Contractor Tips Blog

Oct
19

Can a Cracked Garage Door be Repaired?

Posted in Garage Doors

When does damage to your garage door mean replacement? Not all garage door cracks or dents require a complete door replacement. In some cases, a garage door repair can be completed to extend the life of the garage door. However, there are times when garage door replacement is needed for safety.

Metal Garage Door Damage

Dents and cracks in steel or aluminum garage doors are common. Dents can be caused by backing into the door or items like basketballs bouncing off the door. Cracks are more serious. These can be caused from a serious impact to the door or stress cracks from age.

Dented panels on metal garage doors can often be replaced individually. Cracks can be mended, and in some cases, the panel can be replaced. However, it is important to determine the cause of the crack; if it is due to wear and tear, it may be best to replace the entire door.

Wooden Garage Door Cracks

Wooden garage doors often become cracked due to exposure to the elements or damage from impact. Some wooden door panels with cracks can be replaced, but if a crack occurs on a solid wood garage door, you may need to replace the entire door. A deep crack can impact the integrity of the structure of the door, creating a safety issue.

If you have a dent or crack in your garage door, it is best to have it inspected by a professional. In some cases, it may be able to be repaired. For older garage doors, it may be best to replace the entire door as more problems are likely to occur. Your garage door professional can advise you of the options to make the best decision.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Oct
25

Does Your Garage Door Need a Spring Replacement?

Posted in Garage Doors

One of the most common garage door repairs is on the spring or springs that controls the opening and closing of the garage door. These springs take the brunt of the weight and allow for easier movement of these heavy, awkward doors. However, they do have a limited amount of use and do need replacement more frequently than most other garage door components. So, how do you know when it is time to replace your garage door spring?

Unfortunately, there is not a quick and simple answer for when any spring on a garage door will need replacement. They are like timing belts or chains in vehicle engines – they work, until one day they don’t. For cars, they recommend timing belts be replaced as preventive maintenance – having one break can ruin the engine in some vehicles. The same can be true for garage door springs. They should be replaced when they have put on the recommended “miles” or cycles to prevent them breaking and causing damage.

While each type of spring and manufacturer may be different, the average garage door spring is good for about 10,000 cycles. Depending on how often you use your garage door, that could mean about five years, give or take a year. Some springs have extended lifespans, with 60,000 or more cycles, giving you longer between replacements.

The best way to stay on top of your spring and other maintenance for your garage door is to schedule routine tune-ups once or twice a year. This will help ensure everything is kept lubricated and in good working order, which can extend the life of your spring and opening system. Your garage door service tech can let you know when it is time to replace your spring to prevent unexpected failure.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Sep
4

Wood Garage Doors vs. Metal

Posted in Garage Doors

Are you researching new garage doors? There are many different aspects to consider when choosing a new garage door, from style and design to insulation, wind resistance and other features. However, one of the first decisions is what type of garage door you want. The two highest quality garage doors are wood and metal, both with their own advantages and drawbacks. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide which is right for your garage.

Wood Garage Doors

Wood garage doors can be a beautiful, durable option for your home and garage. A solid wood door can be stained for a classic style that adds curb appeal to your home. For authentic-appearing carriage-style doors, wood is a wonderful choice. However, wood does tend to be more extensive when you choose a higher quality door. While there are thin particle wood doors that are much cheaper, they are less secure and durable than solid wood.

Metal Garage Doors

There are a few different types of metal used to make garage door. However, steel garage doors are the most durable and withstand dents much better than thinner metals. Steel garage doors are a popular option. They are often less expensive than wood, but they can be painted to look like wood or come in many colors and designs.

If you want a high-quality garage door, both solid wood and steel doors are great options. The biggest differences between the two is style and cost. Talk to your local garage door service company. They can go over the options available for your garage and help you decide which option is the best for your needs.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Sep
4

What to Do if Your Garage Door Has a Bent Track

Posted in Garage Doors

The metal tracks that are so essential to an overhead garage door can be easily damage. Vehicles going in and out, plus other influences can damage the tracks and impact their stability. If these tracks are bent or dented, they can jeopardize the safety of your garage door. It is important to inspect these tracks and make sure they can support the hundreds of pounds of door that they move up and down each day. Here is what to do if there is a problem with your garage door tracks.

You may think a small dent in your garage door track is not a big deal, but it can impact the entire door opening system. A dent or bend can throw off the alignment of your door. This can result in it coming off the tracks. Since most garage doors weigh a few hundred pounds, this can be a major safety hazard.

It is important to regularly inspect your tracks and hardware. Look for dents or a bent track, corrosion and other signs of weakness in the structure. Also inspect the cables, rollers and stabilizing hardware in and around the tracks. If there are signs of rust or damage, these components should be replaced right away.

While you may be able to replace a rusty screw in your tracks, replacing the entire track should be left to the garage door repair professionals. Tracks must be perfectly aligned to allow the opening system to work correctly. Call your local garage door service to replace your bent or damaged track and any other components that are showing wear and tear. It is important to keep these parts in good repair to ensure your garage door can safely function.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Jan
5

How Often Should a Garage Door and Opener be Replaced?

Posted in Garage Doors

If you own a home with a garage, you also own garage doors, and most likely, an automatic opening system. Depending on how old you are and how long you have owned your home, you may not have needed to replace a garage door or opener in your lifetime. Most homeowners will only replace a garage door one or two times during their lives, while openers may be more frequently. For those that have not needed to replace either yet, here is when you can expect to replace these garage components.

Garage Door Replacements

A quality garage door can last 20-30 years if it is well-maintained and not damaged from an accident or storm. Lesser quality doors may need replacement at about 15 years, or doors that are not maintained as suggested. You may decide to proactively replace your garage door to improve the curb appeal of your home, or to improve the quality with an insulated or wind-resistant door.

Garage Opener Replacements

Garage door opening systems are more frequently replaced than the door itself, which makes sense since it contains moving, mechanical parts. Most garage door openers can last about 10-15 years with good maintenance.  However, openers are constantly improving with new technology, so even if your opener still works, there are advanced options available when you replace an older model.

If you are not sure whether you should replace your existing garage door or opening system, schedule a tune-up and inspection from your local garage door company. They can check to make sure everything is working as it should and discuss the newer options available when you are ready to replace your doors or opener.

Posted on behalf of:
Liftmaster Garage Door Atlanta

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