Residential Garage Door Repair, Installation & Replacement in Kent WA

Fixing a garage door yourself is possible for certain issues, depending on your skill level, knowledge, and the complexity of the problem. Minor issues like tightening loose bolts, lubricating moving parts, or replacing damaged weather stripping can sometimes be tackled by homeowners with basic DIY skills and the right tools.

Complex issues like broken springs, malfunctioning opener mechanisms, or major structural damage, need the help of a professional garage door technician,  to ensure the repair is safe and effective. Working with garage door springs can be extremely dangerous due to the high tension involved, and attempting to repair them without proper training and equipment can lead to serious injury or further damage to the door.

Before attempting any repairs yourself,  you should thoroughly understand the problem and assess your own abilities. When dealing with potentially hazardous components, seek the expertise of one of our experienced repair experts at Overhead Door.  Regular maintenance can help prevent issues from arising in the first place, saving you time, money, and hassle in the future.

Repairing a garage door should be done by experts for the following reasons:

Safety: Garage doors can be heavy and have complex mechanisms, including high-tension springs and cables. Attempting repairs without proper knowledge and equipment can pose serious safety risks, including injury or property damage.

Expertise: Professional garage door technicians have the training, experience, and specialized tools necessary to diagnose and repair a wide range of issues accurately and efficiently. They can quickly identify the root cause of the problem and implement the appropriate solution for long-lasting results.

Proper Repairs: DIY repairs may provide temporary fixes or address only surface-level issues, leading to recurring problems or further damage down the line. Professionals can perform repairs that address underlying issues, resulting in a fully functional and reliable garage door.

Warranty Protection: Many garage door manufacturers offer warranties on their products, but these warranties may be voided if unauthorized repairs are attempted. Hiring a certified technician ensures that repairs are conducted according to manufacturer specifications, preserving your existing warranty.

Time and Convenience: Garage door repair and garage door installation in Kent can be time-consuming and challenging for those without specialized knowledge or experience. Hiring a professional allows homeowners to save time and avoid frustration by having the job done correctly and efficiently.

Entrusting garage door repairs to experts provides peace of mind, ensures safety, and helps maintain the functionality and longevity of the door.

Identifying garage door sensor misalignment involves noticing specific signs. If your garage door fails to close and instead reverses direction to reopen, it could indicate that the sensors detect an obstruction when there isn’t one. Many garage door sensors come with indicator lights, and misalignment may cause these lights to flash. Normally, each sensor emits a steady light when functioning correctly, so if the lights are off, constantly blinking, or if one light differs from the other, it may suggest a problem. Moreover, if the garage door operates smoothly in manual mode but encounters issues in automatic mode, sensor problems could be the culprit. To rectify potential misalignment, clear any obstructions, clean the lenses, and ensure proper alignment following the manufacturer’s instructions. If issues persist, call a garage door professional like ours at Overhead Door to assess if you need repair or replacement.

Signs of a failing torsion spring on your garage door include visible damage such as gaps, cracks, or breaks. If the door struggles to open or close smoothly, feels heavier, or moves unevenly or jerks during operation, the spring may be worn out. Stopping midway, loud noises, gaps in spring coils, or a crooked appearance also indicate issues. If you suspect your torsion spring is bad or damaged, address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to the garage door or potential safety hazards. Hire a professional garage door technician to inspect and replace the torsion spring because working with garage door springs can be extremely dangerous due to the high tension involved.

When installed correctly and cared for, a new garage door lasts between 15 to 30 years. Various factors impact the lifespan of a garage door, including the material it’s made of, the local climate, and how well it’s maintained. Garage doors in regions with cold, heat, or humidity, may experience a shorter lifespan due to environmental conditions. Consistent upkeep, which involves cleaning, lubricating moving components, and inspecting for signs of wear and tear, will extend the life of your garage door. Doors that maintain proper balance and have an opener that functions smoothly prevent undue strain on the system.

The quality of the spring, the frequency of use of the garage door, and environmental conditions all affect how long a garage door spring will last. Torsion springs, commonly used in garage doors, last around 7 to 12 years with normal use. Extension springs, another type of spring used in garage doors, have a slightly shorter lifespan, ranging from 5 to 8 years.

These are general estimates, and the actual lifespan of a garage door spring can vary widely. The weight of the garage door, the level of maintenance it receives, and the presence of any underlying issues can all impact the longevity of a spring.

Regular maintenance, including lubricating the springs and inspecting them for signs of wear and damage, can lengthen their life. Repair any issues promptly and avoid overloading the garage door. Excess strain can lead to premature wear and failure of the springs. If you notice any signs of wear or if your garage door is not operating smoothly,  call us so a professional technician can inspect the springs and make necessary repairs.

It’s a good idea to replace both of your garage door springs if one of them breaks. Garage door springs work in pairs, evenly dispersing the door’s weight and operational stress. When one spring breaks, the remaining spring has been under the same amount of wear and tear, making it likely to fail soon after. By replacing both springs at the same time,  you secure balanced lifting, prolonging the lifespan of the garage door mechanism, and enhancing safety by preventing the likelihood of the other spring breaking unexpectedly. Replacing both saves time and money by avoiding a second service call when the other aged spring eventually fails. This approach maintains the dependable, smooth operation of the garage door, ensuring both springs have the same tension and strength levels.

The frequency of replacing garage door rollers depends on usage, maintenance, and the quality of the rollers themselves. Garage door rollers last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more under normal conditions. However, if your garage door sees heavy use, has exposure to extreme weather conditions, or lacks proper maintenance like lubrication, the rollers may wear out more quickly and need replacement sooner. Signs that indicate it’s time to replace garage door rollers include excessive noise during operation, uneven movement of the door, visible wear or damage to the rollers, and difficulty in opening or closing the door smoothly. Regular inspection and maintenance can help extend the lifespan of garage door rollers and prevent unexpected failures.