El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Category: Blog

  • 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.

  • Have You Organized Your Garage This Year?

    It’s Garage Spring Cleaning Time!

    Spring cleaning is here and there’s no better time to get your garage organized. We know you’ve been putting this one off for awhile, but there’s no better time than now!

    The easiest way to organize your garage is to keep it simple. Start by making a pile of everything you no longer need. From here, you can decide if you want to donate it or start a yard sale. If it’s junk, just throw it away!

    Once you’re left with the necessities, start organizing them into piles too. Tools in one pile, garden equipment in the other, etc. After that, decide where you want everything to go. For example, tools can be hung on the wall and other parts can be stored in bins.

    Here’s 38 interesting ways to keep things organized in the garage.

    Don’t forget to sweep your garage floor when you’re done!

  • Exciting Remodeling Ideas for Your Garage Space

    5 Ideas for a Complete Garage Makeover

    If you’re like most families, your garage is a place of clutter. Old yard decorations, long-forgotten tools, unknown critters lurking in corners – all perfectly normal signs that you’re a regular garage owner. But let’s be real for a moment. Most of us don’t have an icky garage because we want to. We’re just lazy and it’s an easy place to plop our junk.

    Fortunately, your garage doesn’t have to be a place of dread. With a little creativity, you can turn your garage space into just about anything.

    You Can Add an Extra Bedroom to Your Home

    Make it a bedroom. Yep – that’s right. By installing insulation and finishing the walls and floor, your garage is no different than your upstairs bedroom. You could even install a bathroom in the garage if you’d like! It’s like a second master bedroom. This can be improved with installing a brand-new garage door with windows on it. A set of glass panels on your garage door can help let in a lot of natural light so you’re not relying on artificial lighting.

    A Garage Can Be a Perfect Home Gym

    Is limited space within your home preventing you from buying workout equipment? Then how about turning your garage into a home gym? Asides from the cost of fitness equipment, this is probably one of the most affordable and simple garage conversions you could do. With an insulated garage door, you can even control the temperature of your gym to exactly what you need. No longer will you go to the gym only to find that the temperature is too cold. You can also lay out any flooring you may want for proper support.

    A Garage Winery Is Great for Wine Fanatics

    For all those wine connoisseurs out there, a garage door winery is a great alternative to a more expensive wine cellar. This may be more expensive because you will want to control the temperature of the environment. Installing insulation in both the garage, the door and making sure your windows are properly sealed is necessary. 

    Why Go to the Cinema When You Can Go to Your Garage

    Transform it into a home theater. Don’t be scared away with how expensive this one sounds. With a few small modifications and a cheap projector, you’ll be on your way to a garage movie theater in no time. You can even paint the back of your garage door to be perfect for projecting onto. A strong white paint or just putting up some fabric won’t hurt your garage door but make for a perfect home theater setup. This is even better if your garage is reasonably soundproofed. Insulation and some new garage door weatherstripping help here. It helps keep your surround sound setup in, and the outside world out. 

    A Garage Greenhouse Can Save You Money on Plants

    Start your very own greenhouse in the garage. A standalone greenhouse is exactly on the cheap side, so why not make your own? Just like the winery, you will want to control the temperature of your garage to support whatever plants you want to grow. A new garage door installation may be in order, but at the same time you can add glass to you garage door panel. You can have both natural light and carefully curated artificial lights in your garage greenhouse.

    Of course, you could just leave it as a regular garage. Just be sure to keep it clean!

  • The Worst Place Possible to Leave a Garage Remote

    Prevent Theft By Safeguarding Your Garage Door Remote

    Thieves are particularly attentive to details we tend to not think so much about. One bad habit that could result in both a garage and home break-in is leaving your garage door remote clipped to the visor in your car.

    Conceal Your Door Opener’s Remote

    Would you hang the key to your front door in your car for all to see? Probably not – but that’s exactly what most people are doing when they leave their garage remotes visible in their car. Consider investing in a small garage door opener remote holder or pouch that can attach to your keychain. This way, you’ll always have your remote with you, just like your house key, and reduce the risk of it falling into the wrong hands.

    Your Inner Garage Door Is Your Last Wall of Security

    If a thief were to break into your vehicle, they now also have a way to partially enter your home. To make matters worse, many homeowners leave their inner garage door unlocked, leaving your home completely vulnerable. Treat your inner garage door as a crucial layer of security for your home. Never leave it unlocked, as it provides direct access to the interior of your house. Always lock your doors when you’re not in the garage, even if you’re just stepping inside briefly.

    Reinforce Your Garage Door to Keep Your Home Safe

    Reinforcing garage door security is essential to safeguarding your home. A high-quality garage door made of sturdy materials like steel or reinforced wood can deter break-ins. Smart locking systems, such as keypad entry or smartphone-controlled access, add an extra layer of protection. Taking proactive measures ensures that your garage remains a formidable barrier. But it all fails if you lose your garage door opener’s key.

    A word of advice? Bring your remote inside with you and keep your doors locked.

  • Check out This Sweet Garage Door Art!

    Cool Ideas for Painting Your Garage in 2016

    Art can be a fun and affordable way to spice up a boring garage door. Check out these amazing and sometimes scary designs that will truly make your door stand out!

    You can do this at home with some quick and easy ideas here!

    A Whimsical Mural Can Be Memorable and Fun

    Brighten up your garage door with whimsical murals! It can feature vibrant landscapes, playful characters, or abstract designs. A mural can add a burst of color and creativity to an otherwise plain door, instantly making it an eye-catching focal point.

    Paint Trees and Nature to Promote Serenity

    Embrace nature-themed designs like serene forests, serene beach scenes, or blooming flower gardens. These designs can evoke a sense of tranquility. They can connect your garage door to the natural surroundings, creating an inviting atmosphere.

    You Can Use Scenic Illusions for A Fun Look

    Create an optical illusion with your garage door by painting scenes that give the illusion of depth. This clever approach adds an element of surprise and captivates passersby.

    Spooky Art for Halloween Seasons

    For the brave-hearted, Halloween-inspired designs can add a spooky twist to your garage door. From creepy creatures to haunted houses, these designs are perfect for the Halloween season. They can add a touch of seasonal fun and fright to your home’s exterior. Add a few props and your garage can be a door to spooky town!

    Use a Classic Design for a Vintage Look

    Transform your garage door into a work of art with vintage-inspired designs. These timeless designs add a touch of elegance and charm to your home.

    Use Simple Geometric Patterns

    Create a modern and contemporary look with geometric patterns and shapes. Bold lines and shapes can add a sense of sophistication to your garage door, making it a standout feature of your home.

    You Can Always Just Apply a New Coat of Paint

    If you prefer a more subtle approach, consider repainting your garage door instead. A fresh coat of paint can rejuvenate its appearance and enhance curb appeal. Go for classic colors that complement your home’s exterior and architectural style. Soft neutrals or traditional shades are safe choices that can add a touch of sophistication. You don’t need to overpower your home’s look.

    Painting your door is always a great option for maintaining the door and your home’s curbside appeal.

    Remember, your garage door takes up a significant portion of your home exterior and plays the main role in curb appeal. You may want to think it through before painting it neon!

  • Follow These Steps to Keep Your Garage Door in Great Shape

    How to Properly Maintain Your Garage Door

    Important Maintenance Tips For Your Door

    Do you remember the last time you performed routine maintenance on your garage door? If not, then you’re past due for some routine tune-ups. While it’s usually a good idea to hire a garage door repair company to tune-up your door, you can also perform some DIY maintenance that’ll help catch problems before they occur. Perform the following garage door maintenance checks regularly:

    Starting with a safety check, place a large paper towel roll under the door and hit the switch. It should reverse immediately upon contact. If it crushes the towel, then your door requires immediate service for safety. If you don’t have experience fixing garage doors, your best bet is to contact a professional to assess the situation. While you may consider taking your car out to run errands, note that the crushed towel method is a tell-tale sign that your garage door is a disaster waiting to happen. 

    After the towel check, examine all the various parts of the door: rollers, track, spring, hinges, panel, etc. Fortunately, you don’t need to be particularly knowledgeable to notice an obvious problem. Rusted, corrosion, damaged cables, loose or worn parts – these are all things that need to be addressed sooner rather than later. 

    Garage Door Off Track? 

    You can also balance check the door by disabling the automatic opener and operating the door by hand. It should open and close fluidly. Another maintenance tip is to open your ears for any sounds that can be heard while you open your door beyond the general “whrrr”. If you hear a rubbing or stuttering sound, or anything out of the ordinary, there’s a chance your garage door has jumped off track. This is a common issue with garage doors after general use over the years. Get on top of this as soon as possible, as the last thing you want is the sound getting louder, and the garage door getting jammed. 

    When It’s Time To Get An Expert

    Remember, the door on your garage has plenty of moving metal parts. For most homeowners, maintaining a garage door simply means keeping an eye out for potential issues, not solving them themselves. As tempting as it might be to play hero, the garage door can weigh hundreds of pounds and requites a litany of experience to master. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, ask for help! There are experts and professionals on standby 24/7 to ensure your garage door is working as intended.