Garage doors go through wear and tear and break down more often than the other doors in the house. When that happens, one should not ignore the problem as it increases the risk of vehicle theft and intrusion. A damaged garage door can also become loose and hurt someone. Although one can fix it themselves, hiring a local garage door repair service is advisable to solve the problem quickly and efficiently.
Signs a garage door needs repairs
The door may show certain signs when it needs repairs. One should look for the indications and attend to them immediately.
- Visible wear and tear on the springs
- A squeaking sound from the rollers (suggests a lack of lubrication)
- Inability to open or close the door fully (could be due to damaged trackers or broken springs)
- Doors that close even if people or objects are under it (possibly a problem with the photo eye sensors)
- Fault in the digital door openers
- Problems with the garage door panel
- Misaligned tracks and rollers
Garage door components that need repairs
If the garage door stops functioning, one may have to check which part is affected and replace or repair it. These doors have several components that work together.
- Brackets
- Cables
- Drums
- Emergency cards
- Hinges
- Rollers
- Seals
- Sensors
- Springs
- Tracks
- Tubes
All components are interconnected and must work in sync for the garage door to open and close smoothly. Even a tiny mechanical problem in any one of the components can cause a malfunction.
Types of garage doors
There are three types of garage doors: Up and Over, Roller, and Electric. A garage service company may repair all types of garage doors or a specific type. To find specific garage door repairs close by, one should talk to the company that installed the door. Most manufacturers offer warranty and repair services based on the type of contract. One should look at garage repair stores nearby only if the original warranty and service guarantee periods have expired.
Tips to choose local garage door repair services
If there are many services nearby, researching and choosing the right one is important.
1. Ask for recommendations
Speaking to friends, family members, and others in the neighborhood can help one learn about reputable contractors. Many garage companies have referral programs, and if their service has been good, people from the community would be happy to refer them and avail of rewards like discounts or other benefits.
2. Search online
One can open an internet search browser and enter the keywords “garage door repair services near me.” Doing so should provide a list of companies, their contact details, website links, and rates and reviews. After shortlisting a few providers, one can start by contacting the services closest to them.
3. Search business listing directories
Websites like Better Business Bureau and Yelp collect information about businesses and services. Visiting their directories can help one find a reputable garage door repairman or company.
4. Request an inspection
Some companies provide a quotation online, but one should insist on an inspection before accepting the quote. An inspection can help the company assess the issue correctly and present a more accurate written estimate.
5. Check work history
Before hiring a service, looking at their work history is important. One can ask the company to provide references of previous work and, if permissible, talk to their clients and check the quality of their services and work ethics.
Benefits of hiring a local repairman
If a problem with the garage door needs to be fixed immediately, a local garage door repairer can get the job done. Hiring a local contractor has several benefits.
- One can get prompt services and, many times, same-day service, too.
- Local garage door repairmen are usually cheaper than large-scale home improvement companies.
- Local contractors can access any spares required from local stores.
- Some offer better warranty and replacement guarantee terms.
Questions to ask a garage door service
When choosing a contractor, asking questions about their service is important. Their response will help one decide whom to hire.
- How long have they been operating their business?
- How many clients have they serviced so far?
- Do their employees and technicians have the qualifications, certifications, training, and experience to work on garage doors?
- Has the company provided the required insurance and bonding for their employees?
- Does the company have the necessary permits from the local state and county to undertake such projects?
- Do they provide same-day service and written estimates?
- Do they use good quality and branded spares?
- Does the contractor provide a service warranty and replacement guarantee if a problem arises later?
A homeowner can understand who will provide the best garage door repairs by talking to different services, gauging their responses, and comparing quotes.
Factory second garage doors
A factory second garage door is a door that has had a minor flaw or defect during the manufacturing process. The defect prevents the door from being sold as new, but it is still in good working order. While such a door may be cheaper, getting it is not advisable. That’s because it may not have a regular, all-encompassing warranty or guarantee. So, in the long run, the homeowner would end up paying a significant amount just for repairs.