Easy DIY Repairs Recommended by Precision Door
Garage door repairs and maintenance are common issues in every home. Hiring a professional technician for these tasks is costly. If the precision door issue is minor, you can tackle it yourself and save some money. Most of these repairs only need a repairperson’s skills and a few tools.
Tighten the Garage Door Bolts
Tightening different parts of the precision door, like the bolts and hinges, is easy and does not require technical skills. Loose bolts produce a rattling or clattering sound and might cause the door to separate from the wall if not fixed.
It is normal for the bolts or nuts to become loose over time. These changes occur because of the frequent vibration on the door. Additionally, temperature changes can cause the hardware to expand and contract.
To tighten the bolts, you need an adjustable wrench or a socket wrench. If you find that the bolts or nuts are broken or compromised, you should contact a professional to fix your garage door immediately.
Homeowners should avoid removing roller brackets or touching the garage door springs in the process of tightening the bolts. Interfering with these high-tension cables can cause a serious accident or affect the door’s functionality.
Lubricating the Precision Door
Lubrication is the most neglected repair or maintenance task in many garages. Your garage door has many moving and working parts, most of which are made of metal. When the garage door opens and closes, these parts rub against each other and cause a lot of friction.
There are several signs that indicate that our door needs lubrication. For example, the door could be moving suspiciously slowly or making unusual sounds. Ensure that you apply grease on all the moving parts of your garage door after about three months.
The garage door parts that need oiling or greasing include the hinges, locks, rollers, springs, and bearing plates. However, homeowners should avoid lubricating nylon rollers. Always remember to spread the lubricant evenly by opening and closing the door severally.
This exercise will prevent wear and extend the door’s lifecycle. You can find a suitable lube or grease designed for garage doors from a hardware store. According to garage door experts, lithium-based lubricant is the best option. It is usually in a spray can.
Replacing a Rotting Garage Trim
The garage trimming ensures that water and extreme weather conditions do not damage the garage door. Good trimming also makes the door look better from the outside. Over time, this trim ages and starts rotting or becoming ragged.
You can get rid of it using a crowbar, pliers, and hammer. Ensure that you remove it carefully to avoid damaging the garage door.
Cleaning Rusty Garage Door Tracks
Your garage door needs tracks to remain stable and function smoothly. If these tracks rust, the door moves roughly and makes screeching noises. The most effective way of maintaining this door part is lubricating it and removing the debris that might have accumulated around it.
You can also clean the door tracks using a mixture of liquid detergent and warm water. Pour the mixture on the tracks and wipe off the rust with a rag. You can also remove the rust using steel wool. If the dirt or rust becomes stubborn, you can use sandpaper and a rag soaked in vinegar.
Replacing the Weather Stripping
Homeowners can replace damaged weather stripping themselves without hiring professional services in Santa Maria for garage door repair. This part plays a significant role in keeping the precision garage door at a comfortable temperature throughout different seasons. For example, it prevents the door from freezing during winter.
The weather seal has a shorter lifespan because it is exposed to different environmental elements. If you can see some light under the garage door or notice dirt entering the garage, you should consider replacing this part. You should ensure that you purchase a weather seal that suits your garage door.
Fixing the Safety Sensors
The safety sensors use infrared beams to sense the presence of obstacles on the door’s path ad prevent it from closing. They prevent accidents because sometimes a child might be on the door’s way.
If these sensors have issues, the garage door might reverse open even when there is nothing on its path or fail to reverse when there is an obstruction. These problems arise when something blocks the photo eye or causes it to misalign.
You can fix this garage door problem by adjusting the photo eye’s pivot bracket to align it better. You should also remove dust, debris, and cobwebs that have collected around the sensors. If there is any tool or equipment blocking the beams, you can consider relocating the sensors.
Painting or Cleaning the Door’s Exterior
The outer sections of garage doors can rust over time, particularly if the door is made of steel. The paint can also peel off. The door’s exterior condition determines your home’s value and curb appeal.
You can wash the precision door using a wet cloth or sponge and detergent. Ensure that you rinse the door surface with clean water. Glass garage doors require non-abrasive cleaners. If you are dealing with a steel door, you should protect it from salt water.
If the garage door needs a new paint coat, ensure that you scrape off the older paint. Apply primer and then paint it. These activities will leave your garage door looking new.
Repairing the Garage Door Lock
A faulty or dysfunctional door can prevent your garage door from opening. A poorly aligned lock bar might be the cause of these issues. You can fix it by loosening some screws and realigning the lock in such a way that it slides accurately into the receiving section. Ensure that you tighten the screws after aligning the locking mechanism.
Changing the Remote Batteries
The garage door will not open or close smoothly if the remote batteries are old. You do not need to seek a professional to change the batteries. Therefore, if your door is not functioning correctly, start by changing the remote batteries before evaluating other parts like the sensors or opener.
In summary, DIY garage door repair is not always safe. However, you can fix some door issues without seeking assistance from a garage door expert. Simple repairs like repairing the lock, tightening the bolts, greasing the moving parts, and replacing the weather seals can help the garage door stay in excellent condition and improve the security in your home.