A garage door is built to last decades, but a damaged or malfunctioning one can quickly become a costly problem. When this happens, a full replacement is often required.
Before calling for service, try a simple test. Move a bucket or something similar under the electronic eye as it closes. If the door hits the object, it should reverse.
Cost
When replacing your garage door, there are several factors that affect the cost. These include the type of material, customization, and labor. The average installation costs around $300, but it can be more if you choose custom designs or add features like insulation.
A new door can be made from wood, steel, or aluminum. Wood doors are typically more expensive than steel, but they also look nicer and are energy efficient. Steel is the most affordable, but it doesn’t offer the visual appeal of wood or the insulating properties of aluminum.
If your garage door has been damaged by a car or other object, it may be time to replace it. While a repair is usually cheaper than a replacement, it’s important to consider the damage and decide whether or not a full replacement is necessary. For example, a door with severe rust or physical damage may be beyond repair. Moreover, it’s best to have the replacement done by professionals.
Materials
Some garage doors are made of wood, aluminum or steel. Aluminum and steel are durable in a variety of climates, while wood is vulnerable to the elements. Faux wood is available and offers the curb appeal of real wood without the maintenance or rot problems.
If the Garage Door Repair in Houston TX has an extension spring, it’s a good idea to install a safety cable. This runs through the middle of the spring and ties off to solid points on both ends of the track. It prevents the dangerous whipping motion of a broken spring and makes it much safer to work on the door.
Replace a worn weather seal at the bottom of the door to block air leaks and keep pests out. Use a dual-durometer gasket, sold at garage-door parts suppliers. It will last longer than the standard vinyl strip and has a tubular shape for easier installation. Remember, structural repairs and changing parts under tension, such as the springs or cables, are jobs for professionals.
Installation
While many homeowners have the skills to handle some minor repairs on their own, structural issues and changing parts under tension should be left to professionals. These are tasks that should only be performed by experts with a good grasp of safety and the technical knowledge to work on garage doors.
For instance, a torsion spring can become a dangerous whip when it breaks and should never be removed or adjusted by someone without the right training. Also, extension springs can release their tension quickly, which can injure someone.
If your door has lost its weather seal and lets in a draft, you can replace it with a dual-durometer seal available from garage-door suppliers. This tubular seal is easy to install and costs about $50. Before you start your project, make sure that you have all the materials lined up to avoid making multiple trips to the hardware store. In addition, you should have a basic business insurance policy to cover your operations.
Maintenance
Over time, your garage door will wear down and require some maintenance. Although you can do some repairs yourself, structural repair and changing components under tension (springs and cables) should be left to the pros.
A good maintenance schedule includes lubricating the hinges and rollers. Use non-silicon-based lubricant, such as motor oil on metal parts and brake cleaner for nylon rollers. Also check that the safety sensors are free of debris and properly aligned.
If your garage door is dragging or making loud noises, check the track brackets for looseness. Loose track brackets can cause a lot of friction, which can slow down the opening and closing of the door. To reduce friction, adjust the track brackets so that there’s about a quarter inch to a half inch of space between them and the frame of the garage. This will also help prevent the tracks from becoming misaligned, which can cause the door to bind or stop altogether in mid-swing.