Keeping your garage in tip top shape is important. It’s a great way to protect your property from intruders, and it can also be a useful security measure. If you have a faulty or damaged garage door, it’s time to take action and get it repaired. The right repair can keep your home safe, and it can also save you money on energy costs.
The first thing you should do when you notice a sagging or rusty door is to check the hardware. There are several types of hardware, but a good place to start is by checking the screws that hold the wire to the wall. If you find staples, try un-stapling them and replacing them with longer screws of the same size.
The next thing to do is to check the wires and cables at the opener. A faulty circuit board can be a common culprit. The board contains the lightbulb and the wire terminals. If the wires are bent, or the terminals are burnt out, they can interfere with the opener’s functions. It takes ten minutes to replace a circuit board.
In addition, you should clean the tracks to prevent problems in the future. For example, if your door is stuck, it could be a result of a worn out roller. The tracks should be cleaned with a damp cloth. If they are rusted, use a steel wool pad and white vinegar to scrub off the rust. If the track is twisted, you can straighten it out with a soft mallet.
You may need a professional for more complex repairs. Torsion springs, for instance, are not safe to handle. They can snag on objects, become loose, or lose lubrication. A reputable technician can identify the true source of your problem, and then fix it for you.
One of the best ways to improve the safety of your home is by installing a camera in your garage. You can also install motion sensor lighting to make it easier to detect when the door is open. The most basic of these cameras can cost about $150. The most advanced models can cost up to $550.
The most important step to making your home more secure is to ensure that all of the wiring is secure and insulated. If there are fuses, you might need to reset the breaker. It’s a good idea to re-plug the door motor to restore operation.
If the garage door still won’t open, the door lock switch is another thing to check. This can be located near the door opener. If it’s not working, you can lock it manually.
The most basic garage door repair, however, is to replace a broken spring. Standard garage door springs are rated to last for approximately seven years. The same type of spring will probably break after about 15,000 cycles, though. If the motor makes a popping sound, it’s likely to be a torsion spring. If you don’t feel confident about your ability to replace a torsion spring, you should call a professional.