What is the most massive moving object in your home?
If you guessed the garage door, you’re correct.
Double-car garage doors measure 16’ X 7’ and can weigh upwards of 400 pounds!
Ensuring the structural integrity of the door and its many components is crucial. Properly maintained, it should last upwards of 30 years, depending on the material. Today’s openers are designed with a 10- to 15-year lifespan, on average.
You should act immediately to avoid dealing with a substantial headache, not to mention, a significant safety risk anytime the door begins to malfunction. Always hire a garage door repair professional for a malfunctioning door or opener.
Cost Considerations for Repair
Several factors can affect garage door repair cost. These include the specific parts giving you trouble as some components cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Door assembly (i.e., size, style, material) may also impact price. It always an excellent idea to contact a local garage door repair professional for an accurate estimate.
Common Garage Door Problems
Track Misalignment: The tracks guide the door’s movement during operation. They must be regularly wiped clean using a damp cloth as well realigned when, not if, something bumps into them. The latter requires an expert as does any substantial impact damage. If comfortable, you may repair minor dents by gently hitting them with a rubber mallet. Another critical component of the track assembly is the rollers. These too require professional replacement.
A Noisy Garage Door: Another common issue that plagues homeowners is noise. Noise is often associated with a lack of lubrication, wearing rollers, or chain-driven openers. All moving parts require semi-annual lubrication. Always use professional-grade oil (NOT WD-40!) Roller replacement, vibration isolators, and belt- or screw-drive opener installation requires the help of a professional.
Broken Garage Door Springs: Behind every garage door are torsion springs. These use torque to lift the weight of the door each time it’s opened. Torsion springs feature between 10,000 and 20,000 cycles. The number of years torsion springs last depends on spring type and daily usage. Broken garage door springs must be replaced in pairs, if applicable, by a garage door repair professional.
Faulty Photoelectric Sensors: Garage door openers rely on two sensors – located on both sides of your garage door about six inches from the ground up – for operational safety. The sensors must be perfectly aligned and free from obstructions as they are designed to prevent entrapment. Faulty photo eyes typically result in a door that is either nonoperational or will not all close all the way. Hire a pro to diagnose and repair faulty sensors.
Hire a Garage Door Repair Professional
Contact Arizona’s Best Garage Door and Repair Company at (480) 448-5782 to gain incredible peace-of-mind. We specialize in garage door installation, garage door maintenance, and garage door repair for both residential and commercial clients throughout the greater Phoenix metro area.