Garage Door Repair Orlando

Troubleshooting Issues With Your Garage Door

Like almost anything else, garage doors need regular maintenance. A broken garage door is not just a pain to open and close, it can also be a safety hazard at times. Here is a list of the most common garage door issues you will face and how you can fix them yourself.

Worn or Broken Weatherproofing Compound

The weatherproofing compound, which is meant to prevent water seepage as well as air and noise leaks, will crack over time. You will need to chisel out the old compound and replace it with new compound. You can find weatherproofing compound at most hardware stores.

Strange Noises Coming from Garage Door

Most garage door noises are caused by insufficient lubricant. These noises are usually very loud and annoying, and the longer a garage door goes over time without lubrication, the louder and more annoying the squeak will become. Just spare your ears the pain, grab yourself an oil can and pour some oil directly on the squeaky part. Your ears, not to mention your sanity, will thank you!

Broken or Worn Torsion Springs

Your garage door is held in place by special torsion springs. These springs are constantly exposed to open air, and over time, rust build-up or simple metal fatigue can cause these springs to snap. This usually happens after about six to ten years, depending on several factors. Before replacing your torsion springs, there are some safety concerns you need to keep in mind. These springs are under constant tension. When they snap, the springs will swing violently around your garage. A snapped spring has sharp edges, and these springs have enough stored energy to cause property damage and seriously hurt or even kill you. Furthermore, the garage door itself can suddenly fall, and that can cause serious injury or death as well. You need to exercise extreme caution if you choose to replace your garage door springs yourself. Be sure to wear safety goggles and keep your body away from the path of the torsion spring cone. Remember, always keep the safety of yourself and others in mind when working with your torsion springs! The best way to do this is to create a safe work environment and clear your garage of personal property and bystanders.

Door Closes Correctly but Suddenly Opens Again

Garage door openers will come with either a close limit switch or a set of electric eyes. These devices are safety features meant to detect obstructions, which prevents the garage door from accidentally closing on your vehicle or a person that's standing in the way. Electric eyes are installed on both sides of the door and must be precisely aligned. Furthermore, they are particularly prone to blockage from dust and debris. Clear any dust or debris from the outer casing. In the case of close limit switches, you will need to consult the manual of your particular garage door opener, as different garage doors have different ways of adjusting their close limit switches. If the problem persists, check for a flashing green light on each electric eye. If there is no green light on any of the devices, they will need to be replaced.

Door will Partially Open, but Suddenly Closes Again

This usually indicates a problem with the torsion springs near the top of your garage door. Over time, these springs can become rusted, broken or worn, and this can prevent the door from opening all the way. A helpful rule of thumb is to replace all broken springs simultaneously; separate repairs are far less cost-effective.