Garage Door Repair: Tips And Tricks

Overhead units, regardless of whether the swing up in one piece, or roll in sections, operate on spring tension. The unit moves via metal tracks, which are positioned on the walls of the garage. A set of springs provides to power. In cases where the unit is having minor difficulty operating, repairs can be fairly simple. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.

Begin by checking the metal tracks. Take a look at the mounting brackets and check to see whether they are loose. In the case that they are, tighten the bolts and screws at the brackets. With the unit closed, examine each track for crimps, flat spots, or dents. If damage is found, pound it out with a hammer or rubber mallet. Badly damaged tracks should be replaced immediately.

Next, inspect the tracks with a level to make certain they are aligned properly. Horizontal tracks should slant slightly downward. Where roll-up doors are concerned, the vertical tracks should be exactly plumb. Tracks must sit at the same height on both walls. If the tracks do not appear properly aligned, loosen the screws holding the mounting brackets and tap the tracks into position. Make sure to recheck the tracks using the level to make sure the position is correct, and then tighten the screws.

A good way to prevent problems is to regularly clean the tracks with concentrated cleaners in order to remove dirty and grease build-up. Clean the rollers and wipe down both tracks making certain they're dry.

Lubricate all moving parts using lubricant spray or powdered graphite. Use household oil or silicone spray when dealing with the rollers. Make sure not to forget any pulleys in the system, and lubricate them with whatever was used on the rollers.

Check around for loose hardware and tighten as needed. With swing-up models, inspect the plates where the spring is mounted in order to be sure the screws are tight. Check the hinges that hold the sections together on roll-up units. Replace or tighten parts accordingly.

Take a look at the springs. On swing doors, the spring on each side is hooked into notches or holes. When a tension adjustment is required, move the spring hook to the next hole or notch. With roll-up models, the spring on each side is controlled by a cable on a simple pulley system. To adjust, pull the cable farther through the plate above the door and knot the end so as the maintenance the tension.

Hopefully you know have a better idea of what to look for when diagnosing a problem with your garage door. Remember to call in a professional if you run into something you don't quite understand, as many of these systems can be rather dangerous to deal with.