Garage doors are an essential part of any home, providing safety and security for your vehicles and belongings. But like any mechanical system, doors can experience wear and tear, and eventually require repair. In this guide, we’ll cover types of garage doors, some tips and tricks to help you diagnose and repair common issues.
Types of garage doors
There are several types available on the market. Here are some of the most common types:
Sectional doors: They consist of several horizontal sections that are hinged together, allowing the door to bend as it opens and closes. They are available in a range of materials, including steel, aluminum, and wood.
Roller garage doors: These doors are made up of narrow slats that roll up into a compact space above the opening of the door. They are often used in commercial settings due to their durability and security features.
Up and over garage doors: These doors swing up and out from the garage, moving parallel to the ceiling. They are available in both manual and automatic versions and are often made of steel or timber.
Side-hinged doors: These doors consist of two doors that swing outwards from the center. They are often made of wood and are a good choice if you need to access your garage frequently.
Tilt-up canopy doors: These doors consist of a single panel that tilts up and pivots out from the garage opening. They are often made of wood and are an affordable option for those on a budget.
Tilt-up retractable doors: These doors consist of a single panel that tilts up and retracts into the garage. They are often made of steel and are a good option if you have limited ceiling space in your garage.
Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your specific needs and budget.
Here are some common issues that garage doors may face:
The first step in any repair is to identify the problem. Some common issues include:
The door won’t open or close: This is one of the most common issues. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as a malfunctioning opener, broken springs, or damaged cables.
The door is noisy: A noisy door can be caused by loose hardware, worn rollers or hinges, or a problem with the opener.
The door is off track: This can happen if the rollers come off the tracks or if the tracks are bent or damaged. This can cause the door to get stuck or be difficult to open or close.
Broken springs: Springs are an essential part, and they can break over time due to wear and tear. This can cause the door to be difficult to open or close, or even become completely stuck.
Damaged panels: Doors can get dented or damaged due to accidental impact or harsh weather conditions. This can affect the door’s appearance and also compromise its insulation and security.
Sensor problems: Door sensors are designed to detect objects in the path of the door and prevent it from closing if there is an obstruction. If the sensors are misaligned or malfunctioning, it can cause the door to behave erratically or not close at all.
It’s important to address any issues promptly to ensure its safe and reliable operation. Regular maintenance and inspection can also help prevent many of these problems from occurring in the first place.
Tips to repair common issues:
Check the Springs: Door springs are essential components that help lift the weight of the door. Over time, these springs can become worn or break, causing the door to malfunction. To check the springs, disconnect the door from the opener and manually lift the door. If the door is heavy or won’t stay open, the springs may need to be replaced.
Inspect the Tracks: The tracks that guide the door can become misaligned or obstructed, causing the door to malfunction. Inspect the tracks for dents, bends, or obstructions. If you find any issues, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the tracks back into place.
Lubricate Moving Parts: Doors have many moving parts, including rollers, hinges, and tracks. These components require lubrication to operate smoothly. Use a silicone-based lubricant to grease the moving parts, but be careful not to overdo it.
Check the Opener: If the door opener is malfunctioning, it may need to be repaired or replaced. Check the opener’s wiring, sensors, and remote control to identify the problem. If you can’t identify the issue, it may be time to call a professional service.
Replace Damaged Panels: If your door has been damaged, such as from a car or weather event, the panels may need to be replaced. It’s important to replace damaged panels as soon as possible, as they can compromise the security of your garage.
Regular Maintenance: Prevention is key. Regular maintenance can help keep your door in good condition and prevent issues from developing. Schedule an annual maintenance check with a professional service to keep your door operating smoothly.
With proper maintenance and care, garage doors can provide many years of reliable service. If you do experience a problem, follow these tips and tricks to diagnose and repair the issue. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the repair, it’s always best to call a professional garage door company in Perth for assistance.
How to repair roller garage door
Repairing a roller door can be complex and potentially dangerous, so it’s important to hire a professional. However, if you have experience with DIY repairs and feel comfortable doing it yourself, here are some general steps to repair a roller door:
1. Inspect the door: First, visually inspect the door to identify any issues, such as broken or damaged slats, loose hardware, or damaged tracks.
2. Replace damaged slats: If any of the slats are damaged or broken, they will need to be replaced. Remove the damaged slats by unscrewing them from the roller, and then insert the new slats in their place.
3. Tighten loose hardware: Check all of the hardware, including the brackets and screws, and tighten any that are loose. Loose hardware can cause the door to operate improperly.
4. Clean the tracks: Use a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the tracks. If the tracks are bent or damaged, they will need to be repaired or replaced.
5. Lubricate moving parts: Apply lubricant to the moving parts of the door, including the rollers and tracks, to ensure smooth operation.
6. Test the door: Test the door by opening and closing it a few times to make sure it is functioning properly. Adjust the tension on the roller if necessary.
It’s important to remember that garage doors are heavy and operate under a lot of tension, so if you are not comfortable making repairs yourself, it’s best to hire a professional technician to ensure the repair is done safely and correctly.
How to repair automatic door
Automatic doors are an essential part of our lives, but they can be prone to damage and malfunctioning. If your automatic door is in need of repair, there are a few steps you can take to get it back up and running. Here is a guide on how to repair an automatic door quickly and easily.
First, check the power source for the door opener. Make sure that it is plugged into a working outlet and that the circuit breaker has not tripped. If it has, reset the breaker and try again.
Next, check for any visible signs of damage or wear on the springs or other components of the opener system. If you find any broken parts or frayed wires, replace them with new ones before continuing with repairs.
Finally, lubricate all moving parts of your automatic door with oil or lubricant spray to ensure smooth operation.
Finally, test out your newly repaired automatic door by opening and closing it several times to make sure it’s working fine.
