If you have bought a newer home or building a home, chances are you are getting a garage. Of course with a garage comes a garage door and the system that opens the door. Like just about any other part of the home, that garage door and its moving parts are going to need repairs and maintenance down the line. So, to help you to be prepared for what you may encounter, here is a list of garage door repairs you may need as a homeowner.

TLDR: Garage Door Repairs You May Need as a Homeowner

• Broken Springs – One of the most common and critical garage door issues; they wear out over time and can cause the door to stop functioning.

• Damaged Panels – Dented or cracked panels affect curb appeal and can compromise the door’s structural integrity.

• Worn-Out Rollers – Noisy, jerky operation is often due to worn rollers that need replacement.

• Off-Track Doors – A door that’s jumped the track can be dangerous and requires immediate professional attention.

• Sensor or Opener Failures – Garage doors that won’t open or close often stem from sensor misalignment or opener malfunctions.

• Weather Damage – Houston’s storms and humidity can wear down seals, hinges, and more.

Staying ahead of these repairs with routine maintenance can save you from unexpected costs and help extend the life of your garage door.

Garage Door Repairs You Could Need as a Homeowner

Garage Door Spring Replacement.

If you look on the inside of your garage above your garage door, you generally find either one or two springs. Your garage door springs are what fight gravity in order for your garage door to open and close. Over their lifetime, they will extend and contract. They are rated for so many cycles, one open and close being a cycle. Depending on the use of the garage door, these will wear out at some point in time. Also, garage door springs are made from metal, usually steel. This Houston humidity can easily rust any metal. It’s best to keep them lubricated at least twice a year, but sometimes they rust regardless. If your spring looks like it has been dunked in the Gulf of Mexico, it’s best to replace the spring. Other indications your garage door spring needs to be replaced:

• Your garage door opener won’t open the door
• The garage door closes faster than normal when using an automatic opener
• Your garage door is crooked when opening and closing

Garage Door Panel Replacement.

It is so easy to have happen. You hit the accelerator instead of the brake, a ball hit the door, etc. and next thing you know your garage door has a sizable dent. Sometimes those dents can affect how well your garage door rolls up or down. The panels can separate themselves causing all sorts of issues. Instead of having to replace your whole garage door, you can just replace your garage door panel, saving you money in the long run.

Garage Door Opener.

Your garage door opener is what moves your garage door to open and close. They are meant to last 10 to 15 years depending on the make and model. Yet of course, due to Houston humidity and usage, it is easy for garage door openers to wear out sooner or malfunction if not properly taken care of.

There are lots of reasons why a garage door opener may not work properly. Your limit settings may need adjusting if the door won’t shut all the way. Your laser sensors could be dirty and need cleaning or need to be realigned, or a component in the opener itself may have malfunctioned or shorted out. If your garage door opener is malfunctioning, it’s best to call a professional for garage door opener repair.

The Garage Door Is Off Track.

Sometimes a garage door will come off its tracks or become crooked. You do not want to try to force the door open or closed if this the case as you can actually make things worse. Bent tracks are a common problem with garage doors. If the bend isn’t too bad, it can be hammered out. If it has warped too badly though, you’ll need to have the track replaced. Another common reason would be the door hitting an object on one side, momentarily tilting the door, and causing one of the side cables to become misaligned. Whatever the cause is, the garage door should not be left in this position for too long as worse damage can occur. Instead, it would be best to call a professional for off-track garage door repair.

Garage Door Lubrication and Tune-Up.

One of the best ways to avoid at least some of these problems is to have your garage door system tuned up and lubricated by a professional every couple of years. Lubrication is essential to keep all moving parts of the door working as they should. This includes the chain or belt on the automatic garage door opener, the hinges, rollers, bearing plates, springs, armbar and lock, and the top of the rail. A tune-up can catch small issues with things like your springs and tracks before they become problems on their own.

Spectrum Overhead Door LLC has been in business in the Houston and surrounding area since 2006. We provide Houston area residences with award-winning garage door repairs. Call our main office at 281-748-9542  for a free quote today!