Garage doors are the unsung heroes of our homes, quietly going up and down day in and day out, keeping our cars safe and garages secure. However, that loyal service can quickly turn sour when mechanical issues arise, and repairs are needed.
As your South Auckland garage door repair experts, we have people coming to us with all sorts of repair issues daily. So, we’ve created a list of the most common garage door repairs in the region, highlighting what causes them, how to prevent them, and how we can help you fix them!
1. Broken or Non-Working Openers/Motors
A broken opener or motor is one of the most common garage door issues we come across. The symptoms can vary: the door might not respond, move sluggishly, or stop halfway. You might also hear strange noises or notice a lack of power.
What causes it?
Several things can cause your opener or motor to fail. Electrical issues, such as a blown fuse or faulty wiring, are common culprits. Worn-out gears and sprockets inside the motor can also cause problems. Sometimes, the issue is a blown capacitor, essential for the motor’s startup. Old age and general wear and tear are also significant factors.
How we fix it:
First, we diagnose the problem by checking the electrical connections and testing the motor. We’ll inspect the gears, sprockets, and capacitors for wear or damage. Depending on the issue, we might replace a specific part, such as the capacitor or gears, or if the opener is beyond repair, we’ll install a new one.
2. Broken Springs
Broken springs on your sectional or tilt door can cause real problems. Springs balance the door’s weight, making it easier to open and close.
What causes it?
Springs can break due to wear and tear. They are under a lot of tension, and after thousands of cycles, they can fail.
How we fix it:
We safely remove the broken springs and replace them with new ones. Our technicians are trained to handle these high-tension components, so you don’t have to risk a DIY disaster. We also inspect the other components of your door to ensure the new spring functions correctly and that your door is balanced and safe to use.
3. Cables Coming Off
When the cables on your sectional door come off their drums, it can cause the door to become uneven, jammed, or completely inoperable.
What causes it?
Cables can come off for various reasons, such as broken springs, a sudden impact, or even regular use over time. Misalignment or tension issues can also cause cables to slip off their drums.
How we fix it:
We’ll reattach and adjust the cables, ensuring they’re properly aligned and tensioned. If the cables are frayed or damaged, we’ll replace them. Our technicians will also check the entire system to ensure everything functions smoothly and make necessary adjustments to prevent recurring issues.
4. Insurance “Make-Safes”
If you’ve had a garage door mishap, such as accidentally driving into it, you might need a temporary fix to secure it until your insurance covers the replacement. These “make-safe” repairs are designed to secure your garage and prevent further damage or security issues.
What causes it?
Accidents happen! Whether it’s a car crash, a fallen tree, or another unexpected event, sometimes your garage door takes a hit.
How we fix it:
We provide a temporary solution to secure your garage and prevent further damage. These measures might involve bracing or covering the door to keep out the elements. Then, we’ll work with your insurance to arrange a full replacement.
5. Frayed or Damaged Cable Replacement
Frayed or damaged cables on your sectional garage door can snap and cause further issues with your garage door, or even damage to your home, so it’s important to sort this quickly. You might notice visible wear on the cables, or your door may not open and close smoothly.
What causes it?
Regular wear and tear is the major culprit of frayed cables. The fraying of your cables can accelerate if they’re not lubricated or aligned correctly.
How we fix it:
We replace the damaged cables with new ones and ensure everything is properly lubricated and aligned to prevent future issues.
6. Noisy or Squeaky Garage Doors
Is your garage door squeaking and groaning with every use? This is another common garage door issue affecting all types of doors and is often a sign that the door needs some maintenance.
What causes it?
Creaky doors usually result from dry or worn-out parts that need regular service and lubrication. Loose bolts, misaligned tracks, and worn-out rollers or hinges can also contribute to the racket.
How we fix it:
To keep your garage door quiet, we’ll provide a thorough service, lubricating all moving parts and tightening any loose bolts. We’ll also check the alignment of the tracks and the condition of the rollers and hinges, replacing worn-out parts as needed.
7. Broken Opener/Motor Rail or Chain Components
If the rail or chain components of your opener or motor are broken, the sectional or tilt door may malfunction. This issue can cause the door to not open or close properly or make unusual noises during operation.
What causes it?
Heavy use and lack of maintenance can lead to these components wearing out or breaking. Over time, the constant movement and tension can take their toll on the rail and chain, causing them to fail.
How we fix it:
We replace the broken parts and check the entire system to ensure everything runs smoothly. This repair job includes inspecting the motor, opener, and all related components to ensure they’re in good condition and properly aligned.
Keeping Your Garage Door in Top Shape
At Dominator South and East Auckland, we’re all about making sure your garage door stays in tip-top condition. Regular maintenance can prevent many of these common garage door issues. If you’re experiencing any problems with your garage door, don’t hesitate to give us a call about our garage door servicing. We’re here to help.
