Garage door repairs can be expensive. Often, they are caused by an incident, such as a tree branch slamming into it and loosening several panels. In other cases, a person may back up into it before it’s fully open. When such an incident occurs, people often delay emergency repairs, which leads to more costly repairs and a shorter lifespan for the door. The information will explain how to save money on garage door repairs.
Preventative Measures
Taking preventative measures to maintain your garage door is a smart move that will save you money in the long run. These maintenance activities include cleaning and lubricating springs, hinges, and other moving parts. In addition, you should check that the auto-reverse safety feature is working properly and tighten any loose pieces.
Inspecting for any kinks or damage is important. For example, if the cables are not adjusted properly, they can snap and cause a collision. A broken garage door can also cause bodily injury or death if it hits someone or gets stuck underneath it. Fortunately, you can prevent such tragedies by performing monthly safety inspections and scheduling annual preventative maintenance with a local garage door repair company. It’s also important to clean out debris that may be building up on the door’s track. Keeping the tracks clean will reduce the risk of rust and clogged parts. You can also tighten bolts to prevent gaps from forming in your door.
Oil Tempered Springs
The most common type of garage door repair is oil-tempered springs. These springs are tough, durable, and able to withstand thousands of cycles. But, there are some things to keep in mind before you install oil-tempered springs on your own. First, be sure to wear protective gloves.
Oil-tempered springs have a longer lifespan than zinc galvanized springs. A single oil-tempered spring can last for up to 10,000 cycles and is generally capable of lasting seven to 10 years. Aside from being durable, oil-tempered springs require less maintenance and modification than their counterparts. These springs also hold their energy storage capacity for longer periods.
The second major reason that springs fail is rust. Rust causes the spring to lose its elasticity and snap under pressure. This is why it is important to maintain your springs regularly. They may snag on things or attract more moisture if they become too rusted. Moreover, rust may shorten the life span of the springs.
Fiberglass Garage Door
Fiberglass garage doors are less expensive and less time-consuming to repair than their counterparts made of wood. However, they’re susceptible to dents and damage, especially from prolonged exposure to sunlight and heavy usage. In addition, fiberglass can become yellow over time, and sunlight can accelerate the process. Fortunately, newer formulations of fiberglass paints have made this problem much less prevalent. However, new paints will only provide a temporary fix.
Sectional Garage Door
Sectional garage doors offer many benefits over single-panel swing-up doors. A sectional door allows for easier maintenance since each panel is easily replaced. A sectional door has fewer connections than a single-panel swing-up door, which means it is less likely to come off the track or fall. These doors also have multiple pivot points, making them difficult to break into.
Another advantage of sectional garage doors is that they’re insulated, which prevents cold draughts and heat loss from inside.
Maintenance
Regarding garage door repairs, the cost of getting someone to fix it can add up. You can try to save money by repairing the door, which can cause more problems. Garage doors have many different components and can be very complicated to fix. Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your garage door in top shape. Not only should you keep your cables and springs oiled, but you should also wash the outside of your garage door to keep it looking new. This will help avoid potential damage to the seals and wiring.