Most Common Repairs for Your Garage Door
Garage doors offer incredible convenience for homeowners, but over time, worn-out parts and exposure to the elements can turn your once-silent door into a noisy and faded version of itself. Fortunately, many steel door sections remain in excellent condition and can last for years with a few repairs and replacements of aged components. In this blog, we will explore the top five repairs and upgrades to rejuvenate your garage door!
Let’s begin with the two most recommended repairs for noisy doors. Just like the tires on your vehicle, rollers deteriorate due to friction and pressure as the door moves, accumulating dirt and debris that can cause screeching or grinding sounds. Upgrading to nylon rollers from old steel ones results in significantly quieter operation and increased durability, making them a top recommendation from garage door technicians. Additionally, hinges play a critical role in door functionality, bearing pressure and facilitating smooth operation. Similar to rollers, a buildup of dirt can cause binding, which puts extra strain on other parts like the sections and openers if not adequately lubricated or replaced. Replacing rollers and hinges is typically more cost-effective than other garage door repairs and can often be bundled for additional savings when contacting Aegis Garage Doors LLC.
Next, addressing weather and bottom seals is an excellent repair to enhance both the feel and functionality of your door. Proper seals help extend the lifespan of components such as hinges and rollers by preventing excess dirt and debris from entering when the door is closed. Bottom seals also deter small rodents and other animals from easily accessing your garage. In states like Colorado, which experience harsh seasonal changes, proper seals provide better insulation. New seals can also refresh the color that original seals may have lost due to exposure. While replacement seals are generally affordable, some can be found at big-box stores for DIY homeowners; however, options may be limited.
The third recommended repair for optimal garage door operation is the springs. Typically, springs begin to lose tension three to five years after installation, and adding tension can enhance the lifespan and functionality of the opener. On average, springs may break or experience significant tension loss around six to seven years, leading to noisy or ineffective operation, an unbalanced door, or broken cables. Depending on the age of your door at the time of spring replacement, you may also need new cables or a complete spring assembly. For guidance on testing spring tension, check out our tune-up blog here.
Garage door openers play a vital role in ensuring smooth operation. When spring tension is low, openers must exert more force to open and close the door smoothly, which can damage the motor or other components over time. If you’re considering replacing your garage door opener, be sure to evaluate spring tension, as poor tension can lead to loud or inconsistent opener operation. Garage door openers manufactured around 2010 and later can have parts replaced, including the motor, logic board, safety sensors, wall stations, keyless entry, and more. Generally, openers have a lifespan of about ten years, while older models may lack modern safety features, such as sensors and reverse mechanisms; for those over 15 years old, replacement parts may be unavailable. When choosing a new opener, belt and side mount models tend to operate more quietly, while chain openers are suited for high-use doors. For more details on the LiftMaster garage door openers we offer, visit our opener page here.
In summary, the most common repairs to restore your garage door to optimal condition include rollers, hinges, weather and bottom seals, springs, and opener repairs. If your garage door is noisy or operates inconsistently, reach out to a professional to determine which of these repairs can help rejuvenate your door. Regular tune-ups by a qualified technician and proper lubrication can also extend the lifespan of components and prevent unexpected repairs while establishing maintenance schedules.