El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Category: Blog

  • 4 Parts of Your Garage Door to Check Up on Before Entering the New Year

    As we approach the end of another calendar year, it’s important to check up on many of your household gadgets and gizmos to make sure they are ready for January 1st. Your garage door is one of the most important check-ups to do regularly – after all, you likely use it multiple times every day. Why shouldn’t, “New Year, New Me,” apply to your garage door? Here are 4 parts of your garage door system to inspect to make sure you start out the year on the right foot.

    Garage Door Springs

    Do a quick visual scan of your springs for any signs of wear and tear. Does there appear to be enough tension? Do a quick test by lowering your garage door down halfway. If it stays there, your springs are nice and tense, but if the door doesn’t stay up there’s a good chance you need your springs changed or adjusted. We do not recommend you trying to replace springs on your own, however – they are under a great deal of tension and can easily injure a non-professional.

    Hinges

     Check the hinges connecting the garage door panels. Look for signs of rust, corrosion, or loose screws. Replace any rusty or damaged hinges to prevent further deterioration. If the hinges appear dirty or rusty, clean them thoroughly. Use a mild detergent and a cloth to wipe away dirt and grime. Afterwards, apply a silicone-based overhead door lubricant to keep them operating smoothly.

    Check for loose screws on the hinges. Use a screwdriver to securely tighten any loose screws. Ensure they are snug but not over-tightened. If you don’t do it already, you should add hinge maintenance into your garage door maintenance routine. Regularly inspect and clean hinges to prevent buildup and extend their lifespan.

    Garage Door Track

     Check the tracks on both sides of the door. Look for dents, bends, or obstructions that might hinder the door’s movement. Remove any debris, such as leaves or dirt, that could be blocking the track. Make sure the tracks are aligned properly and securely attached to the wall. Any misalignment can cause the door to jam or operate noisily. Wipe down the tracks with a clean cloth to remove dirt, grime, or residue.

    If you notice dents or bends in the tracks, gently hammer them out or consider calling a professional to repair or replace the affected sections. Avoid using excessive force, as this can further damage the tracks. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the overhead door tracks. This helps the door and its rollers move smoothly along the track. Be cautious not to over-lubricate, as excess lubricant can attract dirt and debris. Wipe away any excess lubricant that you may have applied.

    Drums

    Has your garage door been a little shakier or noisier than usual? This may be an issue with your garage door drums – the wheels that wind up the cables that lift and close your door. Since the drums aren’t as easily accessible as the other parts of your garage door, they may become more dirty or rusty on a regular basis, so checking on them is a good idea. Drums are another piece of your garage door that we strongly suggest you don’t attempt to repair yourself – they support a lot of weight and any mistakes in handling them could be dangerous! 

    Replace the garage opener batteries? Grease the chains? Are the lightbulbs burned out? There are plenty of other things to check, but we think four’s a good number for this garage door maintenance article! Good luck with garage door maintenance and remember to call a pro if you’re in over your head.

  • Garages are Often Meant to Store Things, So Let’s Be Efficient!

    Let’s face it, our garages often collect things – and not always in the most organized fashion. Why should we be wasting what very well may be the largest room in our home? Thankfully there are several modern tips, tricks, and gadgets to clean up the garage and help you and your family get the most out of your storage space.

    Make Use of the Walls

    There are a multitude of useful garage wall organizers out there. And few of them will break the bank. Mount a tool storage rack to organize lawn care or household cleaning tools. For automotive or crafting tools – consider installing a pegboard for the more traditional workshop look. And don’t forget to think outside the box; you can always install indoor closet shelving in your garage to hang that bulk winter clothing during the summer months. Storage options that normally go in a house closet can absolutely be used in the garage.

    Sports Equipment and Garages Mix Well

    If you have a family, chances are you have bicycles. And maybe lots of them. And it starts to get old either seeing them laying in the yard, or tripping over them in the garage. We have many clever options to easily store the family bicycles in the garage. There are even more options for those of us that take to the waters. Whether you are into kayaking, canoeing, or anything else – there is a rack to store your gear. Check out the options to see if a wall-mount or more ceiling-mounted approach works best in your particular situation.

    Shelves and More Shelves

    Can’t go wrong with the classic approach. Garage shelves are the original organizer. Old as garages themselves. Line your unused garage walls with some shelves and you’ll quickly triple your storage space, and it won’t cost an arm and a leg, depending. For most shelving options, you pay for what you get. Go for shelving with a wide, sturdy base if you plan on loading it up. If you want mobility, consider units that have wheels. In any case, you can’t go wrong with traditional shelves.

  • Garage Space in Our Homes is the Most Underused Living Space

    When we think of garage space, some people conjure up images of dark, dank cement floors and spiders. Not us. We see unlimited potential for some of the most creative living space in the entire home. Garage space is very unique because it is often large, open, and has the interesting feature of being about to open one entire wall to the outside world. This changes the whole dynamics of what is possible with airflow, sunlight, and space.

    Let the Gains Begin

    One of the most common and favorite uses of garage space is to build a home gym. It couldn’t be a more perfect setting. You usually have a floor that is nearly unbreakable – so, if you want to have drop weights – no problem. You want to pound the ground with a treadmill and not wake up your family? Again, no problem. And best of all – put that door halfway up to get some serious ventilation. Throw a sound system in there and you are ready to go!

    The Social Hangout

    The garage space is a great place to build a hangout space that doesn’t need to stay quite as tidy as the rest of the house. Throw a few furniture pieces, some lighting, a mini-fridge, and a modest entertainment system – and now you have yourself a sweet hangout spot. If it is a nice day, open that big door up and put a charcoal grill in the driveway. And the best part – those in the house proper are generally going to be safe from any excess noise.

    Mining and Crafting

    Yes, we know the stereotypical workshop is cliché, but only for good reason. The garage space is a great place to setup a workshop of any kind. This could range from a wood working tool bench to a recording studio. Build and craft whatever your heart desires.

    These are just a few ideas and thoughts that hopefully inspire you to make something more out of your unused garage space. The sky is the limit!

  • Tired of Fumbling Around in the Dark in the Garage? Here is How to Change the Bulb

    We’ve all been there. That burnt out bulb just seems to be in the worst place possible for a quick change. But it’s not that bad. Really. Let’s walk through it.

    1. Safety First: Ensure the light switch is turned off for safety. Clear the area around the bulb housing for easy access. 
    2. Get the Right Equipment: Grab a sturdy ladder or step stool that provides sufficient height to reach the garage door opener. The casing around the bulb may vary depending on your model.
    3. Access the Bulb Casing: Identify how to open the casing; it’s usually a hinged cover. Open it to reveal the old bulb. Remember, “righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.” If you can’t see an easy way to open it, consult your overhead door opener’s manual. Lost it? In the age of the internet, you can just search your model number to find it.
    4. Choose the Correct Bulb: Ensure you match the wattage of the old bulb with the new one. Opting for the wrong wattage could cause issues later. You can also check this with your opener’s instruction manual. Beats having to find out you have the wrong bulb when you’re already up the ladder.
    5. Install the New Bulb: Replace the old bulb with the new one and securely close the cover. Flip the switch to test the light. If it works, you’re all set!
    6. Troubleshooting: If the light doesn’t turn on, try gently shaking the new bulb to check for any internal damage. If you hear something rattling, the bulb might be faulty.

    Professional Assistance: If the new bulb doesn’t work or shows signs of damage, seeking professional help is advisable. For complications beyond a door opener bulb change you should contact a local garage door technician.

  • 3 Reasons to Replace Your Garage Door Opener

    Most people don’t realize they need to replace their garage door opener until the day they’re garage door doesn’t open and their car’s stuck inside. This is an inconvenient hassle. But if you pay attention to the condition of your garage door opener and its performance, you should be able to spot the issue before it completely breaks down. Here are 3 reasons you might want to replace your garage door opener.

    Your Garage Door Opener is Noisy

    Any garage door opener will make a certain amount of noise. You’re lifting a hundred pound door, after all. But overtime the door will get noisier. Routine maintenance will help, but eventually you’ll just need to replace the opener. If peace and quiet is important to you, opt for a quieter model. Belt garage door openers make less noise than chain, though they are a little more expensive.

    You Want a Smart Garage Door Opener

    Stepping into the 21st century has its advantages. With a smart garage door opener, you can open the door with any mobile device, from anywhere. If you forget to close the door, you can close it when you’re stuck in traffic on your way to work. Delivery drivers can be given special instructions to call you so you can give them access to the door so they can safely tuck your packages inside. You can view the security of the door while you are away on vacation.

    Battery Backup

    In California, battery backup is required on all new garage door opener installations. But it still might be a good idea to upgrade anyway. With battery backup, you always have access to your garage door even during a power outage. The law was inspired during the wildfires a few years ago when some people had difficulty evacuating their homes due to power outages.

  • A Guide to New Garage Door Installation

    The truth is if your garage door is over 20 years it may be time to consider replacing it. The good news is a new garage door installation has one of the highest return on investments for all home improvements — nearly 97%, virtually dollar for dollar. The reason for this is because of curb appeal and what a new garage door does for your property value.

    If you decide to install a new garage door, we recommend hiring a professional to do the installation. This is the best way to get the most out of your investment — you ensure it’s installed properly and safely. It’s also worth noting you may indeed void the warranty of a new garage door if you decide to install it yourself. That’s because things can go wrong if you don’t have the tools and the expertise to install the door properly.

    But if you decide to install a new garage door yourself, here are a few things you should know to do the job correctly.

    Spring Safety

    Before you replace your garage door, you’ll naturally need to remove the old one first. You’ll need to release the tension in the springs. Otherwise the springs are capable of snapping with incredible pressure — potentially causing serious bodily injury. To release the tension, you’ll need steel rods, turned one quarter turn at a time. Once the springs are properly loosened, you can move onto the next step.

    Remove Existing Hardware

    You’ll need to remove the garage door opener and existing garage door. Disconnect the garage door opener. Remove each panel of the garage door, piece by piece. Start from the top and work your way down.

    Once the panels have been removed, take the door frame off the wall. Next, remove the old garage door opener if you plan on replacing it.

    Installing New Garage Door Panels

    Now it’s time to install your new garage door. Most garage doors have pilot holes drilled into the panels for easier installation. Start with the top panels — installing the hinges at the top of each panel as you go. You’ll need to attach axle supports to the top and bottom panels.

    Install the Garage Door Track

    Once you’ve got the panels in place, it’s time to install the track. Attach the correct brackets to the vertical track pieces. Place the brackets against the wall so the wheels are in the correct position. Attach the door cable to the bottom axle support, and then attach the bottom bracket to the wall.

    Installing Garage Door Springs

    Once the track is in place, it’s time to install the springs. Mark the center of the door. This is where you’ll put your spring support. The springs attach to the anchors and the spring locking cone. The cone will keep the spring from popping away under high pressure. Attach the springs to the main header bracket.

    Installing Other Garage Door Parts

    Finally, you’ll need to install the torsion rod, pulleys, and cable. Next, tighten the springs. This gives your door the tension it needs to open and close.

  • How Much Will Your Garage Door Repair Cost?

    Here’s the deal: Sure, some minor garage door repairs you can do yourself, like tightening the bolts as a routine maintenance. But many repairs will require the expertise of a professional. And yes, there will be some costs. How much a garage door repair will cost depends on the nature and complexity of the repair, as well as the parts involved. Wondering how much your repair will cost? Here’s what to keep in mind as you come up with an eyeball estimate.

    Common Garage Door Repair Costs

    You use your garage door every day. You depend on it as a matter of safety, convenience, and security. It’s a highly complex mechanical device that weighs hundreds of pounds. Eventually, the part will wear out overtime.

    And then of course there’s accidental damage — dents from the kids hitting the door repeatedly with a soccer ball, that time you swiped the edge with a car, etc.

    In most cases, wear and tear as well as accidental damage can be repaired.

    Calculating the Cost of a Garage Door Repair

    Not all repairs cost the same. The price you pay depends on a variety of factors. It’s a good idea to get several estimates from a variety of repair companies in El Dorado Hills so you can be sure the repair is priced competitively.

    One of the major determining factors is the type of garage door you have.The materials and type of door have a huge impact on how much a repair will cost.

    For a sectional garage door, for example, you can expect to spend $128 on average. Carriage-style doors will cost $133, while a one-panel door costs around $172.

    The construction materials of the garage door also play a role. Because you’ll also need to paint the door, wood tends to be the most expensive — prices average around $190 to $215.

    Aluminum doors range from $175 to $200 for most repairs. The good news is these doors tend to need fewer repairs because they are rust and dent resistant. Fiberglass too is a highly durable material that handles temperature change considerably well. For a fiberglass door, repairs tend to range from $150 to $165. Steel doors are also sturdy, but can rust. Steel doors will cost anywhere from $135 to $155 to repair.

  • Choosing the Best Grow Light for Starting Seedlings In Your Garage

    Why Grow Plants in the Garage When You Live in California?

    Most gardeners who overwinter or start plants in their garage are shielding their seedlings and prize succulents from harsh winters and below freezing temps. One of the best perks of gardening in California is allowing plants to flourish outdoors year round, without interrupting their growth by uprooting them in winter and shocking them with a less-desirable home indoors. There are a few cases, however, when making use of your garage is a great idea for your garden’s inhabitants. Finding a good grow light is a crucial step.

    Starting Seeds with the Right Light

    It’s common sense that seedlings and young plants require more attention and care — that’s why greenhouses are also called nurseries. While plenty of native seeds will do just fine sown directly in the ground, that method is better for fields of wildflowers that aren’t planned and precise. If you truly want an organized garden with perfectly placed plants, ensuring they survive their first months before planting can prevent you from having to rearrange things later. Seed trays are great because they allow you to easily water all your seedlings at once, and can be placed on a heating mat to expedite germination. VIVOSUN Durable Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat is a good choice. The perfect light for this situation, according to The Spruce (which is the best online resource for home and garden product reviews), is the Roleadro LED 75W Grow Light.

    Because this light is a square panel as opposed to a bulb or gooseneck lamp, it distributes light perfectly above a seed tray. When placed 18-24 inches above the seedlings, it effectively nourishes seedlings and prevents them from stretching and becoming weak, like many do when they have to reach for their light source. Check out more tips for starting plants in your garage in our blog from spring 2016, Green Thumb? How to Grow Starter Plants in Your Garage Space

  • Keeping Your Garage Door Balanced

    Most homeowners use their garage door multiple times a day, which can add up to almost a thousand times per year. The door will naturally go through wear and tear, especially if it is not routinely maintained or repaired. One of the most common repairs that garage doors go through is doors being unbalanced. Your door can slide up or down without your control, which is more than just annoying – it’s a safety risk. If your garage door is unbalanced and has a mind of its own, it’s crucial to get it repaired. Not only does this comprise your garage door’s security, but it could also lead to further damage. 

    To understand why your garage door might be unbalanced, we’ll have to take a look at one of the most important components of the fixture. 

    Faulty Springs are a Common Culprit

    A crooked garage door is one sign of your door being off-balance, but the issue has more to do with whether the major components of your garage door are working in harmony. Your garage door springs are responsible for storing and releasing the energy that moves your garage door up and down. A malfunctioning or worn out spring is a common way garage doors are thrown out of whack. Observing how your door hangs when it is manually opened halfway will indicate whether the garage door is over-balanced or underbalanced. 

    If the door moves upward on its own, it is considered “overbalanced,” and tension needs to be released from the springs. If it falls down to the ground it is considered “underbalanced,” and the springs need to be tightened.Want to avoid future spring repairs? Ask your garage door repair company of choice to install a second spring to your door system. Adding a second spring will take the load off of the first, making your door operate more smoothly and mitigating the likelihood of an unbalanced door.  

    It should be noted that all repairs involving garage door springs should be done by experts. If your DIY garage door spring repair goes awry, you could damage the door and yourself in the process.  

    Avoid Future Repairs with Routine Balance Checks

    As mentioned, tightening or loosening springs is a job better left to professionals, but by routinely checking the balance of your door, you’ll be able to spot problems when they are small, less expensive, and easier to fix. If your door hangs crookedly when performing the balance test, it could mean only one of your garage door’s springs is causing trouble. It is still best to replace both at the same time, however. Replacing springs isn’t too hard on the pocketbook. This repair runs somewhere between $150 and $350 in the Sacramento area. You should check the balance of your door a few times a year, but you can expect your garage door springs to last around 10 years, or 10,000-20,000 cycles.

    When it comes to repairs, it’s important to seek out professional, licensed, and insured repair companies. Springing for the best garage door repair companies in your area will save you money and time in future repairs. Why? Because lowly repair services won’t be able to guarantee their work and are simply in the business of making a quick buck. Professional repair companies want to earn your money the right way. Your garage door is the largest entryway into your home and if it’s compromised, it poses a significant security risk. Do you really want unprofessional and uninsured companies working on your expensive garage door? Repair once and repair well.   

  • Tilt-Up Garage Doors and Mid-Century Suburbs

    Tilt-up garage doors were once prevalent on residences during the 1960s and 1970s. They characterized the era of burgeoning designer suburbs. These single-panel overhead doors gained popularity due to their simplicity. Then enabled mass garage door production and installation. Their manufacturing perfectly aligned with the rapid expansion of suburban neighborhoods.

    With the evolution of garage door technology and advancements in safety standards, newer trends have shifted away from tilt-up overhead doors. Contemporary insights from garage door repair companies predominantly lean toward sectional doors. They’re generally considered the superior choice for overhead garage solutions.

    While tilt-up garage doors evoke nostalgia for mid-century suburban aesthetics, they have phased out of favor. This is mainly due to their operational limitations and safety concerns. Today, sectional doors offer enhanced safety features, smoother functionality, and improved insulation. They’re a more efficient and secure option for modern homeowners. Here’s a breakdown for you on where tilt-up garage doors falls short:

    All the Iffy Features of Tilt-Up Doors

    • First of all- safety is an issue with this type of door. The garage door springs on tilt-ups are extension springs (sectionals typically use torsion), and if one becomes loose or breaks, the entire door will come crashing down.
    • The fact that the door is kind of pulled back and then lifted by the opener means it takes up way more overhead space than a sectional door.
    • You need a driveway with a decent amount of length, since the door will stick out while it’s lifting and closing. It can hit your car if you’re pulled in too close.
    • There’s no way to insulate or effectively weather-seal these doors because of their build and design.

    Now, this doesn’t mean that if you have an older home and you need the garage door replaced or that you should never use a tilt-up door. Depending on the construction of your garage, it might take really expensive renovations you don’t want or need in order to retrofit for a sectional door installation. Regardless, you should really consult with a company that sells and repairs overhead garage doors before you make any decisions on your new installation or replacement.