Handy homeowners often enjoy taking on DIY repairs and home improvement projects. When their garage doors stop working, these enterprising folks are often tempted to try identifying and fixing the problem themselves. Unfortunately, it rarely works out well for homeowners.

Common Garage Door Issues

Modern garage doors are much safer and more convenient than their predecessors, but the trade-off is that there is a wider range of things that can go wrong. Some of the most common issues requiring garage door repairs include:

• Broken springs
• Damaged cables
• Misaligned tracks
• Broken or missing remotes
• Worn rollers
• Cracked or otherwise broken panels
• Electrical issues
• Faulty sensors

In most cases, these issues can be repaired easily by a trained technician. Homeowners shouldn’t let the speed with which experienced contractors diagnose and resolve problems fool them, though. Repairing garage doors is more difficult than most people think.

Why It’s Best to Leave Garage Door Repairs to the Pros

There are a few qualities that define the perfect DIY home improvement project. These projects are usually small in scope, require no specialized skills, are safe to perform at home, and use only readily available tools. The vast majority of garage door repairs meet none of these qualifications. Anyone considering giving DIY garage door repair a shot should check out these compelling reasons to leave these kinds of projects to the pros:

1. Voiding the Warranty

When homeowners buy an insulated garage door or otherwise upgrade from their existing garages, the products typically come with warranties. The warranties help homeowners pay for repairs or product replacements when issues come up within a specified amount of time. However, what most people don’t know is that manufacturers’ warranties can be voided when unlicensed individuals attempt to perform even simple repairs or upgrades.

Before heading out to the garage with whatever tools are available to replicate some video they saw on YouTube, homeowners should read through their warranties carefully. If there are any clauses about aftermarket modifications or requiring repairs or maintenance to be performed by a licensed contractor, they should turn right back around. It’s not worth voiding the warranty.

2. Potential for Making Problems Worse

Modern garage doors are more complex than most people think. The repair technicians that are licensed to work on them undergo substantial training before taking on any projects, but homeowners don’t have the same luxury. As a result, most DIY repair attempts only make problems worse.

When components are installed incorrectly, it can cause major damage to the entire system. Installing the door springs wrong can damage the cables, for example, which can lead to damage to garage door windows if it falls unexpectedly. These kinds of compounding problems can lead to much more substantial repair bills.

3. Potential for Injury

Arguably the most compelling reason to leave garage door repairs to the pros is that homeowners who attempt their own fixes without proper tools, knowledge, and safety gear run a serious risk of getting hurt. Modern garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds and can be dangerous. If they fall out of nowhere, it can result in serious injuries.

To make matters even worse, incorrectly performed repairs to springs, cables, or other key components can continue to pose a danger long after they are installed. Scheduling a professional installation can thus be seen as a means of protecting the safety of everyone in the household.

What to Expect From Professional Garage Door Repairs

Homeowners who want to tackle overhead door repairs without all the stress and potential negative consequences of making it a DIY job should call a licensed contractor. These professionals make getting a garage door repaired as simple as possible. Homeowners can often get a free estimate over the phone and schedule an inspection at the same time. 

The technicians will be sent to the site with everything required to diagnose the problem, and in most cases, perform repairs on the same day. If the damage is extensive, repair technicians might instead suggest replacing the door. However, in all cases, it will be the homeowner’s decision as to how to move forward with repairs or garage door replacements.

Dependable Service, Amazing Results

Property owners in Northern California can trust A Dependable Overhead Door Co. with all of their garage door and replacement needs. We work on not just residential but also commercial garage doors, so no matter what’s wrong and how large an overhead door happens to be, our techs will have the experience, equipment, and expertise to fix the problem. We also work with leading suppliers to provide new installations. Give us a call at (209) 566-2809 to discuss a project or schedule repairs today.

Garage doors see a lot of use. Most open and close multiple times per day as drivers leave home to go to work or school, run errands, and see friends. Over time, all that use will take its toll, leaving homeowners in need of new garage doors.

The problem is that garage doors are expensive, so the average homeowner wants to get as much from their current model as possible. When doors sustain significant damage, it’s obvious that they need to be replaced as quickly as possible because potential consequences like an increased likelihood of break-ins and pest intrusions clearly outweigh the cost of garage door replacement. 

There are also less obvious issues with older doors that could cost homeowners money if they go unaddressed. This article will introduce some other common reasons to have a garage door replaced.

1. The Door Is Old

Garage doors can last for many years with appropriate maintenance and occasional repairs. When they start approaching the 10-20 year mark, even high-quality doors typically don’t look as good as they used to. The technology behind automatic garage doors is also changing fast, so safety mechanisms and convenience features that were state-of-the-art 10-15 years ago are now obsolete. Upgrading to a new model with all of the features homeowners want is a good investment.

2. There’s More Than Cosmetic Damage

Minor cosmetic damage such as peeling paint and small cracks in wood panels is usually best addressed through overhead door repair. If a door has sustained serious damage, though, its structural integrity could be compromised. At that point, it’s no longer appropriate to treat the damage in the same way. A warped, rusted, or severely cracked door won’t provide as much protection as one that is fully intact.

If the damage is serious, it could even cause a safety risk. Doors that get stuck halfway open can be dangerous to residents if they try to un-stick them, and those that only open sometimes may leave people stuck in the garage or prevent them from getting their cars back in. In some cases, even damaged panels can create dangerous situations if they are at risk of becoming detached from the door.

3. The Door Won’t Open

Sometimes, garage doors refuse to open because their hardware stops working as intended. This is often the case with automatic garage doors, which rely on not just basic machinery but also radio transmitters to work. When a garage door stops opening, the first thing to try is to have it repaired rather than replaced because if the issue is only with the hardware, that’s a cheaper fix than replacing the entire door. If the garage door is failing to open because of structural damage, that’s a different story entirely and a new garage door installation is typically the best option.

4. The Required Repairs Are Expensive

Some types of garage door repairs are more expensive than others. If the total cost of all the necessary repairs winds up being more than half the price of having the door replaced, the more cost-efficient alternative is usually to purchase a new door. This is particularly true if the existing one is getting old or has other types of minor damage.

5. The Door Just Keeps Breaking Down

While scheduling repairs once or twice to make sure a garage door stays in good shape isn’t a problem for most families, no homeowner wants to be calling the repair company every few weeks. The problem isn’t just that the repairs will add up and eat into the family’s budget. It’s also that garage door failures can be incredibly inconvenient, causing people to miss work or school and waste time they’d rather be spending elsewhere waiting for repairs. Having the door replaced will eliminate all of those hassles.

6. It’s Time to Sell

Homeowners getting ready to sell their properties often make improvements in an effort to increase home value and draw in more qualified buyers. Replacing a garage door is one of the best home improvements to make pre-sale. In fact, it tops the list for return on investment, no matter the economic climate. Installing extras like garage door screens can also be a good investment.

Request a Quote Today

Want to find out what it would cost to have a specific garage door replaced? The only way to do so is to reach out to one or more local contractors and request quotes. Working with an industry expert who can install both residential and commercial garage doors is always the best bet since it gives homeowners access to highly qualified contractors and a full range of products.

Garage units provide security, insulation, and curb appeal to any property that contains a garage. Not only do they impact the property’s look, but they also impact the efficiency of a garage depending on what the homeowner is looking to accomplish. They come in various types and options so choosing the right one might feel like a daunting task. It is important to stay informed and read the information that discusses the different types of automatic doors there are and their features to help any consumer make an informed decision.

The Questions to Ask

To be sure that the right choice is made, curious buyers should consider what their ideal door situation would be. Whether buyers are interested in having certain attributes such as a full door screen, or a shade producing-option, or their priority is to find a durable, more secure option, it is essential to pinpoint those needs ahead of buying time. Creating a list highlighting needs wants, and style options will shorten the time between the buyer and their new garage system.

Sectional Garage Units and Their Benefits

Sectional shop entry doors are a very popular type of door in the market and are made of several horizontal panels connected by hinges while moving vertically along tracks. Sectional garage doors are available in a wide range of materials, including steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood, and in a variety of styles, such as flush, raised-panel, and carriage-house. They take up minimal space in your garage and can be great for buyers wanting to personalize the design and garage door windows. They also offer excellent insulation and weather protection, which make them ideal for regions with more extreme temperatures.

Considering Side-Hinged Models

Side-hinge modeled doors are a traditional type of workshop door that swings open from the sides like French doors. They are typically made of wood, steel, or aluminum, and they are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Side-hinged models are easy to operate and provide excellent accessibility, they also can still house lifestyle screens, to keep the doors open but also keep the bugs out. They also offer great insulation and weather protection which is a plus, and something to take into consideration.

Space-Saving Roller Systems

Roller doors are made of horizontal slats that roll up and down in tracks and are a great space-saving option. They can roll up into a compact box above the garage door and are typically made of steel, aluminum, or PVC, and they are available in a range of colors and finishes. Roller doors are easy to operate and offer good security and insulation and are easily fixed when it comes to garage door repair. They are also low-maintenance and require minimal upkeep. They are generally reserved for businesses that need commercial garage doors for vehicle access but could also be a great option for a farm or homestead.

Tilt-Up Doors are Cheap and Effective

Tilt-up garage doors are a type of garage door that swings up and out of the garage. They are typically made of wood or steel, and they are available in a variety of styles and are very easy to operate to provide more accessibility to your garage. Not only are they fantastic space savers, but they provide an external shade feature as well. It is a great option because they are relatively inexpensive and require minimal maintenance beyond installation.

So What Choice is Right

Choosing the right garage door depends on your budget, the style of your home, the level of insulation needed, and the amount of security that you require. Sectional garage doors are the most popular type of garage door, but roller, side-hinged, and tilt-up systems can be great space savers and can provide more accessibility. Consult with a garage door professional to determine the best type of garage door for your needs, and be sure to prepare some information about the property’s goals to help save some time. 

About Us

We are a Dependable Overhead Door Company operated in Northern California and we offer a wide variety of options to service your garage door and window needs. From long and short-paneled door installations to carriage systems, insulated options, and door screens, we have the option you are looking for. We are fully licensed for any garage door repairs, window repairs, and installations, so if you are in the Northern California area, be sure to reach out to us today to see what we can do for you!