons to consider it.

    Frequent Repairs
    Garage doors typically last for about 10 to 15 years. As they get older, they may begin to break down more frequently. The cost of repeated service calls begins to add up over time. If your garage door needs to be repaired again and again, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.

    Safety and Security
    A new garage door can increase the safety and security of your home, especially if your existing garage door is an older model. Modern garage doors come equipped with several important security and safety features. You can install a garage door with a revolving entry code, ensuring that it only opens for you. A Wi-Fi connection allows you to monitor and operate your garage door with your smartphone.

    Improve Energy Efficiency
    A cold garage can make the surrounding rooms feel colder, too. Installing an insulated garage door can reduce the heating and cooling costs for your whole house. Insulation helps to maintain the temperature in your garage. It keeps cold air outdoors and warm air inside. Select a new garage door that has a high R-value for the best results.

    Give Your Home a New Look
    Remodeling your home is expensive, time-consuming, and often inconvenient. A new garage door will give your house a makeover for a fraction of the time and money. Attached garages comprise up to one-third of a home’s exterior facade. You can choose a garage door in almost any color or style you like, giving your home an attractive new look and increasing your curb appeal.

    A new garage door adds beauty and value to your home. Contact us today for a free estimate.

    DIY Repair, Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Doors, Maintainance

    When Is It Time To Replace Your Garage Door Springs?

    Categories DIY Repair, Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Doors, Maintainance
    when is it time to replace your garage door springs

    As of 2017, 63% of all houses have a garage or carport. Garages, especially ones attached to the home, offer homeowners convenience, safety, and security when leaving and returning home.

    But what good is your garage if the door springs have gone bad? Without proper maintenance, your garage loses all its glamour and glory.

    Not sure how to tell if your garage door springs need replacing? You’ve come to the right place. We have the most popular signs it’s time to replace your garage door springs – check it out below.

    Types of Garage Door Springs

    If you’re new to learning about garage doors, you may not know there is more than one type of spring. You’ll need to know about both to determine which kind you have and the signs each one needs replacing.

    Torsion Springs

    Made with tightly wound coils of metal (also known as torque springs), torsion springs are the most common type of garage door springs. These springs cause the torque which lifts the garage doors up.

    There are two main ways to tell if you need to replace your torsion springs. The first is to disconnect your garage door opener and manually raise the door. If the door doesn’t stay in an upright position by itself, your torsion springs aren’t doing their job.

    While your garage door opener is disconnected, move the door to a mid-level position – this is halfway between fully open and fully closed. If the door stays in this position, you don’t need to worry about replacing the torsion springs yet.

    But if the door begins to lower on its own or feels heavy, it’s a sign the springs are starting to break. In contrast, if the door feels unusually light, you might need to check the sizing of your torsion springs for your garage door.

    Torsion springs last anywhere from four to nine years. This depends on how often you use your garage door, though.

    Extension Springs

    Extension springs are the most common residential garage door spring. Two extension springs, which are attached to the garage door tracks, run perpendicular to the door. Although most extension springs come in pairs, some garage door openers have one single spring between the tracks.

    When your garage door opens or closes, the springs expand and contract. As the springs expand, they absorb energy. Once the door closes, they “charge”, releasing the energy when the door opens again.

    You can test to see if your extension springs need replacing in almost the same way you test torsion springs, though there are ways to see if your springs have already broken.

    The first way is to look at the physical springs – are there any gaps in the coils? If so, this is a sign the steel the springs are made from has given out. This means they can’t create the tension they need to open or close the garage door.

    You can also check to see if both sides of your garage door are still aligned. If one side appears higher or lower than the other, one of the extension springs have given out and can’t open or close that side of the door anymore.

    Other Signs

    In addition to the specific signs for each spring mentioned above, there are a few more worth mentioning. If you notice:

    Rust or Corrosion

    If you don’t regularly maintain your garage doors, there’s a good chance corrosion and rust have weakened the garage door springs. Once this has set in, your springs needing replacement aren’t far behind.

    This is easily avoidable with regular checkups and garage door maintenance.

    Loss of Elasticity

    Think about how often you use your garage doors. Do open and close the door every morning and night when you leave and return for work? Or is it mostly used for storage with the occasional opening?

    Depending on how often you open and close your doors will determine how stretched your springs get. If you use your garage door on a daily basis, those springs are getting more and more stretched every day.

    Over time, those springs will lose their elasticity – just like a stretched rubber band. If you’ve had our garage door springs for a while, it’s a good idea to check how their elasticity is doing.

    You can do this by disconnecting the garage door opener and manually open the door. As we mentioned earlier with torsion springs, if the door can’t stay open by itself, they’ve probably lost their elasticity.

    Unusual Noises During Operation

    Do you hear loud and unusual noises when you try to open and close your garage door? Anything making noises which have you questioning their performance is worth checking out.

    Garage door springs shouldn’t make any moaning or grinding noises. Although you can remedy this with by lubricating them, it will only fix the problem temporarily. It’s likely you’re springs are damaged and need immediate replacing.

    Uneven Opening

    We mentioned the alignment of your garage door earlier in the article. Take some time to watch your garage door open and close. Does one side move faster than the other?

    If so, one spring has already checked out with the other not far behind. Any uneven opening or closing is a clear sign you need to replace your garage door springs.

    When to Replace Garage Door Springs

    Having a garage door opening is one of the most convenient parts of owning a home. It makes for safe comings and goings, plus protects your car or personal belongings from outside weather.

    But if your garage doors stop working, it’s likely due to your garage door springs needing replacement. Luckily there are plenty of signs to tell in advance if you need to replace the springs, most of which we covered in the content above!

    Want to join the automatic garage door community or think you need service on your garage doors? Make sure to check out our residential services and see how we can help!

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

    How To Fix A Squeaky Garage Door

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

    how to fix a squeaky garage door

    There are few things more annoying than hearing the ear-piercing squeak of your garage door every time you come home or leave your house.

    Plus, a squeaky garage door is often an indication of a larger and more serious structural issue. In short, it’s something you need to take care of as soon as you can.

    In this post, we’ll tell you the best DIY methods when it comes to learning how to fix a squeaky garage door. We’ll also let you know when it’s time to get a professional to come work on your squeaky garage door.

    Read on to learn more.

    Get the Right Materials

    If you want to know how to fix a squeaky garage door, make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need:

    • Old rags
    • A step ladder
    • Grease designed for garage door
    • Wrench
    • Solvent
    • Silicone-based lubricant spray
    • New garage door rollers (if needed)

    Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to do some diagnostic work.

    Identify the Problem

    The first place for you to take a look is the hinges on your garage door. You should also inspect the tracks, the wheels/rollers, and the mechanism that actually opens the door.

    This is where you should also consider replacing rollers–especially if you notice they’re damaged or coming loose. Check out a tutorial on how to make that happen here.

    We suggest using nylon rollers as opposed to steel ones. Why? Because they’re much lower maintenance and more durable.

    Now is also the time to knock away and thoroughly clean off any visible debris. This may be what’s responsible for a squeaky garage door–and it’s a nice easy fix if that’s all that’s required.

    Screw in Loose Nuts

    Next up, grab your wrench and carefully tighten any loose nuts and hinges. You’ll need to take care not to tighten them too much, as this can cause serious damage.

    Now is also the time to get out the spray solvent you purchased. This is what you should use to properly clean off the rust or corrosion on your moving mechanisms.

    For this reason, when you’re buying your spray solvent, you need to make it a point to look for options that contain anti-corrosive properties. One of our favorites is this Rust Release Spray from WD-40.

    If you notice that your door has an excessive amount of rust and dirt, you may want to let the solution soak in for a few minutes. Just make sure you completely wipe it down with a rag afterward.

    Properly Lubricate the Mechanisms

    Now that you’ve cleaned off your mechanisms with the solvent spray, it’s time for the most important step in learning how to fix a squeaky garage door.

    Now is the time to properly lubricate all the parts that you suspect might be the source of the squeaking. It’s alright to use a heavier amount of lubricant than you might initially think you’ll need.

    When you’re looking to purchase the right kind of lubricant for your garage door, look for either silicone spray or grease that’s designed for use on a garage door.

    There are some areas, however, that many homeowners often miss. Make sure you properly spray the tracks and springs of your door. Don’t miss the bearings, either.

    You need to make sure that you spray the exterior of the door. This is because your door is often impacted by high heat and humidity levels. Properly lubricating it won’t just help you to eliminate the squeaks–it will also extend the overall life of your door.

    Once you’ve done this, open your garage door and close it several times in succession. This actually works the grease or lubricant into the parts that need the most attention. Plus, you’ll be able to hear whether or not you’ve properly tackled the squeaky garage door.

    If it works, congratulations! You’ve successfully fixed your garage door. Your last step is to wipe off the excess grease with your old rag.

    Help! My Garage Door Is Still Squeaking

    So, you’ve done everything in this post. You’ve even repeated the process again, but you’re still dealing with a squeaky garage door.

    In some cases, the problem may simply be too big for you to fix on your own. You may need to invest in larger replacement parts, or your garage door opening mechanism may need replacing altogether.

    If this is the case, it’s the time to call in the professionals. You don’t want to waste your time–and more importantly, your money–replacing or working on parts that aren’t actually the source of the problem.

    Plus, no matter how much of a skilled DIYer you are, some issues within your garage door are just too dangerous for you to fix yourself. Ending the squeakiness of your garage door isn’t worth putting your own safety in jeopardy.

    We’re here to help you to properly identify the problem and fix it correctly the first time around.

    Getting Professional Help for a Squeaky Garage Door

    From making sure that you start with the right tools, to using the right kind of anti-corrosion spray, we hope this post has helped you learn how to fix a squeaky garage door.

    Of course, we also hope it’s made it clear when it’s no longer safe to tackle the problem on your own.

    If you’ve reached that point, go ahead and give us a call. Spend some time on our website, too, to learn exactly how we can help you to tackle a squeaky garage door.

    When you’re ready, get in touch with us to schedule a proper consultation and set up an appointment.

    DIY Repair, Garage Door DIY, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Door Repair, Garage Doors, Maintainance

    Extending The Life Of Your Old Garage Door

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

    extending the life of your old garage door

    The garage may only be a small portion that makes up your home, but over the course of the day, it does so much. If you’re like most folks, you take your car in and out pretty frequently, at least twice a day, if not more.

    All the use your old garage door gets means that wear and tear develop over time. For an old garage door, this means the chances of breaking down increases.

    There are ways to preserve your garage and keep in working in prime condition. Read on and learn more about various tricks that help extend the life of your garage door with only a little effort on your behalf.

    Use with care when dealing with an old garage door

    Using care is obvious, but many people don’t realize the importance of going easy with their garage door.

    That means exercising care by:

    • Not opening and closing the door repeatedly
    • Not allowing children to play with the garage door opener

    The less you open your garage door unless absolutely needed, the longer it’ll last. If you have an alternative door to use when going in to get something stored in the garage (and not driving anywhere), it’s even easier to maintain the life of the door.

    This might sound like a difficult habit to break, but once you get into a routine of only using your garage door when absolutely necessary, you’ll avoid further problems and keep it around longer.

    If you live in an area where cold weather affects your buildings, pay attention to how you can keep your garage in prime condition. Learn how to winterize your garage and keep it safe, no matter how much the temps drop.

    Evaluate the balance once a year on your garage door

    Every garage door has a balance that keeps it working properly. This allows the door to open and close automatically, without you worrying about it not closing fully.

    Evaluating the balance on the garage door is important because it prevents further problems from occurring. Catching the problem early on means it’s easier to fix and usually cheaper.

    It’s time to have a professional look at your door if you notice problems such as:

    • The garage door doesn’t close fully
    • The door isn’t closing evenly
    • There are issues getting it open

    There’s no reason for your old garage door to not work properly if there are issues with the balance. All it needs is TLC from a professional who knows how to fix them, and you’ll find it works as good as new.

    Ensure the system stays clean and check performance

    Garage door systems can run into problems if they haven’t gotten cleaned recently. Similarly, noticing an issue in the performance and neglecting to have to fixed contributes to further problems.

    Because your garage door is outside, it withstands the elements and a variety of other things that could get into the system. Dirt, gravel, and other elements sometimes blow into garages and can get into the system.

    Make sure your garage area is kept free of birds nest, spider webs, and other forces of nature that create issues when left unattended. Doing so prevents a host of problems and makes your life easier.

    Check out the performance and make sure everything works normally. Don’t just do a quick once-over when you’re pulling out.

    Make time to open the garage door and examine if it’s slow, not pulling back all the way, or showing signs of neglect somewhere. Old garage doors that are starting to show signs of neglect in certain areas cause further problems and create strain.

    Once your garage door is straining, it’s putting pressure on other parts, causing certain areas to pull double duty to get the door open or closed. Correct it early on before it becomes an issue, and you won’t need to worry about having to replace the whole door later on.

    if you’re looking for a change of pace, check out our blog on high-speed doors, and see if this is the best option for you.

    Have a professional assess your garage door

    Many people put off having a professional come to their house to check out how everything is working. They usually find it an unnecessary expense and want to save money, thinking nothing is wrong.

    This sounds like a good idea, but it’s important to have everything checked out for your safety. A garage door that works properly protects you and your family from having items stolen, keeps your cars safe and dry, and prevents unwanted visitors from getting in.

    Make time to have someone come out and check on your garage door. If you notice a small problem, you’ll prevent it from turning into something bigger. Garage doors that don’t close properly are dangerous to have around, especially if you have children or pets.

    Besides that, you won’t have to tread carefully and worry about how much longer your door lasts, or take care of maintenance yourself, with the help of a professional.

    Make getting your garage door serviced an annual checkup, and see how simple it is to keep this extension of your home safe.

    Learn more

    When you think of your garage door as an extension of your home, and an important storage unit for the whole family, you understand the importance of keeping your old garage door in working order. Checking for problems and calling a professional when routine maintenance is needed helps you preserve the life of your door.

    If you’re looking for a serviceman to help get your garage back on track, troubleshoot problems, or want a new door installed, let us help. Contact us, and see how we can assist you in keeping your “second home” in prime condition.

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

    Garage Door DIY: Do’s and Don’ts

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

    garage door diy dos and donts

    Want to save money this year?

    Try garage door DIY maintenance and installation. This is one of the easiest ways to spend less around the house, so you’ll have more money for the things you really want.

    However, there are right ways and wrong ways to approach garage door DIY work. If you do things right, you’ll have a garage door that looks and works nicely for years to come. If you do things wrong, you can damage your home and even put yourself at risk for injury.

    We’ve compiled this guide to garage door DIY dos and don’ts, so you can approach this DIY project with confidence. Keep reading to learn what you need to know!

    Garage Door DIY Do’s

    These are the things that you can safely do on your own to keep your garage doors working properly. If it’s on this list, you don’t need to call a professional.

    1. Reduce Noise

    You can easily reduce the sound of a loud garage door on your own. The trick may be finding out just what is causing the noise.

    You can try updating the rollers from steel to nylon to help cut down on noise issues. The friction of steel rollers on steel tracks is a common source of the noise.

    Next, try lubricating every part if you hear squeaking sounds. Unlubricated springs, pulleys, rollers, and cables can all add extra noise when the door opens and closes.

    Tighten any nuts and bolts that might be rattling. If you notice rust on hinges or other moving parts, replace them to reduce scraping sounds.

    Next, check the motor. If the motor is not running correctly, you’ll get extra noise. For a quieter motor, swap out a chain-driven motor for a belt-driven motor.

    Of course, your garage door will never be perfectly silent. But you can reduce the noise it makes using these tricks.

    2. Open a Closed Door

    If your garage door won’t open, chances are good you can fix it yourself.

    First, check the door’s power supply. If the door opener isn’t plugged in or otherwise connected to power, that could be your problem.

    Next, check the safety eyes. These are placed a foot or two from the bottom of the door on either side of it, and look like cameras. The safety eyes face each other, so they can detect something blocking the door and prevent it from closing.

    When the safety eyes aren’t working, your door may no longer open or close. Wipe off their lenses – it’s possible that a buildup of dirt is preventing them from working.

    The sensors also need to be lined up to work properly. If a sensor was bumped or kicked, it may no longer be aligned with the other one. When the sensors are in line, their lights should come on.

    Of course, if these tricks don’t work, you may need to call a professional. However, in the meantime, you’ll have to manually open and close your door. It’s important not to operate the garage door motor if the photo eyes aren’t working since they protect people from having the door accidentally close on them.

    3. Paint and Stain

    When your garage door needs a fresh coat of paint or stain, you can easily do it yourself.

    In fact, a wooden door should get painted and stained annually to help prevent rot and damage. This is an easy maintenance task to do on your own.

    Garage Door DIY Don’ts

    These are the garage door issues that you should never attempt to fix on your own. If you have a problem on this list, get in touch with a professional.

    1. Fix a Broken Spring

    If one spring on the door breaks, you’ll actually need to replace both of them. The springs need to be working in tandem for the door to run properly. If one pulls more than the other, you’ll get a wobbly door or even one that doesn’t move.

    Every garage door runs on springs, and every door can have a spring break on occasion.

    However, you should never attempt to fix the springs on your own. These springs hold a surprising amount of tension. If one of them hits you with the force of all that tension, it can cause serious injury. Even if the spring appears to have lost all tension when it broke, it could still be holding some back.

    2. Fix Bent or Broken Rollers

    Your garage door has rollers to help it run nicely. If a roller gets bent, pops out, or otherwise breaks, you may no longer be able to open the door easily (or at all).

    However, this isn’t a problem you can fix yourself. If not done correctly, trying to fix the rollers can result in your door falling on the ground – or worse, on you. Call in professional help for this issue.

    3. Straighten a Bent Track

    The track keeps your garage door traveling along the correct path so it can open and close. If that track gets bent, the door can no longer open as it should.

    Many things can bend a garage door track. It can happen when the door malfunctions, or when the door is hit by a car or something else. This is another fix you can’t DIY – a professional will have the knowledge and tools needed to fix it.

    4. Repair Broken Cables

    Cables, like springs, hold a lot of tension for the door to work. Fixing a broken cable on your own can result in death or injury if a cable hits you with full force. Professionals know how to safely repair garage door cables and avoid injury.

    What To Do When You Can’t Do-It-Yourself

    Many garage door fixes can be safely and easily handled on your own. However, as you can see, the things that you shouldn’t do alone can be extremely dangerous. Never try one of these “don’ts” at home – there are plenty of qualified professionals who can help you.

    Wondering where to look for a garage door maintenance professional? Contact us today – we can help.

    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 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.

    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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