Garage Door Repair OKC involves repairing or replacing the components of a residential garage door system, including the doors, tracks, springs, hinges, and remote controls.
Minor damage typically includes cosmetic issues like chipped paint or small cracks that don’t affect the door’s function. In these cases, repairing the door usually offers more value than replacing it.
The garage door’s metal tracks act as the general guide for its movement up and down, but when they get damaged or misaligned, the rollers have a hard time moving through them, resulting in squeaking and other problems.
If the track is loose or has a bend, it needs to be tightened and straightened to ensure proper roller movement. To do this, use a wrench or socket wrench to tighten the bolts or screws that secure the track and brackets in place. Then, using a level helps to ensure the track is properly aligned with the rest of the system.
Rollers are small wheels that run along the tracks to help your garage door move up and down smoothly. They are easy to spot and repair, but if they become damaged or worn out, it can create other issues with your door’s movement.
Visible wear and tear are a clear sign that your rollers need replacing. If you notice squeaking or grinding, this indicates it’s time for a replacement. If you’re unsure about whether your rollers need to be replaced, consult with a garage door repair specialist.
Once you’ve identified that your rollers need to be replaced, it’s important to disconnect the opener to prevent anyone in your household from accidentally opening or closing it while you work on the system. Once you’ve disconnected the system, open your garage door manually and carefully inspect the tracks and rollers for any damage or signs of wear.
Once you’ve completed the inspection, you’ll need to remove your old rollers from the track and install the new ones. You’ll need to pry the track slightly open with pliers to access the old roller and then pop the new one into place. Before you finish, make sure to apply a lubricant to the rollers and tracks for smooth operation. This can be a silicone-based lubricant for metal rollers and tracks, or a lithium-based grease for nylon rollers. This step is especially crucial if you’ve recently replaced the rollers on your garage door.
Broken Cables
A garage door’s lifting cables are a vital part of the counterbalance system that holds and handles the majority of the door’s weight. They run from the corners of the door to a torsion spring above to support and balance its weight. These cables are under a lot of tension, and one that snaps can cause an immense amount of damage. Because of this, it’s important to perform regular inspections of the cable system to spot any signs of fraying or wear before they worsen.
Over time, constant friction can erode the metal components of your garage door’s cables. As they rub against the drum or pulley system, the strands of metal can begin to wear down, eventually breaking off and leaving the cable weaker. Thankfully, this is usually only a matter of a few strands that break off, but it’s still an indication that it’s time for a replacement.
If your garage door’s cables are starting to show signs of wearing or tearing, it’s important that you have them replaced as soon as possible. Not only are broken cables a safety hazard, but they can also lead to other issues with the overall functionality of your garage door. For example, a broken cable can cause the door to become unbalanced and put more strain on other components like rollers and hinges.
Fortunately, replacing your garage door’s cables is not a difficult task for someone with some basic home repair skills and the right tools. However, it’s best to leave such repairs and replacements to a professional who has the experience, knowledge, and tools necessary to handle the job safely.
To replace a garage door cable, first loosen the attachment points at the bottom of the frame using a tool like pliers or channel locks. Once the old cable is disconnected from its pulleys and the door, you can remove it and dispose of it carefully. Next, connect the new cable to the door’s bottom bracket and thread it through the pulleys before fastening it securely. Lastly, make sure the new cable is evenly wrapped around the drum or pulley system before securing it to the upper bracket.
Damaged Tracks
The garage door’s tracks guide it as it moves up and down, so damaged or misaligned tracks can lead to a range of issues with the overall function of the system. It’s important to check the tracks regularly for any signs of damage or disrepair, especially in areas that receive a lot of operational stress. It’s also a good idea to lubricate the tracks, hinges and other moving parts regularly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, to reduce friction and wear.
The best way to determine if a track is damaged is to compare it with the original standards for that type of track. If the track has become widened or diverted in some way, that’s definitely considered track damage, as it no longer meets the intended standard. A similar test is to check whether there are bypasses on the track. For example, if the track has been widened around bogholes or upended trees, it’s considered to be damaged, as it no longer meets the intended standard and can no longer cope with operational stress.
Before attempting any repairs, make sure that you create a safe workspace by clearing the area of obstructions and tools that could interfere with the repair process or pose a tripping hazard. It’s also a good idea, if possible, to disconnect the power to the opener, either by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker. This prevents the accidental activation of the door while you’re working on it.
Once the work space is clear, start by removing any debris from the tracks and checking for any visible damage or misalignment. Then, loosen but do not remove the screws that hold the mounting brackets and gently tap the track into position. If you’re unsure of how to do this, it’s a good idea to consult a professional garage door repair technician. They’ll have the right tools and know-how to tackle even the most complex issues. They can also diagnose any additional problems and ensure that your garage door works as intended. This is an invaluable service, as it can help to save time and money in the long run.
Broken Springs
When the springs that counterbalance the weight of the door break, it can be dangerous. The sudden release of tension can make the garage door fall quickly and crash down. If the broken spring hits something, such as a car or a storage rack, it could cause serious injury. It’s important to watch for signs of broken springs so you can schedule repairs as soon as possible.
Over time, wear and tear from repeated use can weaken springs. Extreme heat or cold can also affect their strength. The best way to prevent broken springs is with regular maintenance and lubrication. It’s recommended to inspect and grease the springs twice a year to ensure they are in good shape.
It’s possible to replace the springs yourself, though it’s a difficult job and not advised unless you have experience. Using the right tools can make the job easier and safer. You’ll need a winding bar, adjustable wrench, and safety goggles to safely remove the old springs. You should also use locking pliers or a C-clamp to secure the door in an open position. This helps to ensure the door won’t move unexpectedly while you’re working on it.
Once the new springs are installed, you’ll need to tighten and secure them. This process can be complicated, and it’s important to follow the instructions provided by your garage door manufacturer. Once you’ve done this, you can test the door and ensure it is balanced.
While a broken spring can be frustrating, it’s often easily fixable. If you can identify the problem and understand what to do, then it’s a relatively easy repair. However, if you don’t have the proper training and tools, it’s always better to call a professional.
If you’re unsure whether or not you have a broken spring, contact your local Safe-Way Door Dealer. They will be happy to help you diagnose the problem and provide any necessary services. They can even recommend a maintenance plan to keep your garage door in good condition and avoid future problems. To find your nearest Safe-Way Door Dealer, visit their locator page HERE.