Garage Door Repair - What You Need to Know

Whether you are in need of a new garage door or you simply need to have the one you currently have repaired, there are many different companies that can help you. These companies are known for their superior service and their ability to fix the problems that you might have with your door. They are also able to help you determine which repair options you should choose.

Misaligned or blocked photo eyes

Having misaligned or blocked photo eyes in your garage door can cause your door to malfunction. If you notice that your door isn't closing correctly, or that the lights are flashing, there are some simple fixes to make.

You will first want to look at your door's track. A bent rail or roller can be an indication that your garage door track isn't in alignment. You can also check for gaps between rollers and rails.

If you are unable to locate the problem, you can contact a garage door repair man. He can fix the creaking noises, and if necessary, replace the worn rollers.

Rattling sound

Adding insulation can help reduce the noise from a rattling garage door. Typically, people insulate their garage from the inside. However, if you have done a significant amount of electrical work on your home, you may not want to add insulation.

Putting a small amount of lubricant on your opener can also prevent it from grinding and squeaking. The best way to lubricate your opener is to spray it on all of the parts. This will spread the lubricant more evenly.

Other components of your garage door system may also be causing a rattling sound. You can check for loose or missing track bolts or cables. If this is the case, you can retighten them with a wrench and socket set.

Misaligned or blocked safety sensors

Whether you have a new garage door opener or you're trying to fix the old one, you need to know how to diagnose misaligned or blocked safety sensors. This can prevent accidents and injuries from happening.

The first thing to check is the lights on the receiving and sending sensor. These lights should be red or green. If they aren't, then there is an obstruction in the path of the beam. If there is no obstruction, the lights should glow steadily.

The next thing to check is the wiring on the sensors. If the wires are damaged, they will need to be replaced.

Broken spring

Having a broken spring in your garage is not fun and can actually cause damage to your vehicle. In addition to that, a broken spring can actually make the door not open at all. If you are not a DIY type of person, you will need a qualified professional to handle this job for you.

A torsion spring is a three-pronged support system that is located in the header wall of your garage. Typically, this system will use two tightly wound springs that work together to counterbalance your garage door. If one of these springs breaks, you may experience a loud pop.

Opener light flickering or no power going to your door

Having an opener that doesn't run isn't good. The most common cause of this is an unplugged cable. While it may not seem like a big deal, an unplugged wire could cause the opener to not run, resulting in additional costs.

The first thing to check is the garage opener's power source. If it's plugged in, but not working, you might want to check your fuse to see if it's blown. If it's not blown, it's time to take a look at the wiring for any loose connections.

The garage opener may also be displaying a diagnostic indicator light. This is usually located in the motor unit's control panel. This light is accompanied by buttons that you can press to view a chart that tells you the name of the malfunctioning unit.

Cost of repair vs replacement

Depending on the type of door, its design, and the materials used to construct it, the cost of garage door repair vs replacement can vary significantly. A new, builder-grade door can cost as much as $200 or more.

The price of garage door repair vs replacement can also depend on the size of the problem. Usually, a simple alignment issue will cost $50 to $75. A more serious issue, such as a bent track, can cost up to $400.

Typically, a garage door weighs several hundred pounds. This weight puts stress on the hinges. If the hinges are not in good condition, it will be necessary to replace them. It will also be necessary to install new springs. The standard practice is to replace both springs.