Have you noticed that your garage door has started getting noisier lately? Maybe you just chalk it up to the door aging and put off inspecting it or doing any maintenance. After all, the door is still working, maybe it’s just taking a little extra time lately. What could go wrong, right?
The thing is, you can wait if you want to and see if anything gets worse. However, you take a risk if something is wrong and it isn’t rectified. Nobody wants to leave themselves or their family in harm’s way, which is why you may want to consider updating your garage door sooner, rather than later.
Below we’ll give some insight into the risks of continuing without repair or replacement.
First things first…
You need to remember that your home garage door is the most substantial moving component of your home. Because of that, ensuring that it works safely is crucial to avoid accidents or damage.
Another thing to be aware of is that the garage door takes up a large portion of the façade of your home. When someone pulls up into your driveway, it’s the first thing that is seen and noticed. Having an old garage door can make the entire home seem a bit shabby and dated. This is not the optimal first impression that you want to give off.
A properly operating spring system is an absolute must!
Have you slacked on the proper maintenance that your garage door needs? If so, the spring system (or counterweight system) may not be properly adjusted. This is what lowers and raises the door. The springs in the door have a lifespan of around five to seven years, even if upkeep has been flawless. This applies to both extension and torsion springs.
On the same note, you should understand that an average 9‑foot‑wide garage door system can weight around 140 pounds (63.5 kilos) while a 16‑foot garage door will weight around 260 pounds (118 kilos). The opener for your garage door has no problem lifting a garage door that weighs up to 350 pounds (159 kilos), however it can also push down that same amount of weight. That’s dangerous, especially if the photo‑eye safety reversing systems start to work incorrectly. This can lead to major accidents and injuries.
If you want a simple way to ensure that your spring system is working as it should, we have you covered. A balanced garage door with a working spring system will only weigh around eight to 10 pounds (3.5 to 4.5 kilos). To find out if that’s the case with your door, you first want to tug on the emergency cord to shut off your door opener. At that time, try to lift up the door with only one hand. If you cannot do so, you should contact us immediately. This is not a problem that you should attempt to fix on your own. If you are not experienced with garage door repair, you could end up majorly injuring yourself.
Check those nuts and bolts, while you can!
One of the causes of excess noise in an older garage door may be due to nuts and bolts that have wiggled loose over time. You should take a look at the system holding the tracks, as well as the hinges. If you notice that anything is loose, you should immediately bolt those parts securely.
Are the rollers moving as smoothly as they should be?
The reason rollers have that name is because it’s what they do. Rollers should be rolling, not sliding. If you notice they no longer roll properly and seem “square”, you are best off to replace them. In addition, if it seems as if the rollers might come off the shaft holding them there, get in touch with us quickly. This is a repair that needs to be done as soon as possible.
If you’re okay so far, lubrication might be what your metal garage door parts need.
Sometimes older garages can get damp, which will lead to a build‑up of rust on metal parts of the door. This can make your garage door wear out more quickly. Applying lubrication to any metal parts will help keep things operating well.
Consider your door opener, as well!
Has it been twenty years or more since your opener was installed? If that’s the case, there may not be an automatic reversal system. This system is a safety mechanism that reacts by reversing the door’s path if an animal or person gets in the way of the door while it was moving downward. Many accidents with garage doors involving children occur do to inversion systems not working the way they should.
If your garage door opener was made before 1993, we strongly recommend replacing it. This will ensure that you and your loved ones are safe at all times.
There’s also new technology out there now!
Just as the Internet has become a part of our lives in other ways, it can now have an impact on even your garage door opener. Starting in 2014, LiftMaster’s MyQTM advanced technology has provided a way to close and open your garage door from wherever you are. The system will also let you check from a distance whether you close the garage door, just in case you aren’t sure.
For these problems and more, we can help you.
If you have grown tired of dealing with constant problems with an old garage door, contact us at 1 800 696 1926. We can help you understand the options you have in terms of both door openers and garage doors. We’ll also help you determine the best choice to keep your garage safe. We can also send you a quotation by email.
Those who want a more visual option are welcome to visit us at our showroom. You can also check out our Design Center to look at styles that suit you. There is also an image gallery to help you find inspiration.
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