When Do Garage Door Tracks Need Replacement?

It is a little known fact that typically when you replace a garage door, you are replacing the tracks as well. While some manufacturers create adjustable tracks, for the most part, every garage door comes with their own tracks specifically made for that door. So when you get a new garage door, you are getting new tracks installed as well. However, there are some situations in which the garage door tracks wear out before the actual door. Your door and all its other components could be just fine, but how do you know when it is time to replace the tracks?

Door Jamming

If your garage door has times where it jams – otherwise struggling to open or close – or has times where it actually grinds against the side of the garage or smashes into the floor, it is time to replace the tracks. What these symptoms mean is that the garage door is improperly spaced for its tracks. It is not sitting on a perfect fit with your tracks, and that is a recipe for disaster.

The Door is Loud

In truth, a loud garage door can be a symptom of many different garage door problems. However, if you are able to narrow down the increase in volume or any odd noises to the tracks, it probably means it is time for new ones. Typically this means that the rollers need lubrication or are wearing down. However, when the rollers wear down, this means the tracks are wearing with them. It could mean a very small warp in the tracks, but something is wrong and it needs fixed.

Your Garage Door Fell

This is kind of the worst case scenario, but if your garage door falls off the tracks, either partially or entirely, it is time for new tracks. In most cases, this means the tracks have warped enough so that the rollers were able to fall out. You will need new tracks to remedy this.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions and/or service needs that you might have. We’re always happy to help!

Keeping Your Family Safe by Knowing These Garage Door Danger Signs

While it is true that garage door accidents can happen suddenly, in most cases your garage door was showing signs before anything had happened. As much as it seems like it sometimes, a garage door doesn't break without a few warning signs first. By knowing the danger signs of your garage door, you can help keep your family safer by fixing the issue before it becomes a danger. Below are some detailed warning signs to have on your radar.

Your Garage Door is Loud

Garage doors aren't necessarily quiet, but there is a difference between being normally loud and LOUD. Furthermore, if you hear any abnormal noises like screeching or grinding, this is an issue as well. The best case scenario is that your door needs lubrication.

No Reversal System

If you have lived in a house for a long time or purchased an old house, it likely has an old garage door as well. If it was installed prior to 1993, then the garage door lacks the automatic reversal features that keep families safe. This reversal system makes it so the garage door will reverse if it comes into contact with something solid instead of continuing to go down.

Dipping or Sagging

If your garage door is noticeably sagging in the center or dipping down to one side, something is definitely wrong. This shouldn't be ignored as the condition is only going to get worse and it can ultimately make going anywhere near your garage door a dangerous place.

Rust

A little rust isn't a big problem. However, if you continue to ignore rust, especially on sensitive places like the cables or the spring, it can make for a dangerous situation. Having said that, always clean rust when spotted or replace components that are overly rusted.

Have you spotted any of these danger signs around your garage door? If so, it is time for garage door repair or even replacement. If you have a dangerous garage door, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Replacing Vs. Repairing Your Garage Door

All garage doors will deteriorate over time; which is caused by weather conditions and constant use. A question many people face is whether they should repair or replace their garage door. Here are some pointers to help you decide:

Is it a Sudden or a Recurring Problem?

Often, a garage door will suddenly stop functioning. For example, it might stop opening and closing all of a sudden. This can be the result of a single issue that can easily be repaired.

If, however, your garage door has been facing issues over a long period of time and these issues continue to get worse, a simple repair may not do the trick. For example, if the garage door has been having trouble opening for a long time and seems too heavy, the springs may have been weakened to the point that they can no longer hold the garage door up. That can be dangerous, and they should be replaced.

Is it Cosmetic Damage or Structural Damage?

Cosmetic damage, while unsightly, usually won't necessitate replacing the garage door, especially if it isn't that old. A new coat of paint or a new finish can restore it so that it looks new.

If, however, there is structural damage, that's a different story. For example, if the door is warped, sagging or simply falling apart, you definitely need a new one.

Replace a Single Panel or the Entire Door?

A third option would be to replace only a single panel and not the whole door, as it is not as expensive as replacing the entire door. However, if there is a problem with the mechanism, this isn't a good option. In addition, if you find yourself having to replace a panel a second or third time, you might as well just get yourself a new door.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions and/or service needs that you might have. We’re here to help!

Replacing Vs. Repairing Your Garage Door

All garage doors will deteriorate over time; which is caused by weather conditions and constant use. A question many people face is whether they should repair or replace their garage door. Here are some pointers to help you decide:

Is it a Sudden or a Recurring Problem?

Often, a garage door will suddenly stop functioning. For example, it might stop opening and closing all of a sudden. This can be the result of a single issue that can easily be repaired.

If, however, your garage door has been facing issues over a long period of time and these issues continue to get worse, a simple repair may not do the trick. For example, if the garage door has been having trouble opening for a long time and seems too heavy, the springs may have been weakened to the point that they can no longer hold the garage door up. That can be dangerous, and they should be replaced.

Is it Cosmetic Damage or Structural Damage?

Cosmetic damage, while unsightly, usually won't necessitate replacing the garage door, especially if it isn't that old. A new coat of paint or a new finish can restore it so that it looks new.

If, however, there is structural damage, that's a different story. For example, if the door is warped, sagging or simply falling apart, you definitely need a new one.

Replace a Single Panel or the Entire Door?

A third option would be to replace only a single panel and not the whole door, as it is not as expensive as replacing the entire door. However, if there is a problem with the mechanism, this isn't a good option. In addition, if you find yourself having to replace a panel a second or third time, you might as well just get yourself a new door.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions and/or service needs that you might have. We’re here to help!

Simple Garage Door Repairs

Garage doors have a very simple task, opening and closing, so it is easy to overlook the garage door and forget about how essential it is until it stops working. A garage door that won't open and close properly or makes too much noise can cause a lot of annoyance in your life. Let's explore a few simple issues and tips to solve them, but please never hesitate to contact us so that a professional repairman from our team can come out assess the situation.

Garage Will Not Open With Hand or Wall Switch

Not being able to get in or out of your garage is a real problem; especially if it is raining or you are late to work! If your wall and hand switches do not work in opening your garage door, you may think you have a serious repair issue at hand. However, in most of these cases there is a simple fix. Usually, the motor unit that controls the door has just come unplugged. Plugging the motor unit in will fix this problem. Also, it is possible that a tripped or burnt out circuit has also caused this problem.

Door Won't Go All the Way Down

This common issue that is very annoying and will make you feel like you can't leave your house with the garage door slightly up. In most of the cases the problem is simply the close limit switch on your motor. This switch merely tells the motor when to cut off when going up or down. A simple adjustment to the close limit switch should be all it takes to get your garage door all the way down again.

Door Goes Up Again Before it Goes All the Way Down

This is another common issue that can be remedied by a simple adjustment to a sensor. There is a piece that controls the amount of force that the door has when the motor shuts off and the door closes. If your door is going up before it even closes all the way, you simply need to adjust your close force settings and the problem should be solved.

These are a few easy things you can fix yourself at home, but only if you feel comfortable and safe in doing so. If you are worried you may damage your door or opener by tinkering around, please be sure to contact us!

What to Look for in a Garage Door Installation Company

Your home's garage door is central to your family's security and comfort. This is why it's imperative to choose a garage door company that you can trust. By doing so, you can ensure that you have a quality garage business on your side for years to come. Not sure where to start? The following information will explain some qualities to look for when hiring a garage door installation company. 

1. Experience

The best garage door companies will have the experience to prove their reliability. When selecting a business to hire, read customer reviews and ask about the company's roll in your community. These details can help you learn about the company's reputation.

2. Family Focus

Since your garage door will provide safety for your family, it's important to hire an installation company that shares these same values. When speaking to a potential installation professional for the first time, be open about your family's needs.

3. Certifications

With any home improvement specialist, certifications are a plus. Look into whether the garage door installation company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Also ask about other credentials and specialties.

4. Customer Service

Attentive customer service is key to compliment quality products. By hiring a business with impeccable service, you can ensure a trustworthy relationship with your garage door installation professional. This way, you know that they can responsibly attend to your service needs in the future.

5. Quality

Even the most impressive companies are lacking without top quality. A garage door company should be able to tell you about the durability of their products and the accuracy of the installation process. Be sure to ask plenty of questions about their available products before choosing to purchase.

By hiring a garage door company that you can rely on, your family can enjoy a stable garage door for years to come. A trustworthy garage door installation can support the structural integrity of your home and gift you the peace of mind that comes with security.

We encourage you to contact us today with any questions and/or service needs that you might have. We’re here to help!

How Garage Door Springs End Up Breaking

If you are the owner of a garage door with a broken spring, you might end up wondering how it happened. Garage door springs can be dangerous when they break, so in that regard you might wonder if there was something you could have done differently to prevent the break. Unfortunately, if your garage door spring has broken, it was most likely nothing you did that caused the break, except for opening your garage door a repeatedly over time.

Think of garage door springs like a piece of wire. It can bend two different directions a fair amount of times. However, after enough time of the wire being bent in only those two directions, it will break. The garage door spring are the same way, it expands and contracts to help open your garage door. After enough use, the springs will begin to wear out which can cause breakage.

A broken garage door spring is something that comes about over time; however, you can help slow it down by keeping the springs clean, lubricated, and rust-free! Furthermore, if your springs start to look damaged, such as no longer coiling up nicely or having worn areas, you can have them replaced before they break. As a garage door spring releases a lot of force when it does break, which can cause serious harm.

Speaking of the harm in which a broken spring can cause to either you or a loved one, we ask that you never attempt to change the spring on your own as it is a job for a trained professional. No matter the type of spring, it is coiled with a lot of force, which is what makes it so unsafe when it breaks and should always be handled with a professional’s care.

If you have a broken or near-broken garage door spring that needs replaced, we encourage you to contact us here at Roadrunner Garage Doors. Also, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Our team of trained garage door technicians takes pride in keeping you safe.

Have you Experienced Changes in your Garage Door’s Keypad?

Having a keypad for your garage door can be a great thing! By inputting a code, it can allow the people you trust to gain access of your garage, and likely your home, while keeping everyone else out with a sturdy lock.

Side note: they are particularly useful while you’re on vacation and didn’t have the time to have another house key made beforehand to give your neighbor that has agreed to water your plants.
However, a keypad, just like your garage door opener remote, runs on a battery. While that battery can last quite a long time, eventually it will need to be replaced. Nevertheless, many people run into the same issue when they do replace the battery - the code no longer works. Don't panic if your key code doesn't work after replacing the keypad battery, it happens to a lot of people and it is easy to fix!
 
While every keypad is a little different, most will have a learn button somewhere on the device. In many models, you simply need to hold the learn button, release, and then type in your code.
Afterwards, hold down the enter button and it should store your new code with no issue. However, it is best to find the manual for your keypad for learning how to specifically reprogram it since, as a rather glaring security flaw, every system is different in order to protect you and your home. Many manuals are found online these days if you cannot find the physical copy, or a repair technician will have the knowledge to help you reprogram the device.

However, it is important to remember that while this is common, if you reprogram the keypad and is still doesn't work, it can mean other issues with your garage door. We encourage you to contact us so that we can help to ensure that all is running as it should.

Checking your Garage Door for Heat Loss

When it comes to garage doors, you want them to have a certain amount of insulation. When it gets cold, you want your garage to be warm. When it gets hot, you want your garage to be cool. Having that said, consistent temperatures are very important. However, if you are not getting consistent temperatures in a garage, your insulation might be to blame.

If your garage door is already insulated and it is not maintaining consistent temperatures, it’s possible you’re having temperature loss somewhere – the source just needs to be found.

Often, when it comes to finding temperature loss in a garage, much of that can be done via the feel of your own hands. If you were testing the insulation in your garage walls, for example, you would touch the walls to feel for hot or cold spots where the insulation wouldn't be working.

However, it is different when it comes to garage doors. The insulation is something you can see, so that you know it is still intact. Instead, you will want to feel for air flow through gaps. Common culprits for temperature loss on garage doors include:

Weather Stripping - Just like on any door, the weather stripping on the bottom of a garage door serves to seal the door to the floor when closed so air cannot get through. If you can feel the breeze at the bottom of the door or even see light underneath it, your weather stripping may be worn or cracked.

Loose Hinges - If there is no visible damage to the garage door insulation, gaps could have manifested through loose hinges. When hinges come loose, it can create gaps in the panels where temperature can escape.

Gaps in the Wall - At times, the problem lies not with the door but the walls that surround it. If the walls begin to warp for some reason, it can lead to heat loss.

Do you have questions? Are you in need of service? We encourage you to contact us, as we are happy to help you out.

Ways to Quiet a Noisy Garage Door

While some newer garage doors can be surprisingly quiet, a garage door has the potential to sound like a freight train. However, there is normal garage door noise, and then there is garage door noise that signals something being wrong. If your garage door is louder than normal, consider taking these steps to address the issue:

Loose Bolts and Screws

Over time, the vibrations of a garage door can loosen bolts and screws so that they rattle around or rub against other parts of the mechanism. This can cause an unsteady sound or even a screeching as metal meets metal. However, replacing a stripped screw or tightening a bolt back down is easy, as long as you can find it.

Non-Insulated Steel

Often times, homeowners will choose non-insulated steel doors because they are often a much more affordable alternative. However, insulation doesn't just help with temperature control, it dampens noise as well. There is nothing that needs to be fixed with these doors for them to cause noise, they are just naturally noisy. However, you can purchase insulation panels that can be installed to help alleviate the noise later.

Bowing or Warping of the Rails

If your garage door is system is old, then warping or bowing of the system or the door is an eventuality. Garage doors are heavy, as such, years of weight can eventually warp the metal rails or the door itself can start to sag in the center if not properly supported. Garage doors were designed specifically to function a certain way; when one piece is no longer as it was designed, it will cause a variety of noise as the system strains. Unfortunately, there is often not a simple fix for these issues. In warped doors, panels may be able to be replaced instead of replacing the whole thing, but for rails, typically a whole new system will need to be put in.

Lack of Lubrication

A garage door is a series of moving parts, and those moving parts need to be lubricated every so often. If you can't remember ever lubricating your garage door system, it probably needs it. However, you will want specific garage door lubricant. This lubricant is made so that it lubes things up, and it neither dries up quickly, nor does it get gloopy and attract dirt.


Are you having any one of these issues? You may be able to solve some of these issues yourself, but it is often better to get your garage door serviced by a professional. This makes sure it is done right the first time.


We encourage you to contact us with any questions and/or service needs that you may have.

The Popular Garage Door Question… Repair or Replace?

As the weather continues to heat up, many homeowners are thinking about tackling some of those summer projects that they’ve been meaning to get to but just haven’t had the time. One such project you may have in mind is dealing with the garage door.

With that being said, finding a reputable contractor to help you with the task of garage door service is critical. Before calling a professional, you may ask yourself, will they suggest the door be repaired or replaced entirely? There is only one way to find out the answer to that question, and it’s to pick up the phone and call a professional to come and take a look. However, we’ve gone ahead and provided some points to take into consideration; first, let’s start with replacement:

You want to upgrade your curb appeal. A new garage will definitely add some pizazz to your entire exterior look. This is especially a nice touch if you are getting new siding on your house or other outdoor updates. These added touches will increase the value of your property.

Your garage door is outdated. If your garage was built decades ago, then there is a chance it is not up to par with today's safety standards. That means that it will be easier for an intruder to break into. In addition, the more outdated the garage door, the less visually attractive the overall appearance of the home.

Your garage isn't safe. If your garage doesn't have sensors on it or they aren't working properly, then you are better off getting a new garage door. The sensor's job is to detect if anyone crosses underneath the door while it's closing. If this isn't operating properly, then someone can be seriously hurt if trapped beneath the door.

Now that we’ve discussed points to consider on gage door replacement, here are some points to think about in regards to garage door repair:

Your garage door is sticking and making noises. If your door is not functioning properly, then it usually can be repaired without having to replace the entire door. Doors that jerk and halt while moving up the track or make a lot of rumbling squeaky noises can typically be repaired with quick fixes as these types of errors most often indicate that the garage door track or coils just need some attention.

Your garage has minor damage to the exterior. If you have a tiny bit of damage to the exterior of your garage, it's best to have it repaired. There's no need to replace the entire garage door unless you are re-doing your entire exterior. For example, if you are getting new siding for your home, you'll want everything to match. Otherwise, you can just have it repaired.

Your garage door leans to one side. If your garage seems to sag over to one side, this may seem like the entire door is broken. However, the good news is that it can usually be fixed and put back in proper alignment by professional garage repair contractors.

Still not sure what to do? We encourage you to contact us for more information.

Insulation & Garage Doors: What Should My R-Value Be?

If you are considering garage door replacement, you've likely done a lot of research already on what would be the right replacement. You might have decided on a design that will look good on your home, but you have probably not thought about the insulation.

Now, the mostly warm Texas weather in Austin may make you think that you insulation isn’t necessary; however, it’s important to remember that insulation is key when it comes to keeping cool air inside without allowing it to escape..

When gauging a garage door's insulation, manufactures rate it on a scale called the R-value. This is a scale that gauges its thermal resistance, or the ability to prevent temperature loss. To put understanding the R-value simply, the higher the number, the better it insulates.

R-values can go as high as 32 in some cases, but that doesn't mean you need the highest possible value. It is also important to remember that if you are choosing between an R-value 8 and an R-value 16 door, that doesn't mean it is twice as good at preventing temperature loss. In truth, the comparison is just a five percent gain from a 90% temperature loss reduction to 95% percent.

If you’re wondering what the appropriate R-value is for your new garage door replacement in Austin, the answer will vary by how you are using the garage. In most cases, an R-value 8 door will be more than enough for both an attached and detached garage. However, if you are using your garage as a living space, especially if you are having it heated or cooled by your HVAC system, you may want to consider a higher value - such as an R-value 16. Going higher than that gives smaller percentages of temperature retention and energy efficiency that may not be worth the price.

If you have questions on this, please don’t hesitate to contact us in order to further discuss.

3 Benefits of Regular Garage Door Service

If you're like most homeowners, your garage is more than just a place to park your car; it's the main entry to your home. As such, your garage door is subject to a lot of wear and tear. Routine maintenance and garage door service will help prevent unexpected breakdowns; but that's far from the only reason to schedule an appointment! Here are a few surprising benefits of having your door tuned up and properly maintained by an experienced technician.

• Preserves the Life of the Door.  Every garage door and motor manufacturer recommends having the door maintained regularly. During a routine service appointment, the technician can lubricate the gears, belts, tracks, and chains that support the heavy weight of the door. Having said maintenance items completed will reduce the amount of friction the components are exposed to under regular conditions; thus helping to ensure that your door works for as long as possible.
• Reduces Costs.  When it comes to garage door repairs, preventative maintenance is always best. By fixing minor issues as they occur, you'll end up saving money and time by preventing major breakdowns in the first place. Inspections are part of every standard service appointment and your technician will be able to notify you of any potential issues before they do damage to the motor or the door itself.
• Improves Safety.  Poorly maintained doors can slow down as the motor struggles to raise and lower the door. Though it may not seem like it, this puts your home at risk for theft and intrusion. The longer a thief has to slip under the door when you leave, the more tempting of a target your home becomes. Regular service and maintenance will ensure that your door raises and lowers at an appropriate speed, keeping your home and the things you love most safe while you're trying to make it to your destination on time.

Whether you use your garage as your main entryway or only use it to park your car at the end of the day, routine maintenance is crucial in keeping the motor running well. Don't put off maintenance until you notice a major problem.

We encourage you to schedule a professional garage door service appointment with us at Roadrunner Garage Doors.

Why a Bowing Garage Door Needs Fixing

The garage door is a major element of the face of your home. We like to keep it looking nice for our curb appeal, and also functioning properly for daily efficiency. While there are other elements that may be more pressing to get fixed, such as the spring or the rails, it is still important that don’t choose to ignore your garage door if you happen to notice that it’s beginning to bow since it will need to be corrected sooner rather than later.

What Causes Bowing?

A bowing garage door is one that has warped and no longer looks quite right. For example, instead of being a flat surface, it can look dented in. Furthermore, as you open it, you may notice moaning or straining of the garage door opener as it tries to make a misshapen door fit in your garage. This, as you can imagine, is a large strain on your garage door opener.

While not all garage doors are susceptible to bowing, if you have a wooden garage door, it will most likely happen eventually. Wooden garage doors are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations where the extreme temperatures over time will cause warping. However, even steel garage doors can bow, but for different reasons. Usually in the case of steel doors, they bow because the garage door opener cannot handle the weight and it begins to warp in the center due to a lack of support.

Fixing a Bowing Garage Door

The reason a bowing garage door needs to be fixed instead of ignored is that it is a problem that is not going to get any better. The longer you leave a garage door once it starts to warp, the more it will warp. This is crucial because sometimes bowing can be fixed by having a service technician replace a few panels instead of the more expensive option of replacing the whole door.

Furthermore, by leaving a bowing garage door alone, every time you open it, it puts more strain on the entire system. What's more expensive than replacing a garage door? Replacing the garage door, rails, and opener if they break or also warp.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or service needs you may have.

What to Do When your Garage Door is Stuck

Whether you’re trying to leave your garage or park your car inside, having your automatic garage door suddenly stop working can put you in a real bind. But don't panic; in many cases there are simple solutions to getting your garage door unstuck. Here are some steps you can take when your garage door stops working:

Check the Obvious Causes First

If your garage door stays put when you press the remote button, then you should check the batteries of your remote. Most automatic garage doors have a bypass switch you can use to raise and lower the door without the remote. If it works, chances are, the batteries are the culprit.

Your garage opener also needs power to operate. Make sure there hasn't been a power outage or a circuit hasn't been blown. You should also check to make sure the power cord is plugged in. These are easy checks and could save you a lot of trouble by starting with them first.

Take a Look at the Tracks

Sometimes the tracks that serve as the rails for the garage door rollers can get blocked or thrown out of alignment. Keep in mind that it is possible for debris to build up or get caught in the tracks so be sure to examine the tracks carefully and clear out any debris or objects.
Tracks can also become warped or dented. People sometimes bump them with their car, or extreme changes in temperature can cause them to become distorted. Use your hand to feel along the track to detect any unevenness.

If the problem is minor, you could try gently hammering it back into shape, using a wooden block as a guide. Exercise caution when manipulating the tracks; you don't want to make the problem worse. It is often a good idea to call a professional for track fixes.

Check the Sensors

Every automatic garage door system includes a pair of sensors that act as a safety mechanism. The sensors send out a beam of light across the bottom of the garage door. If something blocks the light path, the door will stop moving.
Sometimes the sensors can accidentally become blocked or come out of alignment. Dirt or debris can collect on the eyes of the sensor, causing them to mistakenly detect a blockage. Or, an object could have accidentally been placed into the sensor's path, and simply needs to be moved.
If the infrared beams of the sensors are not properly aligned, they will not allow the door to open or close. Fixing the alignment can be difficult to do on your own. This problem is usually best fixed by a professional.

You May Have a Broken Spring

Look at the top and sides of your garage door for the springs. If one is sagging or there is a gap, it is likely broken. The spring is key to opening and closing your garage door.
If you have a broken spring, you will definitely need to call a garage door specialist to fix it. 

Use the Manual Release

It is still possible to raise or lower an automatic garage door by using the manual release. Look for the red cord hanging from the door's track. Pull it towards the back of the garage, and it will release from the opener.

You can then manually pull the door open or closed. However, if you encounter any major resistance, it's a good idea to stop and call a professional. 

Your automatic garage door should be regularly maintained and serviced. Contact us at Roadrunner Garage Doors if you have questions or are encountering any problems.

4 Warning Signs of an Unbalanced Garage Door

Your garage door is a system of moving parts so it’s very important that the door is properly balanced. An unbalanced garage door can become dangerous if the problem is not addressed right away. It can also put unneeded strain on the door's components, leading to expensive repairs.

On a properly-balanced garage door, the weight is evenly distributed by the tension in the springs. On a door that is unbalanced, the springs do not properly counterbalance the door's weight. If not repaired, the opener can fail, or a spring or cable can snap. Here are some of the warning signs that your garage door is not correctly balanced:

Your garage door appears uneven. The bottom of the garage door should look straight. If it is slanted, it's a good indication that the door is unbalanced. Misalignment can be caused by frayed cables or broken springs on one side of the garage door. It requires garage door repair as soon as possible.  


The door starts to close on its own. When you open the door manually, it should stay open without any problems. A door that's unbalanced will begin to close after you open it. You might also notice that the door does not open all the way.  

The garage door is more difficult to operate. Your garage door should open and close easily. When your door is unbalanced, it will operate more slowly. The door might not stay open, or it may not open at all. This indicates that the motor can no longer lift the door's weight.
 
You hear loud noises when you open or close the door. Your garage door should operate fairly quietly. Loud noises indicate that your door needs attention. It might have worn components that need to be replaced.

If you notice any of these issues with your garage door, do not try to fix the problem yourself. Garage door repair should only be done by an experienced professional. We encourage you to contact us today to schedule service and repair.

The Dangers of DIY Garage Door Installation

If it is time for you to get a new garage door, whether you want it for aesthetic reasons or your old garage door has broken down beyond repair, you might think that you can lower costs a little by doing the labor yourself. Unfortunately, garage door installation usually goes beyond the skills of even the handiest DIY homeowner. In fact, installing your own garage door can be downright dangerous.

The Many Moving Parts of a Garage Door
It doesn't happen often, but many garage door companies that offer installation fully expect to receive at least a few calls per year asking them to come fix a DIY garage door installation job. One of the primary issues is that while a garage door looks fairly straightforward, it actually has a number of moving parts that need to work together in order to work efficiently and safely. While automatic openers are usually somewhat straightforward to install, the issue is picking the right track for the door and actually installing that track.

Lack of Proper Tools
When installing a garage door, typically you want to leave it to the professionals because they have the right tools and knowledge for the job. It goes beyond simple drills for fastening, but rather you need tools like a counterbalance spring system to install it correctly and do so in a way that the installation is actually safe.

Garage Doors are Heavy
These days, most people have automatic garage openers that do the heavy lifting for them. This means that tend to forget the large door that is moving up and down weights a couple hundred pounds. This means if you are dead set on doing the installation yourself, you can't. You will need at least one or two other people to help you physically lift the door and put it into position. Trying to lift a garage door yourself is asking for injury.

The Danger of the Springs
If you ask any garage door professional what the most dangerous part of an installation is, they will say without a doubt that it is doing the springs. Many homeowners have been seriously injured because they tried to adjust the springs, let along install them. The issue is that a spring stores energy to actually lift the door and if it unwinds during the installation, that energy is rapidly released. You won't be able to move out of the way in time and the springs can cause a serious injury.

Make the safe choice and call Roadrunner Garage Doors today.

Garage Door Replacement: A Smart Option

There are many options for updating and refurbishing your home, but replacing your garage door(s) is a smart choice. Here's why:

Functionality
Today's garage doors are more functional and enjoyable to use than ever before. Options include automatic lighting when the door is raised, smooth lifts and closures, highly safe locking and closure, remotes, by-the-door keypads, and even app-linked information.

Since most of us use our garages for much more than our vehicles, updating to an insulated door allows you greater climate control.

Aesthetics
Since newer garage doors come in an array of colors, textures, and features, your home's curb appeal can be drastically enhanced. Dingy garage doors or outdated styles immediately date your home, while a newer door can instantly update it. Features to consider include windows versus windowless, modern versus the newly popular barn style, and textured versus flat. The aesthetics are as varied as the consumers who choose them.

Value and Convenience
Many years ago, very few automobiles had automatic windows. For years, vehicle passengers laboriously cranked their windows up and down. The same is true for automatic locks. Today, few vehicles are without either of these conveniences. Today's updated garage doors are the same type of advancement in value and convenience.

Battling with a poorly functioning garage door is more than an aggravation. Whether your garage door is so antiquated that it only operates manually or it's so worn out that it screams in mechanical protest when used, you can rejoice in the great financial (as well as convenient) investment of an updated, smoothly-working door.

The best garage doors aren't really something you think about. In the back of your mind, you may appreciate its looks, and know it connects to the overall appeal of your home, but you enjoy its ease of use and convenience. It's not on your "needs to be repaired" radar.

By replacing your garage door(s), you take stress out of your daily routine. You add convenience and you enhance your home's look in the process. It's a smart option.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or service requests you may have!

How to Tell if a Garage Door Spring Has Broken

When it comes to garage door repair, typically you don't realize it needs repair until it actually stops working. While there are many issues that can contribute to a broken garage door, one of the more common ones is that of a broken garage door spring.

In most garage doors, there are only two types of springs that it will use - extension springs and torsion springs. In both systems, they use springs attached to cables so that the springs extend when the door is closed and that energy is released when the door is lifted. It is this energy that helps lift the door. The difference between the two systems is the placement and the set up of the cable and spring system. They both function in a similar way and if those springs break, it can be devastating.

Typical signs of a spring pre-breakage are that your garage door will be harder to lift and your automatic garage door opener will struggle as well as create much more noise than the usual racket. As a noisy garage door can be the sign of a number of different problems, it should never be ignored. However, if left unchecked and a spring has reached the end of its lifecycle, you need to be careful. Typically springs break one at a time, and if one has broken, your garage door will suddenly feel like you are lifting the full couple hundred pound weight that it actually is.

Usually the tell-tale sign that a garage door spring has broken is the noise. Since the springs are more likely to break when they are extended and filled with stored energy, a spring breaking in your garage can be as loud as a gunshot. Unfortunately, the force of that spring snapping can cause it to fly off, making it not only loud, but it has a huge potential to do big damage to anything it hits. This is why ideally when your door starts to become heavier, move a little slower, and makes a lot more noise than usual, you want to address the problem before this happens.

If you’re concerned about your garage door springs, contact Roadrunner Garage Doors. We’d be happy to set up an appointment to get your garage door in tiptop shape.