El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Category: Blog

  • When You Should DIY and When You Should Call A Pro to Fix Your Garage Door

    When it comes to garage door maintenance and repairs it can be a difficult call to make whether or not to DIY or hire a professional. Minor issues such as a rattling or squeaky opener can often be fixed with a few simple tools and a little patience. However, more complex problems such as a broken cable or spring require specialized knowledge and skill and should be handled by a professional.

    Generally Safe to DIY These Repairs

    Before attempting any repair, take the time to assess the situation. Even if the problem is something you feel comfortable tackling yourself always proceed with caution. Make sure you have the right tools and parts, and read up on the repair process. If, however, you’re unsure of how to fix the issue, then it’s best to call in a professional. With this out of the way let’s look at a couple common garage door issues you can likely fix yourself:

    • Squeaking

    A squeaky garage door is usually a simple matter of needing lubrication. Most hardware stores sell garage-door specific lubricants for this purpose which you can apply to your moving parts to see if that fixes the issue.

    • Rattling

    A rattling sound, especially in new installs or ones that have not been maintained in a while, are generally caused by a loose bolt somewhere. Use the emergency garage door opener pully and manually open the garage door. After that you can meticulously check every bolt to see if that solves your problem.

    • Your Remote Isn’t Responding

    Usually this can be resolved on your own pretty simply, and might not be worth the cost of hiring a technician to diagnose. There are a few issues this can be. First, make sure the garage is getting power. Next, check your batteries. If those are fine, make sure the receiver is clear of debris such as cobwebs or grease.

    If you notice additional sounds, such as banging, or the problem do not resolve here, it’s probably time to call a service technician to diagnose the issue.

    Always Call a Pro If You Notice These Issues

    A professional can quickly identify the root of the problem and they’ll have the right tools and parts to get the job done right. They’ll also be able to provide advice and guidance on how to best maintain your garage door in the future. They may be able to spot potential problems before they become major issues, saving you time and money, or advice you if your garage door is becoming a safety hazard and should be replaced.

    • Banging Sounds

    Stop using your garage door immediately if you hear any sort of banging sounds coming from the door while operating it. This is a telltale sign of an unbalanced garage door and it is likely causing extreme stress on parts of your garage door opener that are not meant to handle that extra load. This can be a costly repair if not rectified immediately, and potentially dangerous.

    • Rusty or Broken Springs and Cables

    Though you may be able to diagnose these yourself on sight, do not under any circumstances attempt to change these out yourself. Stop all operation of your garage and call a professional. These parts are under high torsion and can cause injuries if handled improperly.

    Only Hire Quality and Vetted Garage Door Technicians

    By following these tips, you can ensure that your garage door remains secure and functional for years to come. When it comes to repairs, however, it’s almost always best to hire a professional. They’ll be able to quickly and efficiently diagnose and repair any issues, saving you time and money in the long run.

  • How to Choose the Best Garage Door for Your Home

    As much as you might love your home, there’s always going to be some small changes that could make it even more perfect. Perhaps you feel like the entry to your home could use an update? Upgrading your home with a new garage door can go a long way in making your house feel brand new and exciting. 

    With so many options and designs available, you may find it somewhat difficult to know exactly what you’re looking for when choosing the right door for your garage. Let’s take a look at a few things to consider when taking on this task.

    What to Look for in a Garage Door

    While there are many factors to consider when looking for a new garage door, there are a few things you should always keep an eye out for. First, make sure it’s going to be safe for your home and family. This includes a number of different factors, including the weight of the door, the type of hardware, security features, and more. Garage service specialists worth their salt should be able to go over all of this with you.

    Material and Style Options

    Additionally, and much more fun, you’ll want to make sure that your garage door is the right fit for your home’s style and décor. You’ll want to consider the material, color, and finish of your garage door. Garage doors come in a wide range of finishes, including wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum, among others.

    The type of material you choose will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, the look you’re going for, and the climate in your area. Wood tends to be a classically popular choice, but steel and fiberglass have their benefits as well.

    Style-wise things can get a little tricky, especially when replacing an old garage door with a new one. Sectional overhead doors tend to be the most popular in neighborhoods across the country, but carriage style hinged doors can give your house a classic look that’s pretty hard to emulate otherwise.

    Refitting an old garage installation for a new style can definitely increase your budget, but it’s definitely possible and should be kept in mind if you find a door you fall in love with.

    Find the Right Size for Your Home

    Make sure to have accurate measurements of your old garage door before getting too invested in replacing it with any specific new door. There can be odd variants to its size depending on its age, or especially if it was a custom job. When measuring you’ll want to make sure to include the width of its track and its height, including the height of the door when it’s fully open. 

    Get a Quote from The Experts

    A professional garage door service company can go along way in helping you narrow down your search. They’ll have a large catalogue to go through and might have ideas in mind that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. They can also help you find a way to fit your perfect style and design into a budget that’ll work.

  • Common Garage Door Parts that May Need Replacement

    Garage doors are actually fairly complicated pieces of machinery, with a lot of moving parts. Though with care and regular maintenance they can last many years without issue, there are some common failure points that should be inspected somewhat regularly, especially when strange noises and other outside-the-norm behavior starts cropping up. Let’s take a look at some of the common culprits for garage door issues:

    Springs Can Break – and They’re Dangerous

    Springs are under basically constant tension throughout the life of your garage door, so it’s no wonder they tend to be one of the first parts that need to be replaced. Worn-out springs tend to cause your garage door to open and close strangely, or, in the case of complete failures, cause it to close on its own. 

    Visual inspection is really all they need, make sure they don’t look stretched out or bent, but also make note of any “off” sounds occurring when opening and closing. All these can be signs of it nearing the time for a replacement.

    Sensors – Clean or Replace

    Call the “photo eye unit”, these sensors are what stop modern garage doors from closing on any obstructions, including people. Good practice is to clean them fairly regularly and make sure nothing is blocking their path. However, if your garage door is closing partially and then opening back up, or you have caught it trying to close down on something in its path, you should consider a replacement to avoid any potential accidents.

    Lube Garage Door Rollers for a Smooth Ride

    Rollers are probably the most common cause of a “noisy” garage door. They can be maintained with regular cleaning and a bit of silicone lubricant. Don’t use WD-40, as it may help in the short term, but it is a degreaser and your rollers need a bit to operate properly. Broken rollers are usually fairly obvious to diagnose, causing noisy and shaky openings and closings.

    Tracks

    Tracks likely do not break on their own, but the problem is if one of the aforementioned issues has occurred then the garage door may not be aligned exactly properly, which then can cause damage to the tracks themselves.

     If your garage door is getting stuck or seems to not be closing quite properly, especially after a previous issue, your tracks may need to be taken a look at. Regular inspections help here as well and note any bends or cracks in their structure.

    Call A Pro When You’re in Doubt

    Often it can be difficult to diagnose all the parts at work in garage doors on your own. If you’ve checked all these parts out and are still facing issues, it’s probably best to call a professional repair service that has the experience, tools, and parts needed to get things back in working order.

  • Know Your Garage Door Inside and Out 

    If you have a garage door, chances are that it’s broken once or twice over the last few years. With a quick call to a garage door repair company, it was likely fixed within a few hours. You really don’t pay attention to overhead doors until something goes wrong. And when things do go wrong, it can make life difficult. If your garage door is giving you persistent issues, it can be worthwhile to learn about key parts that can impact the entire system. The average overhead door is made up of dozens of parts, all of which work together to create a seamless experience. 

    But not all garage door parts are created equal. Some are far more important than others. While you can always replace hinges and tighten down loose nuts and bolts, there are a few that parts that just can’t be easily replaced or repaired. Read on to find out more about your overhead door and what you can do to maintain it. 

    The Garage Door Opener 

    The garage door opener is the most important part of your overhead door. It’s responsible for opening and closing the door automatically. When you push the button on your garage door opener, it sends a signal to the opener which then activates the door. The overhead garage door opener is connected to the door by a series of springs, pulleys, and cables. These parts work together to open and close the door in a swift manner. Because it works in tandem with the other key overhead door parts, should it malfunction, your door is essentially useless. Garage door opener repair is fairly easy and can take a professional anywhere between thirty minutes to two hours to complete. 

    Garage door opener replacement is also a quick installation and can have added benefits to your home’s security. Since the advent of smartphones, “smart” technology has been used to beef up otherwise simple door openers. In the last few years, homeowners have been able to use low-cost, energy efficient door openers that can be used via phone apps. They allow you to remotely open, close, and even lock the overhead door. Should you forget to lock or close the door, the app allows you to do so, hundreds of miles away with a push of a button. These apps come with a variety of different features, depending on the manufacturer and model you choose. It’s a simple upgrade that will pay dividends during an actual emergency. 

    Garage Door Springs

    The springs are the most important part of the door opener. They’re what provide the power to open and close the door. Without them, the overhead door opener wouldn’t be automatic. It’s important to note that garage door springs are also extremely dangerous if tampered with. Repairs and replacements should be only be handled by garage door repair companies. The reason is that garage door springs can snap, which can hurt you, and cause the overhead door to come crashing down. This sentiment extends to both types of springs: torsion springs and extension springs.

    Torsion springs are located above the door and they provide the power to open the door. Torsion springs rotate thanks to torque and require less energy to be used, meaning they’ll last far longer than their extension counterparts. Torsion springs are known to be quieter as well due to their rotation system. Beyond that, they’ll put less wear and tear on your door as they don’t vibrate, which will mean your overhead door should last long.  

    Extension springs are located on either side of the door and they help to balance the door as it opens and closes. These are cheaper than torsion springs because they wear out faster, as they expand and contract with each use. Because of their method of movement, they can create some noise and shake the door, which can shift things out of alignment. That being said, they’re still great springs and a worthwhile option if you have overhead door restraints. 

    Speak with the best garage door repair companies in your area about installing a two-spring system. Most households only have one spring attached to the overhead door. However, two springs can take the pressure off of each other, resulting in both doing the so-called “heavy lifting.” The added benefits are that your garage door springs will go through less wear and tear, which in turn will lead to smoother door operation. Plus: less repairs, which puts more money back into your pockets. 

    Garage Door Repair & Installation 

    By now you should know that the garage door opener and springs are some of the most important parts of the overhead door. Without them, we would still be lifting up doors like our grandparents. Because these garage door parts are so intricate (and dangerous), we should save time and effort by having garage door repair companies handle them. Working with professionals afford us the opportunity to not worry about things going wrong or getting damaged. It’s a simple investment for peace of mind. 

  • Stop Ignoring Repairs, Call A Garage Door Service Today

    We empathize with those who absolutely detest have to deal with repairs. You use your garage door multiple times a day and likely take it for granted. After all, you get to sit in your car and open the door thanks to the push of a button. Long gone are the days of opening and closing the hundred-pound door manually. When something goes wrong, it’s easy to ignore it and assume it will go away, but that’s never the case.

    You should have your overhead door regularly maintained and inspected by a garage door service. If you’re not already doing that, learn some of the ways you can find out if there’s something wrong with your system. If you know that a repair is needed, you’ll be able to get it done before a major issue arises which will require replacement. 

    Keep An Ear Out for A Noisy Garage Door 

    Your garage door is fine with an average hum or occasional loud sound but once it becomes a constant that you just can’t ignore, it’s time to call a garage door service. A noisy garage door is an extremely serious problem and is likely doing more damage than just annoying your eardrums. A noisy garage door could mean that there’s something wrong with the springs, overhead door opener, or tracks. These are key garage door parts that should be in optimal condition. 

    Check your tracks and notice if they are dirty, bent, or damaged. If the tracks are dirty, they can be cleaned with a household cleaner and a rag. Don’t lubricate your tracks – this will prematurely rust them and will force a costly replacement. That being said, if your door tracks are bent or significantly damaged, they will need to be replaced by an expert who can have them fit in tightly. Ignoring this could lead to a door off track if that hasn’t happened already. If the tracks aren’t the issue, take a look at the rollers, they could be worn out. Rollers can be replaced by a garage door repair technician. Most hardware stores and online shops will carry affordable garage door rollers that won’t break the bank. 

    Pay Attention to Garage Door Springs

    The springs are responsible for doing the heavy lifting when it comes to door operation. Every few months you should inspect them and ensure they’re in place. Be sure to also look out for rust. If any garage door parts are rusty, an overhead door service should replace them immediately. A broken spring can cause serious issues, including loud noises. Your door could collapse at any time, so err on the side of caution and stop using it until a professional can take a look at it. 

    Get Issues Fixed Fast

    If you notice anything wrong with the overhead door, it’s time to have an inspection. A professional garage door service will determine the issue and have the problem parts replaced or repaired in a timely manner. Ignoring issues may seem like the wise thing to do in the moment but it’s something you’ll regret when the door comes crashing down, or worse: it injures you. In most cases, it’s recommended that you let professionals handle repairs, as DIY fixes are only for those who have experience. 

  • How To Stop Your Garage Door’s Rattling Noise

    Garage doors are valuable, and important, aspects of your home and should be treated as such when they start acting out of the norm. Would you take the time to fix your front door if it was busted? Keeping your garage door repaired is at least as important for the security of your home, and all those that reside within. 

    Over time, garage parts naturally break down, resulting in hiccups. While it’s easy to ignore minor issues, you should keep an eye out for strange rattling noises that arise when you open or close your garage door. These common “minor issues” can cause other parts to undergo additional strain and cause larger, potentially dangerous, issues further down the line. 

    Why Is My Garage Door Rattling? 

    A rattling noise is hard to ignore, especially if you’re used to your garage door opening and closing smoothly. Don’t ignore the noise – it could be  signalling a major issue that needs to be resolved in the coming days. That’s also not mention how the rattling sound is disturbing you and your neighbors.  

    Your door can be rattling for a variety of reasons, though it’s most likely that your overhead garage door opener’s rails or chains are loose. Other reasons include key components loosening over time. A quick DIY repair is tightening up any screens or bolts that don’t feel tight. When was the last time you lubricated your garage door’s tracks? 

    WD-40 works fine here, as it works to remove any unintended grease/stickiness that may have accumulated on your tracks over the years. Be sure to avoid spraying any into your rollers though, as they require other proper lubricants to work properly which WD-40 may remove. 

    If tightening things down and lubricating your tracks don’t work, see if your garage door has jumped the track. This can be caused by a number of issues, but likely the tracks themselves have been damaged in some way. If it’s a minor dent in them, you may be able to straighten them yourself. 

    However, it’s a bit of a complicated DIY repair job if the damage requires a total realignment, as the doors are quite heavy and may need some amount of dissasembly. If this is the case, stop using your door immediately and contact an overhead door repair service to take a look at the tracks..  

    Your Garage Door Opener Might Be Causing the Noise

    One of the telltale signs that your garage door opener needs to be repaired is through the sound of rattling. Do you know what type of overhead door opener you have? If you have a chain-driven opener and you hear a rattling sound, there’s a likelihood that the chain is loose. Lubricate, again WD-40 is perfectly acceptable in this case, the chain and see if that makes a difference when opening or closing. 

    If that doesn’t make a difference, this could mean the door’s chain has worn out or become damaged in some way. Contact a garage door repair professional. They’ll be able to quickly diagnose the issue at hand, and give you a list of options to take care of the issue.

  • How To Get Your Garage Door Ready For Summer

    Summer is right around the corner which means it’s time to make sure your garage door is ready for the new season. With the weather more relaxed, you’ll probably be using your garage door more often, and likely leaving it open longer. You might even have some more free time on your hands, which makes summer the perfect time to maintain your garage so you don’t have any issues to deal with once the weather gets groggier. 

    Check Your Springs For Rust

    Springs are one of the most important parts of your garage door as they hold it up. Springs are the strongest part of your door and should they break, you’re in for some costly repairs. Take some time to investigate your springs and see if there’s any rust on them. Checking for rust annually is one of the best ways to maintain your garage door, as rust can signal potential issues down the road. 

    Garages can be a great place to hang out, especially during the summer. If you’re going to be keeping your door open during the new season, we suggest you add another torsion spring to your garage system. An extra spring is relatively cheap and will take the load off the primary spring, making it less likely for the first one to break. Consult a garage door repair company to install the new spring if you’re not experienced. 

    Make Your Door Spotless 

    Summer’s easy living but it’s also a great time to do some cleaning, especially if you lazied out during spring. Take advantage of the cool weather and clean your garage door from the outside. Depending on how often you clear your overhead door, there’s a chance that dust, dirt, and grime have taken over your door. 

    Cleaning your door is a must if you have a steel door as they’re prone to rust. Periodically check your door for rust, as the rust could eventually break the door. The same goes for wooden doors, which can eventually rot away. Should your door accumulate rust or rot, it might be time to replace your door entirely. 

    Lubricate Moving Parts

    One of the easiest and quickest ways to maintain your door is to lubricate the moving parts. Lubricating your garage door can help it open and close smoother and stave off any annoying grinding noises. You should lubricate the tracks, roller, hinges, and garage door opener tracks. Avoid using too much lubrication as it can result in dirt, grime, and dust building up over time, which can make your door even slower to open. Avoid using the “all-purpose” WD-40. Instead, use silicone or lithium based lubricants. If you want to keep it simple and safe, head to your local hardware store and pick up oils that are specifically made for garage doors. 

    Summer is a fantastic time to ensure your garage door is in tip-top shape. The overhead door is the largest exposed entrance to your home so it’s always viable to spend some time making sure it’s in the best possible condition. 

  • When’s The Last Time You Cleaned Your Garage?

    Spring cleaning should be a constant state of mind! Cleaning the garage can be a huge pain and many people continually put it off until the seasons change. Once spring rolls around, folks will dust off the laziness and take a stab at cleaning their garage. And while it’s always great to see tidy garages, they should be a constant, not a once-a-year event. 

    So, when’s the last time you cleaned your garage? There’s a chance that it has gotten quite dirty in the months since.

    What’s your car bringing in?

    Throughout your time on the road, your car will drive over plenty of different surfaces covered in various dirt, debris, and trash. And can you imagine the mud that rolls in and potentially sprays your garage door? Everything that your tire picks up and clings to will be brought into your garage, which in turn will be brought into your home. Yuck! As a result, it would be smart for you to move the car out of your garage on a monthly basis in order to clean underneath it and the surrounding areas. Doing this will help not only help maintain a cleaner floor but also help your shoes bring in less gunk into your home. 

    What can you throw out? 

    When’s the last time you threw something out of your garage? Most garages are filled to the brim with tools, cleaners, shelves, and belongings that seemed necessary at one time but don’t have much use now. Consistently cleaning your garage prevents clutter and makes the room just generally more appealing. Everyone has a hoarding problem and it might be time to let some stuff go. While you’re cleaning the garage, make note of what you should be purchasing to maintain the area in the future. We recommend buying lubrication for your garage door, it’s one type of cleaner that’ll genuinely come in handy every few months!

    What about your garage door?

    How often do you clean your garage door? Your garage door is one of the most prominent features of your home but it’s also a key part most homeowners take for granted. If you want to boost your curb appeal and save some serious money, you should be cleaning and continually maintaining your garage door every few months. Simple repairs like cleaning out tracks for dirt, grime, and little obstructions like pebble can potentially save your door from jumping off track! It’s very easy to neglect the overhead door and avoid it when there are noises or dents to the tracks. Not only will your garage door look brand new if you spend some time sprucing it up, but your wallet will thank you! Just note that if your DIY repairs get a bit too much for you to handle, consult an overhead door expert to get things sorted out quickly! 

    Your garage is probably the first part of the home you see once you’re done work. And your garage door is the largest entryway to your home – wouldn’t it be nice if they both shined? Cleaning out your garage and throwing out stuff that’s no longer useful can help you use the space for other activities. 

  • Garage Door Repairs Can Take Time 

    Rarely do things break during a convenient time. Modern life is so busy, adding repairs into the mix can take away precious time that could be dedicated to friends, families, and hobbies. Unlike other minor repairs around the house, a garage door messing up requires immediate attention, especially if your car is stuck inside and you need to use it as soon as possible. Not only can it cause inconvenience, but it can also compromise the security of your home. By taking care of the issue, you can avoid further damage and ensure that your garage door continues to function. But you might be wondering how long it takes to repair a garage door and the truth is it can take up to a few minutes or maybe even a few hours. 

    Most Common Types Of Repairs

    1. Luckily, garage doors aren’t strange contraptions that man hasn’t mastered. Broken Springs: Garage door springs are under a tremendous amount of tension and can break over time due to wear and tear. When a spring breaks, your garage door may not open or close properly, or it may make loud noises when operating. Broken springs are dangerous to handle and should only be repaired by a professional technician.
    2. Off-Track Doors: This is a common issue that forces the door to rub against the sides of the track as it opens or closes. This can be caused by several things, including worn or damaged tracks, broken cables or springs, or misaligned rollers. If you hear a loud rubbing or grinding sound when opening or closing your garage door, it is likely that your door has gone off track.
    3. Damaged Cables: Garage door cables are responsible for lifting and lowering the door. They come under heavy use and are subject to wear and tear over time. Damaged or broken cables can prevent the door from opening or closing and can also pose a safety hazard. It is important to have damaged cables repaired immediately to avoid further damage to the door or potential injury.
    4. Misaligned Safety Sensors: Most modern garage doors are equipped with safety sensors. They check for objects in the door’s path and stop it before contact is made. If these sensors become misaligned or dirty, they may not work properly, which can be a safety hazard. A professional technician can easily realign the sensors to ensure that they are working correctly.

    How Much Time Do I Need to Repair My Door? 

    Repairing a broken spring or cable can take a short amount of time if you’re experienced and know which parts work perfectly with your door. Other repairs, such as the garage door going off-track can take longer if you have no idea what you’re doing. Besides that, repairing a garage door is serious business as you’re dealing with a door that can weigh several hundreds of pounds. The likelihood of someone injuring themselves or breaking the door with no repair experience is high, which is why it’s best to contact a professional. Not only will a professional be able to fix your garage door in a jiffy, but you’ll also be at peace knowing that an expert is handling one of the most important parts of your home.

  • Weather-Proofing Your Garage Door

    As the weather gets colder and less predictable in the winter months, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep your garage safe from the elements. You store some of the most valuable things you own in your garage – your car, your important gardening tools, and athletic equipment. Not to mention that is serves as a major entry point to the inside of your home. 

    Keep this entryway of way of your home safe, both to seasonal changes and potential intruders. ere are a few simple DIY measures to make sure you are prepared for whatever the weather has in store.

    Attach Weather Strips Between Garage Door Panels

    You might not think of it, but rain and cold air can sneak into your garage by way of the slits between the panels of your overhead garage door. To prevent this, head to your preferred hardware store and find adhesive, v-shaped weather strips that will stick between garage door panels. 

    This is a small project, that can have a large impact on keeping both the working parts of your garage door, as well as your belongings, safe from the elements. .

    Weather Strip the Base of Your Door

    Rain, cold air, dirt, and even critters can sneak their way into your garage under your door if you don’t add a weather strip to the base and sides of your door. This is another easy DIY project to winterize your garage against any type of season. 

     There are many different kinds of weather strips that are easy to install, but try to get a hold of one with grooves at the bottom so that the strip can’t easily get stuck to the concrete floor of your garage. Well-installed, a weather strip can even work to proof against minor flooding.

    Go Automatic with Your Door Opener

    The amount of energy you could be wasting by leaving your garage open for longer than necessary may be greater than you realize. Further, you don’t know who or what you could be exposing your belongings to when forgetting to close your garage door for as little as 15 minutes. 

    For these reasons, you ought to consider installing an automatic or motion sensing garage door opener. Garage doors are also heavily insulated and can actually help quite a bit with energy savings when kept tightly shut, whenever not in use. An automatic opener/closer will sense inactivity and keep things closed up accordingly, keeping your belongings, and energy bills, safe from the outside world.

    No matter where you start with equipping your garage door from all seasons, your wallet will surely thank you. Any preventative measures you can take before disaster strikes will ensure you save money and avoid a headache down the line.