El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Tag: garage door opener repair

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • Add Garage Door Opener Repair to Your Wildfire Prep Checklist

    It’s more important than ever to prepare your household for natural disasters, and in California, wildfires are the most threatening. Updating the type of garage door and garage door opener you have in your home should be added to your checklist. Battery-powered garage door openers are more reliable than electric in this case, since the latter can be struck useless when wildfires hit and the power goes out. Tragically, there have been numerous elderly folks falling victim to disabled garage-door entrapment, unable to open their garage door manually and escape the dire emergency.

    Plan for Battery-Backup Upgrade When Replacing or Repairing Your Garage Door

    Making the switch to a garage door opener with battery backup is not merely a precaution—it’s a necessity. As of July 2019, California law mandates that all newly installed or replaced garage door openers must include a battery backup, with non-compliance resulting in a $1000 penalty. Many homeowners were put in a tight spot by the higher cost associated with battery-powered openers. Battery powered backup systems can run around $500 compared to around $200 for electric models. More affordable battery backup kits are now available, making this vital upgrade more accessible.

    This law underscores the importance of ensuring that your garage door opener remains operational during power outages, which are common during wildfire events. The investment in a battery-backup system is a small price to pay when considering the safety and peace of mind it provides. In the event of a power outage, a battery-backed garage door opener will allow you to safely exit your home, potentially saving lives during emergencies.

    Garage Door Battery-Powered Openers Are for More than Wildfires

    Beyond wildfires, battery-powered garage door openers also offer reliability during other natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes. These openers ensure that you are not trapped in your home when access to power is disrupted. The ability to quickly and safely evacuate can make a significant difference during any emergency.

    It’s Always Worth It to Invest in Safety 

    While the initial cost of transitioning to a battery-powered garage door opener may seem steep, it’s a worthwhile investment. More budget-friendly battery backup kits have become available, easing the financial burden on homeowners. Whether you are replacing or repairing your garage door for unrelated reasons, incorporating a battery backup is a prudent step. The most recent wildfires have ravaged a record-setting number of acres. This emphasizes the critical need for reliable emergency preparedness measures. You home security doesn’t stop with cameras; you need to be able to exit your home with ease. Garage door battery backup systems are for this specific purpose.

    Ultimately, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your garage door opener will function in an emergency is invaluable. Many homeowners agree that the added cost is justified, given the life-saving potential of these systems. Ensuring that your home is equipped with a battery-powered garage door opener is a responsible and necessary measure to protect your family and property from the unpredictable nature of natural disasters.

  • Add Garage Door Opener Repair to Your Wildfire Prep Checklist

    It’s more important than ever to prepare your household for natural disasters, and in California, wildfires are the most threatening. Updating the type of garage door and garage door opener you have in your home should be added to your checklist. Battery-powered garage door openers are more reliable than electric in this case, since the latter can be struck useless when wildfires hit and the power goes out. Tragically, there have been numerous elderly folks falling victim to disabled garage-door entrapment, unable to open their garage door manually and escape the dire emergency.

    Plan for battery-backup upgrade when replacing or repairing garage door

    More than just a precaution, making the battery-backup adjustment is now necessary to abide by a California law (established July 2019) carrying a $1000 penalty. Initially, homeowners were disappointed to discover that transitioning from electric to battery-powered openers can come at a cost, with the battery-powered price ringing in at $500, as opposed to the electric option running around $200. But more affordable battery backup kits are now available. Large or small, this is an expense to be prepared for if you are repairing or replacing your garage door for an unrelated reason. Money well spent in a matter of life and death, especially considering the most recent wildfires (late summer of 2020) have ravaged a record-setting number of acres. Peace of mind is worth the price, many homeowners agree, especially since battery-powered openers are not only more reliable in case of fire, but also amidst floods and hurricanes.

  • A Troubleshooting Guide to Garage Door Opener Repair

    Want to keep your garage door opening smoothly and safely? Maintain a well working garage door opener. That’s the machine that does all the work after all. And considering most of us use our garage doors 2 to 3 times per day, that adds up to a thousand times per year. That’s a lot of work for one garage door opener. Here’s how to keep it running smoothly, and how to know when it’s time to replace it with a new garage door opener.

    Checking Your Garage Door Opener

    If you suspect your garage door opener is having a problem, you’ll need to first test the door to see if the repair problem actually has to do with the garage door itself. To do this, detach your garage door opener by pulling on the cord hanging above the track which runs your garage door trolley. This will release the garage door opener. Open the door manually so the door is half way open. If it holds steadily in position, your door is likely fine and it’s the garage door opener that’s experiencing repair problems.

    Is It an Issue with Your Garage Door Springs?

    If the door slides back down on its tracks, there’s likely an issue with your garage door springs. They don’t have the proper tension and will either need to be adjusted or replaced because they are wearing out. Never try to repair or replace garage door springs yourself, however. These springs are under an incredible tension and can cause extreme injury if they should suddenly snap. Always call a garage door repair professional for garage door springs. They have both the knowledge and proper tools to do the job safely and effectively.

    Warning Signs of Garage Door Opener Repair

    Like your garage door itself, your garage door opener is a highly complex mechanical device. As such, it takes proper care for it to work properly. But even the best cared for garage door opener will eventually wear out and suffer repair issues. Generally, you’ll need to replace your garage door opener at twice the rate of replacing the garage door itself.

    If you notice loud screeching or squealing coming from the trolley or the opener itself, this can be a sign it’s starting to fail. The chain in your garage door opener is wearing out or becoming loose. You might be able to have a garage door professional tweak it back into place, but sometimes it just needs to be replaced.

    If your garage door opener is slowing or hesitating at the beginning, this is a sign it’s nearly worn out. Keep an eye out for your garage door opener detaching. This causes your opener to completely disconnect so your garage door comes crashing to the floor. It’s extremely dangerous. If the garage door itself looks like it’s about to give, contact a professional immediately.

    If you can see your garage door opener vibrate, this is a sign that you have bent shafts or worn out armatures. If this continues long enough, the garage door can detach, an extremely dangerous situation (see above). If you notice an unusual vibration in your garage door, contact a garage door professional as soon as possible for a more thorough inspection.

    If you notice your garage door randomly opening and closing, this is a sign your circuitry is wearing out. You’ll need to replace the garage door opener. This can be a serious security issue as it can randomly leave your garage door exposed to thieves in the middle of the night or while you are away at work. You’ll need to address this problem immediately.

  • We Answered Your 3 Most Common Questions to Garage Door Opener Repair

    We rely on our garage doors every day. Most of the time, they work so well it’s easy to take the opener itself for granted for granted. It’s only when something goes wrong that we even think about garage door repair. And when it does, it’s extremely stressful — only because we rely on our doors so much. When a door gets stuck, refuses to open, or doesn’t close all the way, it feels like the end of the world.

    That’s when our customers call us — and boy do they have a lot of questions. We don’t mind. We’re happy to help. But we thought we take some time to answer some of your most common frequently asked questions about garage door opener repair so you can brush up online.

    Why Isn’t My Garage Door Opener Remote Working?

    Honestly? Nine times out of 10 it’s a battery issue. Replace the batteries, and it’s good to go. The repair was so simple that many people overlook it. In fact, we stock the trucks we send out for garage door emergency repair with batteries for this very reason.

    Another reason is you might be trying to open the door from too far away. Many doors don’t open well at a long distance range. You might also want to check the antenna on your garage door opener. Make sure it’s not bent, missing, or otherwise dysfunctional.

    My Wall Switch Won’t Work! What Gives?

    Again, this is often an electrical issue. Many times, it’s as simple as a flipped fuse or an unplugged opener. Check both. It could be a more complicated wiring problem, which may require an electrician. Before you call a professional for garage door repair, check to see if the opener is in a locked position. The lock on an opener can either be engaged with a separate button or by holding down on the remote button for an extended period. It’s an often overlooked feature, but pretty handy for going on vacation.

    My Opener Still Doesn’t Work! Help!

    Not exactly a question, but we’ll still try to address this issue nonetheless. There are many reasons why your garage door won’t open. Let’s break down a few of the most common.

    It could be a blocked power source, disconnected wires. It may be the sensitivity levels in your opener are not set appropriately. It could be that the gears in the motor of your opener are stripped. In this case, your motor will need replaced.

    If your stuck, or more exactly your garage door is stuck and you’re not sure what to do, call us! We offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair to the El Dorado Hills area. We’ll come fix it at 6 in the morning — even on Christmas! Relax. We’ve got your back.

  • How Autumn Leaves, Sunlight and Even Dirt Can Affect Garage Door Sensors

    How Autumn Leaves, Sunlight and Even Dirt Can Affect Garage Door Sensors

    How Autumn Leaves, Sunlight and Even Dirt Can Affect Garage Door Sensors

    We don’t see a lot of foliage in Rancho Cordova, California, but we actually have a lot more than the rest of the country imagines. And while the splash of color is beautiful and that rustic smell of leaves is classic fall, leaves that fall to the ground become a nuisance pretty fast. In fact, they can actually interfere with your garage door sensors, preventing the door from closing. So if you find your door won’t close and keeps returning to the up position, look for piles of leaves around your sensors. Autumn may be running interference on your opener.

    What’s Happening

    Required by law since the early 90s, sensors are used to automatically detect if something is in the way. This is designed to protect children and pets from injury. It also will stop the door from operating if something is in the way such as a car, a lawn mower or bike.

    Other Things that Can Obstruct Sensors

    Lots of things can actually interfere with your sensors. Cobwebs are common. Sometimes sunlight is a problem. You can get around this by securing cardboard or wooden shades around the top of the sensor to protect it from sunlight. Sometimes the sensors just need cleaned. 

    Cleaning Your Garage Door Sensors is Easy

    Cleaning your garage door safety sensors is a simple maintenance task to ensure your door operates safely and reliably. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

    1. Disconnect the power to your garage door opener to prevent the garage door for moving.
    2. Examine the sensor units. They’ll be near the ground on each side of the door. Look for any dirt, cobwebs, or debris that might obstruct their operation.
    3. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a cotton swab to clean the sensor lenses. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the lenses.
    4. Ensure the sensors are correctly aligned so that the invisible beam of light between them is uninterrupted. As said above, you may need to fashion a cover from leaves.
    5. After cleaning and aligning the sensors, reconnect the power to your garage door opener. Test the garage door to ensure it operates smoothly and that the safety sensors are functioning correctly.

    Regularly cleaning and maintaining your safety sensors ensures they function properly. A little soap and water might be the easiest garage door opener repair you’ve ever done.