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How to Fix a Stuck or Frozen Garage Door

Posted by & filed under garage door maintenance .

Has your garage door become stuck while either opening or closing? People often take their garage doors for granted, just expecting them to work. However, like all mechanical devices, garage door parts will age and wear over time. In some instances, there are easy fixes that you can do yourself. However, there are many times you will want to call a professional. Identifying the issue is the key to knowing whether or not you need to call for help.

Why Did My Garage Door Get Stuck?

1. Weather Related – If your garage door’s issue corresponded with changes in the weather, you may need to modify the opener’s pressure. While this may seem like an easy fix, it is best to leave this modification to a professional. An adjustment that causes too much force could result in the door not stopping properly and therefore become a danger.

2. Broken Springs and Pulleys – If a spring breaks, this can make it very difficult to open. Moreover, a pulley can become stuck with a misaligned cable or an obstruction. Because of the high tensions involved, problems with springs and pulleys will need a professional garage door repair. It is simply too dangerous without the proper tools and knowledge.

3. Off the Track – You will know this is the problem if, as the title suggests, the door rollers are off their track. While it may seem easy enough to pop the rollers back on track, it is best to have a professional complete the repair. This will help ensure that the actual cause is fixed and no damage is done to the door panels.

4. Track Obstruction – Your stuck or frozen garage door can be caused by a simple track obstruction. Inspect the track to see if a broom, shovel, or other obstruction is in the way of the track. This is normally a fast and easy fix. Additionally, use a garage door lubricant spray on the tracks and other hardware. 

5. A Locked Garage Door – You would be surprised at the number of times a stuck garage door is caused by it being fully locked. Nevertheless, this is another easy fix.  Someone simply locked the door without you knowing. Once identified, you simply need to unlock the door.

Do you have questions? What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like to talk about a stuck or frozen garage door, or a related topic, please contact us at Smokey’s Garage Door. 

4 Reasons for Professional Garage Door Installation

Posted by & filed under garage door installation .

A garage door may seem like a pretty basic bit of mechanical hardware. However, the reality is that sophisticated electronics control the operation and some of the moving parts require delicate and precise adjustment. A faulty garage door installation is the last thing a homeowner wants since it not only disrupts your daily routine with greater inconvenience; it can also be a serious security problem. Here are four reasons why every homeowner should trust a professional when it comes to garage door installation:

1. Extra Parts Required: Many homeowners purchase a garage door kit only to find that the instructions recommend extra parts not included in the kit, like a steel stiffener to reinforce the door when lifted automatically. People who are inexperienced and decide to go the DIY route tend to skip this advice and will oftentimes end up with a bent, damaged new door after a single practice lift.

2. Centerline Exceptions: The majority of lift motor installations need to be centered with respect to the door, otherwise twisting occurs with each lift. However, there have been exceptions to this rule due to unique structural issues. Then again it takes an expert to recognize when the exception rule applies, and in such cases, it takes skill and experience to install the lift motor properly off-center.

3. System Options: There are many options when it comes to selecting a lift system: chain driven, screw driven, horsepower, etc. There are reasons for choosing a particular option. One of the most common mistakes made during a DIY project is not enough horsepower to lift a door’s weight. Having that said, a professional knows which features are best for a particular installation situation.

4. Proper Seal: At the bottom of a garage door is a rubber gasket. Proper adjustment and positioning of the lift motor allows the door to create enough pressure when closed so that a waterproof seal can form and keep out rain seepage. Too much pressure over-stresses a door and too little pressure results in leaks. A skilled installer knows the sweet spot.

For assistance selecting the best garage door system for your home, or to get a quote on professional installation, please contact us at Smokey’s Garage Door.

Do I Really Need to Fix My Garage Door?

Posted by & filed under garage door, garage door repair .

A broken garage door is not only an inconvenience, but also a significant safety issue. Many people regularly forget to lock their back doors since the garage often acts as an extra barrier from the elements. If it is not functioning properly, it can allow easy access to the home and loved ones.

There are a wide variety of garage doors available for residences today. Some include but are not limited to folding, sliding, and roll-up, and most are available in a number of styles. The most popular type of garage door in America is the sectional. These doors have horizontal panels connected at a hinge and then are fitted with oiled rollers on parallel tracks. A torsion spring and bar acts as a counterbalance for the door’s weight, and these are frequently the cause of malfunction. While many of the doors have common properties, each one may require different interventions upon breaking, and it is important to have seasoned and well-educated professionals with experience to diagnose the issue.

A number of things can cause a garage door not to work properly, ranging from parts snapping suddenly to general wear and tear over the years. Some of the most common reasons include but are not limited to:

  • Misaligned track
  • Transmitter malfunction
  • Broken springs
  • Path blockage
  • Broken tension cables

Before calling a technician, doing the following checks will help save some time and frustration.

  1. Check your door by using the emergency cord while it is closed
  2. Check the batteries in the remote control
  3. Lube the garage door and opener system per manufacturer’s direction
  4. Confirm the chain tension is appropriate

If all of these are working properly and the door still will not work, then it is time for some professional help. Contact us for any repair needs and to discover the other services we offer!

5 Tips for Garage Door Replacement

Posted by & filed under garage door repair, Garage Door Replacement, Garage Door Service Phoenix AZ .

A garage door is one of the most noticeable features of a home’s exterior. It can add to curb appeal, upgrade security and make life easier. If garage door replacement is on the home improvement list, remember that the right update can deliver a significant return on investment. Here are 5 tips on selecting the garage door that’s right for your home.

1. Cost: There are basically 4 different materials to choose from in garage doors and they have their own price points. Your budget may determine whether you opt for steel or aluminum, which is generally less expensive than wood or composite wood doors.

2. Insulation: Garages are usually not heated and cooled. They can become hot boxes or ice boxes, depending on the season. This can affect a home’s energy-efficiency. Upgrade to an insulated door and the return on investment will be seen on monthly utility bills.

3. Security: A garage door needs to keep out more than intruders. What are the most severe climate conditions in your area? Homes in high-wind or heavy snowfall areas need a stronger door. Who wants to step outside after a major storm only to find their garage door caved in or a block away?

4. Automation: Including an upgrade to an automated garage door opener not only adds to a home’s value, it also enhances security and quality of life. Even carriage-style garage doors can be equipped to operate automatically.

5. Customization: Customizing a garage door may be more affordable than you think. Professional installers offer a variety of options to transform a stock door into an architectural statement. Inserting windows, upgrading hardware or selecting a custom color paint job are features that may lie within reach of even the strictest budget.

Did you know? Garage doors are the number one upscale project. The national average for the cost of a garage door is $3,140 and has a recouped cost of 90.1%!
– Source: Door + Access Systems Spring 2016

To get started on your garage door replacement project, contact Smokey’s Garage Door. Our experienced installers are ready to assist you in selecting the right door and performing all the heavy lifting to get it installed right.

Why Does My Garage Door Not Close All the Way?

Posted by & filed under garage door repair .

If you discovered today’s article, it is likely you are looking for information on why your garage door does not close all the way. There are many times when you can troubleshoot these problems. However, in some instances, it is a good idea to contact a garage door repair professional. That said, if you can identify the problem, you will have a better idea if you can accomplish the task yourself or if you will need an expert to help you.

1. Something Is Blocking the Door – With automatic garage doors, there is a sensor that prevents the door from crushing any object in its path. It may come across as a little condescending to suggest, but you would be surprised how many times an obstruction is causing a garage door not to close.

2. Check the Photo Eye Sensor – If your garage door opens correctly, but does not close at all, it may be an issue with the photo eye sensors being out of alignment. These sensors are designed so that if something crosses the path, the door will open. It is intended to prevent the doors from closing on a person.

3. The Garage Floor Is Damaged – If you discover that the garage door closes, but it is uneven with a gap on one side, your garage floor may be cracked, shifted, or otherwise damaged. Short of revealing your garage floor, the garage door must be readjusted to ensure it closes properly.

4. Improper Setting of Garage Door Limit – This is a more common issue with new installations, but also sometimes occurs with older ones that need a reset. The limit setting tells the garage door how far it should travel before reaching the floor. Your owner’s manual can provide instructions on how to correct this problem.

5. The Alignment of the Tracks is Off – There may be a problem where the side tracks shifted or became bent. This can become a serious issue. A garage door professional will have the knowledge and tools to realign the tracks or install new ones if needed.

Do you still have questions? What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like to talk about why your garage door does not close all the way, or a related topic, please contact us.

Options to Consider when it’s Time for a Garage Door Replacement

Posted by & filed under garage door .

Nothing will add curb appeal or make your garage more functional quite like the right door. If your old one is in poor condition or you have decided your home needs a facelift, there is no need to settle for a standard door where there are numerous styles from which to choose. A few choices you may want to keep in mind include:

  • Raised panel doors, which are one of the most common types and are identified by elevated rectangular blocks surrounded by a flat surface. Raised panel doors add visual interest, and are perfect whenever you would like to upgrade your look, yet do not want your garage door to become a focal point.
  • Slab doors, or ones in which the door consists of a single panel and folds upward at an angle are coming back into style these days. These doors work great on garages where smaller vehicles such as garden tractors are stored.
  • Carriage doors, a classic style that resembles a barn door. Often made from wood, they are the ideal choice for log or other structures that have a rustic appearance.
  • Contemporary doors, which may contain features such as brushed aluminum panels or tempered glass. Contemporary garage doors are a great choice if you desire clean lines to help balance out other architectural features.

Variety of Materials

The above styles of garage door can be found in a variety of materials such as:

  • Wood and wood composite, which provide an authentic appearance for carriage-style doors.
  • Vinyl, a type hailed for requiring very little maintenance.
  • Steel, which allows for optimum security because it is difficult to break into.
  • Fiberglass, a choice known for its insulating properties.

Here at Smokey’s Garage Door in Phoenix AZ, we offer a variety of styles and colors in addition to performing professional installation and repairs. To find out more, please contact us.

5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Broken Garage Door Springs

Posted by & filed under Broken Garage Door Springs, garage door repair .

broken garage door springs scottsdale az

Do broken garage door springs mean the entire garage door needs to be replaced? Not necessarily. Replacing bad springs might be all it takes to get that garage door operating smoothly again. Here are 5 signs to look for in springs that are on the way out:

1. Open & Close actions change:

• Door often stops when opening.
• Door falls down rapidly when closing.
• There is a jerking action as it opens and closes.
• Door cannot be lifted even after using the emergency release rope.

2. The door appears to be crooked and/or the top section looks bent.

3. There appears to be some separation in the spring(s), it may look elongated, have a gap or lack tension.

4. Problems began after the garage door was bumped by a car.

5. It looks like the cables are broken or disconnected from the door.

Spring Type: There are two types of garage door springs:

• Torsion: Larger doors that weigh about 400-900 lbs. usually feature torsion springs.
• Extension: Most standard 9×7 doors, or smaller garage doors, are installed with a single extension spring found on a rod that runs across the top of the door. A larger door equipped with extension springs will most likely have two.

Lifespan of Springs: Garage door springs are not immortal. They do have a lifespan. The more use a garage door gets, the quicker springs wear out. That is what the cycle rating indicates on garage doors. An average door is rated for about 10,000 cycles. That means, depending on use, springs are designed to last about 7-12 years.

If your garage door springs are nearing the end of their lifespan, or show signs of wear, contact Smokey’s Garage Door, we’re a garage door service company in Glendale, AZ, before you get locked out or locked in. Garage door spring replacement is a simple issue that could turn into a much larger problem if you delay.

The Importance of Garage Door Maintenance Service

Posted by & filed under garage door maintenance .

Whether your garage serves primarily as storage, an entryway to your home, or a home for your car when it’s not in use, with summer here, now is the ideal time to ensure that your garage door has had the proper maintenance it needs to operate smoothly throughout the year.

Annual garage door maintenance is an integral part of ensuring that your garage door will not only run smoothly and safely, but that it will also last you for years with minimal repairs. Garage door maintenance can mean the difference between a garage door that will last you for decades versus needing to replace it after only a few years.

While repairs and part replacements will likely need to be handled by a professional, there are many things you can do on your own to provide maintenance for your garage door.

One of the most important aspects of your garage door to continuously monitor is the springs – while you should never try to repair garage door springs on your own, you can keep an eye on them to determine if and when they need professional attention. As part of annual maintenance, a professional garage door contractor may need to perform spring readjustments as springs wear over time.

The spring mechanisms used to hold up and operate the movement of your garage door need to be properly inspected, repaired and replaced in order to keep your garage door working in tip-top shape. You should regularly perform the following steps to see if your garage door needs adjustment:

  1. Pull the manual release cord (red rope in the center of the door in most garages).
  2. By hand, open the door halfway – it should rest about halfway open on its own.
  3. By hand, bring the door to the full open position – the door should stay there on its own also.
  4. Confirm that the door is rolling smoothly both open and closed and that anyone in the household can easily operate the door by hand.

If your door doesn’t pass the tests above (it will not stay open at the halfway/full open positions or does not roll smoothly), your garage door is in need of service. Failing to receive necessary repairs to your door can result in further damage and safety emergencies.

If your door does pass the tests above, it’s in good shape! Continue to normally lubricate rollers, hinges, and springs using an appropriate lubricant.

For more information on garage door maintenance, click here to visit our website.