Homeowners in Lakewood should check their garage doors for repairs or replacements. They should listen for strange noises, ensure the door opens and closes smoothly, and look for visible damage like cracks or warping. Older doors with ongoing issues may need replacing, while minor problems, like broken springs or misaligned tracks, usually just need repairs. This assessment with trusted garage door services in Lakewood, CO from Select Garage Doors is essential for safety and proper function.
Key Signs a Garage Door Needs Attention
Residential houses depend on garage doors for safety and convenience until they reach the end of their lifespan, creating operational and safety hazards. Maintenance checks help determine whether a replacement or repair is necessary.
Listen for Unusual Noises
A garage door emitting grinding noises together with squeaking or rattling sounds indicates the existence of mechanical problems with rollers or misaligned tracks. Inspecting the door may identify problems like a bad spring or wear. Uneven or sagging door movement may be a sign of imbalanced springs or misalignment, which will overburden the system. Check also for gaps or light leaks since these are prone to causing energy loss. Last but not least, verify that the auto-reverse safety function is in working condition to avoid injury.
Observe the Door’s Movement
Garage doors must shut and open quietly and effortlessly. Jerky movement or uneven movement could be due to issues with the motor, an obstruction, or worn-out cables. Slowing down in older doors is to be expected, whereas unexpectedly high energy expenses signify probable insulation problems due to weather seals that have been compromised. If repairs are frequently required, replace the door. Also, replace the garage door opener if it does not respond to the remote.
Visually Inspect for Damage
Rust, cracks, and dents not only look unsightly but also compromise safety. Sensors and locks that are broken also impact security. Check for tampering and proper operation of safety features, like the automatic reverse system, in routine checks. Even if the door weighs over 200 pounds, it should be readily manageable by a single person during a power failure.
Check the Garage Door Balance
A properly balanced door should stay open halfway. Its operation can be impacted by uneven wear on the springs and changes in temperature. Removing snow, ice, or storm damage quickly is essential for smooth operation. Proper maintenance can rectify these problems and extend the life of the door.
How to Know Garage Door Needs Repair?
Checking if a garage door in Lakewood needs repair requires a thorough assessment of its present state, functionality, and possible expense. By tending to certain issues, property owners can make sound judgments that weigh functionality, safety, and long-term value.
1. Identify Sagging or Uneven Movement
Sagging or uneven garage doors usually signal problems with the opener. Begin by verifying the power source and remote. In the event of ongoing problems, the opener might need repairs or a replacement. Modern openers have smartphone controls and quieter motors as added features, making things more convenient. The openers also come in compatibility with current systems, which means upgrades are easier and fewer future repairs are necessary.
2. Look for Gaps and Light Leaks
A closed garage door displays light leakage through its seals and panel misalignment. Comprehensive maintenance procedures involving door hardware lubrication alongside hardware security will prevent expensive replacement costs. Professional inspections identify small problems early which enable preventive actions that protect the door from deteriorating. Regular maintenance keeps it functioning smoothly and reduces repair costs.
3. Test the Auto-Reverse Function
A garage door that does not reverse upon contact with an obstruction poses safety risks. Dents, debris in tracks, and worn springs should be checked. While cleaning sensors can be done independently, wiring or broken spring issues require professional assistance. Keeping inspection records helps track recurring problems.
4. Examine Cables, Springs, and Rollers
Broken springs with a 2-inch gap can be dangerous. Doors that are off-track from blockages or wear need to be realigned with care. Frayed cables can snap and pose safety risks. In short, replace broken springs, realign off-track doors by clearing blockages, and immediately replace frayed cables.
5. Evaluate Remote and Opener Functionality
Knowing what drives repair costs is beneficial to budgeting. Schedule regular checks to prevent surprise costs, and available financing can take the sting out of high-repair bills. Monitoring prior repairs can help predict future maintenance requirements.
6. Assess Door Panel Condition
Defective panels impact security as well as appearance. Installing smart locks and doorbell cameras increases security and allows remote monitoring. Keeping security up to date protects from new threats.
Lakewood’s Weather Impact on Garage Doors
Garage doors are vital to American residences, providing safety and convenience. In Lakewood, the extreme heat of summer and the coldness of winter may influence garage doors’ performance and lifespan. Such factors must be addressed to sustain the health of garage doors.
Effects of Temperature Fluctuations
Wood garage doors are prone to expansion and contraction which causes warping and cracking together with decreased insulation capability under annual 23°F winter temperatures and 87°F summer temperatures.
The strength advantage comes from steel doors yet fiberglass doors work well against moisture and cold temperatures. Proper sealing or regular painting protects wooden garage doors from enduring harsh environmental conditions.
Temperature changes stress garage door components such as springs and cables so they tend to break apart. Regular maintenance with lubricant application together with inspections helps to reduce wear and maximize product lifespan.
Dealing with Snow and Ice Buildup
In Lakewood’s cold winters, ice is the culprit behind garage door issues, including frozen seals that refuse to let them open and heavy snow-pounding tracks and openers. Prevent these from happening by ensuring good drainage and using weather-resistant seals. Heated garage floors together with threshold heating systems prove useful for this purpose. The waterproof nature of fiberglass doors makes them an ideal selection since snow cannot cause damage through swelling or rotting.
Managing Wind and Storm Damage
Storms and strong winds may damage garage doors, particularly thin doors, that bend and dent, losing insulation and security. Steel or reinforced doors are suggested in windy areas. Impact-resistant elements or bracing systems can be installed for added protection. Periodic examination of hurricane panels and loose hardware following storms will avoid expensive repairs.
Repair or Replace a Garage Door in Lakewood
Garage door repair is necessary for safety, ease of use, and appearance. Repairing little problems right away can help avert expensive fixes. Lakewood’s severe climate conditions are putting wear and tear on garage doors, and normal maintenance needs to be performed regularly. Fix or replace according to the state and operation of the door. Sustained squeaks and squawks or a malfunctioning opener mean something has to be resolved. Maintenance upkeep prolongs the life of a door. In case of uncertainty, it is always possible to consult a trusted Lakewood garage door repair expert.
Select Garage Doors
- 2650 Youngfield Street STE 6, Lakewood, Colorado 80215
- Phone: (303) 228-9049
