Garage Door Repair Norman OK requires a wide range of skills and expertise. Whether it’s replacing a worn cable or adjusting the safety sensors, professional technicians use a methodical approach to determine what is wrong with the equipment and make the necessary repairs.
Regular visual inspections of the entire garage door system should be conducted. This will allow you to spot any problems early and prevent costly repair jobs in the future.
A garage door’s springs and cables are what keep it atop the tracks and functioning as it should. These components endure a lot of pressure and are constantly under stress as the door operates, which causes them to wear out over time. You may be able to restore their strength and lifespan through routine maintenance like cleaning and lubrication. However, if the damage is extensive or the issue is more serious, it’s best to call in the pros.
Your garage door has two types of springs: torsion and extension. Both operate differently, but both can cause problems over time. For example, extension springs are typically found on the horizontal track alongside your garage door, while torsion springs reside in a vertical shaft above your door. If either of these components snaps, it’ll cause a significant disruption to your daily life. It’s also a major safety hazard and requires professional repair as soon as possible to prevent injuries or property damage.
The steel cables that accompany your torsion or extension springs facilitate the lifting of the door. They’re under constant tension, and they can fray and break over time, especially if they’re exposed to the elements and subjected to repetitive use. When a cable breaks, it can lose its tension and sag, causing the door to become crooked in the opening and requiring immediate repair.
If you suspect your cable is broken, don’t try to cut it or pull it out. You could get seriously hurt, and the door won’t be able to lift itself correctly afterward. Instead, lower the door manually and secure it in an open position using a pair of C clamps or vice grips placed directly under the door on either track. Then, unlock the door’s drum by loosening the set screw that holds the cable and unwinding it. Finally, re-lock the cable and lock the drum.
Even if your garage door isn’t broken, the cables and springs still require regular maintenance. You should never attempt to repair these components on your own, especially if you have no mechanical or electrical experience. Attempting a DIY project with your garage door could result in serious injury or even death, and it can cost you more money in the long run. Whether you need a minor repair or an entire replacement, choose a licensed and insured technician to help you.
Bottom Seals
A well-functioning garage door bottom seal helps protect your valuables, belongings and home from rain, snow, insects, dust and other debris. It also acts as effective garage weatherstripping, enhancing insulation and helping reduce energy costs. However, a worn seal can lead to drafts and moisture entering the garage, creating health issues and expensive damage. Replacing a worn seal is a relatively simple project that can significantly improve your garage’s condition and comfort.
Garage Door Seal Types
Not all garage door seals are created equal. They differ in shape, material and installation method, all designed to suit specific types of garage doors and flooring conditions. Bulb seals, for example, have a bulb-like shape that fits into a track at the bottom of the garage door. They are usually made from flexible materials that can compress to fit the floor, and they withstand harsh weather conditions better than other types of seals.
Another type of garage door seal is a T-style or astragal seal. These have two small channel tracks on the bottom of the garage door and a U-shaped rubber gasket that fits into them. They are easy to install and require no special tools. They are typically made from durable rubber or vinyl, and they provide excellent insulation and resistance to dirt, water and other damaging elements.
Regardless of the type of seal you choose, it’s important to inspect your garage door regularly and replace it when it becomes worn out or damaged. Some signs of a worn seal include:
Bent Track
A garage door track can get bent due to a number of issues. One of the most common reasons is an impact. Whether from a car or another object, a collision can cause the tracks to become misaligned and can also result in other parts of the garage door becoming damaged.
Other causes include age and wear. The frequent use of the garage door causes the tracks to lose their shape and sag over time. They can also be affected by other elements like weather. Extreme temperatures can cause the metal to contract and expand which can affect the integrity of the track.
If a track is badly bent, it can be very difficult to fix on your own. It is recommended that you call a professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage. A professional will be able to replace the damaged section of track and also align the rest of the track properly to improve performance.
However, if the damage to the track is limited to a small area, it may be possible to try and repair it on your own. To do this, you will need to identify the damaged section of the track and loosen the bolts and screws connecting it to adjacent sections of the track. This will allow you to straighten the affected section of the track without stressing other unbroken sections of the track.
After you have successfully straightened the track, it is important that you retighten the hardware and make sure the track is in alignment with the rest of the garage door system. A professional can help you with this process to ensure it is completed correctly and that you are not damaging other components of your garage door.
Keeping your garage door in good working order is essential to ensure its safety, efficiency, and the appearance of your home. Regular visual inspections, cleaning and lubricating moving parts, balancing the door, and protecting it against extreme weather can help reduce the need for repairs or replacements. If you notice any signs of problems with your garage door, call a professional to perform a repair or replacement before the problem worsens.
Replacement
When a garage door has serious problems that cannot be fixed with minor repair services, it may need to be replaced. This is a major undertaking that requires the skills of an expert. A professional installer will be able to assess your needs and recommend the best replacement solution for you.
The tracks on which your garage door moves can become misaligned due to a variety of reasons, including being bumped by vehicles or debris and being affected by harsh weather conditions like rain or snow. When this happens, your door can be difficult to open and close or may even stick in place. A technician from American Garage Door and Repair Services can realign your tracks and restore proper operation.
Another sign that your garage door tracks need to be replaced is visible damage such as bends, dents, or rust. Rust and corrosion can impede the smooth movement of your garage door, leading to problems with its function. Severe dents or rust can also lead to track failure, which will require removal and installation of a new track.
Rollers are small wheels that help your garage door move along the tracks. They can also become worn out over time, causing your garage door to move unevenly or become stuck in place. A professional from American Garage Door and Repair Services can replace your rollers with ones that have more ball bearings to give your garage door a better chance of moving smoothly.
Trying to fix your garage door problems yourself could be a costly mistake. Without a thorough understanding of how the system works, you could end up fixing only the symptoms instead of the actual problem. This can cause the issue to return, meaning you’ll spend more money in the long run.
Garage door repair technicians need to have a variety of skills and expertise, including technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, the ability to understand diagnostic manuals, physical dexterity, and the commitment to continuing education. In addition, they often work in challenging or hazardous conditions such as working at height, in confined spaces, handling springs that generate high torque, and manually removing and installing heavy doors.