Advice about Garage Door Repairs

Garage door repairs aOn most garage door repairs are best left to the experts at Access Garage Doors, but some minor problems you can fix yourself with the use of garage door spares

Due to the many moving parts operating on a daily basis, wear and tear on garage doors is inevitable, and while major components such as automated doors require extensive fixes, you can replace smaller components yourself.

Basic Spare Parts

Usually, the simplest components are also the ones that receive the most amount of stress.

  • Cables – Cables provide support and keep your garage door open or closed. To replace your cables, prop open the garage door and remove the cable while it is still rolled up in its spindle.
  • Springs – Garage door springs provide torsion and act as a counterbalance. We advise replacing both springs at the same time as a pair. To replace your springs, use a winding bar to loosen it. Never attempt to remove it while it is still under tension.
  • Rollers – Rollers keep your garage doors on track. Replacing it is just a matter of removing the track to access the roller. You can then replace it, taking care to realign the new roller with the track.
  • Draught StripsDraught strips provide insulation and save energy. You typically install them at the bottom of the door, using adhesives. They seal up the area and prevent draughts from entering your garage.

5 common problems with Garage Doors

5 common problems with Garage Doors

Your garage is supposed to prevent trouble by keeping your car safe from the elements but sometimes garages have problems of their own. Garage doors won’t open, refuses to lock or is aged and warped. Here’s how to solve garage door predicaments with our Garage Door repair tips;

The door is stuck shut

  • This can be the result of a broken cable, bent track or worn springs

The door opens slower than usual

  • This can be caused by a broken spring that needs replacing

The door squeaks as it opens and closes

  • It’s most likely that the rollers and bearings need to be lubricated

Your door won’t close fully – It partly closes before going back up

  • Something is obstructing your automatic opener, preventing the door from closing completely
  • The Cables need replacing
  • The track is bent and needs replacing
  • Or the springs are worn

No matter what you do your door won’t open or close

  • There may be a problem with the keypad or the programming, but first, try replacing the batteries in the remote control if you have an automatic opener.

Some repairs you can make yourself, however, we advise getting an expert who is fully trained and equipped to assist you and make any necessary repairs safely and efficiently. Here at Access Garage Doors we provide a full garage door repair service. Call the team or contact us to arrange a member of our team to advise you and repair your door.

To help prevent garage door problems test that your garage door working, checking the springs, rollers, spindles, cables and track. Wipe down the tracks, preferably with a microfiber cloth to prevent lint from being left behind. Also, make sure to keep all the metal moving parts lubricated. However, do not lubricate plastic parts. If you are having issues with your garage door call our friendly team on 0800 – 716569 who will be able to provide more detailed advice and send a member of our garage door repairs team to assist you.

 

Make your garage more energy efficient

7 tips on making your garage more energy efficient

Make your garage more energy efficient

Your garage is an important part of your house and generally takes up 30% of your home. We are always looking for ways to save you money. Here are our tips for improving your garage and lowering your energy bills.

1. Insulate your garage door: A new insulated garage door could save you money in the long run, keeping any heat inside. You could also look to buy an insulation kit.

2. Garage door floor seal: The Weather Defender has been designed to form an excellent seal between the garage door and the floor. The floor seal prevent unwanted water seeping in under the gap of your garage door and also stops rain, snow, leaves, dust and dirt being pushed under your garage door by the wind!

3. Upgrade your lights: Use LED lights in your garage. Led last up to 12 time longer than a standard halogen bulb and you could save up to 85% energy by switching to Affinity lighting LED lamps.

4. Seal any doors connecting your house to your garage. Install weather-stripping around the door frame and ensure there are no leaks. If your doorstep isn’t properly sealing at the bottom of your door, apply a draft excluder.

5. Seal any cracks in your garage floor: Cracks in your garage floor introduce cold air into your garage and allow heat to escape. Concrete sealant will help prevent heated air from escaping and stop cold air entering.

6. Solar heating: Avoid using electricity or gas to keep your garage warm and even generate electricity for the rest of your home by installing energy efficient solar panels on the roof. Solarvis Energy offer a range of domestic solar panels providing reliability, versatility and performance.

7. Storage and organisation: Is there still too much really useful stuff in your garage that you may need one day? If so, get a shed and store more items there. Organising your garage can help reduce waste as you won’t go out and buy more materials that you may already have but that are hidden under things.

For more information from the specialist garage door installation and repair team, contact Access Garage doors today – 0800 716569!

Painting Worn Garage Doors

HOW TO – Paint Worn Garage Doors

You’ll need to source a good quality garage door paint for all round protection against any weather condition. It’s also recommended to prime the door first for best results.  Some garage door paints include added protection against mould growth and paint film too. Bare in mind the garage door will require a total of 2 coats, and you’ll have to wait until the following day to apply the re-coat.

painting garage doors

STEP 1: Clean your door

  • Wash your garage door and remove any dirt.
  • Ensure you rinse the door down and leave to dry.

STEP 2: Sanding the door

  • What your garage door type, metal or wood, it’s essential to sand the surface prior to applying paint. Skipping this will mean the fresh paint will not attach itself to the door properly.
  • Use sand paper and use heavy grade sandpaper on any particularly rusted areas (metal doors)
  • Remove any dust by vacuuming or wiping down.
  • If you sand to far down you may need to add a primer top coat to the door. If this is the case, prime the door and then paint the following day.

STEP 3: Painting the door

  • Cover the drive in front of your garage door to avoid paint spillages.
  • Start from the top of the door and work your way downwards, using a roller to roll the paint onto the garage door.
  • Use a brush to paint the edges around the door.
  • You’ll need a few coats so once the first coat is dry, apply a second layer. If possible leave the garage a few days to dry thoroughly before you start using it again.

If you need a new garage door browse our range of garage door types or contact us to find out more about of installation and fitting service.

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0800 716 569