You see your garage door so often that it’s easy to lose sight of the wear and tear it suffers over time. You probably notice it from time to time and promise yourself that you’ll get it taken care of soon. It can wait, right? The garage door opens, and the opener works, right?
While you can wait, you’re taking unnecessary chances with your safety and that of your family. An old, worn out garage door and garage door opener can be very dangerous. What risks are you taking? Let’s take a closer look at what could happen if you keep putting off those garage door repairs.
Why does it matter?
Your garage door is the single largest piece of moving equipment on your home. As such, it’s vital that it works correctly, and that it operates safely. There’s also the fact that your garage door could make up about 45% of your home’s façade – it’s the first thing that most people notice when they pull in your driveway. An old, dilapidated garage door can detract from your curb appeal and your home’s value.
The importance of the spring system
Your garage door uses a system of springs to counterbalance the door and make it easier to raise and lower. However, if you have never had your garage door professionally maintained, chances are good that those springs are well past the point of being worn out. Whether you have torsion or extension springs, they usually only last between five and seven years.
It’s also important to understand that your garage door weighs between 140 lbs. and 260 lbs., depending on whether it’s a single or double door. Your garage door opener is capable of lifting up to 350 lbs. with ease, but it’s also capable of pushing down with the same amount of force. If your photo‑eye safety reversing system is out of alignment or not working properly, this creates a very serious safety hazard.
Not sure if your springs are working properly or not? A correctly counterweighted garage door should only weigh between eight and 10 pounds. Pull the emergency shutoff cord to disengage the opener, and then try to raise and lower the door manually. You should be able to do this with just one hand. If you cannot, then call us immediately. Note that you should never attempt to repair your garage door springs on your own.
Wear and tear and looseness
Does your garage door wobble and make a lot of noise during operation? It might not be normal. It could be loose nuts and bolts. Check out the door’s hinges and track system to determine if anything needs to be tightened up.
Smooth rolling
Your garage door moves on rollers, and they should, well, roll. If they are not rolling smoothly, or they’re simply sliding along the track without rolling at all, it’s time for some repair and maintenance work.
Protecting your metal parts
The garage is often subjected to high humidity levels. Rain, snow, sleet and even just high humidity without any precipitation can cause damage to your garage door structure. All exposed metal components can rust if they are not protected with lubrication. Make sure that all the moving parts are also well lubricated, including the springs, rollers, the garage door track, and more. Doing so will keep them working smoothly for a long time to come, as well as warding off rust.
Make sure to check your garage door opener
For garage door openers that are several years old, chances are good it has an automatic reversal system. This system is designed to reverse the movement of the garage door if resistance is encountered. However, this system can degrade over time. If your garage door opener has not been professionally maintained, then there is a chance that the reversal system will not work when a child or pet crosses under the door while it is in motion, resulting in severe injury or even death. If your garage door opener was manufactured prior to 1993, we strongly urge you to consider having it replaced.
Advances in modern technology
Digital technology is creating more and more inroads into our lives. One area that you might not have considered is in garage door opener technology. LiftMaster’s MyQTM system has been around since 2014, and offers advanced technology that allows you to open and close your garage door from your smartphone, without ever having to use the remote at all. It’s all about peace of mind and ensuring that your home is secure and protected at all times.
Not sure what needs to be done? we can help
If you’re not sure what should be done with your garage door or garage door opener, contact us at 709-368-7222. We can provide you with expert advice and guidance, professional maintenance and repairs, and even install a new opener or an entire garage door if you prefer. We’d also be happy to send you a quote by email.
Feel free to use our Design Centre to see the available styles we offer. You can also use our image gallery to get a better idea of your options.
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