The varied weather and constant usage of the garage door mean that there can be a variety of problems affecting garage doors in Connecticut, at Connecticut Garage Door Repair have been servicing and repairing garage doors in Connecticut and New Haven County for many years. We have seen just about every possible problem that can occur with a garage door. It is important to know what the most common problems are and what can be done to avoid them. The following are the most common problems we have encountered, and we will provide some expert advice on what can be done to avoid them.
Broken Springs
Broken garage door springs are the most common problem we have encountered in Connecticut. The springs in the garage door are under immense tension and have a definite life expectancy, which is about 10000 cycles. If the springs in the garage door break, the garage door becomes extremely difficult to open and can even make it impossible to open. The only way to avoid a broken spring from becoming an emergency situation is to have regular maintenance performed. We can perform routine maintenance and replace springs that have almost reached the end of their life. We can even provide springs that have a life expectancy of 25000 or 50000 cycles.
Noisy Operation
A loud squeaky or grinding sound coming from your garage door is not only annoying, it is also indicative of something wrong with your door. The most common causes of this annoying sound include worn out rollers, lack of sufficient lubrication, loose hardware, and worn hinges. Proper lubrication with a product containing silicone can work wonders in keeping your door quiet. Changing your standard steel rollers to premium nylon rollers is also a sure way to quiet your door, especially if you have living spaces adjacent to your garage.
Door Off Track
A garage door that has come off the tracks is a major problem that demands instant professional assistance. This can happen in cases where a cable has snapped, where the tracks are bent, or where the door has been hit by a car. In order to avoid problems related to the tracks, it is essential to ensure that the tracks are clean and free of any material, check the tracks regularly for signs of bending, and avoid hitting the tracks with your car.
Opener Malfunctions
Your garage door opener is also prone to different types of malfunctions. The most common opener malfunctions include unresponsive remotes, the motor running with the door not moving, the door reversing before it closes, and the door opening on its own. These common opener malfunctions can be easily solved by using simple troubleshooting techniques.
Weather Damage
Sometimes the weather in Connecticut can be very unforgiving to the garage door. For example, snowfall can put too much pressure on the door. During the snowfall, the door can even stick to the ground because of the ice. Penetration of rainwater into the door because of damaged weatherstripping can cause rusting on the door. Freeze thaw is common in Connecticut. Freeze thaw can cause the floor in the garage to heave. This can cause problems for the door. The best way to protect your door from weather related damages is to ensure the door is made of steel.
Sagging or Warped Panels
Garage door panels may sag or become warped over time. This is particularly common for wood doors that are prone to moisture. Panels that sag may cause the door to become difficult to open and close. In some cases, this may cause stress on the springs and opener. However, replacing these panels will prevent this from becoming a major problem in the future. When it comes to glass doors, it is important to ensure that the aluminum framing is straight and that the glass panels are secure.
Prevention Is the Best Strategy
The best solution for preventing all of these problems is to take advantage of regular professional maintenance provided by Connecticut Garage Door Repair. We offer a comprehensive level of maintenance that covers every part of your garage door system.