Garage Door Repair Norman OK involves working with the mechanical components of a garage door. These include springs, tracks, motors, and other hardware.
To keep your garage door in good shape, it’s a good idea to inspect it on a regular basis. To do this, open and close the door, and watch how it moves.
The springs in a garage door provide the lifting force for your doors. Over time, these springs can lose their elasticity and break. This can result in the doors hanging down or not opening at all. If your springs break, you will need to have them replaced. This is usually a job for a professional, but homeowners can do it themselves with some patience and caution.
If you decide to replace your own garage door springs, it is crucial that you follow the instructions closely and take steps to prevent safety hazards. First, disconnect power to the motor and clamp the door track to keep it secure while you work. You should also disengage the cable drums from their mounting brackets. It is helpful to have a second person to help lift the garage door to a full vertical position so that you can access the torsion bar. Then, you can measure the old spring or springs to determine the proper size to purchase for replacement.
You will need a pair of new extension springs (you may want to order a kit that includes a set of 2 springs and all the necessary hardware) and some tools. These include an adjustable wrench, two 1/2″ X 18″ winding bars (available at most hardware stores), and a ladder. You may also want to have a hammer and file on hand for removing any old bolts or nuts that were used to mount the springs.
Once you have the new springs in place, you can reinstall the cable drums and their mounting brackets. It is also a good idea to lubricate the bearing on the center bracket that supports the torsion bar and stationary cones. This will keep the shaft from rubbing against the insides of the cones and potentially damaging them over time.
When the installation is complete, you should test the new springs by lifting the garage door to a full vertical position and then letting it go. If it stays in place, you have successfully replaced your broken garage door springs. However, if the springs break again and the door falls down, you should call a professional to repair your garage door.
Misaligned Tracks
Over time the tracks that guide your door’s rollers can become misaligned. This occurs due to natural deterioration of the metal tracks caused by constant door weight and wear. Poor maintenance also contributes to misalignment, which can be easily avoided by regular cleaning and lubrication of the track system. If your garage door is exhibiting symptoms of track misalignment, it’s essential to get the problem fixed promptly before the issue escalates.
If left untreated, misaligned tracks can damage the rollers and cause your garage door to break down prematurely. The best way to spot a problem is to listen for new sounds while your garage door opens and closes. Any unusual rubbing or scraping noises can indicate that your tracks need to be realigned.
A visible gap between your garage door and its tracks is another sign of misalignment. If the gap is significant, it can allow cold air to enter your home during the winter and warm air to escape during the summer, increasing your energy costs. Additionally, gaps can also make your garage door more vulnerable to unauthorized entry.
Professional technicians are trained to inspect your tracks for signs of alignment issues and repair them as necessary. They can carefully loosen the bolts that hold the track in place and gently tap them back into alignment with a rubber mallet or wooden block. Once the tracks are properly aligned, they can tighten the bolts and test the garage door to ensure that it moves smoothly with no resistance or jerking.
It’s always a good idea to contact a trained professional when addressing a misaligned track as it can be dangerous and requires specialized tools. Professionals can safely realign your tracks without damaging the rollers or door panels and provide you with maintenance tips to prevent future problems. They can also perform extensive repairs if your garage door has sustained significant damage.
Broken Cables
Garage doors are heavy, and they operate with a multitude of moving parts. One of these parts is a cable that runs underneath the springs and connects to the door itself. Unfortunately, these cables are prone to breaking when they’re put under pressure. This can be very dangerous for anyone trying to open their garage and often requires the help of a professional.
When a garage door cable snaps it can cause the door to lift or lower unevenly, making opening and closing the door difficult or impossible. A broken cable also puts extra strain on the springs and other hardware components, which can lead to early wear or failure. While some people try to replace a garage door cable themselves, it’s important to understand that this is a complex task that should only be done by a trained professional.
The cables are made of heavy-duty galvanized wire and typically last for years, but constant stress from use, rubbing against other components and exposure to the elements can accelerate their wear. Regular visual inspections can often spot a cable that’s beginning to break and prevent it from snapping.
Some of the warning signs of a broken cable include a loud bang when opening or closing the garage, the appearance of sagging cables or visible wear on them. It’s also important to check for signs of moisture and rust near the cables, as this can contribute to their premature wear.
In addition to checking the cables, it’s also a good idea to regularly inspect the pulley mechanisms that they run through. If the bearings are faulty this can cause additional wear on the cables and even cause them to snap. If you hear squeaking or grinding noises or notice that the pulleys have worn marks or a burnt smell, this is an indication that the bearings need to be replaced.
It’s also a good idea to consult your owner’s manual for guidance on the specific maintenance needs and troubleshooting steps for your garage door system. Always be sure to disconnect the power before starting any repairs and work with a partner to provide an extra set of eyes and hands during the process.
Damaged Hardware
If your garage door is dented, cracked or scratched, it’s important to have it repaired quickly. This is because damaged parts can cause the system to fail or work incorrectly. A garage door is heavy and operates using delicate internal mechanisms. If left unattended, small problems can turn into big ones that require costly repair or replacement.
For example, if your door has become stuck or misaligned, it may be due to loose mounting brackets. If this continues to happen, the door could eventually fall off the tracks entirely. This is not only a major safety issue, but it will also require replacement of other components like rollers and hinges.
Similarly, if your sensors are not functioning properly, it could mean that something is blocking their path. It’s best to have a professional inspect the sensor and check whether there is anything that needs to be cleaned or replaced. It’s not recommended to try this yourself as you could injure yourself or damage the system further.
A professional can also help with minor cosmetic repairs, such as replacing missing or damaged weather stripping. This is usually a simple task, but it requires careful installation to ensure that the door is not compromised in any way. For more serious cosmetic damage, your technician will likely recommend a complete door panel replacement.
Another common issue that requires professional assistance is broken electrical wiring. This is not a job for any amateur because there are many different components, cables and wires that need to be carefully dealt with. It’s also a safety risk and, if not done correctly, can lead to electrical shock or even fire.
Garage doors undergo a lot of wear and tear due to constant use, harsh weather conditions, and other external factors. While most people are capable of carrying out some maintenance tasks, there are certain issues that only a certified professional can resolve safely and effectively. This is especially true for components that are under high tension, such as springs and cabling. Trying to handle these without proper training and tools can lead to expensive and dangerous damage that could easily injure or kill someone.