Nothing is more annoying than getting ready to leave for work or rushing to an important appointment and discovering that your garage door won't work.
Even more aggravating is learning you can't lift the garage door. When you experience any kind of problem with a garage door you need fast, dependable assistance. Chore-ology has experts in Bellevue and Mercer Island ready to provide you with quick and professional garage door repair services.
Common Garage Door Problems and Solutions in Bellevue and Mercer Island
There can be a variety of things that go wrong with garage doors, but typically problems with opening a garage door fall into these categories.
Broken Springs and Cables
Replacing garage door springs isn’t the best DIY project, replacement requires special tools and techniques. Utilizing the wrong size spring(s) can result in damage to the garage door and its mechanisms, including the electric garage door opener.There are a variety of garage door spring systems, including extension springs and torsion springs.
Extension springs are mounted on the sides of the garage door. They attach to the track and the bottom of the garage door via pulleys and cables. Extension springs provide the control to open the garage door while the cables and pulleys do the lifting. If any of the parts in this control and lift system are not installed properly, the system will not function well or safely. Torsion springs are mounted on a torsion bar/tube above the garage door opening. Cables attach to the bottom of the garage door and wrap around the drums as the garage door opens and closes. Replacing either spring system requires expertise. For garage door spring repair in Bellevue and Mercer Island, contact Chore-ology.
Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener
Before you contact a repair service, here are some things you can do to troubleshoot issues with a garage door opener
Verify the opener is plugged in and the garage circuit breaker is on.
Check to see if the garage door has been manually locked by mistake.
Replace the batteries in the keypad or remote control.
Check that you’re within the suggested range and position for using the garage door remotes.
Check the garage door safety sensors. There may be something in front of the sensors causing interference.
If all tests fail, Choreology can help residents in Bellevue and Mercer Island with garage door opener repair services.
Misaligned Tracks
The tracks are the two metal structures on either side of the door from the floor to the ceiling. The garage door may be improperly aligned if you hear a noise from irregular movement. Loose or damaged hardware can cause the garage door to misalign. Without quick repair, further damage can occur. Contact Chore-ology to service misaligned tracks.
Damaged Rollers and Hinges
Garage door rollers keep the door from glitching as the door opens and closes. It’s important to keep rollers properly lubricated and to replace any damaged or broken rollers.
While replacing rollers and hinges could be a DIY project, it is still recommended that you leave repairs and service to the experts. You can contact Chore-ology for a free quote for service in Bellevue and Mercer Island.
Worn-out Weather stripping
Weatherstripping is the vinyl trim that lines your garage door’s side and bottom jambs. It protects the integrity of the door and the surface it contacts, and it seals the garage from the outside air. Over time, weather stripping will dry out and can fall out. At either point, it needs to be replaced. Replacing the garage door’s weather stripping before cold weather strikes is a good idea. Let Chore-ology help you with weatherstripping replacement.
Garage Door Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Garage Door in Good Condition
Through regular maintenance, you’ll keep a garage door operating efficiently. Maintenance several times a year can reduce repairs and accidents and save you money.
Garage Door Lubrication
Lubricate a garage door to increase its life and decrease the noise it makes upon opening and closing. Strive to lubricate the moving parts on the garage door twice a year.
You’ll want to use white lithium grease or silicone spray. Products like WD-40 can attract dirt which creates issues. You’ll also need a dry rag to wipe down parts and catch drips of the lubricant. Here are the easy steps:
Vacuum and wipe down garage door tracks.
Lubricate door hinges and rollers.
Lubricate bearing plates and springs.
Lubricate the top rail and arm bar.
Lubricate the lock and test everything.
Checking and Adjusting Garage Door Tracks
Look for signs of wear or potential obstructions. To clean the tracks, use a clean cloth or compressed air.
To adjust the position of the door's track, loosen the screws that attach the track to the wall and then tap the bottom of the track gently with a rubber mallet. The tapping is to position the track to the correct spot. Use a level to ensure the track is evenly vertical. Once level, tighten the screws. Repeat the steps on the other side. To close a gap, using a wrench, loosen the bolts that secure a track to its lower bracket. Move the track until there’s only a 1/4-inch gap or less between the door and molding. Tighten the track, then make sure it’s securely in place.
Tightening Loose Garage Door Hardware
Chances are there are a few screws that need tightening on garage door mechanisms. Screws, nuts, and bolts all can loosen over time. Inspect your garage door parts regularly to keep them well-maintained. Once you’ve determined there’s no damage to the door, tighten screws found on the hinges, brackets, rails, and garage door opener. Do not over-tighten them. They should be snug but not tight. If screws are in too tightly, you run the risk of stripping them.
Testing Garage Door Balance
The balance of the garage door is managed by spring tension. The torsion or extension springs ease the raising and lowering of garage doors. When a garage door is off-balance, the springs don’t have enough tension to counterbalance the door’s weight or they are exerting too much pressure. Additionally, the garage door opener strains when the door is off-balance. The strain can shorten the life of the opener. Here is a simple test to learn if your garage door is balanced.
While inside the garage, close the door.
Detach the garage door from the opener using the red manual release rope.
Move the door open and close it manually.
Then lift the door halfway and release it. If it stays in one place, it is properly balanced. If it closes or snaps open, the door is off-balance.
If you feel more comfortable having a professional test your garage door, please contact Chore-ology. We would be happy to help you.
Cleaning the Garage Door
Cleaning the garage door will help you prolong the door’s finish, maintain the door’s warranty, increase curb appeal, and prevent rust.
You’ll need a mild detergent, such as dishwasher soap or car wash soap, a non-abrasive sponge, and some dry clothes.
Wipe down the surface with a clean cloth to remove the grime.
Hose down the garage door.
Remove dirty, tough spots with the sponge.
Use a 10% bleach and 90% water mixture to spot clean tough stains.
Scrub the weatherstripping and trim.
Wash both the exterior and interior of the door.
Wipe down both sides of the door with a dry cloth to ensure a shiny new finish.
We hope these maintenance tips will help you preserve the life of your residence’s garage door. Call Chore-ology any time if you need assistance.
Hiring a Professional Garage Door Repair Service in Bellevue and Mercer Island: What You Need to Know
As in any business, there are bad actors in the garage door repair business. The un-reputable players promise a lot and deliver little. You can avoid scams and cheating when you hire professionals who are certified in their industry and know what and where to test/inspect and how to manage unique situations
Avoid Disreputable Garage Door Repair Businesses
If you feel like something is too good to be true, it probably is. Here are some things that disreputable businesses do or promise those who need garage door maintenance and repair.
Promise a quick turnaround time every time (e.g., an hour).
Give massive upfront discounts.
Use non-certified subcontractors as technicians.
No store-front or warehouse.
Recommend a door replacement when a repair will do.
Ask Chore-ology about its certified technicians, its business practices, and its pricing. Get comprehensive garage door services at reasonable costs.
Qualities You’ll Find in a Reputable Garage Door Installer and Repair Company
The quality of the garage door installer/repair service is as important as the quality of the door. Learn how to recognize the signs of a good garage door installer and repair service.
Reliability and Punctuality. Your time is valuable too. A quality installer and repair service will show up in the window promised.
Excellent Customer Service. From first contact to the close of an installation/repair, customer service should be the prime focus of the organization.
Quality Products. You want the best garage door at an optimal price. You should see doors that will brighten and add value to your home. You should be able to rely on the quality of all the parts. And, if a product breaks or gets damaged, there should be a warranty that covers both.
Quality Installation. An installation should last years. The best doors and installations should do so even without a lot of maintenance.
Good references. You should be able to acquire at least 3 references who can reliably and honestly answer your questions.
Covered by insurance.
Understanding the Cost of Garage Door Repair Services
You can expect to pay between $150 and $400 for a typical garage door repair (this excludes door and panel replacement). Here are some repairs that fall into the price range.
Garage door dent repair
Garage door glass replacement
Garage door remote repair
Garage door parts
Brackets
Cables
Chains
Rollers
Sensors
Springs (this range is $200 to $600)
Checking for Licenses and Insurance
You’ll have peace of mind when you know the garage door repair service will send only professionally trained technicians to your home. Ask the organization to show/provide credentials that show their tradesmen and repair professionals are completely accredited, bonded, and insured.
Verifying Customer Reviews and Ratings
Here are a few tips to help you spot fake reviews and protect your purchases.
Read independent service reviews from established sources.
Don't rely on star ratings alone. Look for verified reviews. Those who post verified or authenticated reviews tend to give higher ratings than anonymous reviewers.
Check if the reviewer has written other reviews. Read those reviews to gain a sense of how much to trust that reviewer.
Check how recent the reviews are and watch for a burst of reviews over a short period. That can sometimes mean the reviews are fake.
Checking for Warranties and Guarantees
A manufacturer's warranty generally covers garage door paint and finish, panel sections, windows, hardware, and springs. Not all garage door warranties are the same. Some companies may offer several warranties for their products. Warranties for garage doors are characteristically 3-5 years. When it comes to repairs, rather than door installation/replacement, there may be warranties for parts and labor too. Ask your service provider for all warranty and guarantee information. A reputable garage door repair organization will help you understand installation and repair coverage.
If you’re ready to service the garage door of your residence, contact Chore-ology today.