If you use a garage door, then you know how important it is to have it working properly. You depend on it to work when you need it, and it is very convenient because it makes it so that you don’t have to get in and out of your car too open and close the door every time you want to come or go. Just like any major appliance you need to take care of it to ensure that it not only works properly but that it also lasts for a long time.
You want to be somewhat familiar with it although you don’t need to know everything about it. Pay attention to the sound it normally makes so that if it sounds “funny” you will know that there is something wrong and will be able to repair it before it gets worse or breaks. A quick visual inspection will tell you a lot such as if it is in good condition or if it looks like something may be off. The torsion springs should be intact, and the extension springs should not be stretched out.
The roller should also be in good condition and the chain or belt for the door openers not looser than usual. You can also do a little test by disengaging the trolley by pulling the emergency stop cord. You should be able to open the door fairly easily. If not, that could be an indication that something is wrong, and you will need to call in the pros and get a Garage Door Repair Cost estimate.
There are many reasons why your garage door may need to be repaired, but the main thing is to know when something is off. Be observant and get to know the sounds that your garage door makes. You should have your garage door inspected about twice a year. You can do this yourself or have someone do it for you.
It is a really good idea to keep the moving parts lubricated and check to see if the bolts are tight. Make sure that the tracks are aligned and that the bolts keeping the angle iron in place are nice and tight. Garage doors tend to vibrate substantially, and that can cause tongs to become loose over time. Sometimes the track can get bumped and set things out of place as well, so it is always good to check that things are where they need to be.
Many garage door companies will offer a tune-up that includes any adjustments, lubrication, and a full inspection so that you can have peace of mind that everything is working properly and that nothing will break on you. Prevention will save you a lot of money and inconvenience in the long run and is worth the small price and the time that it takes to get an inspection done. If you need to get work done many garage door companies will also offer a free estimate of the cost to repair it.