Garage door problem - sagging door

Garage Door Problems – Fix or Replace?

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Garage door problem

Signs of upcoming problems: things we occasionally ignore, but eventually we’re forced to notice. It’s not good to overlook these issues, but that’s what we sometimes do. When it comes to your garage door, these signs are very important to keep an eye on! As we wrap up Garage Door Safety Month this June, we hope that with this knowledge, you’ll always be ready — better safe than sorry.

Below are a few hints that your garage door may need to be repaired or replaced, depending on the problem.

Energy bill increase

The garage door is usually the biggest operating part of your home, therefore it’s a large part of your home’s energy efficiency. If your garage has a lot of activity coming in and out from the home and you see a higher energy bill, it could be due to lack of insulation, damaged weather stripping, a poorly fitted door, sagging, etc. in the garage. These issues can be easily and quickly repaired.

Lots of noise

Your garage door is big and mobile, so it’s going to make some sounds when it moves. But if the noises are excessive and/or unusual, it may be time to get it serviced. The springs, opener, brackets, etc. will most likely be the parts responsible for loud noises.

Sagging section

This can be a very big sag, such as the one in the picture, but the sag can also be fairly unnoticeable. This problem is usually related to the spring tension. If the door is sagging it won’t be balanced and may not close when it should or it may not open all the way. If you do notice sagging, keep in mind that the springs are full of tension, only a trained professional should handle the spring/issue.

Garage doesn’t open or close

This may seem like an obvious problem, but many times if a garage door doesn’t open or close, a simple repair will fix the issue rather than needing a replacement garage door. This could be due to a faulty connection, wiring issues, batteries, unplanned reset – all issues that can be quickly serviced by a professional.

Shakes or irregular movement

Safety is key with garage doors. A shaky or jerky garage door typically means there’s loose or broken parts forcing it to move choppily. An inspection of brackets, rollers, tracks, etc. can help determine if the issue is repairable or if replacement parts are needed.

Keeping an eye on your garage door is fairly easy, each month open and close it a few times just to watch and listen for possible issues. Repairing a small issue immediately can prevent bigger, more expensive problems from developing. If you notice anything off about your garage door, Overhead Door Company of Garden City is here for any fix or repair! An inspection or service, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call 620-275-4602 or contact us for a free service estimate!

garage door roller replacement

How to Replace a Garage Door Roller

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Garage door safety month is still upon us — keeping the largest operating part of your home in great working condition is very important! Whether it’s maintenance or upkeep, Overhead Door Company of Garden City has all the information and services you might need.

The rollers in your garage door play a key part and need to be changed every once in a while — luckily, they’re very easy to replace. If you’re thinking about replacing them, here is a helpful guide to get it done quickly!

What you’ll need:

  • New garage door rollers
  • Clamps
  • Pliers
  • Large flat head screwdriver
  • Pry bar
  • A block of wood or a someone to help

 garage door rollers, replace garage rollers

A few helpful hints before starting out:

  • If you’re replacing the rollers, check on hinges and see if they need replacement, too. Rollers typically wear out faster than hinges, but you may as well knock it all out at once if needed.
  • If you have an extra roller, bring it to the store with you so you’re sure you’re getting the right part.

Instructions:

Bottom Rollers

  1. Start by opening your garage door completely.
  2. Put clamps on both sides of the track, about 2/3 of the way up the opening.
  3. Release garage door from power opener by pulling attached release.
  4. For extra safety measure, unplug opener.
  5. Near top of the track, about where it starts curving towards the ceiling, use pliers to bend track slightly open
  6. Line up first roller with the opening. Using a flathead screwdriver, wedge it between the roller and the track, and pry the roller out of the track.
  7. Replace old roller and insert the bracket back into the track.
  8. Roll door down to the next roller, move clamps, and repeat same process for removing and replacing the rollers.
  9. Once all the rollers that can reach this opening have been changed, use the pliers to bend track back into alignment.
  10. Remove clamp from track.

garage door roller replacement, replace garage roller

Top Rollers

Top rollers can be done one of two ways: bend track open or unscrew bolts on the brackets.

  1. Open door all the way. Prop the door up with a 2×4, clamp a block of wood to the track, or have someone hold the door up so it doesn’t fall on you.
    1. Bend open part of the track in the middle of the overhead section.
    2. Pry the bracket out and replace the roller.
    3. Use pliers to bend track back into shape when finished.
  2. Open door all the way. Prop the door up with a 2×4, clamp a block of wood to the track, or have someone hold the door up so it doesn’t fall on you.
    • A few helpful hints:
      • Label the holes your rollers are currently in with “R” underneath – this ensures you put the rollers back in the right hole.
      • Trace around edge of bracket into the door so you know which direction and where it should be located.
    1. Unscrew bolts holding bracket onto door.
    2. Lift bracket out of track, angling if needed.
    3. Replace rollers, make sure they’re in the right slot.
    4. Put bracket back into track – angle it so it goes in easily.
    5. Line up bracket with outline and reconnect the bracket.
    6. Thread bolts back into door and tighten.

Finally, remove clamps from tracks, plug-in the garage opener, reattach door to opener — sometimes just pushing — usually does it automatically. Close door and watch for any misalignments of the track.

Replacing the rollers on your garage door is a great way to safety-proof your home. It’s a simple task that goes a long way for your garage door performance. If you would like to replace your rollers and would prefer a professional do it, Overhead Door Company of Garden City is more than happy to help! Call 620-275-4602 or contact us for a service appointment!

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

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As many of us know, many women dream of an elaborate walk-in closet. Is there an equivalent for men? We notice that man’s corresponding walk-in closet is a well-crafted garage. Whether he’s a gearhead, green thumb dad, or do-it-yourself-er, there’s no better gift than an awesome space that dad can call his: the garage. Father’s Day is almost here so now is your chance to get the garage into shape for the special dad(s) in your life.

The perfect gift for Dad doesn’t have to be a huge, complicated show. It should be something that shows you care and are grateful for him! If your dad spends lots of time working in the garage, here are a few great gift ideas!
man cave2

1. Give it a good cleaning

Dad is constantly working, he’s got quite the honey-do list of things to get done around the house. What he sometimes may not have time for is the cleaning and pick-up that goes along with always having a project. A great way to show Dad you’re thankful for all his hard work is to give the garage a good cleaning. This could mean sorting his tools, washing the floor, organizing different parts, etc. A clean garage makes for a very happy dad — if he knows where everything is at. It may be best to do this with Dad’s help, you don’t want to throw away anything that may be important!

2. Add some decorations

Your dad may treat the garage as a man cave. A place of relaxation, chainsaws, cars, and man stuff. If this sounds familiar, your dad may need some man cave regalia. A sign, poster, table, koozies, blanket, etc. Everyone should be able to look and immediately know the garage is your dad’s man cave, without any doubts.

3. Add to the collection of tools

Simply put, a man never has too many tools in his garage, no matter what. He may not use all the tools regularly, but they have their time and place! That way, no project will be put on hold due to lack of needed tools. Dad can even help the neighbors with their projects! Check into the project(s) Dad is working on and see if he has all the needed tools or if any are outdated.

4. Car detailing

If your dad is a car guru, chances are he’s got a vehicle or two parked in the garage ready for work! The perfect gift will be automotive themed, especially a part for one of his cars. Summer has arrived and a deep clean and detailing for your dad’s car will be the perfect start to a summer filled with pools, lakes, and road trips!

5. New garage door or opener

If your dad is always using the garage, it’s very important that the door and opener are safe, insulated, and functional for all the projects happening inside and outside. A new garage door and/or opener are gifts that will keep on giving for years and years! Whether your dad uses the garage for all his DIY projects, a man cave, tool collection, car workshop, etc. a brand new garage door and/or opener is a great upgrade.

If you’re planning on surprising Dad with one of these great ideas and need a new garage door, call Overhead Door Company of Garden City for your garage door needs! 620-275-4602 or contact us for a service appointment!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father’s Day from everyone here at Overhead Door Company of Garden City!

Garage Door Safety Month

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June is National Garage Door Safety Month!

This is our opportunity to increase awareness about the biggest entry to your home and how to keep it secure and prevent injuries!

safety month2

This list is not meant to be comprehensive, but these pointers are simple and easily accomplished. Always read the manufacturer’s instruction manual for a safety guide about your model.

  • Do not leave the garage door cracked open for extended amounts of time!
  • Keep fingers, hands, arms, and all body parts away from tracks, springs, rollers, etc.
  • Make sure the garage door opener wall mount cannot be pressed by children; it should be roughly five feet off the ground.
  • Visually check-over the garage door for possible wear and tear. Carefully look at springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys. Do not attempt to remove, adjust, or repair these parts or anything attached to them. These parts are under high tension and should only be fixed by a trained garage door professional.
  • If there is glass on your garage door, inspect seasonally to see if any cracks have formed. Better to prevent a problem than wait for it to happen!
  • Do not let children play on or with the garage door — i.e., riding on them or racing in and out as they’re closing. Educate your children on the possible dangers.
  • Never place fingers between door sections.
  • If you and/or your family plan on a vacation this summer, unplug the garage door unit or use the lock security switch on the wall console, (an optional accessory to most openers).

Garage door safety should be remembered in June and throughout the rest of the year as well! In order to keep your garage door safe: know how your garage door performs, keep up routine maintenance, and talk about garage door safety!

If your garage needs an inspection or some updates, contact Overhead Door of Garden City 620-275-4602 or schedule a service appointment.

Happy National Garage Door Safety Month from everyone here at Overhead Door of Garden City!