Garage Door Maintenance tips

The door

Wash and clean your door: Rinse the surface with a garden hose to remove all loose dirt and residue, apply a liquid "Wash 'n Wax car cleaner with a car wash mitt or sponge as you would use for your car, and rinse the surface with a garden hose. Avoid abrasive cleaners, or strong liquid soaps.
 
The use of liquid car wax once a year will revitalize your door, evenly spread a thin layer of wax to avoid wax accumulations in the finish and follow car wax application instructions. If wax accumulations cannot be removed with a cloth, use a soft bristle brush, and gently remove the excess. (Avoid accumulations around window frames and overlays)

Weatherstripping

Most weatherstripping is made of quality P.V.C. and therefore should be cleaned with an all-purpose vinyl cleanser, as you would use on your patio furniture. Lubricate the weatherstripping every three to six months with a silicon-based oil. Do not use petroleum-based oils as this will cause loss of elasticity. Petroleum attacks the rubber and decreases its flexibility.
 
Track, hinges, rollers, springs

Lubricate the tracks, hinges and rollers with a silicone lubricant. This will result in a quieter operation of your door.

How to Purchase New Torsion Springs

Perhaps the most common garage door problem they average homeowner faces is a broken spring. If you've had it happen you either heard a loud bang one day or tried to open the door and nothing happened. 

So... How should you go about replacing your garage door torsion springs?

First, some basics. DO NOT attempt to replace them yourself!

• Yes you can find springs on-line and give it a try.. just remember this... 30,000 people end up in the emergency room every year attempting this repair. 
• HIRE A PROFESSIONAL!

OK.. so what do you need to know and ask when you call a professional garage door repair company. 

Again some basics will help:

How many cycles the springs are rated for?

• Garage door Springs are rated in “cycles” where a cycle is a single opening and closing action. The number of cycles that might occur each day will clearly vary since some seldom use their garage door while others might use extensively, especially if it serves as an alternative main entrance. 
• A reasonable approximate average is 3-4 cycles per day which equates to about 1,100 -1,500 cycles each year. The standard cycle life in the garage door industry is 10,000 cycles. Which means your springs should have an average lifespan of about 5-9 years before repairs will be required..
• Note: Cheaper Springs (rated under 10,000 cycles) are considered overstressed and are not recommended for use.
• By simply insisting on having only parts tested for a higher number of cycles you should expect that your new garage door will operate flawlessly for literally a lifetime. Precision Garage Door uses only commercial grade springs rated at a minimum of 33,000 cycles. 

 What else should you ask?

• Are the springs powder coated? - Powder coating costs a bit more.. but the springs will be virtually rust free their entire life cycle and rust is a major cause of breaking springs. 
• Are the Springs New? Yes, there are companies that recycle springs - Never buy a used spring!
• Should I replace both Springs if only one is broken?
• Any reputable professional will recommend replacing both springs. Both springs have the same life-cycle and if one breaks the other is close behind. Replace them both!

How much should Springs cost?

• New torsion springs will typically fall in a range of between $100 and $200 per spring. 
• No one can properly price a spring over the phone... sizing the proper spring for your door requires a full inspection and weighing of the door. 
• Ask if that price includes Installation?

OK - you're armed and ready... now call a professional - get high cycle, powder coated springs - replace both of them and make sure the cost includes installation.  Problem solved!

Why does my garage door require maintenance?

Why does my garage door require maintenance?

Just like your car; your garage door has lots of moving parts that wear over time. After all, your garage door is the largest moving object on your home, and we recommend that you have  maintenance performed on an annual basis. Think of it as a Lube and Tune for your garage door.
These should only cost around $100 and often there are "Specials" available.
 Contact Us for an inspection.

Realigning the Garage Door Sensors

Garage door not functioning properly, not completely closing or reversing as it closes? This may be due to your garage door sensors not functioning properly or being out of alignment.  The solution...  the sensors need to be realigned. Realigning garage door sensors will only require gently pushing the sensors into the right position. The correct position of the sensors would be the position wherein they would be facing each other. When the sensors are not aligned correctly, there will be lights that would blink as an indicator. Once the sensors are re-positioned and realigned properly, a solid light will replace the blinking light.