Want to learn more about how your garage door works? In Part A of this series, we identified four key components—tracks, rollers, the torsion spring, and hinges—that need to be in good working condition for your garage door to operate normally. And, in Part B, we’ve got even more to cover!
So, here are 4 more garage door parts and related problems that our Lenny’s Garage Door technicians in the Louisville metro area see most often!
A garage door safety sensor is an important feature that detects if there is an object in the door frame while the door is closing. It does this with the use of something called a photo eye or electric eye, which creates a beam about 6 inches from the ground between two corresponding sensors on either side of the door frame. If something interrupts the beam as the door is closing, the sensor triggers the garage door opener to reverse the direction of the door motion.
In order for the door sensor to work properly, the two eyes must be properly mounted and cleaned. They may also be disrupted by direct sunlight, which is something that your garage door technician will be sure to prevent when installing these devices.
As you can see, sensor problems are one of the most disruptive and potentially dangerous issues to arise with your garage door. So, it’s always best to call in the pros at the first sign of sensor failure.
You’ll know that there is an issue with your garage door sensor if you’re unable to close the garage door. And, because the sensors are mounted close to the ground, you should always wait to make sure that your garage door is properly closed before driving away.
The machine that operates your garage door is the most complicated element of your garage door system. A variety of problems can arise with this device, from electrical failure to remote control issues to burning out of the motor itself. If you suspect that the garage door troubles have to do with the opener, it’s best to call in a technician to take a closer look. We can open up the machine to check the wiring, battery, sensors, and other components.
Typically garage door openers last somewhere between 10 and 15 years, but some homeowners opt to replace the device sooner with a more energy-efficient model. Newer models also offer quieter options to cut down on noise-pollution in your home!
Your garage door is fitted with either a belt or a chain that works with the torsion spring to lift or lower the door. Sometimes, these drives can loosen over time, which you’ll be able to see when your garage door is in the closed position.
The belt or chain can also sometimes snap or break, either because it has reached the end of its life cycle or been put under too much tension, which will render the entire system unresponsive.
One of the best ways to make a belt or chain last longer is to keep up the maintenance with all other components of the garage door. That’s because ensuring that the rollers, hinges, and tracks are all clean and clear will reduce friction and wear and tear on the belt or chain.
The weather strip on your garage door is what creates a seal between the bottom of the door and the ground. It plays an important role in preventing energy loss from your home and keeping burrowing critters like mice, snakes, and insects out of your garage.
The weather strip is made of a rubber material that will wear down and crack over time. You’ll be able to tell that it’s time for a weather strip replacement if you notice damage or fraying along this element. You’ll also be able to see gaps underneath the door where light or air will escape.
Whether you’re experiencing an issue with your garage door or are thinking of making some upgrades for aesthetics or energy-saving reasons, Lenny’s is your garage door team! We’ll come to your home in Louisville and surrounding areas to fix single components of your garage door, offer overall maintenance services, or install a whole new system!