If your garage door isn’t working correctly, you may need to replace the springs, cables, and hardware. Or you may even want to install a new opener. In any case, this article will give you the knowledge you need to get it back up and running again. And if you don’t have the time to deal with repairs yourself, there are some helpful tips you can use to save money. If you’re not sure where to start, read on to learn about garage door repair services.
Torsion spring replacement
Whether you’re performing a DIY job or hiring a professional, torsion spring replacement is a necessary part of any garage door repair. The mechanism that closes and opens the door places tension on the springs. When the door is closed again, the mechanism releases the tension, and the springs twist again. Hundreds or even thousands of cycles can wear out the metal and require replacement. Here’s how to properly replace a torsion spring.
First, locate the torsion springs. The springs are wound onto two separate springs that are connected by a cable drum. The cable drums are 4″ in diameter and 12.6″ in diameter around the flat portion. The drums are connected by a cable that unwraps at the rear of the drum and travels along the door, within track brackets, and behind the roller stems.
Cable replacement
To replace a broken cable in your garage door, you must first remove the broken cable. You must thread the new one through the “S” hook at the end closest to the door. Make sure the cable is not overlapping. Next, slide the new cable into the cable drum. Turn counterclockwise to tighten the cable. If you do not tighten the screws properly, the new cable can wear out quickly. Afterward, reattach the “S” hook at the other end of the cable.
Depending on how badly damaged your cable is, it may need to be replaced. Frayed or broken wires, rusting, or oxidation are signs that the cable needs to be replaced. In addition, a snapped cable could be a sign of larger issues with your garage door. Fortunately, cable replacement for garage door repair isn’t an overwhelming task. To make the process as smooth as possible, call a professional to help you through the process.
Hardware replacement
If you are a do-it-yourself type, you can tackle most of the tasks associated with a garage door repair yourself. However, if you are unsure of your skills, you can always call in a professional. Some parts of a garage door can cost between $5 and $200, ranging from brackets, cables, chains, rollers, and sensors. For example, you may need to replace the springs or tracks, which could cost up to $200. Using a power washer can strip the paint from your garage door, so gentle soap is a good alternative.
When it comes to the other parts of a garage door, the cables that wind around the drums are frequently worn out or broken. This can cause uneven weight distribution, putting extra stress on the frame and motor. Moreover, a garage door with multiple panels may be unreliable, leaving the garage unprotected from bad weather, raccoons, and insects. Hence, it is advisable to get a new garage door.
Installation of a new garage door opener
If you have an older garage and it no longer works properly, you may be wondering whether to install a new garage door opener. Although this is usually not a very expensive project, you should have it done by a professional. In most cases, the installation process will only take 15 minutes and will require a little bit of manual labor. However, it can be a more costly alternative if your opener is damaged beyond repair.
Installing a new garage door opener requires assembling it and mounting it to the header bracket. Generally, you’ll need to use a ladder to install this opener. You can also use a set of pliers to hold it in place as you measure. You can also use a pair of clamp-locking pliers to stop the garage door from closing and make sure that the opener is aligned properly.