Sometimes, over time, it becomes evident that your garage door might not be working as well as it used to be. If you’ve begin to notice more noise when you use the door each morning and evening, this can be a sign of things to come. For safety’s sake, it’s also the right time to consider your options.
You can choose to wait and see what happens to a garage door, but we do not suggest that. Waiting can exacerbate a situation that could have been more easily solved. You also run the risk of someone getting in an accident or even being injured by the garage door. That’s nothing to ignore.
Before we move on…
Do you realize that your garage door is actually the largest moving component of your entire home? That’s a huge part of the reason that having a garage door that works safely is such a crucial thing.
On top of that, your garage door also likely makes up a huge portion of the front of your home. Even if you have a beautifully maintained home exterior, an old, rundown garage door can make the rest of the house look dated. When people visit you, the first thing they see is your garage door. It’s important to make the first impression a positive one.
The spring system must be operating properly!
With everything going on in your life, it’s not uncommon to find that maintenance falls by the wayside on occasion. If that’s the case for you, you need to consider that your spring system (also called a counterweight system) may not be adjusted to work properly. The spring system is what is tasked with raising and lowering your door. Springs, regardless of type, only have a lifespan of five to seven years.
In addition, the average one-car garage door can weigh around 140 pounds (63.5 milos) and a two-car garage can weigh up to 260 pounds (118 kilos). If your door opener is working right, it can easily push or press down well over that amount. However, if you have a problem with the photo‑eye safety reversing, this can be dangerous and lead to major injury.
Be sure your spring system is operating correctly using the following quick trick: Use the emergency cord on your door to turn off the door opener. At that point, use one hand to lift the door up. If everything is working, this should be simple. However, if it proves more difficult, it may be time to contact us immediately. This repair is crucial and requires the help of a garage door technician.
Nuts and bolts and screws, oh my!
As your older garage door ages, some of the bolts and nuts that hold it where it should go might start to come loose. The two main areas you should inspect are the hinges and the system that holds the track in place. Any nuts or bolts that are loose should be tightened as soon as possible.
Rollers gotta keep on rolling…
It’s likely no surprise that rollers have their name because what they do, when working properly, is roll. Over time, sometimes rollers can square off and start to slide instead. This means it is time to replace the rollers. You should hire a technician as soon as possible if you notice the rollers seem as if they may be coming off the shaft that holds them, as well.
Next up, let’s make sure everything is properly lubricated!
If your garage door has been damp or you live somewhere with lots of humidity, this can lead to rust building up on metal components of the garage door. Rust will make your garage door wear out more quickly. However, just applying lubricant to the metal parts of the garage door can prevent this problem.
Don’t forget about the garage door opener!
If you haven’t replaced your garage door opener in many years, there may be no automatic reversal system. This is an important safety system that prevents the door from going all the way down if something or someone is in the way. If this system is not working, it is much more likely for children and pets to be injured near the garage.
For those who have garage door openers that were made before 1993, it’s time to replace them. It’s the best way to ensure you keep your family safe at all times.
Catch up with the new technology.
The Internet is a huge part of nearly everyone’s life at this point in time. Even garage door openers can benefit from modern technology. As of 2014, LiftMaster’s MyQTM has been available. It allows you to open or close your garage door no matter where you are. You can also remotely scope out the door to see if you remembered to close it after you left.
If you have other questions or concerns, we’d be happy to help!
Are you sick of dealing with loud noises or a slow-moving garage door? Contact us at 1-866-573-3667. We’ll provide you with information about what options are available to you. We can also assist you as you determine the best choice to keep your garage safe. We can also send you a quotation by email.
Those who want a more visual option are welcome to visit us at our showroom. You can also check out our Design Centre to look at styles that suit you. There is also an image gallery to help you find inspiration.
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