Maintaining any type of garage door for an extended period can prove to be challenging, unless you have a regular repair and maintenance contract with a reputable garage door service provider. Eventually, the springs, roller brackets, and door opener mechanism will become worn out and require maintenance. Garage doors can become improperly balanced, the moving parts can become faulty or suffer damage, water exposure can cause rust spots, peeling paint can affect the appearance of the garage door, etc.
The doors to your garage are an important part of every home. They provide security and go a long way towards preserving your property. They serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. There are a variety of things to consider when it comes to the overhead door to your garage, and this article will guide you through the process of selecting and maintaining your new garage door in Fresno County.
Choosing the Appropriate Garage Door for Your Home
The door to your garage is not only the largest moving part in your home; it’s also a major focal point of your property’s overall appearance and security. Choosing the right door in downtown Fresno can be a daunting task. From colors to materials to safety features, there are many factors to consider, and the stakes are high. Just one wrong choice can lead to a host of problems down the line.
First things first: What type of garage door should you install? You can choose from three main varieties:
Sectional Doors
These are several panels that hinge together and roll up above the garage opening. Sectional doors tend to be the most popular choice for residential garages, but they can also be used for commercial properties. You can even select specialty sectional doors that allow you to have windows or unique shapes and materials incorporated into the design!
Rolling Doors
These doors are made with a large sheet of metal that rolls up above the doorway on a roller bracket system. They tend to be less expensive than sectional doors, but they aren’t as customizable design options. They also aren’t as secure as say, steel doors.
Sliding Doors
These doors are a good option if you want something more affordable than a sectional door, but more secure than rolling doors. They’re relatively simple: two vertical sections slide away from each other behind the wall of your garage.
Safety
Even the best door maintenance and repair can’t prevent all accidents. But by familiarizing yourself with the most common safety problems, you can take steps to prevent injuries, property damage, and worse. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to keeping your garage door safe.
Safety Checklist
Make sure your garage door openers are UL-approved. This will ensure that it meets industry standards for safety.
Replace your door if it shows any signs of disrepair – including rust, damage from weather or impact, or dents in the panels. The last thing you want is for a damaged panel to come loose and fall on someone. You should also check for termites if you have wood doors.
Keep objects and children away from the area beneath the door; this includes the path of motion when you open it using the remote, smartphone app, or wall button.
If you have a manual garage door (or a semi-manual one without safety sensors), don’t use it if your opener isn’t working properly or has stopped working altogether.
When installing an automatic opener, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully –especially when it comes to mounting height and positioning – to ensure it operates smoothly.
The Mechanics of a New Door
The average garage door has a very simple door opening mechanism. It consists of a large panel of thin metal or wood that slides up and down via a cable system attached to a motor. When you push a button on your garage door opener, the motor pulls the cable up toward the ceiling, rolling the panel into place along the way. The motor lets go when you push another button, and gravity pulls the panel back down again. This is why most doors have springs. They absorb some of that excessive force and make sure that your door doesn’t slam violently into place.
Essential Door Maintenance
Maintenance of a new door is one of the most important parts of owning a home. If you don’t maintain your garage door regularly, it can lead to many headaches and expenses. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to garage door professional maintenance.
If you have a new door, the first thing you need to do is check that all the hardware and the torsion spring are in good shape. If they’re not, replace them immediately. Torsion springs should be replaced every few years, but replace them right away if they show signs of wear (usually cracking or rusting).
The hardware should also be checked regularly for any signs of damage so that you can get replacements immediately. The last thing you want is your garage door malfunctioning in the middle of winter.
Check the weather stripping around your garage doors for any tears or breaks – if it’s torn, get it replaced as soon as possible. Weather-stripping helps keep moisture and bugs out of your home, so it’s extremely important to ensure that yours is in good shape!
Be sure to double-check the auto-reverse feature as well. You want to be sure it will reverse direction if something is in the door’s path.
High-Quality Garage Door Repair, Maintenance, and Installation from Door-Mart
If you need a new door for your garage in central California, the first step is to determine what kind of door best suits your needs. The second step is to purchase the garage door and have it installed. After that, the most important thing to do is to maintain it periodically. Doing so will help it function properly throughout the years and ensure that your investment pays off in good, reliable operation. If you’re confused about picking the right garage door or need expert garage door maintenance, give Door-Mart Garage Doors a call at 800-829-9833 and our team will be happy to help. You can also fill out this online contact form to reach us.
