What Are The Dangers Of A Broken Garage Door?

A broken garage door can easily become a hazard. If you discover your garage door has a problem, using it before it is repaired can be dangerous. Your garage door can become run-down as a result of extreme weather, age or other physical elements. If your garage door starts to show resistance when closing or opening or becomes stuck, try to find out the problem before you attempt using it again.

Repairing a broken garage door is very risky and should only be done by professionals. In this article, discover all you need to know about broken garage doors.

What Can Cause Damage to Your Garage Door?

What Can Cause Damage to Your Garage Door
What Can Cause Damage to Your Garage Door

Most garage door owners are surprised to find out how many different parts constitute a garage door. If any of your garage door parts get worn out or stops working properly, it can damage your garage door, causing it to break down.

When you are familiar with the parts of your garage door, you can easily carry out routine maintenance and properly inspect the garage door to ensure a longer span. Here are some of the most common causes of garage door damage for you to look out for:

Broken Cables

Garage door cables help lift and lower your garage door. After being in repeated close-open cycles, they can become damaged or break. With age, these cables can also become brittle, causing them to snap.

It would help if you regularly inspected the cables for any signs of decay or damage. If you observe any damage, immediately contact a garage door expert to replace the cables before it spirals into an even bigger problem.

Broken Garage Springs

Your garage door springs bear a lot of pressure over time. The pressure they are put under is so much it can cause your garage door springs to snap and break. Once your garage door springs are broken, your garage door will no longer function properly.

If you’re lucky to be present, you can hear the garage door spring snap and break and even fall off your garage door. However, if you are not present, you need to inspect your springs to ensure they are still intact regularly. Check the area surrounding the garage door to take note of any broken springs on the ground. To replace your broken garage door spring, simply contact a garage door expert Toronto.

Worn Rollers

The rollers on your garage door help it glide smoothly up and down the track. If your rollers become worn, they may prevent your door from opening easily. Depending on the severity of the damage, the door can move in a jerky motion or become stuck, damaging other parts.

Detecting worn rollers is a lot easier for trained professionals, but it might be a roller problem if you notice difficulty in closing or opening your door. Contact your garage door company to check your rollers and determine the cause of your problem.

Worn Hardware

The hardware on your garage door, such as bolts, hinges and so on, can become rusty, making it difficult for your garage door to operate properly. Most times, all you need to do is check the hardware, apply oil-based lubricant to ensure everything glides smoothly while tightening anything loose.

If you notice your garage door closing or opening with difficulty, worn hardware may be the reason. Contact your garage door expert Toronto for inspection or necessary repair.

Misaligned Track

Due to excessive movement, your garage door can move out of place, causing it to become misaligned. A misaligned track will only worsen with time, leading to more damage as the tack continues to move out of place.

Although routine maintenance can prevent some of these garage door problems, age will always catch up with your garage door. The best thing is to remain observant so you can tell when your garage door needs a replacement or repair. This vigilance will help you nip whatever problems your door might have in the bud.

What Are The Risks Associated With Damaged Garage Doors?

What Are The Risks Associated With Damaged Garage Doors
What Are The Risks Associated With Damaged Garage Doors

If any of the garage door parts need repair, garage door repair should not be delayed. Even though a garage door provides a lot of utility, it can cause some gruesome accidents.

Personal Injury

Weak or broken torsion springs and cables can result in serious injury and even death. Your garage door may close with too much force suddenly if any of these components are faulty. If you think your garage door is closing too quickly, avoid speculations and contact a garage door expert Toronto. Seeking professional help is always a better option than encountering unanticipated events.

Car Damage

Your garage door can shut suddenly if the cable is broken. This damage can cause your garage door to come crashing down on a car while on its way out of or into a garage. Garage doors are very heavy, and the impact they will have when it comes crashing down on a car can result in major damage. It is best to get the garage door repaired before any incident occurs, costing you a fortune.

Cement Chipping

If your garage door is faulty, it can come down with a lot of force. An average garage door weighs about 500 pounds, meaning its impact on the floor may result in cement chipping or even more serious damage requiring repair.

Garage Door Replacement

If you do not replace your faulty garage door on time, it can result in damage to the door itself. At times, the damage caused might be beyond repair, making a replacement necessary. Garage doors are costly, and getting a garage door expert Toronto to fix your door early can save you from incurring extra costs.

Access to Intruders

A fault garage door may not close fully or properly. This means that an intruder can easily gain access to your home. When you do not get your garage door fixed on time, you put yourself and your family members at risk.

Is a Broken Garage Door Considered a Fire Hazard?

A broken garage door can lead to several problems. Although you might not know it, your damaged garage door can be a big fire hazard. When your garage door is broken, it limits accessibility, making it difficult for you to go in and out of your garage.

In the event of a fire breaking out in your garage, you need to be able to get in as soon as possible to control the fire. A broken garage door can prevent this, causing the fire to spread beyond control.

There might also be instances where you need to get out of the garage as fast as you can. A broken garage door can trap you inside your garage, resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities.

It would help if you got your broken garage door fixed as soon as possible to prevent any tragic occurrences. Contact a garage door expert Toronto and just to be double sure, you should have a fire extinguisher in your garage, as well as a smoke alarm.

Is It Safe to Repair a Garage Door Yourself?

Attempting to repair a garage door yourself isn’t always a good idea. Garage doors can be tricky to deal with and can quickly become a problem if you do not know what you are doing.

Garage doors can be lethal to anyone with no experience when it comes to their repair. The garage door can fall on you, trap your fingers, or a spring mechanism can even fly at you due to tension. It is really easy to cause injuries to yourself or a family member if you’re not a garage door expert. However, if you have the necessary knowledge, repairing a garage door yourself can save you a reasonable amount of money.

Can a Garage Door Kill You?

Not all garage doors are dangerous enough to kill someone. However, if a hefty overhead garage door falls on you due to wrong force adjustment or a broken torsion spring, it can cause serious injury or even result in death.

Also, if your garage door is old, avoid using lead-based paint on it. Lead-based paint can be dangerous in certain situations, leading to death.

Your garage door is a piece of equipment that requires regular maintenance and attention to function properly without any problems. The lack of inspection from most homeowners leads to the catastrophe, which a broken garage door can cause.

Conclusion

If you live in Toronto or the GTA and you need the services of a garage door expery, check out TBC Garage Doors  Garage Doors. We are a trustworthy company that offers professional garage door weatherstripping, installation, repair, and replacement.

We also provide emergency services with a specialized team that is available to you whenever you need their attention. Our services include garage door weatherstripping, garage door sealing, garage door opener belt installation, and so on.

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Why Is My Garage Door Not Closing?

Common Garage Door Problems and Tips on Solving Them

Your garage door is probably the most functional part of your home and there’s no harm in knowing the common garage door problems and tips on solving them. Due to how many cycles it makes in a year, it is easily prone to various types of damage. In this article, discover different garage door issues and tips on fixing them.

Why Is My Garage Door Not Closing?

Why Is My Garage Door Not Closing?

Garage door no closing is one of the common garage door problems facing people recently. Having a garage door that refuses to close or open can be very frustrating. At times all you require is a simple fix, such as replacing the garage door opener batteries. Other times the cause is a much bigger problem that may require professional repair. A professional garage door expert should only perform problems such as garage door track altering or spring replacement.

Here are three simple ways to ensure your garage door closes properly:

1. Clear Out Any Clutter

Clutter or obstructions that can block the garage door sensor are the first problems to check if your garage door doesn’t close. Begin by checking your sensor lights. Depending on what brand of garage door you own, you might notice your sensor lights dim, flash or go out completely when their beam is interrupted.

Even when nothing seems to be in the way, give your sensor the eyes a proper cleaning, and sometimes debris, dirt, or even small insects such as spiders can make themselves at home and interrupt the beam. This will stop the door from opening.

If your garage door still doesn’t shut after these, double-check and ensure that all sensors are properly aligned with each other. If they are not properly aligned, bend them gently to restore a clear connection. This will help you secure a clean escape from your garage.

2. Clear The Tracks

To get your garage door to close again, you might want to pay attention to your garage door rollers and tracks. When you do not maintain your garage door track properly can cause the components to malfunction.

Begin by cleaning metal rollers with a toothbrush to remove any grime; then, we’ll beat them with a product such as motor oil or any known silicone-based products. If your door rollers are made of nylon, only lubricate the bearings. Next, takes a cloth and some brand oil and wipe the tracks clean, removing any buildup that may prevent the door from closing properly.

If this still doesn’t work, contact a garage door expert before carrying out any extensive DIY repairs.

3. Take a Look at Your Limits

After looking at your garage door sensor eyes and alignment, if your garage door still doesn’t close properly, the limits might be the problem. These settings, which are also referred to as traveling limits, alert your garage door opener how far they should travel before closing fully. This prevents the door from crushing objects that are in its path.

If your garage door limit switch settings are too high, the garage door senses the floor as an obstruction. This will cause the door to open again immediately after closing. However, this can easily be remedied with a few measurements and a screwdriver.

Consult the website of your door manufacturer or the instruction manual so that you can learn how to adjust your garage door limit switch.

How do I know if I Need a New Garage Door Opener?

For your garage door to function effectively, you need a properly working garage door opener. However, like all mechanical devices, your garage door opener cannot last forever. Your opener also does have the ability to update itself and keep up with technological advancement.

To keep your garage door functioning smoothly, you should replace your garage door opener regularly. Here are a few ways to know if you need a new garage door opener:

Failure to Close or Open

Although many parts of your garage door might cause your garage door not to open, your door opener is the problem most times. If you push your opener remote and hear the garage door motor try to open or close without actually moving, the opener is the problem. Try simple fixes such as changing the batteries or replacing the remote before you change the door opener.

Your Garage Door Opens Slowly

If you notice that your garage door is taking longer to close and open then it did in the beginning, you should check your garage door opener. Slow opening doors may be a sign that the door opener is having a bit of trouble lifting the door’s weight and needs a replacement.

Outdated Technology

Certain features such as ultra-quiet operation, outdoor keypads, backup batteries and even remote operation can make your door opener a lot more efficient. If your opener is technologically lacking, it’s time for an upgrade.

Loud Noises

As your garage door opener gets older, the motor in your opener will find it more difficult to pull the garage door open. Once you notice the opener is making more noise than usual, consult a professional.

Unreliability

At times, you might notice your garage door opener stop working randomly. These random pauses can be inconvenient and cause the opener to overheat. Once you notice random breaks in operation, it’s time to replace your garage door.

How Often Should You Replace Your Garage Door?

It is very easy for you to forget about your garage door until it starts to malfunction. Ideally, you should replace all the components of your garage door at the same time.

However, garage door springs should be replaced most frequently as they last only about five years. The garage door itself can last 10 to 20 years. Your garage door opener, with regular maintenance, should last about 15 to 20 years.

Common Garage Door Issues and How To Fix Them

Common Garage Door Issues and How To Fix Them

Due to how many cycles your garage door endures daily, annual maintenance and garage door repairs are common. There are a few garage door issues you can identify and rectify yourself. These include:

Loud Grinding Noises

Squeaky sections, loose hardware and shabby parts are annoyances that have simple solutions. Generally, tackle any unusual sounds with lubricant. Apply enough lubricant directly on the squeaky parts of the garage door.

Non-functional Garage Door Opener

If your drive screw or chain operated garage door won’t function properly, all you need is some lubricant to reduce friction. Work a generous amount of garage door spray lube or silicone-based lube to the full length of the garage door opener.

Worn or Broken Weather Sealant

Your weather sealant is put in place to prevent air leaks and keep water out. It also helps to reduce street noise. If you notice wear on your sealant, you should replace it immediately.

Gaps or Cracks

These are pretty common, especially for garage doors made from wood. To prevent the cracks from worsening, use a sealant or a waterproof filler to seal the cracks.

Broken Garage Door Remote

This is one of the most common issues of garage doors. You should begin by checking that the batteries are not dead. If the batteries are not the issue, refer to the usual manual and follow the steps to reprogram your remote. If this still doest work, you might consider getting a replacement remote.

Your Garage Door Does Not Seal To The Bottom

If you notice this, make use of pipe insulation. The insulation should be secured to the portion of the door that does not seal properly.

Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance might be all your garage door needs to close properly. Here are a few garage door Toronto maintenance tips that can help you resolve common garage door problems:

Test Your Garage Door Balance

If you have a garage door that is not properly balanced, it will cause your garage door opener to work twice as hard. This will lead to wear and tear, preventing it from lasting long.

Pay Attention To Your Garage Door

The best maintenance tip for your garage door is to observe it whenever it is at work. Take note of how much noise it makes when it opens. How smoothly does the garage door open? Look at the pulleys, springs and cables and ensure that they look symmetrical.

Check For Loose Hardware

Your garage door moves up and down several thousand times a year. This motion causes a lot of vibration and movement, which can cause the hardware to become loose. Use a socket wrench to tighten all bolts and roller brackets.

Replace Your Weatherstripping

Carefully observe the rubber seal strip located at the bottom of your door. If it is cracked or brittle, immediately replace the weatherstripping to keep out weather elements, insects or even small animals.

Clean Your Garage Door Tracks

Ensure that the garage door tracks on both sides are debris free. You can also use a level to check your plumb. However, it is best to leave any major adjustments to professional garage door technicians.

Check Your Rollers

Whether you have nylon or steel rollers, you should inspect them at least twice a year. You should also replace them every seven years, and if your garage door is heavy-duty, more frequently.

Lubricate Your Garage Door Parts

When your garage door is properly lubricated, it will aid seamless operation. Make use of white lithium grease on the stress and chains. The overhead springs should be coated with a spray lubricant.

Check Your Garage Door Cables

While it is not advisable to tamper with the high tension cables responsible for lifting your door, you should inspect them. Observe their condition and call a pro if you notice damage near the bottom roller bracket. You should also check for broken strands.

Conclusion

When you have a garage door expert, resolving Common Garage Door problems becomes easy. If you need professional assistance for your garage door Toronto, you can contact TCB Garage Doors. We are a reputable company specializing in garage door maintenance near me, door opener maintenance, torsion spring maintenance, etc.

Some of our services include garage door framing, garage door spring installation, garage door opener belt installation/repair, among many others. All our technicians are insured and licensed. We also offer affordable pricing with a 90-day guarantee. We offer emergency services and are available 24/7.

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