Installing a garage door system can cost a lot of money, and so does replacing them. That's why it can be a headache if your current unit is not working as smoothly as it was and you can not point a finger to the cause. If you are looking to make any major decisions, check out this garage door repair and troubleshooting checklist.
1. Look Around
The first thing you need to do is to look around for external causes. You would be surprised at how many problems can be caused by small tools or equipment becoming lodged somewhere in the assembly.
2. Clean Up
Typically, a thick gooey substance accumulates on the rollers and the tracks of the garage door. This is the result of exposure to dust and the lubricants used for maintenance. The resulting friction may cause the equipment to become stuck. You can remove the substance by using ordinary household cleaning agents or mild soap. When you use a cleaning agent for the rollers, make sure you dry everything thoroughly.
3. Lubricate
Sometimes, the mechanism does not work properly because the moving parts are not lubricated enough. Lubrication should be done twice a month; just avoid getting anything on the plastic idler bearings. Powdered graphite can be used on the tracks and household oil is good for the rollers. Take care as you do this process to avoid any issues described in step 2.
4. Check Springs
You should also check the cables and extension springs. Extension springs are those that can be found on either side of the door, running from a pulley. Make sure that the cables and springs are not rusty. If they are, you may need to make a phone call to a local professional to determine if they just need cleaning or need to be replaced. Make sure you replace the springs in pairs so there will not be imbalance. There is, however, another spring system in use for most garage systems, and that is the torsion spring. This is a high-tension spring that would have been complicated to repair; in which case, professional technician might be needed.
5. Tighten Down
Garage doors, just like anything, is subject to wear and tear. Bolts, hinges, and screws are no exception, especially since your garage door is used very often. Check all the screws and bolts involved in the opening mechanism for your garage door. There are times when tightening those might solve the problem. If they can not be tightened anymore because of loose holes, you can use pieces of wood as a filler. Check to see if the hinges are sagging. Adjust or replace them if they need attention. For side-hinge garage doors, make sure the wood where the hinges are attached is in good condition as well.
6. Examine The Tracks
Look for dents and bumps in the metal tracks. Tracks guide the roller assembly, so they are very important. Check the alignment as well and tap affected areas back into place when possible.
Garage systems are 7 feet of metal, plastic, or wood, usually a combination of all three. So it may take some detective work to find out what's wrong. With this checklist, you'll have an easier time. If you are not that much of a handyman, consult a garage door repair service establishment or visit online fronts for an estimate for repairs.
