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Comprehensive Guide to Garage Door Repair in San Antonio, Texas - Call the Experts

Garage doors are essential to any home. They provide security, protection from the elements, and convenience when entering and exiting your home. However, garage doors can malfunction and require repairs. If you experience issues with your garage door, here’s a comprehensive guide to garage door repair in San Antonio, Texas. Following this guide will help you understand the common problems and their solutions.

At Urban Garage Door Company, we understand the frustrations that a faulty garage door brings. Therefore, we will help you know how we fix the damage when you schedule an appointment with us. Whether it’s a broken spring or a more complicated electrical issue, our professionals will help keep your garage door in top condition.

 

Garage Door

A Comprehensive Guide to Garage Door Repair in San Antonio, Texas

The first step when repairing a garage door is checking for signs that something needs fixing. If you hear loud rattling noises when the door opens and closes or if it struggles to open and close completely, it may be time to call an expert. Additionally, suppose there is visible damage on any part of the system, such as loose or bent tracks, broken springs, or cables. In that case, it’s vital to have an expert look at it immediately before the issue worsens. Here are the other steps to follow when repairing a garage door.

Pinpoint the Problem

While some signs of a faulty garage door are apparent, others require careful identification. Therefore, before you begin repairing your garage door, identify the problem. Common problems include broken springs, damaged cables, misaligned tracks, and faulty openers. If you need clarification, it is best to consult with us for assistance. Our technicians will come to your home at your most convenient time to diagnose and fix the problem.

Repairing Broken Springs

Among the most common problems with garage doors are broken springs. The springs lift and lower the door. Over time, they can wear out and break. The springs may be damaged if your garage door struggles to open or close.

It is best to consult a professional garage door repair company about repairing broken springs. That’s because repairing broken garage door springs can be dangerous. Only trained professionals with the proper tools and safety equipment should try it. Here are some steps that a professional technician may take to repair broken garage door springs:

Gather necessary tools and safety equipment: A professional technician will typically use tools such as winding bars, pliers, and a socket wrench set, as well as safety equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, and a hard hat.

  • Identify the type of spring: There are two garage door springs: torsion and extension. A professional technician must identify your spring before beginning any repairs.
  • Release tension on the springs: A professional technician must release the pressure on the broken springs before attempting any repairs. They use winding bars to unwind the springs and release the tension.
  • Remove the broken spring: Once they have released the tension, they can remove the broken spring and replace it with a new one. A professional technician typically uses pliers to remove any clips or bolts holding the spring in place.
  • Install the new spring: Experts install a new spring the same way they remove an old one. A technician typically winds the new spring using winding bars and a socket wrench set.
  • Test the door: Once they have installed a new spring, the technician will test it to ensure it functions correctly.

Remember, garage door spring repair can be dangerous. Only trained professionals with the proper tools and safety equipment should do the job.

Fixing Damaged Cables

Garage door cables work with the springs to lift and lower the door. Signs of their damage include fraying, kinks, or looseness.

Fixing damaged garage door cables can be dangerous and requires a certain level of skill and expertise. Therefore, seek the help of a professional to avoid accidents or further damage. However, if you are comfortable and confident with your DIY skills, here are the steps to follow:

  • Close the garage door completely and unplug the opener.
  • Locate the damaged cable on the side of the door.
  • Loosen the bolt or nut holding it to the bottom bracket.
  • Remove the door cable from the drum and the bottom bracket.
  • Slide the new door cable through the bottom bracket and attach it to the drum.
  • Tighten the bolt or nut on the bottom shelf.
  • Adjust the tension of the door cable with the adjustment screws.
  • Do the same process on the other side if necessary.
  • Test the door to ensure it works properly and adjust the tension if necessary.

Remember always to wear safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection. It is best to consult a professional if you need help with any steps.

Garage Door

Aligning Misaligned Tracks

Garage door tracks guide it as it opens and closes. Over time, they can become misaligned, causing the door to function incorrectly. Signs of misaligned tracks include a garage door that appears off-balance or a door that struggles to open or close. Here’s how to align misaligned garage door tracks:

  • Inspect the tracks: Check the tracks for any visible damage, such as bends, dents, or gaps. If you find any damage, you may need to replace it before aligning it.
  • Release the garage door: Release the door from the automatic opener by pulling the release cord to allow you to move the door manually.
  • Adjust the tracks: Use a rubber mallet and a level to gently tap the ways back into place to ensure they are straight and even. If the tracks are severely misaligned, you may need to loosen the bolts holding them in place to adjust them.
  • Tighten the bolts: Once the tracks are aligned, tighten the bolts back up. Ensure not to over-tighten the bolts, as this can cause damage to the ways.
  • Test the door: Manually lift and lower the garage door a few times to ensure it operates smoothly. Check for any signs of rubbing or scraping against the tracks.
  • Reconnect the automatic opener: Once you’re satisfied with the alignment, reconnect the door to the automatic opener.

 

Maintaining your garage door tracks to prevent them from becoming misaligned is essential. Regularly inspect the tracks for damage and clean them to prevent debris from building up.

Garage Door

Fixing Faulty Openers

Garage door openers are a crucial component of any garage door system. They open and close the door at the touch of a button. If the opener becomes faulty, the door may not function correctly. Signs of a defective opener include struggles to open or close, a door that opens or closes too quickly, or a door that makes unusual noises. Here are the general steps for fixing a faulty garage door opener:

  • Check the power source: Ensure you’ve plugged in the garage door opener and the outlet receives power. If the outlet isn’t working, try plugging the opener into another outlet to see if it works.
  • Check the remote batteries: If the opener isn’t responding to the remote, check the batteries to see if they need replacement.
  • Check the photo eye sensors: Garage door openers have photo eye sensors, which detect if something is blocking the door’s path. The door won’t close appropriately if these sensors are clogged or misaligned. Ensure the sensors are clean and aligned correctly.
  • Check the motor: If the opener isn’t responding at all, it could be a problem with the motor. Check it and the gears for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice any issues, you may need to replace the motor.
  • Check the door springs: If the opener is struggling to lift the door or the door seems heavy, the problem could be with the door springs. Check the springs for signs of damage or wear and tear. If the springs are damaged, you’ll need to replace them.
  • Consult the manual: If you need help, consult the garage door opener manual. The manual will often have troubleshooting tips and instructions for repairing common problems.

Some garage door opener repairs may be too complex or dangerous for a DIY repair. If you’re uncomfortable working on your garage door opener, it’s best to call a professional to help you fix the problem.

At Urban Garage Door Company, we have the most competent technicians ready to visit your home to fix your garage door problems. While we’ve provided a comprehensive guide to garage door repair in San Antonio, Texas, we can gladly do the job for you. Please call us now to schedule your garage door repair!