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Wondering About Dealing with a Broken Spring on your Garage Door? A Comprehensive Guide on Garage Door Springs for Consumers Can Help
If you're having trouble opening or closing your garage door, it may be an issue with your garage door springs. Read this guide to learn how to identify problems with them, understand when you need to replace them, and follow tips for safely getting your garage door springs replaced. When it comes to garage door repair, Tucson trusts Discount Door Service.
Garage door springs are essential to any garage door system, providing the necessary tension and balance to ensure a smooth and reliable operation. While the springs come in various sizes and materials, the average life expectancy of these components is between 10,000-15,000 cycles. That's enough for seven to ten years of daily use for the average person. With proper installation and maintenance, it's possible to extend the life of your garage door springs even further.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about garage door springs. From how they work to when they need replacing, we'll provide all the information you need to keep your garage door running smoothly and safely. You'll learn about the different types of springs available, how to identify signs that yours may be failing, and tips on prolonging their life expectancy. You'll also learn which type is right for your home or business.
So if you want greater insight into this critical part of your garage door system, read on! We have all the information you need to ensure that your garage doors can perform optimally for many years, straight from true garage door professionals with many years of experience serving their community.
Residential Garage Door Repairs - Fixing Broken Springs
Fixing a broken garage door spring is like the perfect jigsaw puzzle. With the right tools and knowledge, it can become an achievable task. However, it can be daunting for those with a little DIY experience. It really should not be attempted by non-experienced folks, including a general handyman who doesn't have the specific knowledge and tools to get it done properly. When it comes to broken springs, you are much better off calling a reputable, professional garage door repair company. Doing so will ensure you not only get your door working again quickly, but you'll also rest assured knowing the properly sized spring was used and most importantly, it was done safely.
If you're curious about the workings of garage door springs, and you want to provide the company you're calling with as much information as possible, keep reading. You'll learn the basics and will know enough to get your service off on the right foot.
Torsion Springs vs Extension Springs
Firstly, you need to identify the type of spring in your garage door – torsion springs or extension springs. Torsion springs are wound around a metal shaft above the garage door opening. In contrast, extension springs run along tracks on either side of the parking space. Letting the repair company of your choice know this information will be helpful.
Types Of Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are essential components that help lift and lower the overhead door. To ensure your garage door works properly, it is crucial to understand the different types of door springs and when you may need a replacement. These aren't your everyday springs that you might find at a hardware store or even The Home Depot without a special order.
The two main types of garage door springs are torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are the most commonly used type for residential garages because they can provide more power than extension springs. Torsion springs are mechanical devices that store energy in the form of rotational energy. They are usually found in residential garages and are used to assist with the opening and closing of the garage door.
Unlike extension springs, torsion springs are more powerful and can lift heavier garage doors more easily. In addition, torsion springs are designed to last longer than extension springs and are less likely to break. Torsion springs also require less headroom than extension springs, meaning they can be installed in tighter spaces. This makes them ideal for garage door installations in homes with limited space.
Torsion springs are also more secure, as they aren't going to come off their tracks and cause injury when they break, the way an extension spring could.
Extension springs use spring tension when pulled against a pulley system, so they don't rely on exact measurements like torsion springs, which have a specific length, diameter and wire gauge that must match up to the specific door they are meant to work with.
Knowing whether you have torsion or extension springs will help immensely when sourcing new parts for your system. With this knowledge, you'll be ready to have your garage door spring replaced with confidence!
Garage Door Torsion Springs
Garage door torsion springs are a crucial component of residential garage doors, allowing them to open and close with ease. This type of spring is wound around a shaft above the top of the door using winding bars in a winding cone, and it is attached to the header wall via a center bracket and one on each end. It swings into action when a garage door is opened or closed, whether by a garage door opener or done manually. The stored-up tension in the springs counteracts the weight of the door ge door is opened or closed, whether by a garage door opener or done manually. The stored-up tension in the springs (combined with the drums and cables), making it virtually effortless to open and close, despite its considerable weight.
Top Tips for Homeowners: How to Replace Garage Door Springs Safely? Call Discount Door Service!
Torsion springs store energy while they're tightly wound, so they can be dangerous if not appropriately handled by an experienced technician. That's why it's best left to professionals when replacing or repairing these springs. They'll know what precautions to take when handling them and how to install them safely to ensure that residential garage doors work as expected without compromising safety.
By understanding what goes into the proper installation and maintenance of garage door torsion springs, homeowners can help protect themselves from potential problems down the road. Knowing when it's time to call in a professional can save time, money, and possibly even injuries from accidental mishandling of these powerful components. These essential parts will provide reliable service for years with careful monitoring and timely repairs or replacements.
Garage Door Extension Springs
Extension springs are typically used on one-piece (or lighter-weight two-piece) doors, such as those made from aluminum. They consist of a metal coil and two pulleys, which attach to the cable drums at each end of the spring. Here's what makes them so effective:
- Extension springs are designed to stretch and contract when the garage door opens and closes.
- They act like shock absorbers to reduce wear and tear on your garage door's parts.
- They also help to keep your garage door running smoothly by balancing out any tension in its system.
Trust the Professionals: Safety Tips for Homeowners Replacing Garage Door Springs
Extension springs can be hazardous if they break, so it is essential to have them inspected regularly by a professional technician. This will help identify any potential problems before they become more severe issues. It is also recommended to replace both sides simultaneously to ensure even tension throughout the system. If you need to replace just one side of an extension spring, ensure you get an exact match for the other side to function correctly.
Replacing your broken or worn-out extension springs yourself is only recommended if you have experience with this repair job. A better idea is to contact a qualified technician who can safely do the job for you without putting yourself or others at risk.
How Garage Door Springs Work
Garage door springs are a vital system that allows you to open and close your garage door. Understanding how they work is essential for proper installation and maintenance.
Let's take a look at how these springs operate. The springs are wound around a tube (also called a shaft), mounted on the wall above the garage door. When the door is opened, the springs unwind and transfer their energy to the lifting mechanism, which moves the door up or down accordingly. When the door is closed, this process reverses, with tension applied to the spring as it winds around its axis.
When properly maintained, these springs can last for many years before needing to be replaced. However, there are certain risks associated with them that must be taken into consideration when installing and maintaining them. Knowing why these springs can be dangerous will help ensure you have a safe and secure garage door system for years to come.
Why Are Garage Door Springs Dangerous
Garage door springs are like a ticking time bomb; they can be dangerous if not handled with care. They are designed to lift and lower the heavy garage door. With the amount of stored energy they hold in their coils, they can cause serious injury to anyone nearby if they suddenly break. And when they break, it's always sudden - there is no warning. It's essential to understand why these springs can be so dangerous and why it's best to leave replacing them with professionals.
The Risks of DIY Garage Door Repair - Why You Should Trust Certified Professionals with Your Spring Replacement
When a torsion spring is wound tightly, it stores energy that can be released with surprising force if it breaks. Springs also corrode over time with moisture exposure and repeated use, weakening their structure and making them more likely to fail. They become even less reliable as they age and accumulate wear and tear. They pose an increased danger of snapping unexpectedly. The high tension of the metal coil in the spring has been known to cause serious harm when mishandled or when it snaps during installation or repair.
For this reason, homeowners shouldn't attempt replacing their garage door springs. Due to the potential risks posed by these powerful components, any attempt at do-it-yourself work on garage door springs should be avoided at all costs. Certified technicians who know what they are doing will have the correct tools and know-how for safely handling garage door springs. Hiring such professionals can help you avoid injuries and expensive repairs down the line.
Replacing Garage Door Springs - Leave It To The Pros
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 15,000 reported injuries in 2018 related to malfunctioning garage door springs.
Considering this statistic, it is in your best interest to leave the repair or replacement of your garage door springs to a professional. A qualified technician will have the experience and know-how to safely service your garage door system and ensure that it continues running smoothly. Here are just a few advantages of hiring a professional:
- Safety: Professionals have specialized tools and safety equipment to help them avoid unnecessary risks. At the same time, they work on your garage door.
- Efficiency: A trained technician can quickly identify issues with your system, replace or repair any necessary components, and ensure everything is working correctly in no time.
- Peace of Mind: You can rest assured that the job was done correctly by someone who knows what they're doing when you hire a professional.
Good customer service goes beyond providing quality repairs and replacements; it also involves helping people understand how their systems work and why certain parts need maintenance or replacement from time to time. Knowing this information will help you take better care of your system, so you don't have to call in an expert as often! By understanding these basics, you can take steps to extend the life of your garage door springs, which will save you time and money down the line.
Why Garage Door Springs Break
The primary reason for the breakage of garage door springs is usually due to wear and tear. Over time, these springs will weaken and eventually break, as they constantly pull back and forth as the door opens and closes.
Another reason why garage door springs can break is due to rusting or corrosion. When exposed to moisture, these springs may experience rusting that weakens them over time and can eventually lead to breakage. In addition, if the springs aren't properly lubricated, they may suffer from friction damage which can also lead to failure.
You must keep your garage door springs in good condition by regularly maintaining them with lubrication and other preventive measures. Doing so will help minimize the risk of breakage and ensure that your garage door keeps functioning correctly for years to come.
TIP: If you need help with maintaining or repairing your garage door springs, it's best to leave it up to a professional with the knowledge and tools required for proper maintenance and repair.
How To Open Garage Door With Broken Spring
Have you ever experienced a garage door with a broken spring? You know how frustrating it can be to try to open the door and it won't budge. You may wonder if there's any way to open the garage door with a broken spring. The answer is: yes, there is!
If you have a broken garage door spring, you may be able to still open it by manually disengaging the opener from the door. You will first need to locate the manual release cord, which is usually a red handle near the opener's motor. Pull the release cord down and then lift the door manually. If the door won't go up, it could be due to a number of reasons.
First, it could be that it is simply too heavy for you to open without the help of the spring.
Another reason could be that when the spring broke, the door came off its tracks or somehow got jammed in the frame, or the cable snapped and got wrapped around the drum.
In any of these situations, you will need to wait until the garage door repair company is able to arrive to replace the broken spring and address any other issues that may have occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
What Is The Average Cost To Replace Garage Door Springs?
Replacing the springs on a garage door is an important part of maintaining the door and ensuring its smooth operation. The average cost to replace a single garage door spring is usually between $250 to $300. However, when a garage door has two springs, it is necessary (and wise) to replace them both at the same time. Replacing both springs helps ensure that both sides of the door open and close evenly and correctly, and it also helps to extend the life of the springs. Additionally, it can save money in the long run, as replacing both springs at once helps avoid having to do the job again in the near future.
What Is The Expected Lifespan Of Garage Door Springs?
Garage door springs are made from high-grade materials but still have a limited lifespan. Generally speaking, torsion springs will last between 5-7 years with regular maintenance and use. It's important to note that these time frames may vary depending on how much weight you're putting on the springs, how much wear and tear they endure, and any other factors that could affect their longevity.
Are There Any Tips to Prevent Garage Door Springs from Breaking?
You can do a few things to keep your garage door springs healthy and operational. Firstly, it's essential to regularly check the balance of the door. If the balance is off, this could put extra strain on the springs, causing them to break more easily.
To check if your garage door is balanced, do the following:
- Start by closing the door and disengaging the opener.
- Once the door is closed, manually lift the door halfway up and release. The door should stay in place without any additional assistance.
- If the door opens or closes on its own, then it is not properly balanced. You should call for service to have it balanced for you.
Secondly, it's essential to watch for rust or any other signs of corrosion that will reduce their lifespan.
Lastly, lubricating the springs with a spray lubricant at least once a year will help them stay flexible and move smoothly when opening and closing the door. This will also help protect against rust and corrosion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, garage door springs are a vital part of the smooth operation of any garage door. Replacing them can seem frustrating, but ensuring that your garage is functioning correctly is well worth it compared to not being able to get into or out of your garage at a critical time!
Having a good understanding of the expected lifespan of your garage door springs and taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity can save you time and money in the long run. Have you taken the necessary steps to keep your garage door springs in peak condition?
We're the Local, Family Owned Tucson Company You Can Trust For a Great Customer Experience with Your Garage Door Spring Replacement
Consult a professional if you have any questions about replacing or maintaining garage door springs. If you live in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Saddlebrooke or Vail, call Discount Door Service for a great customer experience. With proper maintenance and care, you can rest assured that your garage will operate smoothly for many years.
Call us on the phone and you'll be speaking with the owner. You won't find a more hard working garage door service company ready to help you, offering very fair prices. As you'll see, our business is highly recommended on Google as we answer our calls promptly and get our technicians to your location as quickly as we can. We look forward to helping you.
A garage door is probably the most under appreciated mechanical device in many homes. Without thinking about it, we expect this giant door that can weigh hundreds of pounds to open and close on demand with the simple push of a button on our wall, in our car or even from our phones. We expect to be able to store our vehicles and our belongings safely behind the door, but to be easily able to access them whenever we want. Heck, for many of us we don’t even carry a key to our front doors anymore as the garage door is the main access point for the family to get in and out of the house.
It’s only when our garage door stops working normally that we suddenly realize how much we rely on them.
One of the more frustrating things that you might encounter with your garage door is when you try to close it, it won’t stay closed. Instead, it gets to (or near) the bottom, closed position, then reverses directions and opens up again. This can be so frustrating! No one wants to leave their garage door wide open!
Why is the garage door not staying closed?
Does this sound familiar at all? … When you were a kid, you and your siblings would close the garage door and run underneath it to get out before the door closed. Well, now thanks to two tiny photo eyes on either side of the garage entrance, any garage door that was installed after 1993 this trick is no longer very easy to pull off. The invisible beam between the photo eyes is used to detect if something is in the path of a garage door. There is a safety measure in place to prevent automatic garage doors from closing on top of someone or something.
So, if you’re door isn’t closing, first, check if there is anything that is interfering with the beam between the two photo-eye sensors.
You can find an infrared sensor / motion detector near the bottom of your garage doors, just above the floor. This device detects movement within the area covered by the light beams. When something moves into the path of the beams, the lights will go out momentarily. In order to keep your garage doors open, you must clean the lenses of these devices regularly. Make sure that there is nothing blocking the beam. Also make sure the two ‘eyes’ are pointed at each other so that they create a connection.
These sensors can easily get bumped out of position, or something can be just partially blocking one of them. It can be anything from something significant like a trash can, to something small like a leaf or even an accumulation of dirt. Anything that prevents the two sides from ‘connecting’ via the beam will signal to the door to return to the open position.
If this is why your door isn’t closing, this is actually good news for a couple of reasons
- Your door is working as it is supposed to. There is nothing “wrong” with your door such as a broken spring – its built-in safety system is working to protect you and your belongings from accidentally getting crushed by the door as it comes down, in the event there is some kind of obstruction – something is in its path and shouldn’t be
- This is a very easy fix for you that can be done in a matter of minutes, at zero cost! Simply get the sensors lined up correctly and keep anything from getting in their way. Easy Peasy.
If your garage door sensors are on, lined up and nothing is in the way and your garage door still isn’t closing, things may be a bit more complicated
There are other reasons your garage door may open automatically again after closing.
You May Need to Adjust the Limit Switch
The limit switch is one of the most common reasons for your garage door going back up. The limit switch is used to determine where the garage door stops. When the door reaches the bottom, it will appear as if there is something in the way, and the safety mechanism will kick in and open the door. If this is the case, adjusting your limit switch with a flathead screwdriver is a good idea. The limit switch is not set correctly.
The travel module in your garage is responsible for controlling how far the garage door travels up and down. If your garage door stops working properly, check whether the travel module is worn out. A broken travel module can cause the garage door to stop functioning altogether. Replace the module if necessary.
You May Need to Replace the Logic Board
A logic board controls the motor that moves the garage door up and down. Over time, the logic board can become damaged and fail, causing the garage door to malfunction. You can replace the logic board yourself, but more often than not, considering the number of other parts in a opener, you’re better off simply buying a new unit, otherwise you may find yourself throwing good money after bad. We recommend contacting a professional garage door service company and asking for their recommendations.
Looking for Help with Problematic Garage Door Openers?
While some issues such as cleaning of the safety sensors are very easy to deal with, others such as a limit setting can be slightly more challenging. Then there are things that are well outside the realm of what an average homeowner should consider attempting on their own. At times like these, it’s best to call in a garage door professional.
While you may not consider a garage door a highly ‘technical’ part of your home, you may not realize that it can have dozens of moving parts responsible for moving a several hundred pound door. If you don’t think all those garage door components each play an important role, and the knowing how they all work together… please trust us when we say that you should not be attempting a garage door repair yourself.
The time, money, frustration and potential serious bodily injuries you could save by simply calling in a garage door professional such as Discount Door Service, who has been providing garage door repair in Tucson, AZ since 1999, is significant.
A broken garage door can put a damper on the appearance of your home or business.
What is the average cost of replacing a garage door?
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Traditional one-panel style doors
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Carriage style doors
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Sectional garage doors
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Circuit boards
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Rollers
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Hinges
Finding the most affordable garage door replacement
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Conclusion
There are a number or things that could cause your garage door to not open or close properly. If yours is giving you problems, you might think you need to call someone for garage door opener repair - and you might be right.
However, there are some things that you can easily check yourself to maybe get it working again without the need for a service call.
Click here to read more and understand the different problems and possible solutions.
Know What Causes a Garage Door Opener to Stop Working and When to Call for Garage Door Opener Repair Services
Garage door openers are something we rely on day in and day out without really thinking about it at all. Often times when they stop working, it happens suddenly and for no apparent reason. You may be wondering what might cause a garage door opener to quit working, if there's anything you can do about it yourself and when do you need to call for repair?
When a garage door won't open, it's usually a quick fix if you know what you're doing. For most situations, a repair person doesn't need to be called. There are a few things that could make a garage door stop working. If a sensor is obstructed or a remote won't work, the problem may be minor and inexpensive to fix. In fact, as far as "garage door opener sensor repair" goes, it's usually more of a minor 'tweak' than a repair that's needed, and something you can do yourself (*if* that's the only issue).
The article talks about troubleshooting a garage door opener which may be an obstructed sensor or a remote that doesn't work. We'll cover all of these things and more for you here.
Understand when you need to call for a garage door opener repair
Some things can be handled with no outside help, but sometimes it is better to call a professional. When it comes to garage door repair involving an opener that isn't working, there are some things that you can do yourself and a few other things that may require an expert. Before making a call for a garage door repair, here some things to check and keep in mind.
Quick Garage Door Opener Troubleshooting Guide
- Make sure your opener is plugged in, or has power coming to it
- If you're having trouble with the remote, make sure the car with the opener key is in range of the garage
- Turn off the power to the opener at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Wait five minutes and then turn the power back on. Alternatively, you could also simply unplug the unit from the outlet if it's easy to get to.
- If you have other garage door openers, test them one at a time to isolate the issue
- Check to see if anything is in the 'line of sight' of the sensors (or "photo eye"), located at the bottom of each side of the garage door tracks
- If the door is open and won't close, check if the automatic light sensor on your opener has been activated by shielding them from direct sunlight and trying again
Sometimes people will forget that they are able to manually open their garage door in order to get their car in or out, which we will cover below. However, if it turns out that you have a broken garage door spring, you may not be able to get the door open manually either.
Things that can stop a garage door opener from working
There are a variety of things that can prevent a garage door opener from working properly. There are several different parts that can be the culprit. Below, we have compiled a list of some of the most common garage door opener problems.
The Remote Control Doesn’t Work
If you have a remote control for your garage door, you may notice that it doesn’t work. Sometimes this problem can be fixed by replacing the batteries, but other times it requires you to replace the remote control entirely.
Also, garage door openers often depend on a radio signal to open and close a garage door. A different things can block or interrupt the radio signals that activate a garage door opener, preventing it from operating correctly. A common cause of a garage door not working is the signal being jammed by a rather new item that you may have nearby - an LED lightbulb.
For some reason, some LED lights jam the radio signals from activating the opener, preventing it from opening or closing the door. So if your garage door just recently stopped responding to your remote, find out if any LED lights have recently been installed. If so, try removing the lights and see if things work again. If things work, then you simply need to get a new lightbulb. If there is no change, then you know it is a different issue that might require a professional garage door repair service call.
If you find yourself frustrated by the low range on your garage door opener when standard LED light bulbs are present, you're not alone. However, there are some LED bulbs that are designed specifically for garage door openers, in order to decrease the complications that arise with traditional LED light bulb usage.
When the garage door won't open, you may have a problem with the motor, but there are other possible causes. The problem could be with the sensor, which will need to be inspected to see if it is dirty or damaged. If it is dirty, you might need to clean it with a dry cloth. You also want to make sure that the two sensors on opposite sides of the garage door are pointed directly at each other and that nothing is blocking the beam's line of sight.
The garage door motor runs, but the door won't open
A garage door is heavy. Garage door springs are the 'muscle' that allows the opener to use minimal effort to open and close it under control. A broken spring can make the task impossible for your opener. A garage door with a broken spring can also make it difficult to open the door manually and is definitely a cause for calling in a professional to take care of it for you.
Understanding the symptoms of when a garage door opener is about to stop working
If the door goes up with a jerky motion, if the opener stops abruptly during opening or closing, or if it sounds like the motor is struggling, then it's likely that the unit will need replacement soon. It's important to identify these symptoms as they are signs that the door opener will need replacement soon. Like so many things, it's best to recognize and catch these things early rather than wait until it's an emergency situation. All too often, garage door issues seem to happen at the most inconvenient time, and having your car stuck inside (or outside) of your garage is never a good thing.
If your garage door opener sounds like it's struggling, it probably is and you should have it checked out as soon as possible. If it needs to be replaced - replace it. On the other hand, it's possible that your garage door simply needs some basic maintenance such as lube or maybe changing out some broken or damaged rollers, which will be less costly than replacing the opener, and will prolong the life of your garage door.
What is the Average Life of a Garage Door Opener?
Garage door openers are expected to last 10 to 15 years on average. With so many garage door openers available, it is hard to say how long each specific garage door opener lasts for. A higher end brand (we recommend you find genuine LiftMaster garage door opener), which is likely going to last much longer than some no-name, knock-off brand that you might buy online (which also leaves you without the benefit of having professional garage door opener installation services).
Additionally, it depends on the garage door itself:
- How heavy is the door?
- Does it have the proper springs to do the lifting for the opener?
- Has the door been properly maintained?
- Are the rollers and hinges in good shape to make opening and closing as smooth as possible?
Signs That a Garage Door Opener Needs Repair or Replacement
Garage door openers are not meant to last forever. The average life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, but even that can vary depending on how often the garage door is used and the conditions in which it is used. Signs that a garage door opener needs repair or replacement include:
The Opener Makes Unusual Noises But the Door Doesn't Move
If the door is not moving, you may have a stripped gear in the motor. This is most common with older models or doors that haven't been properly balanced, meaning they've been doing more work (pulling more of the door's weight) than they are designed for.
Over time, anything mechanical will wear out, including the gear in a garage door opener. And while it's technically possible to replace the gear, there are many other moving parts in a garage door opener. If the gear failed on you, there is a good chance that other parts are also wearing out. That is why it is almost always better to simply replace the unit with a new garage door opener, rather than repairing garage door openers with this issue. The cost to repair garage door opener will be more than half the cost of having a brand new one, where you know all the parts and pieces are in perfect working order.
The Trolley Carriage Moves But Garage Door Doesn't Open
This may be a simple fix of simply locking the trolley to the J-arm. Re-engaging the trolley is easy. Just pull the emergency disconnect rope up and back toward the opener on most garage door systems to cause the trolley to snap back into place. If the trolley will not engage, it may be necessary to have a professional perform a system check.
Neither Remote Control nor Wall Switch Operates the Opener
If the remote doesn't work and the wall switch doesn't operate the opener, a power outage may have caused the malfunction. Verify that the opener has power by checking the circuit breaker panel. If the circuit breaker is on, the opener may be disconnected from the power. Disconnect the opener and plug it back in. If the problem is still present, there may be a loose or broken wire. A situation like this is probably on in which you should call in a professional to have a look.
When You Need Garage Door Opener Repair Service Near Me
Garage door openers are one of the most commonly used but overlooked mechanical devices in our every day lives. They are often used not only to get your car in or out of your garage, but as the primary way for us to get in and out of our homes, to the point where many of us don't even carry keys to our front doors anymore. When you consider that garage doors can weigh several hundred pounds, you start to appreciate what a workhorse this simple device is for us.
Despite this heavy use, they are expected to last for 10 to 15 years on average. When they stop working, it often happens suddenly and for no apparent reason, and you may be wondering what might cause a garage door opener to quit working, if there is anything you can do about it yourself and when you need to call for repair. We hope that the information provided above helps you do a bit of your own troubleshooting. By following the advice here, you can prevent the need for what might seem like a costly service call for something you can easily handle yourself.
On the other hand, if your garage door opener is truly at the end of its useful life, you really are better off calling in the professionals at Discount Door Service in Tucson for a properly installed, high quality unit that will work for you.
As an added benefit, new units, whether they be the quiet belt drive or even the less expensive chain drive wi-fi garage door openers, allow you to monitor and control your garage door via your smart phone, so you'll no longer need to turn around and go back home to make sure you remembered to close it.
There are a number or things that could cause your garage door to not open or close properly. If yours is giving you problems, you might think you need to call someone for garage door opener repair - and you might be right.
However, there are some things that you can easily check yourself to maybe get it working again without the need for a service call.
Click here to read more and understand the different problems and possible solutions.
Know What Causes a Garage Door Opener to Stop Working and When to Call for Garage Door Opener Repair Services
Garage door openers are something we rely on day in and day out without really thinking about it at all. Often times when they stop working, it happens suddenly and for no apparent reason. You may be wondering what might cause a garage door opener to quit working, if there's anything you can do about it yourself and when do you need to call for repair?
When a garage door won't open, it's usually a quick fix if you know what you're doing. For most situations, a repair person doesn't need to be called. There are a few things that could make a garage door stop working. If a sensor is obstructed or a remote won't work, the problem may be minor and inexpensive to fix. In fact, as far as "garage door opener sensor repair" goes, it's usually more of a minor 'tweak' than a repair that's needed, and something you can do yourself (*if* that's the only issue).
The article talks about troubleshooting a garage door opener which may be an obstructed sensor or a remote that doesn't work. We'll cover all of these things and more for you here.
Understand when you need to call for a garage door opener repair
Some things can be handled with no outside help, but sometimes it is better to call a professional. When it comes to garage door repair involving an opener that isn't working, there are some things that you can do yourself and a few other things that may require an expert. Before making a call for a garage door repair, here some things to check and keep in mind.
Quick Garage Door Opener Troubleshooting Guide
- Make sure your opener is plugged in, or has power coming to it
- If you're having trouble with the remote, make sure the car with the opener key is in range of the garage
- Turn off the power to the opener at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Wait five minutes and then turn the power back on. Alternatively, you could also simply unplug the unit from the outlet if it's easy to get to.
- If you have other garage door openers, test them one at a time to isolate the issue
- Check to see if anything is in the 'line of sight' of the sensors (or "photo eye"), located at the bottom of each side of the garage door tracks
- If the door is open and won't close, check if the automatic light sensor on your opener has been activated by shielding them from direct sunlight and trying again
Sometimes people will forget that they are able to manually open their garage door in order to get their car in or out, which we will cover below. However, if it turns out that you have a broken garage door spring, you may not be able to get the door open manually either.
Things that can stop a garage door opener from working
There are a variety of things that can prevent a garage door opener from working properly. There are several different parts that can be the culprit. Below, we have compiled a list of some of the most common garage door opener problems.
The Remote Control Doesn’t Work
If you have a remote control for your garage door, you may notice that it doesn’t work. Sometimes this problem can be fixed by replacing the batteries, but other times it requires you to replace the remote control entirely.
Also, garage door openers often depend on a radio signal to open and close a garage door. A different things can block or interrupt the radio signals that activate a garage door opener, preventing it from operating correctly. A common cause of a garage door not working is the signal being jammed by a rather new item that you may have nearby - an LED lightbulb.
For some reason, some LED lights jam the radio signals from activating the opener, preventing it from opening or closing the door. So if your garage door just recently stopped responding to your remote, find out if any LED lights have recently been installed. If so, try removing the lights and see if things work again. If things work, then you simply need to get a new lightbulb. If there is no change, then you know it is a different issue that might require a professional garage door repair service call.
If you find yourself frustrated by the low range on your garage door opener when standard LED light bulbs are present, you're not alone. However, there are some LED bulbs that are designed specifically for garage door openers, in order to decrease the complications that arise with traditional LED light bulb usage.
When the garage door won't open, you may have a problem with the motor, but there are other possible causes. The problem could be with the sensor, which will need to be inspected to see if it is dirty or damaged. If it is dirty, you might need to clean it with a dry cloth. You also want to make sure that the two sensors on opposite sides of the garage door are pointed directly at each other and that nothing is blocking the beam's line of sight.
The garage door motor runs, but the door won't open
A garage door is heavy. Garage door springs are the 'muscle' that allows the opener to use minimal effort to open and close it under control. A broken spring can make the task impossible for your opener. A garage door with a broken spring can also make it difficult to open the door manually and is definitely a cause for calling in a professional to take care of it for you.
Understanding the symptoms of when a garage door opener is about to stop working
If the door goes up with a jerky motion, if the opener stops abruptly during opening or closing, or if it sounds like the motor is struggling, then it's likely that the unit will need replacement soon. It's important to identify these symptoms as they are signs that the door opener will need replacement soon. Like so many things, it's best to recognize and catch these things early rather than wait until it's an emergency situation. All too often, garage door issues seem to happen at the most inconvenient time, and having your car stuck inside (or outside) of your garage is never a good thing.
If your garage door opener sounds like it's struggling, it probably is and you should have it checked out as soon as possible. If it needs to be replaced - replace it. On the other hand, it's possible that your garage door simply needs some basic maintenance such as lube or maybe changing out some broken or damaged rollers, which will be less costly than replacing the opener, and will prolong the life of your garage door.
What is the Average Life of a Garage Door Opener?
Garage door openers are expected to last 10 to 15 years on average. With so many garage door openers available, it is hard to say how long each specific garage door opener lasts for. A higher end brand (we recommend you find genuine LiftMaster garage door opener), which is likely going to last much longer than some no-name, knock-off brand that you might buy online (which also leaves you without the benefit of having professional garage door opener installation services).
Additionally, it depends on the garage door itself:
- How heavy is the door?
- Does it have the proper springs to do the lifting for the opener?
- Has the door been properly maintained?
- Are the rollers and hinges in good shape to make opening and closing as smooth as possible?
Signs That a Garage Door Opener Needs Repair or Replacement
Garage door openers are not meant to last forever. The average life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, but even that can vary depending on how often the garage door is used and the conditions in which it is used. Signs that a garage door opener needs repair or replacement include:
The Opener Makes Unusual Noises But the Door Doesn't Move
If the door is not moving, you may have a stripped gear in the motor. This is most common with older models or doors that haven't been properly balanced, meaning they've been doing more work (pulling more of the door's weight) than they are designed for.
Over time, anything mechanical will wear out, including the gear in a garage door opener. And while it's technically possible to replace the gear, there are many other moving parts in a garage door opener. If the gear failed on you, there is a good chance that other parts are also wearing out. That is why it is almost always better to simply replace the unit with a new garage door opener, rather than repairing garage door openers with this issue. The cost to repair garage door opener will be more than half the cost of having a brand new one, where you know all the parts and pieces are in perfect working order.
The Trolley Carriage Moves But Garage Door Doesn't Open
This may be a simple fix of simply locking the trolley to the J-arm. Re-engaging the trolley is easy. Just pull the emergency disconnect rope up and back toward the opener on most garage door systems to cause the trolley to snap back into place. If the trolley will not engage, it may be necessary to have a professional perform a system check.
Neither Remote Control nor Wall Switch Operates the Opener
If the remote doesn't work and the wall switch doesn't operate the opener, a power outage may have caused the malfunction. Verify that the opener has power by checking the circuit breaker panel. If the circuit breaker is on, the opener may be disconnected from the power. Disconnect the opener and plug it back in. If the problem is still present, there may be a loose or broken wire. A situation like this is probably on in which you should call in a professional to have a look.
When You Need Garage Door Opener Repair Service Near Me
Garage door openers are one of the most commonly used but overlooked mechanical devices in our every day lives. They are often used not only to get your car in or out of your garage, but as the primary way for us to get in and out of our homes, to the point where many of us don't even carry keys to our front doors anymore. When you consider that garage doors can weigh several hundred pounds, you start to appreciate what a workhorse this simple device is for us.
Despite this heavy use, they are expected to last for 10 to 15 years on average. When they stop working, it often happens suddenly and for no apparent reason, and you may be wondering what might cause a garage door opener to quit working, if there is anything you can do about it yourself and when you need to call for repair. We hope that the information provided above helps you do a bit of your own troubleshooting. By following the advice here, you can prevent the need for what might seem like a costly service call for something you can easily handle yourself.
On the other hand, if your garage door opener is truly at the end of its useful life, you really are better off calling in the professionals at Discount Door Service in Tucson for a properly installed, high quality unit that will work for you.
As an added benefit, new units, whether they be the quiet belt drive or even the less expensive chain drive wi-fi garage door openers, allow you to monitor and control your garage door via your smart phone, so you'll no longer need to turn around and go back home to make sure you remembered to close it.
Common Myths About Garage Door Repair
While many homeowners try to save money by doing their own home repairs, they often end up costing themselves more in the long run. Needing Tucson garage door service isn't the same as having a clogged toilet or leaky faucet, which are easy fixes that anyone can do with minimal experience and supplies. Some jobs like garage door repair require a professional for safety reasons because it’s not just about fixing an issue; you need someone who knows how to make sure everything is working properly so no other issues arise later on down the line. That's where help from Discount Doors comes in!
Most people think garage door repair is easy, but it can be not only difficult, but actually quite dangerous for someone unfamiliar with the proper steps and tools to do it correctly.
We want to share some common misconceptions about garage door repair, so you can avoid making the same mistakes.
Fixing a Garage Door Can't Be That Difficult
The first mistake most people make when addressing a garage door that isn't working properly is underestimating how complicated these things are. It's not as simple as just adding more oil to your car engine; there have been instances where homeowners completely tore apart an entire system only to find out that they didn't even need any repairs in the first place!
There's a recurring misconception that people think they can just fix these things themselves with a little effort and some elbow grease. While it is possible for an experienced professional to perform a variety of repairs fairly quickly, most people in the garage door repair field will tell you that it takes a lot of expert guidance and training, and the proper tools, to get everything done right.
There are many myths about what can cause problems with your garage doors which make things even more complicated. For example, some people think that the garage door opener is the main thing that makes your doors open and close; however, they actually operate on a pulley system attached to some very heavy-duty springs.
Garage doors may appear simple, but they are actually somewhat complicated—not only are they heavy, they have many parts that all have to work together in a specific way. For this reason, it is usually best for people to leave these repairs up to the professionals.
Replacing a roller or safety sensor may be easy, but you might need a technician if you are having problems with your springs, cables, or torsion springs.
It is also important to not put too much stress on the garage door opener because it can start to wear down and become ineffective in just a few years instead of giving you the 10 to 15 years or more of effective use you should be able to get from it.
Warning Signs of Needed Garage Door Repairs
Garage doors often give cues before failing—they may start to make a loud, ominous noise or they might give us an indication that there is something wrong by opening or closing slower than usual.
Garage doors are amongst the most dangerous household items, with more amputated fingers and blinded eyes than any other. While people may think that cutting power to the garage door opener will keep them safe, a circuit breaker will not protect you from injury arising from a broken spring, cable or hinge. This is why it's so crucial to have your garage door serviced regularly to ensure it remains safe for use.
My Garage Door is Just Making Noise - I Can Fix That
Sometimes a bit of lube will work wonders. If you have a garage door that is making loud noises, make sure to check the hinge pins for anything that may be clogging it up or preventing smooth movement of the metal on metal contact point.
If your door seems fine but still makes noise, try lubricating all moving parts and replacing any worn-out rollers with new ones. Replacing rollers is a quick and easy job for an experienced technician, but doing it improperly - especially for the trickier rollers on the bottom and top of each side of the door - you could end up causing more problems than solutions.
Other times this type of racket can be caused by worn-out bearings and other parts that are in need of replacement. Replacing a center bearing requires a complete unwinding of the springs, removal of the cables and dismantling of the end bearings... then putting them all back together properly with just the right tension on those massive garage door springs. Not really the 'simplest' of DIY projects.
And if it's time for a new garage door opener, making sure you have qualified service technicians doing the installation for you means you can rest assured it will work the way it is intended, for as long as possible.
It Costs Too Much to Call for Professional Garage Door Repair
Is it worth the risk of serious injury and pain to save a few dollars on garage door repair? Or to struggle trying to figure it out, without the proper tools, when these common garage door problems are things that we deal with every day, and can have your garage door working again for you quickly, with no sweat on your part!
Discount Door Service depends on happy customers sharing their experiences with others, so the last thing we want to do is over charge and make customers feel like they didn't get good value. You can read our many reviews to see how many people were pleasantly surprised by the fact that the garage door repair cost was actually less than they expected.
A Safe Job is a Job Well Done
Make sure your garage door is working properly without risking life and limb just to save a few dollars. Let an expert, locally owned garage door company do the work for you.
I Don't Need to Replace Both Garage Door Springs - Only One is Broken
Pairing a new spring with an old one is likely to cause more problems than it solves. The springs work together, so a new spring will be stiffer than the old one. Imbalanced springs will weaken each other and eventually one or both will break down again in a short time.
When Two is Less Than One
While two springs costs more than one, getting them both replaced in a single visit costs less than having us come out again for another service call.
Also, because springs need to be unwound to make repairs, re-winding an old spring would put our technician in unnecessary danger. We do everything we can to keep you, and our crew, safe at all times.
If you're going to replace a broken spring make sure you get two new ones for safety's sake.
Are You Just Going to Try to Sell Me a New Garage Door?
As a reputable garage door service company, we know that a new garage door should easily last 25 to 30 years or more, but that it can be bigger cost than many people are comfortable paying at once, especially if their garage door just suddenly stopped working. A new door also requires multiple trips to the home to measure, and then install the new door, taking up a fair amount of time.
On the other hand, repairs can often be done quickly and without a lot of hassle, and at a much lower price. We can fix the garage door’s broken springs, broken cable or rollers and the door will work good as new again.
We also offer a wide range of products for replacement parts, such as new motors and remote controls which we install quickly.
Why Call Discount Door Service? Because New Garage Doors Are an Option, Not a Goal
So while Discount Door Service does offer new garage doors as an option for our customers, it's not our goal to sell you one. Our goal is to give you what you want - which is often simply fixing a garage door so it works again, and will continue to work for years to come.
We want to know that when we provide fast, on-target repairs at a good price, people will be eager tell others about us, and recommend Discount Door Service as the go-to locally owned company for same day service for garage door repair services, broken spring replacement, garage door openers, maintenance and other common repairs.