Your garage door adds a lot of value to your home. It’s a great place to store your car, and it also offers security against intruders.
But like every other part of your home, your garage door can be damaged or malfunctioning. Here are some things you can do to make sure your garage door is in good working condition.
Misaligned Tracks
The tracks that guide the rollers of your garage door are crucial for ensuring a smooth, safe and reliable operation. They must be aligned and free from damage in order for the door to open and close properly.
Misaligned tracks are caused by a number of issues including wear and tear, accidents and poor-quality track materials that were used in the initial installation. These problems can lead to unwanted gaps, panel buckling and door binding.
To fix misaligned tracks, first loosen the screws that secure every track to its lower track bracket. Then, tap the bottom of each track gently with a rubber mallet to position it in its proper place. Use a level to make sure that the track is straight up and down. Once level, tighten the screws securely. Repeat this process on each track to ensure the alignment is correct.
Dirty Photo Eyes
Photo eyes, also known as garage door sensors, are contraptions resembling mini video cameras that are placed on either side of your garage door about six inches off the ground. They use a beam of infrared light to detect people, animals or bikes. If this beam is interrupted or blocked, the garage door will reverse direction.
If you’re having trouble closing your door, you may have a dirty or misaligned photo eye sensor that needs some adjustment. Over time, rain, dirt, and dust can build up on the lenses of these sensors, which prevents them from detecting people and pets properly.
The easiest way to check for a dirty sensor is to wipe it off with a damp cloth. However, if your door still won’t close, you should call a garage doors repair professional.
Malfunctioning Opener
A malfunctioning garage door opener can be a sign that something is wrong with your garage doors or the system. It could be something as simple as a faulty battery or a fuse that has burned out.
Alternatively, your garage door may be a bit misaligned and will open only part of the way. In this case, it’s a matter of resetting the track or installing new springs.
Another common issue is a broken photo eye, which can prevent the door from opening or closing properly. The photo eye is a small sensor that hovers 4 to 8 inches above the track on the inside of your garage door and detects objects that are in the way.
A dirty photo eye can prevent the door from moving forward or backward, so it’s a good idea to wipe it off with a damp cloth. It can also be a problem if the two photo eyes are not aligned properly.
Broken Glass
While garage doors with glass are a great addition to any home, they can become a safety concern when they break. Especially if the door has been hit by a vehicle, broken windows can be dangerous for both you and your loved ones.
Therefore, it is important to replace any broken glass in your residential garage doors repair as soon as possible. This will ensure that you do not have any further problems with your doors and that you can keep them looking nice and new.
Getting rid of the broken glass should be a quick process as long as you take the necessary precautions and work safely. You should wear heavy gloves and invest in safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from the shards of glass.
When replacing the broken glass, measure the height and width of the opening first. Next, order a new piece of glass that is at least 1/16 inches shorter in all directions, so it fits properly.