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Manual Garage Door Vs. Electric Garage Door – Pros and Cons

In terms of garage doors and their many components, there is really no shortage of options. From materials available to types of garage doors and opener systems, there is plenty to choose from. How are you supposed to decide between manual garage doors and electric garage doors?

What would be the benefit of choosing a manual garage door over an electric one? Is there a benefit? Is it all about cost? Keep reading to learn more about expected installation, appearance, maintenance, resale and more!

Manual Garage Door Benefits

Ahwatukee Garage Door Opener Installation

Ease in Terms of Installation

When it comes to installation for a manual garage door, you might find it is convenient that it is relatively easy. It is still best to hire an experienced garage door company for the task to make sure everything is properly set up and therefore safe to use.

Less Maintenance than Electric Door

Manual garage doors tend to require less maintenance than electric garage doors. This might or might not matter to you, but it is good to know. It is still important to take care of the garage door.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Someone taking a quick glance at your garage door from the street won’t necessarily know if you have a manual or electric garage door. So in terms of appearance, it can be difficult to distinguish the two.

Easy to Manually Open and Close

Perhaps you prefer to manually open and close your garage door. If this is the case, then you might appreciate this door.

Manual Garage Door Cons

Depending on your preferences, you might find this garage door to have some cons. Here are potential cons to this door…

Resale Value Could Be Less than Electric Door

When it comes to resale value, when you are considering selling your property, keep in mind that many prefer the contemporary option of an electric door. This might not be relevant to your needs and situation, but it is a point to consider.

Does Not Utilize a Remote

Another con is the inability to use a remote to operate this kind of door, which might be inconvenient for you.

Electric Garage Door – Pros

An electric garage door might be the option for you. We have written down some of the potential benefits to having an electric door.

Easy, Smooth Operation

This is a kind of garage door which can easily be opened and closed using a remote. This is very beneficial and allows you to easily press a button if it is raining, pull the car in the garage, and unload groceries. It allows you to avoid getting out of the car before parking in the garage, which can be convenient if you have a child in the car. It can also help if you face mobility concerns. Smooth and easy operation is a benefit of an electric garage door.

Nice Appearance

This type of garage door will be the same in appearance as a manual one. There are many options available so you should not have any difficulty matching your property and any personal preferences.

Better Resale Value

Resale value will likely be better with an electric garage door than a manual one. This is something to think about if you are soon planning on selling your property.

Electric Garage Door – Cons

More Maintenance Required

This type of garage door tends to require more maintenance than a manual garage door. This might not be considered a problem for some, but it is worth mentioning.

More Complexity with Installation

The installation is more involved and challenging in comparison to a manual door, but, a garage door service will be proficient in installing this type of garage door, so it should not be an issue.

More Costly

It makes sense that a modern door will be more in terms of price than a manual garage door. If this is something that is not a con for you, then you might consider a newer garage door. What it comes down to is your particular needs and preferences. What is a benefit for you might be a con for someone else, and vice versa. Consider the different benefits of having each of these types of garage doors.

The type that you decide to go with is completely up to you and depends on your needs. You might have restrictions in terms of finances. You might prefer the old-fashioned option. It’s all about your goals. It comes down to you and what you are looking for. Remember that a mobile garage door company will be proficient in garage door installation, and other services when they are needed, such as repair for garage door, replacement for parts, and so on. We always recommend turning to an experienced garage door service to handle any concerns with your garage door.

In terms of garage doors and their many different features and components, there is really no shortage of options. From materials available like wood and steel to types of garage doors and even different kinds of opener systems (screw drive, chain drive, and so on), there is plenty to choose from. How are you supposed to decide between manual garage doors and electric garage doors? Well, we hope this information has been beneficial for you!

Ahwatukee Garage Door Repair
24 Hour Mobile Garage Door Service
Monday through Sunday, all day
Dispatch Address: 4730 E Warner Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044
Email: info@ahwatukeegaragedoorrepair.com
Phone: (480) 339-0886
Manta: http://www.manta.com/c/mx5v5nw/garage-door-repair-ahwatukee
Hotfrog: https://www.hotfrog.com/company/1099442696331264/ahwatukee-garage-door-repair/phoenix/doors

Proper Pulley Maintenance

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Maintenance for your garage door is something that is important and can’t be ignored. This might be a part of your property that is used as a point of exiting and entering your home, therefore, it is within reason to say the garage door might be used on a day to day basis. Since it is used often and consequently exposed to wear and tear, and it is wide-open to the elements, it needs to be properly maintained. But do you know what maintenance for a garage door entails? Did you know the pulley needs maintenance, too? A part that needs maintenance is the garage door pulley.

What is the pulley? The pulley consists of ball bearings, and a clevis hook. This component enables the torsion cable to run when the garage door is closed or opened. A pulley tends to be made of galvanized steel, for weather resistance.

When it comes to garage doors using extension springs, there are four pulleys. Two of these pulleys are on the horizontal track and they are stationary. In addition, you are going to find that there are two pulleys that have pulley forks linked to the springs on the horizontal track’s sides. Maintenance is important because pulleys can become damaged and they can be negatively impacted by wear and tear. If this occurs, you might not be able to open or close the garage door smoothly.

What should one do to maintain the pulley system properly? We are here to provide this information. Of course, it is always recommended that an experienced garage door company is called for maintenance, repairs and parts replacement.

What You Should Know

Does the garage door not open or close smoothly? If this is happening, there could be many different reasons, but it could point to the garage door pulley. Let’s say the garage door opens part way, or closes some of the way and then stops in its tracks. If you hear a scraping noise or the garage door tends to stick, then a pulley might be damaged. These are all things that might happen due to ball bearings becoming worn, pulleys becoming split, or a rivet becoming damaged. When any of these problems occur, you won’t necessarily be able to use the garage door, which of course can be a big issue. You might find that when you try to use the garage door, it functions but jerks from one side to the other. You might need pulley maintenance in this case.

How are you supposed to check if there is damage to the pulleys? Removing the spring tension is one step. How can you do this? You are going to want to open the door, hold the door up using grips on the track, very mildly shake the pulley, observing if it moves from one side to another. Also, try shaking the ball bearings which can show you if they are loose. With the bearings connected to the pulley fork, try twisting them to determine if things are working smoothly. If not, there might be a pulley system problem.

Proper Pulley Maintenance

It is recommended that you consider replacing pulleys at the time that the extension springs are replaced. So, you will think about pulley maintenance if the extension springs are worn out, because it is likely that the pulleys will be next. If the pulley is worn out in any way, it can cause problems with the garage door in relation to its performance.

How to: Pulley Maintenance

What can you do in order to maintain your pulley system? It is important to ensure it stays lubricated. This is a simple step. Hinges, pulleys, chains and springs are all parts that should be appropriately lubricated so they remain in good working condition. If you are unsure of a product to use, then it is recommended that you contact the manufacturer for your garage door. You can also call a garage door service that is experienced in pulley maintenance. Why is it so important for this system to be lubricated and maintained? The answer is because when parts including the pulleys are lubricated and maintained, problems such as rust, sticking, corrosion, and squeaking sounds can be prevented.

Maintenance and proper cleaning can also prevent accumulation of dust. When it comes to the parts for the garage door and the different systems, even removing dirt or dust by brushing them away can go a long way. Use a rag that is slightly damp and run it over the different garage door parts to keep them clean. Of course, only do this if you are comfortable in doing so and know what you are doing – you can always call a garage door service for assistance!

The garage door pulley might be worn if you find that your garage door does not close and/or open as it normally does. Remember that all parts have to be appropriately maintained in order for you to enjoy a smooth operating and safe to use garage door. It is or hope that after reading this information on pulley maintenance, you now have a better understanding of pulleys and know how to maintain this important part! We are glad you have taken the time to read this article and learn more about proper pulley maintenance. Remember, the pulley consists of different components to include ball bearings and a clevis hook. This component enables the torsion cable to run when the garage door is closed or opened. A pulley might be made of galvanized steel, for weather resistance. Pulleys run quietly and smoothly when the garage door opens and closes, or moves up and down. A pulley helps to support the weight of the garage door. It is important, and it must be maintained!

Garage Door Springs Replacement in Ahwatukee

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We boast 24/7 emergency service if you ever need it. Just call Ahwatukee Garage Door Repair to take advantage of all that we have to offer. We are here for you and would love to help you out in any way that we can. Remember that springs are a dangerous part to work with – have a pro do it!

Call us today: (480) 339-0886

Garage Door Torsion Spring Repair in Phoenix

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Torsion spring replacement is a service we are happy to offer, because it isn’t just a typical do it yourself kind of job. As a matter of fact, you should never try to do it yourself if you need replacement or repairs with torsion springs because you can cause exponential damage. Call on our experts who are skilled and highly experienced with torsion spring replacement.

Ahwatukee Garage Door Repair: Garage Door Opens or Closes on Its Own

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Although your garage door may be opening or closing on its own, it doesn’t mean there’s an issue like a crossover with someone else’s remote control. It is actually not uncommon for garage doors to open or close on their own. If you thought this was a very unique problem, you actually have a lot of company out there. There are many homeowners who have experienced this problem. Sure enough, sometimes it is a very easy fix. But, there are some occasions where the problem could be much more complex to deal with. Don’t worry – you won’t have to face issues with your garage door alone.

garage door closure

If you notice that your garage door is having an issue like this or even some other issue, don’t hesitate to contact your local garage door company. We’re sure you do not want that door to come closing down at the wrong time. If you’re in Arizona, call Ahwatukee Garage Door Repair in Ahwatukee, AZ. We’re the best garage door experts in the area.

If It’s Not a Ghost, What Is It?

There are quite a few reasons why your garage door may be acting as if it has a mind of its own. But, if you had a ghost story as the reason, you may be very disappointed if it’s proven untrue. Here are some of the most common reasons for a garage door closing or opening on its own.

Your remote is faulty

If you have a remote for your garage, you should be aware that its batteries will eventually run low and need to be replaced. But, what you may not realize, is that there are many other things that can go wrong with your remote. Even with that extra remote that you do not use, you may find that its buttons have an issue, causing it to operate your garage door without even being touched.

Before you begin to panic and go in a frenzy because of the way your garage door is acting, remove the batteries from your remotes to see if they are the source of your problem. If the problem persists even when you have removed the batteries, your problem lies elsewhere. If you so desire, you can go ahead and call a professional garage door repair company in your area. But, you could keep checking to identify the problem on your own.

2. There is some short in the system

Shorts in a system is one of the most frequent cause of system errors. With your garage door, a short in the circuit can cause the door to malfunction. Try disconnecting the opener to see what happens with the door. A short in the circuit may be able to be repaired. If not, you may have some replacement of parts to do. But, this should not be an issue that takes a very long time to be rectified.

In the meantime, you may be able to operate your garage door manually to avoid it opening and closing at random times. But, if you decide to do this, be very careful. You don’t want your garage door to come tumbling down on you for whatever reason. The best thing to do is have the situation rectified as quickly as possible.

3. There is a problem with the circuit board

Apart from a short in the system, there are other damages that could occur with your circuit board. In most instances, you will have to replace the circuit board. But, if this isn’t possible, you may have to get a new opener. Either way, just make sure that the solution that you are provided will completely and effectively solve the problem that you’re having.

It could certainly end up being a waste of time and resources if you opt for a solution that is just a temporary fix for the problem you’re experiencing. If you do not have a garage door repair company that you automatically call on when you have trouble with your garage door, make sure you do your due diligence before calling for help. Finding a reputable company can make a huge difference in the service you receive.

4. Your neighbor is on the same frequency as you or has your code

Nowadays, this is very unlikely to be the cause of your problem. However, if both you and your neighbor have the same type of garage door and it is a much older garage door, it is quite possible. Try changing your code or the frequency you’re using for your garage door. If this is the cause of the problem, this simple fix should be all you need to rectify the situation. Otherwise, you may need the expertise of a professional to help you figure out what’s wrong as well as provide solutions.

Does Your Garage Door Have to Be Old for This to Happen?

Many people believe that because they have a brand-new device, nothing can go wrong. While it is less likely for problems to occur with newer items, it is not impossible. The same holds true for your garage door. Although it would be quite unfortunate, your garage door can be faulty even the day after installation. We hope this never happens to you. But, at the same time, we have to acknowledge that these technological devices are prone to problems at any given time.

The best way to ensure your garage door has a long lifespan is to take adequate care of it. We know that it can be very inconvenient if you have to lose service of your garage door for just one day. Can you imagine it being out of service for a week, or even longer? Sure, if something goes wrong you can operate it manually, but this is almost never advised as it can be dangerous. If you realize that there is a problem with your garage door, call an expert to take a look at it for you. That’s the best action to take!

Would you like more information about your garage door? Call Ahwatukee Garage Door Repair in Ahwatukee, AZ today!

Expert Tips To Do A Garage Door Repair

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If you have a car, chances are that you have a garage as well. Garage doors are an integral part of every garage. Normally, the doors go through a lot of wear and tear. Aside from this, they have to face frequent bumps, especially if the car owner is a novice. Therefore, you may want to take care of your garage doors. Below are some expert tips to help you perform a garage door repair.

How Can You Inspect The Door?

If you want to have an idea of how difficult and costly your garage door maintenance will be, you may want to carry a thorough inspection. Below are a few tips to help you do the inspection the right way.

Degree of damage

First of all, you should take a look at the door and get a general idea of how much damage is done. The damage may be minor or major. There is no need to mention that major repairs will cost a good deal of time.

The design of the door

Each door is designed differently, and that is the reason the repair method will also be different. So, make sure you are familiar with the design of your door.

Type of material

For making garage doors, manufacturers use a variety of materials. So, make sure you know the material used for making your garage door.

Tips To Cut Down On The Repair Cost

Now that you know how to inspect the door, you may want to find out ways to cut down on the repair costs. What you need to do is keep in mind a few guidelines that will help you reduce the costs as well as help you make the door last longer.

Clean the tracks

Often, dust and debris gets accumulated in the tracks. As a result, the door may not work as it should. So, you should clean the tracks. This will put less pressure on the tracks increasing their lifespan.

Reset the alignment

Regular use of the doors can cause misalignment of the door sensors. Based on the sensor type, you will get an alert. You can do the realignment with ease. You may also want to remove the dirt and obstructions that may be causing problems.

Fix the loose parts

With the passage of time, the garage bolts, nuts and springs may come loose, which makes the doors unstable. If you leave this issue unresolved, you may have a lot of issues down the road. Therefore, check the door on a regular basis for any loose blots, nuts and springs and tighten them if you can.

Last but not least, you should call a professional if you think the problem is beyond your control. If you are just a beginner or you have no idea how to do basic repairs, you had better get in touch with a good professional. After all, you may not want to end up with a terribly damaged door.

Original Article Here: Expert Tips To Do A Garage Door Repair

Related Article Here: Garage Door Repair Tips & Tricks

Having a problem with your garage door? Can’t fix it alone? It’s time for you to hire a professional help. Ahwatukee Garage Door Repair is now offering great deals for you!

5 Signs It’s Time to Call for a Garage Door Repair Service

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In the grand scheme of things, garage doors don’t warrant a lot of attention from home owners. Not unless yours are acting up. Here are a few signs it’s time to put in a call to a garage door repair service in Oklahoma City OK sooner rather than later:

It won’t open

If the door won’t budge and stays shut or open, then you have a problem. This could be due to a wonky connection between the door and control panel. However, before you panic, make sure you look around and check that nothing is blocking the door or getting in its way. It might just be as simple as bumping a few things aside in your garage to get your doors to open and shut.

Slow response

If the door takes quite a while to shut or close, that could point to several problems in your garage door system. Some of these could have an easy fix, too. Just don’t attempt to fix them on your own. You might do more harm than good if you don’t have the right tools and knowledge to get the work done. Better to leave the work in the hands of experts instead.

Sagging sections

If parts of your garage door sag, the problem could involve one of your tension springs. Hire a garage door repair service in Oklahoma City OK so you’d know what the problem is.

Too much noise

If your door makes creaking noises whenever you shut and close the door, then it might be a problem with the springs or opener itself, says Strategies Online. Either one points to a problem that’s best addressed as soon as possible.

High energy bills

If your energy consumption bills are on the rise and faulty windows and a broken AC are not causing air leaks, then check your garage doors. If there are air leaks, your repair service might recommend a replacement instead.

Original Article Here: 5 Signs It’s Time to Call for a Garage Door Repair Service

Having a garage door problem? Worry no more! Just contact Ahwatukee Garage Door Repair anytime!

Why You’re Having Trouble With Your Garage Door in Winter

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Snow Covered Garage If you have started noticing that your garage door problems seem to start when it is cold outside, you are not imagining things. There is a good possibility that this is due to the weather outside and not just your imagination. You already have a lot to think about when the weather begins to change; now you have to add caring for your garage to the list of things that you have to do. If you have small children, you may have to deal with sick kids who are home from school. We understand how upsetting it can be to now have to deal with a temperamental garage door. Well at Ahwatukee Garage Door Repair in Ahwatukee, AZ, we can give you some relief in letting you know that cold weather problems is usually something easily fixed. Although most problems are easy to resolve, there are, occasionally some circumstances that may require the assistance of a professional service provider.

Below, you will find a list of common problems that you may experience during the winter months.

Contracting Metal

If the metal contracts, the door opener will not function. The door will not go up and down. You may need to apply a force adjustment in order to fix the problem. The process is applied to the garage door opener. By consulting your owner’s manual, you should be able to handle this on your own. However, if you are reluctant to perform the job yourself, we are always here to assist you with your service needs. If we are called upon to perform the task, we’ll also perform a clean sweep of the entire garage door to make certain that there are no other problems that could impede the movement of your garage door. There are some safety precautions that you may need to implement, which the manual may not discuss. This is very important and necessary if you wish to remain safe while making the needed adjustments. The door opener has a motor. Since this is a moving part, it is even more important to remain alert while performing any repairs or adjustments.

Frozen Garage Door

While we may not be prone to experiencing extreme weather in Arizona, there is still a possibility that it can occur occasionally. When it does, the garage door may become frozen. The garage door can freeze if ice builds-up around the tracks. You may also notice that the door will not go all the way down to the ground due to ice. The solution to this problem is fairly easy. Clear away the frozen ice underneath the door. We know that this might be a little of an inconvenience for most people but if you need access to your garage and do not want to experience the problem of your door being stuck, you may not mind a few minutes of being inconvenienced. An easy and quick fix for this problem is to spray some cooking oil on the rubber seal at the bottom of the door. This is actually a good way to avoid the door from freezing.

Broken Gears

When you hear the garage door opener but your door is not moving, it could be due to broken gears. This can happen with the door is frozen. Since your door is heavy, this problem is magnified because it could also strip your gears. You may not be able to determine that this is the problem on your own if you lack the knowledge and understanding about garage doors. This is what we are here for, to probe and find out what is causing the problem. If it is winter, we can usually assume that the weather is a contributing factor.

Built Up Grease

If you have been attempting to open or lower your garage door with no success, the problem could be due to grease that has settled on your track. This grease will harden when it is cold outdoors. This will undoubtedly make it difficult for the door to roll over. A simple grease solvent applied to the track can help get things moving again. After applying the grease solvent to your track, you will then need to put a coat of silicone-based lubricant on the track; this helps your garage door to move along the track more freely. In some cases, if you have vertical track, we may need to replace it. This might be the only way to remedy the problem.

We can put together this list because these are the most common problems that our customers send us service requests to resolve for them during the winter. Prior to contacting us, there are a few things you might be able to do to find the problem on your own.

Check for broken springs. If you have a spring that is broken, you will have trouble with your door lifting up. So if it is winter and you are having trouble with your door lifting up, although you may conclude that it is due to the weather, it could actually be due to a broken spring.

Again, grease that has built up around your track could be the problem with your door working. You can disconnect the opener and manually open the door. Once you do this, look around to see if there is any grease on the track that you need to clear away.

You might need to adjust your garage door opener’s force close setting.

In order to prevent the problem with your garage not working during the winter, you can take some preventative measures:

Spray a solvent on your hinges, track, and latch. This will keep your door moving along the tracks even when it is cold outside

Lubricate your pulleys and bearings regularly

Keep your door hinges clean so that during colder months the door will not get stuck

Rollers, springs and bearings should be sprayed with a silicone-based lubricant

GARAGE DOOR WON’T WORK – THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE CALLING A PROFESSIONAL

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garage_door_opener-1 Have you ever tried to make a pot of coffee but the coffee maker sputtered and shut down, leaving you with a frustrated feeling and a strong need for some java? Remember when you tried to vacuum your living room carpet and the motor burnt out? As consumers, we hate it when our appliances don’t work. We have them in the first place because we want them to perform a task for us like making coffee and picking up dirt! When they don’t work we have the options to throw them away, have them repaired or fix them ourselves. Garage doors are no different. As the largest appliance in your home, your wood or steel garage door has a job to do – work on demand, every time! When it doesn’t we have those same options; fix it ourselves, pay someone else to fix it, or do nothing at all.

Option 3 is no option at all!

That’s right; we have to have the garage door fixed; we need it to work and every time, too. That leaves either calling in a local Ahwatukee, AZ garage door specialist or fixing the problem on our own. Actually, our Ahwatukee Garage Door Repair shop recommends both actions. This is because there are some things you can check before you ever call in a professional. Doing so will save you money and time and even teach you a few things about garage door parts and functions that are useful to know.

There’s more to your garage door than your garage door!

True statement! Your garage door is more than a slab of wood or metal that moves up and down. It also consists of other parts and accessories that include your springs, opener unit, cables, pulleys, tracks, hinges, sections, safety eyes, and lots more. Doing a simple check on some of these items can reveal what is really wrong with your door, and often, after making a simple adjustment, your garage door can work as good as new again!

Battery power

One of the simplest and easy checks that you can do is to inspect your remote’s battery. There have been countless service calls made by garage door professionals when all the homeowner really needed to do was to replace the battery in the remote. Check yours. If you have a home tester, proceed to do so. If you don’t, you can buy one inexpensively for about $20, either locally or online. Or, you can take your remote’s battery in to a local home improvement or retail store that tests them for free. If the battery is good, at least you know. If it’s not, simply buy one and you just saved yourself a service call and lots of time.

Safety eyes

Your garage door uses safety sensors to regulate when the door opens and closes. Check yours to see if they are aligned correctly. If you already know how to do this, proceed with your check. If not, refer to your owner’s manual or go online and view any number of videos that show how to check your sensors and align them correctly, if needed. While you are doing so, check for frayed or cut wires, cobwebs, loose hinges and other things that can block your safety beam or cut if off completely. Please note that your safety sensors are easy to adjust manually and once you are comfortable with doing so, you’ll be able to move them slightly so that the beams align and your garage door can work reliably again.

Garage door path blockage

Modern garage doors have a safety mechanism that prevents them from closing if something blocks their path. This is a good thing. Otherwise anything (or anyone) underneath the closing garage door can be hit or crushed under the weight and momentum of the closing door. Garage doors weigh several hundred pounds and who needs all that mass coming down on them? Something as small as a child’s toy can trigger this reversing action and send your garage door right back up after it had already started to close. Other things that can do this are items like rocks, chewing gum or dirt in the tracks that can prevent the rollers from moving forward. If nothing is blocking your garage door’s path, be sure to check the tracks and see if they are clean and allow movement from the rollers inside. It’s always a good idea to keep garage items away from your sensors as they can not only fall or lean on them, they can block the closing garage door’s path and prevent it from closing. Garden tools, trash cans, hoses, skateboards and boxes should all be far enough away from your sensors or tracks so that movement is not infringed in any way.

Manual locks

Does this happen to you? Do you try to open your garage door but instead of going up, the opener motor runs for a few seconds and stops? You know it’s not the battery because there was enough power to start the motor running. You’ve already checked the tracks and sensors to make sure that both are clear and unobstructed. What could it be this time? It may be your manual lock. These are more common in older garage doors but you may have one and just possibly you accidentally locked your garage door into place. These locks are the ones that look like a knob or handle in the middle of the garage door with two horizontal bars that stretch out, one from each side. There’s usually a small button on the top or side of the knob that allows you to lock the garage door from the inside. If bumped, this button allows the bars to slide across the garage door and seal it shut. Don’t worry; it’s easy to unlock! Simply turn the knob. You should hear a clicking sound that indicates that the lock is being taken off. By turning the handle, the horizontal bars are moved away from the edges and your garage door is now unlocked.

CAN’T GET YOUR GARAGE DOOR OPEN OR SHUT? DON’T FRET. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO!

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If your garage door ever goes on the fritz, there are various reasons your garage door is out of whack. Some are simple; some are complex. But don’t waste your precious time going into a panic. There are plenty of steps you can take. garage_door_not_opening_large

Problems and Solutions

What if the garage door goes down all the way, but then opens again? The open-and-close limit settings of your garage door opener are likely failing. The settings instruct the garage door opener on how far the garage door should go before it shuts all the way down. If it’s set too high, the door will touch the ground before the opener thinks it should, presuming that the door is hitting an object in its path. If so, it will reverse so it won’t crush it. Follow the operator’s manual to find out how to set the open-and-close limits.

What if the garage door won’t close? The garage door has a photo sensor eye on each side. Between them is an invisible beam, which, when broken, prevents the garage door from shutting. Look closely to see whether they’re grimy or misaligned. Depending on which brand and style of sensors you have, if the light’s blinking, there’s something wrong. Or, if you have sensors with red and green lights, the red one often indicates that it’s not fully functioning.

An additional sensor problem might be the wiring. Inspect the sensors’ connections, making sure the wires aren’t corroded or loose. Another likelihood is that there’s a short in the wiring somewhere, which can result from a staple used during the initial installation; over time, vibrations can lead to a disconnect. Wires can also eventually stretch, resulting in disconnection.

What if your garage door doesn’t open? Then probably the springs are failing, not remaining contracted as they should. Try shortening the cables with a bracket to add tension on the springs. If your garage door has one or two torsion springs, one or both are probably broken. Don’t adjust the garage door yourself! If incorrectly serviced, a garage door spring can cause serious injury or even death. The cables, drums, or bottom brackets might also need adjusting. Or, the springs may require replacement. Either way, it’s a good idea to hire a dependable garage door professional. If you live anywhere in Ahwatukee, Arizona, consider a reputable local garage door company such as Ahwatukee Garage Door Repair.

Does the garage door opener run for a few seconds, then turn off? This occurs when the garage door is closed; the motor attempts but fails to lift up the door.

1.Take a close look at the track for possible obstacles.

2.Examine the springs.

3.See if your garage door is the kind with a built-in lock, because maybe it’s engaging by mistake. This typically happens on older garage doors.

Does your garage door opener run, but the garage door still doesn’t move? If there’s a power outage, your garage door opener has a disconnect switch, so you can shut or open your garage door by hand. The switch, attached to a knob or rope, can get unhooked accidentally.

1.Open or shut the garage door all the way.

2.Reattach the hook securely.

3.Try opening or closing the garage door again using the transmitter. It should work now.

Is the garage door randomly closing and opening? If your garage door opens or closes by itself, that’s both a security risk and a nuisance. Try this:

1.Check the transmitter. Be sure it’s not wedged under an object pressing down inadvertently on the control mechanism. For instance, the transmitter might be beneath an item you left in your car, or somewhere else nearby.

2.Test the transmitter’s frequency. A neighbor may actually have your same exact frequency.

Does your garage door shut part of the way, yet open again? A garage door has a reversing mechanism so it won’t smash anything in its path. The reversing instruction is activated by any objects on the floor blocking the door’s path ~ a trash can, bicycle, or box. You could see debris on the tracks ~ dirt or a minute object ~ that’s stopping the rollers from moving forward. This calls for professional attention.

Does your garage door slam down with a bang? You could have a broken tension spring, which counters the garage door’s weight. Probably the cables connected to the tension spring are broken. Either is hazardous. A garage door technician is needed.

The garage door track may be out of alignment. The metal track of the garage door must be properly aligned, or it won’t budge. Check if there are gaps between the rollers and the rail, or any bends in the rails. As time passes, the garage door’s weight compounds these issues, so hire a garage door expert, because the door is going to be gradually more dangerous to operate.

The transmitter batteries could be low. Perhaps all you need is replace them, and the garage door will open.

Avoid Future Garage Door Issues

The minimal effort required to keep your garage door in tiptop shape means that you won’t have to replace it for a good long time.

Once a month, check your garage door system’s components.

1.Replace worn parts.

2.Tighten loose bolts.

3.If you notice any odd noises when your garage door opens and closes, don’t procrastinate; investigate.

Every two years, clean your garage door.

1.Wash both sides with a sponge with mild dish soap and water, and rinse well.

2.Cleanse the sensor eyes using a dry, clean cloth.

3.Keep the area around the sensors free of cobwebs and grime.

4.If you have a steel garage door, apply car wax for cold-weather protection.

5.If you have a wooden garage door, if there’s chipping or peeling, apply a fresh coat of paint.

Schedule an annual inspection with a local upstanding garage door repair company. Pulleys, cables, springs, and wires need expert attention.

Follow a maintenance schedule routine to prolong the life of your garage door. If your garage doubles as a workshop or office, it’s important to lubricate the springs, hinges, and rollers ~ once a year, before winter comes. Otherwise, ultimately the springs will rust and the coils will bind. Use a top brand, so it won’t dry out. You only need a light coating.