Installing a garage door system can cost a lot of money, and so does replacing them. That's why it can be a headache if your current unit is not working as smoothly as it was and you cannot point a finger to the cause. If you are looking to make major decisions, check out this garage door repair and troubleshooting checklist.
1. Look around
The first thing you need to do is to look around for external causes. You would be surprised at how many problems can be caused by small tools or equipment becoming lodged somewhere in the assembly.
2. Clean up
Usually, a thick gooey substance accumulates on the rollers and the tracks of the garage door. This is the result of exposure to dust and the lubricants used for maintenance. The resulting friction may cause the equipment to become stuck. You can remove the substance by using ordinary household cleaning agents or mild soap. When you use a cleaning agent for the rollers, make sure you dry everything thoroughly.
3. Lubricate
Sometimes, the mechanism does not work properly because the moving parts aren't lubricated enough. Lubrication should be done twice a month; just avoid getting anything on the plastic idler bearings. Powdered graphite can be used on the tracks and household oil is good for the rollers. Take care as you do this process to avoid any issues described in step 2.
4. Check Springs
You should also check the cables and extension springs. Extension springs are those that can be found on either side of the door, running from a pulley. Make sure that the cables and springs aren't rusty. If they are, you may need to make a phone call to a local professional to determine if they just need cleaning or need to be replaced. Make sure you replace the springs in pairs so there won't be imbalance. There is, however, another spring system in use for most garage systems, and that is the torsion spring. This is a high-tension spring that would be complicated to repair; in which case, a professional technician might be needed.
5. Tighten Down
Garage doors, just like anything, is subject to wear and tear. Bolts, hinges, and screws are no exception, especially since your garage doors are used very often. Check all the screws and bolts involved in the opening mechanism for your garage door. There are times when tightening those might solve the problem. If they cannot be tightened anymore because of loose holes, you can use pieces of wood as a filler. Check to see if the hinges are sagging. Adjust or replace them if they need attention. For side-hinge garage doors, make sure the timber where the hinges are connected are in excellent condition also.
6. Look at The Tracks
Search for dents and dings in the metal tracks. Tracks direct the roller assembly, so they are extremely important. Examine the alignment as well and fix damaged locations back into position when feasible.
Garage systems tend to be 7 feet of wood, metal, or plastic, often a mixture of all three. So it might take some detective work to discover what's faulty. With this checklist, you'll have an easier time. In the event you are not that much of a handyman, seek advice from a garage door repair business or visit online storefronts for an estimate of possible fixes.