El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Author: epicnine

  • Help Prevent Garage Fires with These Safety Tips

    While the leading cause of garage fires involves electrical malfunctions, certain other hazards lurk in the garage that can be just as dangerous. It’s important to take certain precautionary steps to ensure that your garage is as fire-proof as possible. Keep your home and family safe by sticking to the following guidelines:

    1)Store fuel, chemicals, and other flammable items in a place outside of your home, like a tool shed. Keeping them out of the house significantly reduces the potential fires that could happen. Make sure that your tool shed is locked so children don’t stumble their way inside. 

    2)Install a heat alarm in the garage that will warn of dangerous temperatures. Should it ring, you’ll be able to evacuate your family outside of your home as soon as possible. 

    3)Keep a fire extinguisher in your garage in case of emergency.

    4) Be careful not to use too many extension cords and shut off appliances that are no longer in use. Many homeowners have been converting their garages into mini-kitchens. While it’s hard to unplug fridges (after all, no one wants spoiled milk or warm beer), make it a point to unplug the microwaves, ovens, and even TVs that might be in your garage. 

    5) Clean your garage! Objects like matches, lighters, dirty towels and rags, and other objects that could be potentially flammable should be removed as soon as they’re done being used. Clearing up clutter can also help ease your escape in the case that there is a fire in the garage. 

    In addition to the above steps, take appropriate measures to ensure your garage can be easily exited in the event of an emergency. Plan out worst case scenarios ahead of time. For example, if you have a broken garage door spring and can no longer open the garage door, how would you exit safely? Continue to perform routine maintenance and never hesitate to contact an expert if you don’t understand something. As for fire prevention, we recommend discussing these plans with your family and performing quarterly safety drills in order to get everyone prepared and on the same page. 

  • Is It Time Your Garage Got New Weatherstripping?

    Garage Running a Little Hot? Check Your Weatherstripping

    A hot, stuffy garage in El Dorado Hills tends to mean there’s not enough insulation on the garage door or the weatherstripping has worn out. Check the base of your garage door. A rubbery strip runs along the entire bottom of the door in order to help provide insulation from the outside environment and temperatures. This strip can quickly become worn and require replacing with a new one. If you notice cracks, tearing, or any other damage then it’s time to buy a replacement. You can usually find them in your local hardware store.

    You Can Change Your Garage Door’s Weatherstripping Yourself

    Fortunately, this is a fairly easy DIY repair. But it’s important to accurately measure the garage door weatherstripping you are going to replace. It’s always good to have a little extra then not enough, since you can always trim off the excess. This repair job pretty much involves removing the old garage door weatherstripping from your garage door and reattaching the new. All it requires is a Phillips head screwdriver. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you replace it:

    1. Buy What You Need – You’ll need a new weatherstripping kit, a screwdriver, and a ladder.
    2. Remove Old Weatherstripping – Carefully peel off the existing weatherstripping from the door frame. Clean any residual adhesive and grime.
    3. Measure the Length – Using a measuring tape, measure the dimensions of the door frame where the weatherstripping will be placed. 
    4. Cut the New Weatherstripping – Cut the garage door’s new weatherstripping to the measured length using a knife or scissors. 
    5. Install the Weatherstripping – Starting at the top of the garage door frame, attach the weatherstripping. You simply press it firmly into place. Work your way down the sides and across the bottom, ensuring a snug fit and a complete seal.
    6. Secure the Ends – Trim any excess weatherstripping if necessary. Following the manufacturer recommendations.
    7. Test the Seal – Close the garage door and check for any gaps or irregularities. The weatherstripping should create a tight seal along the entire garage door.

    You can easily replace the weatherstripping on your garage door yourself! But, if the new weatherstripping doesn’t improve the garage temperature, try a DIY garage insulation project.

  • Keep Those Garage Door Hinges Lubricated

    How to Properly Lubricate a Garage Door Hinge

    Proper maintenance of your garage door hinges is essential for ensuring smooth and reliable operation. While hinges may not be the first component that comes to mind when considering garage door maintenance, they play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of the door panels.

    Regular inspection and lubrication of the hinges are key practices to keep your garage door functioning optimally. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the hinges, potentially causing friction and hindering movement. To lubricate the hinges, start by cleaning them with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or residue. Next, apply a small amount of garage door lubricant specifically designed for hinges to the pivot points and bushings. Be sure to avoid using WD-40 or other general-purpose lubricants, as they can attract more dirt and debris over time. Once lubricated, manually open and close the garage door several times to distribute the lubricant evenly.

    Even though they last a long time, keeping an eye on the hinges is considered a good practice. Keeping your hinges clean and lubricating the bushing twice a year will help keep your garage door performing quietly and well.

  • Warning: Don’t Lubricate Garage Door Tracks!

    Not All Your Garage Door Parts Need Lubricant

    Keeping your garage door parts well-lubricated is generally considered a good idea when it comes to prolonging the lifespan of your door. Nearly every part could use a light coating of silicone or white lithium grease a few times a year.

    However, one mistake often made by garage owners is lubricating the tracks. Those who do, run the risk of a garage door off track. With lubrication on the tracks, the door can easily slide right off.

    Feel free to clean the tracks with a damp cloth, but save the lubricant for the springs, rollers, hinges, and bearings.

  • How to Buy the Right Garage Door Opener

    The Complete Garage Door Opener Purchasing Guide

    When buying new garage doors, few homeowners take the time to consider which garage door opener to purchase with it. Automatic openers come in three different levels of horsepower along with three different drive belt systems. In order to get the most out of your new door, you should familiarize yourself with each opener type.

    Garage Opener Horsepower

    Garage door opener strength is measured in horsepower.

    • ⅓ Horsepower

    This is the lowest horsepower available for openers. It works well for single and lighter doors. Theoretically, it can also lift heavier doors but it will burn out quickly and is not recommended for use with one.

    • ½ Horsepower

    The most popular strength, it can lift open most double doors as well as the heavier framed garage doors.

    • ¾ Horsepower

    One of the strongest motors available, it can lift open some of the heaviest doors on the market. It’s incredibly durable and should last a very long time. However, this type is the most expensive. If you want a reliable opener and don’t mind the price, ¾ horsepower is your best bet.

    • Belt Drives

    Belt drives are a premium type of drive that are strong enough to lift the heaviest doors all while providing quiet and smooth operation. This is due to the rubber belts used in the operation. These types of drives are typically the most expensive.

    • Screw Drives

    These drives operate with a lifting up and down on a threaded rod. They’re very durable and come with quiet operation. One of the benefits of this type of drive is the minimal maintenance required due to the lack of total parts involved.

    • Chain Drives

    The last type of drive is known as a chain drive. These are the oldest and most popular type of drive. They’re suitable for heavy doors and are long-lasting but they’re noisier due to the metal chains. Chain drives tend to be the most affordable out of all three.

    Picking the Best Opener for Your Needs

    If you only have a simple lightweight door and you’re not worried about noise, then ⅓ horsepower motor with a chain drive will suit you well. Those looking to lift double wooden doors quietly may want to opt for a ¾ horsepower motor with a belt drive.

  • 6 Reasons Your Garage Door Isn’t Working

    Top 6 Garage Opening Problems and Their Solutions

    Things have changed since the days of manually heaving your garage door open. The invention of automatic garage door openers provides a level of convenience that’s hard to beat. The ability to open your garage at the press of a button just makes life easier!

    With that being said, nothing can quite spoil your day as fast as an unresponsive garage door opener.

    Common Garage Door Problems

    1) The Remote Won’t Open the Door

    First, rule out any obvious causes by replacing the batteries in your remote. Try a spare remote or the wall switch. If the door still won’t open, see if you can hear the garage door opener operating. No sound usually means there’s a problem with the opener itself. It could be a power problem or circuit board failure. Grinding sounds can indicate a gear problem. An opener that appears to be functioning fine means the issue may be a problem with the door itself. Look for broken springs or signs of a door off track.

    2) Garage Opens Then Closes

    This could be a sensor alignment problem or an obstruction. Make sure the sensors are lined up properly and there’s nothing in the way. Wipe the lens with a clean cloth.

    3) Garage Door Is Heavy and Slams Shut

    You may need a garage door spring repair. Springs counterbalance the weight of your garage door, making it seem as light as a kitchen appliance when it’s really several hundred pounds.

    4) Door Is Slanted and Won’t Close

    This could mean that you have a broken cable or pulley. The door could have also come off its track. Don’t attempt to force it down as this could be dangerous. Seek professional assistance.

    5) Noisy Garage Door

    Rusty garage door parts, particularly springs, can be the source of noise. Clean the parts and lubricate with silicone or white lithium grease.

    6) The Door Is Jammed

    A cable or pulley could be damaged. There could also be an obstruction in the track, or the track itself is bent.

    When in Doubt, Seek a Professional

    Remember, no garage door is worth getting injured over. If the problem is too complicated, seek out a knowledgeable technician who can help you get the door operating safely again.

  • Best Practices that Can Prolong Garage Door Life

    Three Simple Tips for All Garage Owners

    A garage door offers a convenient way to enter and exit your home, store vehicles, and keep your property safe. As long as you follow proper maintenance and safety precautions, you can expect to have a garage door that performs well for many years to come.

    Here at EDH-Serrano, we’ve talked a lot about keeping your garage door parts well lubricated. But what other best practices are there for garage owners? We’ve dug up three mistakes that garage door users make all too often. Read on to learn more.

    3 Ways You Could Mess up Your Garage

    1) Dislodged Sensors

    The sensors found on both sides of the garage door base must be accurately aligned for the door to function properly. They’re a great safety feature and can prevent damage and injuries from occurring. However, during the normal course of operation, it’s common for them to become misaligned or dirty.

    To fix:

    – Adjust the sensors with your hand and try to line them up. Adjustments can also be made by loosening the bracket that holds it in place.

    – Due to the sensitivity of the sensors, even the slightest nearby object can prevent operation. Ensure the path between them is cleared appropriately.

    – Wipe both lenses clean with a soft microfiber cloth. Be careful not to scratch them.

    – Inspect the wiring behind the lenses and make sure it’s not damaged or tangled up

    2) Keep Stuff Away from the Garage Door Rails

    The rails on your garage door are designed to keep it secure while it operates. A slight obstruction can cause a garage door off track problem, which is extremely dangerous.

    – Don’t place objects in or near the rails.

    – Don’t lubricate the rails as it isn’t needed.

    – Some home and business owners have placed storage shelves on either side of the garage doors. We have seen the items being stored on the shelves fall over and get in the way of a closing door, causing it to come right off the track. Shelves are great but keep them away from the door and rails.

    3) Pulling Into the Garage? Make Sure You Have Enough Clearance

    Parking your vehicle in the garage is a normal habit for most garage owners. In fact, it becomes such a habit that when owners purchase a bike or kayak and place it on top of the vehicle for transportation, they’ll drive right into the garage and forget to check if there’s enough clearance. This leads to a devastating amount of damage to their garage, often requiring new garage doors to be installed.

    – Measure the amount of clearance you have from the top of your car to the top of your garage. This can help you remember the need to exercise caution while driving into a garage.

    – If needed, step out of your vehicle and make sure there’s room to pull in. Don’t take unnecessary risks.

    Practicing Garage Door Awareness Could Save Money

    Staying alert while operating your garage door can go a long way in preventing costly accidents. With a little knowledge and proper care, you can keep your garage problem-free for many years to come.

  • The Dangers of a Garage Door Off Track

    Watch Out for a Stuck and Crooked Garage Door

    We only truly appreciate the importance of a garage door once it breaks down. Though they’re probably one of the most well-made parts of your home, a garage door is prone to occasional repairs. One of the most common issues you’ll likely come across as a homeowner is a jammed overhead door.  

    What To Do If Your Door Becomes Stuck

    If your door suddenly jams and appears stuck in a crooked position – don’t mess with it! One of the first instincts of people in this situation is to try and force the door closed but this is not only dangerous, it could make the problem even worse. Your door has likely veered off track, which could have happened for a number of reasons. This is one of the most common repairs — and should be treated like a repair by a certified expert.  

    Do not touch the door. If you decide to yank the door, there’s a high chance the entire door could come crashing down on you. Garage doors are extremely heavy and should they topple onto you, you’re looking at severe injuries. It’s not worth messing with.

    If you don’t have a garage door repair service you’ve previously used, head online and find a local repair expert who can come as soon as possible. Garage doors never break down during convenient times, so it’s extremely likely that you need emergency repair. If your car is inside the garage, cancel whatever plans you had for the day and wait for an expert to remedy the situation.   

  • Watch out for Fraudulent Garage Door Repair Companies

    Learn How to Protect Yourself From Repair Fraud

    As reported a few years ago by Dallas News, garage repair fraud is a very real problem. In the report, an elderly couple hired a repairman for a simple job of programming his remote. This should have costed less than $100 but the customer was left with a $1,700 bill. Unfortunately, these types of stories are all too common. In the spirit of preventing this type of fraud, our team of garage door repair technicians have compiled some tips you can use to protect yourself from scams.

    1. Check Online Company Ratings and Reviews: Utilize local review services. Today there are services like Google Businesses, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau that help you gauge the credibility of the any garage door repair company. It’s often best to read through the lowest scoring reviews instead of just the positive ones. Sometimes they can be unfair, but sometimes they can highlight poor overhead door repairs. 
    2. Request Upfront Quotes: Trustworthy garage door services should readily provide estimates before commencing any work. During a consultation before any garage door installation or repair, a technician should give you a full breakdown of costs. While not everything can always be accounted for, you should have a pretty good idea of range going into any major overhead door repair.
    3. Avoid Aggressive Sales Tactics: Respectable garage door technicians do not resort to high-pressure sales tactics. While upselling is customary, you shouldn’t feel coerced into unnecessary purchases. Honesty and transparency are paramount in the door repair industry.
    4. Verify Licensing and Bonding: Inquire about licenses and whether the company is “bonded.” This ensures that you aren’t financially liable for subpar repairs. Reputable companies should always have insurance coverage. Without a proper license, they could also void the warranty on any garage door part that they install. 
    5. Insist on Written Contracts: Formal contracts delineate service expectations and provide legal protection in case of disputes. Always review and understand the terms before you sign for any door repair or installation.

    Avoid Scams and Stay Safe

    Ensuring your safety is paramount when engaging with repair services. If, for any reason, you feel discomfort or apprehension during your initial call for service, trust your instincts and end the conversation. Your interaction with a garage door repair company and its team should be characterized by professionalism and comfort. 

    Prioritizing your peace of mind is crucial when selecting and dealing with repair services. Remember, your comfort and confidence in the service provider play a pivotal role in your overall experience. With these quick and easy tips, you should be able to find the best garage door repair team in your local area.

  • Here’s a DIY Garage Dent Repair Trick Anyone Can Do!

    A Quick Tip for Resolving Garage Door Dents

    Nobody likes an unsightly dent in their door, especially if they’re brand-new garage doors. Before you pick up the phone and call for help, give this neat little trick a try.

    1. Prepare Materials: Gather a sponge, soap, water, aluminum foil, a can of air, and a heat source. A blow torch or a lighter would be perfect here.
    2. Clean the Dent: Gently clean the dent in the overhead door with soap and water without applying excessive pressure. Allow the area to dry thoroughly for several hours.
    3. Apply Aluminum Foil and Heat: Place aluminum foil over the door’s dent and apply heat using a lighter or blow torch. After a minute, remove the foil swiftly and spray the dent with the can of air held upside down. The sudden cold from the carbon dioxide solution helps the dent retract. Just like that, your garage door panel should look like a brand-new installation.
    4. Check for Improvement: The dent should begin to diminish, restoring the door’s original shape. This method, known to work on car dents as well, often yields very positive results for garage door dents. If it didn’t work, you can try again but your garage door panel just may need greater repairs or replacement.

    What If My Door Is Still Damaged?

    Unfortunately, this dent removal method is guaranteed to work all the time. Most dents are only cosmetic and can be safely ignored. However, if the dent impedes the operation of your door, then you’ll need to call a garage door repair company to give you a hand.