A garage door is one of the most used parts of a home, and as such, it can sometimes sustain damage. However, many of these repairs can be made easily by homeowners themselves.

If a garage door looks crooked or sags, it typically indicates that the springs must be replaced. Replacing these springs is an easy DIY repair. Contact Garage Door Repair Norman OK now!

Probably the most obvious sign that a garage door needs repair is when one or more lifting cables snap. Without them, the door will almost certainly leave its intended path of travel and could very well dent a parked car or injure a person standing in the way. Thankfully, the cable system is fairly easy to replace, and for most people, the task should be within their ability to perform themselves. However, it’s very important that you use a good ladder and winding bars, following safe practices while performing this task. It’s also very important that you don’t attempt to cut the old cable and then try to lower the door. This can cause severe injury or even death to a non-professional who tries to tackle this project on their own.

Two types of cable systems are used in most garages: torsion and extension. Torsion springs are mounted above and parallel to the door, while extension springs run perpendicular to the wall and extend with the door’s movement. Both types of systems can break, but the most common is when the lifting cable snaps. This usually occurs after excessive wear and tear. A professional can help you determine the best system for your garage door and then install a new lifting cable if necessary.

If you have an extension spring system, it is a good idea to inspect your lift cable every month. Loose cables can become disconnected from the torsion spring, unbuckle or slip off of the pulley and then either stretch or break. You can prevent these problems from happening by routinely checking your cable connections, making sure they are tight and that the cables aren’t frayed.

When installing a replacement cable, make sure that you follow the same route as the old one. This will avoid creating any issues with your new cable twisting while it’s in operation. It’s also a good idea to take special note of which direction the old cable traveled in the pulley, as it will be important when hooking up your new cable.

Broken Bottom Seals

A garage door bottom seal provides a vital barrier between your home and outside elements. It can help prevent drafts, dust and pests from entering your garage, and reduce energy costs by keeping outside air and moisture from seeping into your house through the door. However, this seal can wear out over time due to ice, snow, wind and regular use. If you notice daylight or a breeze coming into your garage through the bottom of your garage door, it’s time to replace it.

Garage door seals come in different styles and materials, but replacing them is a relatively simple project you can do yourself. Start by assessing the condition of your old seal and cleaning the area around it. Then, slide the new seal into place and secure it using the existing retainer. Depending on the type of seal you choose, you may also need to add caps or screws to ensure a snug fit and proper protection against moisture and air leaks.

The most common type of garage door seal is a T-type seal that snaps into place along the bottom track and side of the garage door frame. These are easy to replace and can be purchased at any hardware store. Once you’ve removed the existing seal, clean the retainer and apply lubricant to make it easier to install the new one. If you have a helper, put both “T” sections of the new seal into the retainer channels and have them pull the seal as you feed it down. This will keep the seal from flopping over and catching on the ground.

Another type of seal is a threshold seal that attaches to the floor of your garage. These are made of harder rubber that’s more durable than weatherstripping and can withstand the weight of cars driving over it. Like other garage door seals, it’s important to inspect them regularly for damage and wear.

Finally, there are also brush seals that fit between the garage door panels and the door frame’s jamb. These aren’t as effective as a solid-rubber seal, but they still help prevent air leaks and openings for pests.

Misaligned Tracks

The tracks on which the garage door moves can become misaligned for a variety of reasons. They can be knocked out of alignment due to accidents or simply from being bumped, and they can also shift over time as the door is opened and closed thousands of times. Regardless of the cause, they must be realigned to ensure that the garage door can move smoothly and not rub against other parts of the door or the frame.

If your garage door is making loud rubbing or scraping noises as it moves along the track, this may indicate that it has come off of its correct position and is causing friction with other components like the rollers. In most cases, this can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold the track and using a rubber mallet to tap it back into place. Once the track is in the proper position, tighten the screw and use a level to confirm that it is straight. Repeat this process with the other track if needed.

You can also check your tracks for misalignment by visually inspecting them. Look for dents, bends, or gaps that should be straight. Loose bolts and screws can also cause track misalignment, so it’s a good idea to inspect the hardware regularly for signs of wear and tear.

In some cases, a gap in the garage door may not disappear even after the tracks are realigned and properly secured to the wall. This can be a problem, as it can contribute to wasted energy and can make it easier for intruders to gain access to the home.

To check for track misalignment, you can start by measuring the distance between the vertical tracks and the wall on both sides of the garage door. The tracks should be equidistant from the wall and should be parallel with each other. If the tracks are not positioned correctly, you can loosen the mounting brackets and shift them until they are equidistant from the wall. Once you have re-positioned the tracks, tighten the mounting brackets and secure them to the wall.

Uneven Door Movement

Uneven movement in a garage door is often due to an imbalance of weight. If the door is heavier on one side, it will be harder for the motor to move it up and down, resulting in a crooked door. This can be caused by a broken tension cable or simply because the door has become old and worn out. In the latter case, it may be time for a replacement.

A crooked garage door can also be the result of an uneven settling of the building or concrete pad. This can create gaps under the door, which are both unsightly and a potential security risk. In this case, a professional should be called to adjust the tracks or pour new concrete to level the ground.

If the problem is with the tracks, it may be possible to fix it on your own with some simple tools. First, you will need to secure the door by clamping locking pliers on the track just below the bottom roller. This will prevent the door from opening while you work on it. Then, you can carefully inspect the tracks for bends, kinks, loose brackets, or other signs of misalignment. It is also important to check the rollers for damage, as these can contribute to crooked movement as well.

Once you have inspected the track system, it should be easy to make minor adjustments using the appropriate tools (see your owner’s manual for more details). However, any major misalignments or kinks will likely require professional assistance.

It is important to remember that if you try to do a DIY repair, this could void your warranty and potentially cause further damage. If you aren’t confident in your ability to safely and properly complete a repair, it’s always best to call a professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a course of action that is both effective and affordable. In many cases, this will also save you time and money in the long run by preventing the need for costly replacements down the road.