Every working part of your garage door needs regular attention and care. Of course, even with the best care, things can always go wrong. The good news is that you can generally get information without much work if you take a few minutes to look at your garage door. The caveat, of course, is that you have to know what you’re looking for. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you should know.
Don’t DIY
Before we get into the details of determining what needs to be done with your garage door, it’s essential to know that this work is best left to the experts. Garage doors are heavy, and their many moving parts can create complex work and dangerous working conditions. Garage door springs are hazardous. Find a garage door technician that can do all the work for you and help you keep your door in its best shape.
Get an Inspection
When you call a garage door repair specialist, you will usually be asked what’s going on or what kind of service you need. You must explain what is happening with your door, what isn’t working, etc. Then, they will inspect the door and its parts to see what is going on. You will want to stay out of their way but be available for questions if they have them.
Once the inspection is complete, the garage door tech will let you know whether you need repairs, replacement parts, or both. Although it’s rare, you might need to replace the door and all its systems.
How Old Is the Garage Door?
How old your door is, is usually the primary question when experts investigate whether to make repairs versus replacing parts or entire garage doors. The door’s age will usually help you decide. If it’s less than 10 years old, repairing is probably best. However, a replacement might be in order if it’s over 20 years old.
Perhaps more important than the calendar age is how frequently the door is used. Someone using the door 2 or more times a day will need a replacement sooner than someone who uses the door 2 or 3 times a week.
What Type of Springs Do You Have?
Torsion springs are often more durable and less dangerous than extension springs. If your garage door has extension springs, it’s probably best to replace the springs, cables, and other components and update them for safety. Of course, these doors will also need their care and maintenance. Knowing the type of springs you have and their typical lifespan will help you determine whether there’s a replacement necessary here and if that carries through to the door.
Give Your Garage Door New Life
These tips and tricks about garage doors and garage door springs should help you determine the best course of action for your garage door, no matter what you face. And when you’re ready, remember to reach out to a professional garage door repair service for everything you need.