Garage doors can last for a long time, but nothing lasts forever. Eventually, your door will wear out, or something will happen that causes it to become damaged or break down. Here are some of the most common reasons garage doors break down or malfunction. If you find yourself in any of these situations, call a professional, trustworthy garage door repairman to assess any damage and recommend the best plan of action.
Garage door springs and cables won't last forever. Eventually, you’ll need to replace them. You have two options: either wait until one of them snaps, which can be dangerous for anyone or anything nearby, or replace them before they reach their breaking point. It’s a good idea to replace your springs and cables regularly. Most springs will last between 5 and 10 years. The more you use your garage door, the fewer years your springs will last. They typically last for about 10,000 cycles. If your garage door has two springs, replace them both simultaneously so they remain on the same life cycle. That way, if one wears out and breaks, you’ll know it probably won't be long until the other does as well.
Cables are what lift your garage door up and lower it slowly. Over time, cables will wear out and fray. If they get too worn down, they can snap. They should be replaced as soon as damage or wear is detected.
Your garage door track can become bent if your door is hit by a large object or if something malfunctions. If the track is only slightly bent, it can sometimes be bent back into shape. If it’s seriously bent, the entire track may need to be replaced. The longer you run your garage door on a bent track, however, the more damage will accrue and the more expensive it will be to fix.
If your garage door won’t budge, it could be due to a number of different things. The solution could be as simple as a dead battery or unaligned photo eyes near the bottom of your door. If you've checked both of these things and the door still won't move, call a technician.
If you just ran your car into your garage door, your initial reaction may be sheer panic, but it’s a more common incident than many people think. Keep calm and dial your local garage door technician for help. Let an expert assess the damage; don’t attempt to fix your door on your own. You would likely only cause further damage and could injure yourself in the process.
If your garage door won't close, animals and other uninvited guests have easy access to your garage and possibly your home as well. Don’t force the door shut, however. You could cause extensive damage to various parts of the system. Call a technician to come out and assess and/or repair the damage as soon as possible.
If you need commercial or residential garage door repair or replacement, give us a call! We service businesses and homeowners throughout much of Iowa, including West Des Moines, Johnston, Altoona, Ankeny, Ames, and surrounding areas! Let us know how we can help make your home or business a safer and more beautiful place to live or work.