Thursday, October 12, 2017

Garage door won’t work – things to check before calling a professional

Have you ever tried to blow dry your hair but the hair dryer burnt out or stopped working? How about trying to wash a load of dirty dishes and the dishwasher quit working; remember that? It can be frustrating; having to deal with appliances that you’ve paid good money for and then suddenly they don’t work, leaving you with wet hair and dirty dishes! Suddenly we are faced with appliance repair or, most likely, replacement. It’ not only annoying but it can ruin your day or at least throw you off schedule. Garage doors are often considered the largest appliance in the house and when they stop working, it’s really aggravating as your car can be left outside, trapped inside or even damaged by a suddenly falling wood or metal garage door weighing several hundred pounds!

What choice do you have?

It’s your garage door for Pete’s sake! You have to fix it or else you are doomed to be greatly inconvenienced by having to manually lift and lower your garage door or not use it at all! Unlike your hair dryer, you can’t simply go out and buy a new one at your local Target store. But do you really need to call a garage door professional in order to get it fixed? Maybe, but not always! Often, there are simple and easy to do adjustments that you can make yourself. Read on and see what we recommend; you might just save yourself a service call and some money! Here in Duluth, GA you might have to eventually call a garage door shop like ours, but even if you do, you can still save on time and money by explaining to your repair technician that you’ve already done these simple checks on your own.

Your garage door is complicated

Did you know that your garage door is not just a big slab of metal or wood? It actually consists of hundreds of individual parts including panels, sections, springs, cables, pulleys, opener unit, safety sensors, hinges, tracks and lots more. Each of these parts must be in good working order for your garage door to function safely and reliably. Our Duluth Garage Door Repair shop recommends doing a simple overall check on some of these components; often a small adjustment is all that is needed to get your garage door back in great working shape!

Start simple; check your battery

That’s right; check your remote’s battery. Why go through extra expense and trouble getting a garage door technician to come out when all that is needed is a simple battery check? Your battery may be low, dead, or leaking. All you need to do is check it. Do you have a home battery tester? Use it. If you don’t have one, they are very inexpensive and are sold at many stores locally or online. They typically run around $10 but a completely free way to get this simple job done is to take your battery to a local store that offers free testing. Most Home Depot, Lowe’s and Wal-mart stores offer this service so check your battery and make sure that it is in good working shape.

Next, check your safety eyes

These are your safety sensors that signal each other in order to operate your garage door automatically. These do need to be correctly aligned so be sure to check yours. Proceed if you know how to do this simple task; if not, check your owner’s manual or go online and watch a video on the subject. There are literally dozens of them that show how to manually adjust your sensors so that the beam connects as it should. While you are it, look for cobwebs, frayed wires, unplugged cords, loose hinges and anything else that can interfere with your sensors working right.

Path blockage

Today’s garage doors have a safety feature that stops them from closing if anyone or anything blocks the direct downward path of the garage door. If your dog or child walks underneath the door while it is closing, this feature will reverse the motion of the door and it will go back up. This is a good thing but it can make it look like your garage door is not working right if you don’t know that the path is blocked; something as small as a toy or a rock can trigger the safety feature and send your garage door on its way back up. Check for path blockage and while you are it, look at your tracks and clear them of any dirt, chewing gum, rocks or other debris. This is vital because your rollers can’t move up or down if the tracks are even partially blocked. Keep garden tools, rakes, trash cans, skateboards and other items away from your safety sensors and from underneath your garage door. This might sound like a lot to do but it’s really not; just be aware of any blockages for your garage door, safety eyes and tracks.

Manual lock check

Has this happened to you before? You try to open your garage door, but instead of rising; the door doesn’t move. In fact, the opener motor runs but then stops! You already know that it’s not the battery as there was power to start the motor. You just checked the sensors and tracks to make sure that both are unobstructed. What in the world is the problem? A good guess would be your manual lock. These are the locks that look like a knob in the middle of the garage doorwith horizontal bars that stretch out from each side. There’s often a button on the top or side of the knob that permits you to lock the garage door from inside. If activated, this button permits the bars to slide across the garage door and lock it.  Don’t worry though; it’s very easy to unlock! Just turn the knob. You’ll hear a clicking sound that indicates that the lock is being removed. Just turn the handle and the horizontal bars will move away from the edges and your garage door will be unlocked.




Article source here: Garage door won’t work – things to check before calling a professional

Saturday, April 22, 2017

IF YOU CAN’T OPEN OR SHUT YOUR GARAGE DOOR, HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO!

If your garage door goes on the fritz, there are numerous causes that your garage door is acting up. Some reasons are simple, and some are more complex. But don’t waste time getting upset. There’s still plenty you can do.

 

 

Problems and Solutions

 

What if your garage door won’t close? The garage door has a photo sensor eye on each side. Between them is an invisible beam, which, when broken, prevents the garage door from shutting. Check to see if they’re grimy or misaligned. Depending upon which brand and style of sensors you have, if the light’s blinking, there’s surely something wrong. Or, if you have sensors with red and green lights, the red one generally means it’s not fully functioning.

 

Another sensor issue can be the wiring. Examine the sensors’ connections, making sure the wires haven’t come loose or become hindered by corrosion. Another possibility is that there’s a short in the wiring, which can sometimes result from a staple that was used during the initial installation; vibrations over the years can eventually lead to a disconnect. Also, wires can become stretched, resulting in a disconnection.

 

If your garage door won’t open, the springs are likely failing, not staying contracted as they should. Adjustment is possible, by shortening the cables using a bracket in order to add additional tension on the springs. If your garage door has one or two torsion springs, one or both could be broken. Never try adjusting your own garage door! If improperly serviced, a garage door spring can cause injury or even death. The cables, drums, or bottom brackets may require adjusting. Or, it’s possible that the springs require replacement. Either way, it’s wise to hire a dependable garage door professional. If you live anywhere in Duluth, Georgia, consider a legitimate local garage door company such as Duluth Garage Door Repair.

 

Does the garage door go all the way down, but open again? It’s likely that the open-and-close limit settings of your garage door opener are malfunctioning. The settings tell the garage door opener how far your garage door should move before it shuts all the way down. If it’s set too high, the door will hit the ground before the opener thinks it ought to, presuming the door is touching an object in its path. If that’s the case, it will reverse so as not to crush it. Read your operator’s manual for the steps to follow to set the open-and-close limits.

 

Does the garage door opener run a few seconds, and then turn off? This can happen when the garage door’s shut, while the motor tries but fails to lift up the door.

 

  1. Check the track for any obstacles.
  2. Examine the springs.
  3. See whether your garage door is the kind that has a built-in lock, because maybe it’s been engaging inadvertently. This commonly occurs with older garage doors.

 

Does the garage door close part way, but open again? A garage door has a reversing mechanism so it won’t smash objects in its path. The reversing instruction is triggered by any objects on the floor blocking the garage door’s path ~ a trash can, bicycle, or box. You may observe debris on the tracks ~ grime or a tiny object ~ that’s stopping the rollers from moving forward. This calls for professional attention.

 

The garage door track may be out of alignment. The metal track of your garage door has to be aligned correctly, or it won’t budge. Check for any gaps between rollers and the rail, or bends in the rails. As the years pass, the garage door’s weight can compound these problems, so locate a garage door professional, because the door will become increasingly dangerous to operate.

 

You may have low transmitter batteries. Perhaps all you have to do is replace them, and the garage door will open.

 

Is your garage door closing and opening randomly? If your garage door opens or closes on its own, that’s a security risk and a nuisance. Try this:

 

  1. Check the transmitter. Make sure it’s not wedged underneath an object that’s pressing down on the control mechanism unintentionally. For instance, the transmitter could be underneath some item you forget you left in your vehicle, or somewhere else nearby.
  2. Test the transmitter’s frequency. It’s possible a neighbor has your same exact frequency.

 

Does the garage door opener run, yet the garage door won’t move? In a power outage, your garage door opener has a disconnect switch, so you can manually open or close your garage door. The switch, attached to a knob or rope, can accidentally come unhooked.

 

  1. Open or shut the garage door all the way.
  2. Reattach the hook securely.
  3. Using the transmitter, try opening or shutting the door again. This time it should work.

 

Does your garage door slam down with a loud bang? You may have a broken tension spring, which counters the weight of the garage door. The cables connected to the tension spring are probably broken. Either case can be hazardous. Contact an expert garage door technician immediately.

 

 

Prevent Future Problems

 

Maintaining your garage door is fairly easy. The minimal effort required to keep your garage door in tiptop shape means you won’t have to replace it for a good long time.

 

Schedule an annual inspection with a local reliable garage door repair company. Springs, pulleys, cables, and wires need professional attention.

 

Every two years, clean your garage door.

 

  1. Wash each side with a sponge using mild dish soap and water. Rinse well.
  2. Clean the sensor eyes using a dry, fresh cloth.
  3. Keep the area around the sensors free from cobwebs and grime.
  4. If you have a steel garage door, for cold-weather protection apply car wax.
  5. If you have a wooden garage door, if you notice chipping or peeling, put on a new coat of paint.

 

Once a month, take a look at your garage door system’s components.

 

  1. Tighten loose bolts.
  2. Replace worn parts.
  3. If you hear any odd noises when your garage door opens and closes, investigate further.

 

Establish a routine maintenance schedule to lengthen the life of your garage door. If your garage is also a game room, workshop, or office, it’s important to lubricate your garage door springs, rollers, and hinges ~ once a year, before winter comes. Otherwise, ultimately the springs will rust, and the coils will bind. Choose a reputable brand, so it won’t dry out. You’ll need only a light coating.




Article source here: IF YOU CAN’T OPEN OR SHUT YOUR GARAGE DOOR, HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO!

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Duluth Garage Door Repair: Garage Door Issues In Cold Weather

Garage doors can have all kinds of issues ranging from improper balance to garage door springs not operating as they should. However, sometimes, even with regular maintenance and servicing, there are other factors that can cause a surprising amount of issues for your door. Primarily, there are quite a few garage door issues in cold weather which don’t arise during regular climates.

The cold affects more than you may think within your home. Sure when you walk outside, you feel the frost on your face and bundle up, but your home is affected by the cold in a similar way. For instance, during winter, have you ever noticed how that one always sticky bathroom door is nice and loose but in the summer it just can’t seem to open fast enough? That has to do with the wood and metal of the door contracting and expanding respectively.

The garage door is a mechanism made of mostly metal and as such, it also has these similar effects although it isn’t to as much of an extreme degree. The main thing to remember is your garage door is out against the elements and does not have any heating or air conditioning (typically) to help alleviate the stress put on it by the climate. There are a few warning signs to look out for during cold weather when it comes to your garage door.

Garage Door Just Won’t Open

As Duluth Garage Door Repair in Duluth, GA will tell you, the number one complaint about garage doors during cold weather, is that they just won’t open or close all the way which is a major issue. This can happen to both hand operated and opener enabled doors and there are a variety of reasons why this may occur.

One of the more common issues of this particular problem has to do with the cold temperature warping the brackets and thus causing the runners to become slightly out of alignment. This is due, as mentioned before, to metal’s nature to begin contraction during cold weather. This can cause the issues above and are often hard to help on your own outside of applying some different anti frost elements to the frame which actually may cause debris to build up and make the problem worse.

Electric Opener Issues

Electronics for the most part, love the cold. In fact, if someone was wild enough, they could have their whole personal computer setup outside during winter temperatures and it would actually perform better than under normal home cooling temps. This is due to the machines getting hot and if they are capable of staying cooler for longer, they can hit higher performance caps.

However, your garage door equipment for opening and closing is not as friendly to the cold. Often, the wiring, sensors, and receiver are encased in plastic. Plastic suffers from the same issues as most other materials in the cold but can go further and actually crack or split depending on how severe and prolonged the chill is.

Sensors, in particular, will often incorrectly read if they have frost covering the lens or water dripping down the front. This is a hassle as even after cleaning them perfectly, it could very well be the housing of the receiver or switch that have been damaged and need immediate care.

The worst case scenario however is the cable housing is damaged and you now have exposed wire running from your switch box up to your receiver. Most units are not primarily insulated against severe cold and chill so if there are any gaps in your door, it’s possible that this could cause your whole system to malfunction and leave you stuck inside on a nice winter day.

Creaky Door

If your door does open and close as it should, then you probably have heard the infamous creaking/door opening sound that sometimes occurs during winter. Chances are, it is damaging itself. Having a misaligned door is the first sign of a door getting ready to fail and, in addition to the springs having to work harder, you are actually heading closer and closer to having a door that refuses to open or is ready to collapse.

In addition, the garage door springs which support the door itself may be the items that are damaged by frost. The garage door springs are used to provide a “spring force” equal to the weight of the door and provide support for the door itself. If these are in a contracted state, it’s possible that the force provided could be affected which can and will cause an issue.

What Can You Do To Help Prevent Any Of These Situations?

The garage door, anytime of the year, is a tool to help protect your valuable objects and your family. If it is malfunctioning, then it decreases the security of your home and begins to increase in repair costs the longer it goes without service.

The best thing to do to help during cold weather however, is to speak with a local Garage door repair service that is equipped to not only effectively lubricate the right parts of the door to prevent too much contraction and extra wear and tear, but to also replace and properly insulate any wires that may have been exposed during the cold weather.

Sure, it would be easy to try and DIY as is common nowadays, but the thought of trying to repair a garage door in the cold and then finding out that it’s outside of your ability is the worst. To prevent being stranded inside and missing days of work, or worst yet, having the garage door collapse on you because of winter coming suddenly, hire an expert to inspect and service your door regularly.

The winter is a great time to frolic with friends and family as well as get cozy in your home, so don’t let cold weather affect your good time by being proactive with your garage door maintenance.




Article source here: Duluth Garage Door Repair: Garage Door Issues In Cold Weather

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wooden Doors

You may be considering purchasing a wooden garage door instead of a steel or aluminum door. If this is the case, you may have to consider more than just its appearance if you want to make a good investment. Do you want a custom designed wooden garage door or are you going to buy one that is already made? If you are having a custom-made door, you’ll have to make sure that the opening of the door is wide enough to fit the new door. Even if you’re purchasing an existing door, you need to measure the opening to make sure the door you purchase, will fit. The reason that someone may choose to have their garage door custom-made is so that they can have something different and unique; something to set their home apart from the other houses in the neighborhood. A wooden door is usually more expensive than any other type of garage door but many people believe that it is well worth it to have the door that they have always wanted.

 

A solid wood door is considered a premium garage door. The craftsmanship of a wooden garage door is generally better than any other type of garage door. They are made of quality, solid wood; which means they often last longer. They make the appearance of any home look better. If this isn’t enough to convince you that you should invest in a wooden garage door, perhaps this will

 

Advantages of Wooden Garage Doors

 

Durability/Solid Build – Wood is strong and has existing built-in insulating benefits. Most wooden doors are built from renewable wood, which is environmentally beneficial in reducing carbon footprints. When a wooden door is finished properly and well maintained, the wooden door will last for a very long time.

 

Appearance – The wooden garage door is by far one of the most attractive types of garage doors manufactured today. The style and finishing of the door will add curb appeal to your neighborhood.

 

The options are numerous in terms of designs. A wooden door can be painted, stained and even carved. They come in mahogany, oak, pine and hemlock. The type of wood that you may choose to use will depend on the style home you live in and your own preferences.

 

If you have one custom made, you can have it made to your own specifications. You can choose a sleek modern look or a distressed, rustic look. There are plenty of unusual woods that you may not even be familiar with but one of our technicians at Duluth Garage Door Repair in Duluth, GA will be able to consult with you so that you’ll know what all of your options are. Having your garage door custom made means you get more of what you want.

 

Professionally Fitted – Your wooden garage door will consist of layers being fitted. There is more than just one slab of wood installed. The layers that may be included in the construction of your garage door might include a steel frame and insulation. The type that is installed and the way it is fitted will depend on the homeowner’s budget and what they need to achieve maximum mobility.

 

There are benefits to purchasing your new garage door from the in-house manufacturer. While our technicians and service associates are able to help you select the type of wood and design to use for your door, a professional manufacturer will be able to offer you specific preferences, such as stains, weathering and more. They can handle the job of caulking or sanding the door to give you the exact finish that you would like.

 

Energy Efficiency – If you want to maximize the insulation benefits of your door, you can have it inlaid. When inlaid, it is typically accomplished with oak wood. A wooden garage door can be constructed and installed to achieve the benefits of being able to resist high winds and other extreme weather. Your wooden door will be finished with pinch protection to avoid harming you from splinters. The final step in customizing your door is sanding it to minimize any sharp edges that could be harmful.

 

Hardware – Your wood garage door might have up to five layers of construction and optional hardware and windows. Premium wood is harvested from natural trees. These trees usually come from fallen forestry.

 

We would love to say that there is no downside to a wooden door but this would not be the truth. The truth is that there are some disadvantages to a wooden garage door.

 

Disadvantages of Wooden Garage Doors

 

Maintenance – Many homeowners do not realize just how much it takes to keep a wooden door in good condition until they have one. If you want the appearance of your wooden door to always look the way it did when it was installed, you’ll have to have annual maintenance performed on it. Routine maintenance aids in keeping the door from rotting.

 

Cost – The wooden garage door is more expensive than fiberglass or metal doors. The way the door is constructed and the materials used to design it is also expensive. You are paying for the material and exceptional craftsmanship that goes into designing such an exquisite garage door. Crafting a wooden door can be very labor intense.

 

Expensive Openers – Since the wooden door is heavy, it calls for a very powerful garage door opener. The more power the opener has, the more expensive it will be. This is the same for the springs used to operate a wooden garage door.

Location – It isn’t practical for you to invest in a wooden door if you live near a beach or you live in an area that is prone to rain. This weather can cause the door to swell and bind. The doors motor will not operate properly, making it hard for you to open and close your garage door. You will also experience problems if you live in an area that is very dry and is often hot.

 

 




Article source here: Advantages and Disadvantages of Wooden Doors

Thursday, March 2, 2017

HOW TO FIND A GOOD GARAGE DOOR SERVICE!

In a perfect world, you won’t ever need service for your Duluth, GA garage door. It would just work like it should, every time you use it. But…since we don’t live in a perfect world, your home or business garage door will need repair, installation, or replacement sooner or later, and when it does, it pays to know where to find the best service for it. Duluth Garage Door Repair is pleased to offer these helpful tips on doing just that. You don’t need to live in the local area to take advantage of our advice either. No matter where you live you’ll be able to locate the very best garage door repair service and at the best rates, too!

But, I don’t need garage door service yet!!!

What? You don’t need service for your garage door yet? All the better! It pays to start your search for the best garage door repair service now; before you need it! Why? Because we use our garage doors frequently. We come and go to work, errands and for pleasure on a regular basis. No one operates their garage door just for the sake of doing so. We all lead busy lives and if we attempt to open or close our garage doors, it is for a reason. Should they not work as planned, it leaves us and our property vulnerable.

Why wait until something goes wrong and then attempt to hurriedly find a repair shop? Doing so can lead to higher prices, shoddy service and that’s if you get service at all! You might deal with poor customer service, bait and switch price games, slow response times and even no-shows! It’s not worth the risk. All of this uncertainty can be avoided by doing a little research now. If you never need to use it, you are that much ahead, but if you do; your ideal Duluth, GA garage door repair experts are only a fast phone tap away at any time, night or day!

But, I take care of my garage door!

Good for you! We all should do that, but they still wear out. Your garage door is more than just a huge wall made of wood or steel. It is an actual working appliance that guards one of the largest rooms in your home. It must look presentable and it must work safely and reliably. Garage doors consist of dozens of different parts including springs, cables, sections, panels, tracks, safety sensors, hinges, pulleys, motors and lots more. The more parts -the more that can go wrong. Use, weather, crime and age all work together to make your garage door weaker and more susceptible to damage.

Start your search

One of the best ways to start your quest to find a great garage door service is to just ask around. You know, and come into contact with lots of people. Ask them for recommendations, referrals, or for their opinions in general. People have a way of being passionate about likes and dislikes and you should be prepared for an earful. You can ask family members, roommates, co-workers, neighbors and even the babysitter, dog walker and the landscaper. Listen to what they tell you about availability, prices, work quality and customer service. If you get a good referral from one of your contacts, be sure and tell the garage door company; they would love to hear about it and you might just get a new customer discount or maybe a bonus credit for your referring friend!

Be open minded about complaints

Remember; everyone can have a bad day once in a while. Don’t be bothered by one or two negative reviews online or elsewhere. It’s an abundance of unresolved complaints that you need to worry about. As a matter of fact, don’t worry at all; just move on! There are plenty of Duluth, GA garage door repair shops to choose from so take the attitude of “if there’s smoke, there’s fire” and find another service to patronize. Feel free to check online reviews at The Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List and Yelp. While you can’t please everyone, you should do a good job overall and your ratings should reflect that.

Watch out for “lowest price” come-ons!

Please don’t make the mistake of shopping for the lowest price. The old adage “you get what you pay for” holds especially true when dealing with garage door professionals. Do look for affordability and don’t look for cheap; there’s a difference! Cheap handymen or repair shops don’t usually hire licensed professionals with experience and bonding. Cheap operations don’t use the best garage door parts and accessories. Shops that nickel and dime you to death don’t usually carry enough insurance coverage in case of any damage or accidents that might occur. When looking for a garage door professional, look for experience, skill and customer service ability. Do they answer questions cheerfully and willingly or do they shy away and refer your question to someone else that never comes to the phone or calls you back? You want to work with a Duluth, GA garage door specialty company that is interested in a long term relationship with you, not a one-time repair job that was sloppily done.

Before you call…

It’s always a good idea to do something before you start calling local garage door repair services; make a list of your questions. Doing this helps organize your thoughts and if you leave space on the sheet for your answers, you can jot down any pertinent points that you learn or discover during your phone call. Some of the points that you can bring up with your Duluth, GA garage door experts include warranty details, performance and safety checks, 24-hour emergency service, response times, licensing and mobile assistance. Also check on holiday availability, free price quotes, periodic maintenance checks and years in business. There’s no magic button to press for the best garage door repairs and installation; it takes due diligence and effort on your part to find the right service, but once you do, you can expect many years of top quality garage door assistance on a consistent basis.




Article source here: HOW TO FIND A GOOD GARAGE DOOR SERVICE!

Monday, February 20, 2017

DO YOU HAVE ANY MOLD SPORES IN YOUR GARAGE? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

We normally don’t think much about the garage when the subject of mold problems developing is mentioned, but actually mold can plague your garage just as it can appear in any other areas of your home. The good news is, if you indeed think there’s garage mold, it’s generally less difficult to remove it from your garage than from other parts of your house. The worst difficulty you’ll face regarding mold removal ~ besides using the correct disposal methods and taking the proper safety precautions ~ is making sure you get all of it out. When it comes to your whole household, this can sometimes involve expensive excavating of the surrounding walls and perimeter. On the other hand, finding and removing mold from your garage walls is much easier than uncovering and eliminating mold from all of the interior walls of your entire home.

The strategies necessary for thwarting garage mold are the same as for stopping any other kind of mold. Mold grows in a dark, moist, unventilated environment. Accordingly, you can prevent mold by 1) keeping your garage as dry as possible, 2) not allowing the garage to be completely dark, and 3) making sure it’s well-ventilated continually.

 

If You’re Starting from Scratch

If you’re building a new garage, then make it from materials inhospitable to mold. First, construct your garage using metal, not wooden studs. Metal studs will require additional skills and tools, but a skillful and experienced contractor won’t have any trouble constructing a premium-quality garage.

When it comes to siding, vinyl or pre-coated aluminum are optimum for your garage walls. If you choose materials other than wood, you’ll forestall the possibility of mold spores, and also keep away wood-eating pests.

 

Stop the Mold in Your Garage Right Now

If your garage isn’t made out of metal or some other mold-hindering materials, then you need to be more meticulous to keep mold from ever getting into the garage. First, reduce the air’s moisture content in the garage as much as possible. Use an air dehumidifier. The easiest way is to make it a daily goal to keep the garage well-ventilated: Leave the garage door open whenever you’re there, which will regularly air it out.

You must keep all moisture out, so mold won’t have a chance to form in the first place. Water can enter your garage if there are any leaks. Thus, always keep the roof of your garage in good condition. Allowing fresh air in, and maintaining the garage overall, will stop garage mold from developing. Sunlight will also help keep any mold away.

 

Garage Mold Removal

Garage mold may cause respiratory problems for people who are sensitive to it. If that’s the case, then eradicate it right away. Removing mold from your garage isn’t easy. During the process, mold spores can get stirred up, which can cause major irritation. Avoid any possible complications: Hire a licensed professional to do a thorough job.

 

Maintaining Your Garage Door

 

A garage door actually plays a larger role in your home’s value and curb appeal than you think. If you keep your garage door in tiptop shape, you’ll protect your garage for many years to come. An insulated garage door makes the most sense for preventing mold.

 

How long will your garage door last? If the construction materials are of outstanding quality, your garage door will be tougher than average. Garage doors these days are superior to those of generations ago, because they’re manufactured according to stricter safety standards. For instance, a prime-quality garage door provides an effective barrier for optimal heat-transfer reduction. Hardware and door sections of excellent-quality garage doors often come with better warranties.

 

Keep it in working order.

 

  1. Operate the garage door one full cycle (open and closed), making sure it moves smoothly.
  2. Check the automatic reversing garage door opener feature: When the door is on its way down, grab it, giving it a little resistance, to see if it will reverse. If it doesn’t, the opener’s sensitivity needs adjusting.
  3. If your garage door doesn’t reverse, or if you notice any other issues, hire a garage door expert.

 

Keep it clean. Your garage door will last longer if you wash it periodically. On both sides, use a sponge and clean water with mild dish soap. Rinse well. Don’t include the garage door opener sensor eyes: Wash with a clean, dry cloth. Keep the area around the sensors free of cobwebs.

 

Keep it lubricated. Without lubrication, your garage door springs will eventually rust, and the coils will bind. Always keep your garage door rollers, hinges, and springs lubricated. Lubricate the springs once a year, before winter arrives. Don’t use anything too heavy, because it will attract grime and dirt. Use a top-name brand; a light coating is all that’s needed. Inspect the garage door opener’s main gear, too: Lubricate it with white lithium grease.

 

Keep it balanced. Examine your garage door’s balance twice a year:

 

  1. Disconnect the garage door from the opener: Pull the rope down that hangs from the opener, which disconnects the door, so you can lift it by hand.
  2. The garage door ought to balance about 3 or 4 feet from the floor. If there’s any resistance, if it’s too heavy, or if the door won’t stay up, the spring needs professional adjustment.
  3. Read the owner’s manual for instructions for how to reattach the garage door to the garage door opener.

 

Follow a regular maintenance schedule. Once each month, investigate the components of your garage door system. Replace worn parts, and tighten loose bolts. See if you hear any strange noises when the garage door opens or closes. If you discover any issues with wires, pulleys, springs, or cables, then it’s time to call a garage door professional. It’s best to schedule an annual inspection with a reputable garage door repair service.

 

DON’T EVER adjust the spring tension on your garage door yourself! Garage door springs are under pressure, so if not correctly serviced, they can cause injury, and even be deadly. The cables, bottom brackets (to which the cables are attached), and drums all pack a punch. If any components require adjusting, repairing, or replacing, find a trusty garage door technician. If you live in Duluth, Georgia, hire a legitimate local company such as Duluth Garage Door Repair.




Article source here: DO YOU HAVE ANY MOLD SPORES IN YOUR GARAGE? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

Thursday, January 19, 2017

DULUTH GARAGE DOOR REPAIR: HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT GARAGE DOOR OPENER PROBLEMS

Is your garage door just not opening? No matter how many times you press the button, that door just will not budge. If so, you may be having problems with your garage door opener. Below find some common issues that may come up with your door, and tips you can use to troubleshoot issues with your garage door opener.

 

Before you start, check your door. Sometimes home owners think there is a problem with the garage door opener when the problem really lies elsewhere. Disconnect your automatic garage door opener and try to operate the door manually. The door should lift easily, even while disconnected. The door should also open and close smoothly. Lastly, close the door. It should not slam down. If the door does not seem to be working correctly while in manual operation mode – this points to an issue with your springs, rollers or tracks and not the garage door opener.

 

Door goes up, but will only close when the wall switch is pressed

If you are having this issue, most likely your garage door sensors are acting up. Do a visual check – are the garage door sensors aligned? The small lights on the sensors should be lit up when there is nothing between them. If you have had your sensors for a while, they may need replacing. Just like any piece of equipment you own, the sensors efficacy can start to wear down due to time and age. If there is no light being emitted from your sensors, they are not working and will probably need to be replaced. Also remember, if direct sunlight is shining on the sensors it can cause them to malfunction.

 

Garage door works, but it reverses on its own

If you press the button to close the garage door and it closes all the way, then reverses and opens again on its own – this can point to issues with your garage settings. Perhaps the travel limits or force limits were not programmed correctly. Or there could be damage on your tracks.

 

If your issue is that when you press the button to close the door, it starts down and suddenly reverses before it fully goes down the track – this could point to a sensor issue. Take a look at the sensors – is there something blocking the beams? If so, this is giving the sensors the impression that someone/something is there. If there is a blockage, the good part is that this is an easy fix, and your doors are operating as they should. Remove the debris and try again, your door should be in proper working order now.

 

Issues with the remote

You keep pressing and pressing the button for the garage door opener, but the door refuses to move. So, you go to the wall switch – success! The garage door opens and closes with no issues. If this is your case, you can feel sure the issue lies with your garage door opener. There may be an easy fix to this issue. Check the batteries! Your garage door remote may simply need a new set of batteries. If that doesn’t work, your remote may have an electrical short. If this is the case the remote should be replaced. You can different models of garage door openers at your local home improvement store. And even if they don’t carry your manufacturer, there are universal remotes that may work for you.

 

Garage door opens and closes by itself

Has this ever happened to you? You haven’t pressed a button on your garage door remote, and the door opens (or closes) all by itself? It can be a baffling experience. You will twist around to see if someone has activated the wall switch, but of course no one is there. So what could the cause be? This one may be a simple fix. Sometimes a neighbor’s garage door remote can be programmed on the same frequency as yours. So when they activate their door opener – it activates your garage door as well. The quick fix for this is to erase and reprogram your garage door opener codes. If you do this, and the door still opens or closes on its own, you may be dealing with a wiring issue. Your opener may have a short. Another cause could be a defective wall unit, in which case the unit would have to be replaced. A qualified technician can help you with this.

 

Garage door works intermittently

If your garage door seems to have a mind of its own, and chooses when it will or will not work – it can be very inconvenient. This type of issue is generally due to radio interference. A lot of consumer electronics utilize radio frequencies. Sometimes these frequencies can interrupt the frequency going to your garage door – which will cause the door to malfunction. To test if radio frequency interruption is the issue, simply bring your remote close to the motor unit and use the remote as normal. If the door functions correctly, then the issue is probably due to radio interference. To fix this issue, you will have to find the source of the radio interruption and move it or turn it off.

 

Broken Springs

If your garage door remains stubbornly closed, and both your remote and motor are in proper working order, then you may be dealing with a broken spring issue. This can be a major issue for garage doors. If you’re home when the springs go, you will probably hear a loud bang. Garage door springs operate under a lot of tension, in fact it’s the springs that do the heavy lifting. If any of your springs break, the remaining springs may not be able to bear the weight of opening the door. If springs are the issue, they should be handled by a professional.

 

Hopefully these tips will help you troubleshoot any issues you may be having with your garage door opener. If you are in the Duluth, GA area and require expert help with your garage door system please give us a call at Duluth Garage Door Repair. We have expert technicians standing by to assist you.

 

 




Article source here: DULUTH GARAGE DOOR REPAIR: HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT GARAGE DOOR OPENER PROBLEMS

Monday, January 2, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a New Garage Door



By Jennifer Tuohy on Behalf of The Home Depot

Buying a new garage door is a once- or twice-in-a-lifetime project for most homeowners. If the time has come to replace yours, either as part of a remodel or because the old one has outlived its useful life, you are likely in unfamiliar territory. In this article, we’ll help you understand the many aspects of buying a garage door so you can choose the perfect one for your home with confidence.

image from: blog.coldwellbanker.com




Replacing your garage door is one of the best value investments you can make to your home. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2015 Cost vs. Value Report, which estimates the return on investment of remodeling projects, the benefit of replacing your garage door is second only to replacing your front door. When it comes to increasing curb appeal, newer, more attractive doors are clearly a winner. Here are the six most important factors to consider for your new garage door.


Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Buying a New Garage Door


Related Article: A Garage Door and New Floors