Garage Door Repair Tips

Garage Door Repair Tuttle uses several interdependent components to open and close smoothly. These include the tracks, cables, and safety features. These can break down over time.

If you decide to tackle the repair yourself, planning your project well is important. Otherwise, you could inadvertently cause even more damage.

As your garage door sits outside all day, it’s no surprise that, over time, some panels might get damaged. Weather is one big culprit. Constant exposure to sun, wind, rain, and ice can fade or crack your panels. This not only reduces the aesthetic of your home or business, but it can also lower the structural integrity of the door itself.

Other factors can cause damage to your garage door panels, including hail and general wear and tear. Even a small dent can affect the functionality of your door, so it’s important to have any damage evaluated by an expert immediately.

Once your garage door specialist has assessed the damage to your panels, they’ll be able to provide you with the best solution for repairing them. This could include simply replacing the panel that is damaged, or if there’s more extensive damage throughout your door system, they may need to construct a plywood structure in order to keep your garage safe and secure until the repairs are complete.

It’s also important to consider the age and condition of your garage door in conjunction with the damage to your panels. If your door is aging and is beginning to show signs of wear and tear, it may be more cost-effective for you to replace the entire door rather than invest in continuing repairs on an older model.

Broken Belt or Chain

If your garage door’s motor runs but the door doesn’t move, it could mean that either the torsion or extension springs are broken. Without these springs, the door is very heavy and would be difficult to lift manually. Before attempting to repair the door:

  1. Check that the emergency release cord is firmly pulled and that nothing is blocking the two photo eye sensors or preventing them from functioning properly.
  2. If your garage door opener still doesn’t operate, make sure it has a fresh battery and that the remote settings aren’t incorrect or outdated.
  3. If the opener is still malfunctioning, try resetting it by unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in.

If you have a chain drive, a broken belt or chain can cause erratic movement of the door during operation and lead to premature wear on other components such as roller wheels and hinges. A professional garage door technician should replace the chain or belt, ensuring that it is of a proper length and tension.

Loose track mounting brackets can also cause the door to become misaligned or stuck during operation, as well as create excessive noise or vibrations and pose safety hazards. Loose brackets can be fixed by tightening them using a wrench. If the mounting brackets are completely loose, they should be removed and replaced with new ones.

Malfunctioning Safety Sensors

Safety sensors are an essential component to a well-functioning garage door system. They keep your family, pets and property safe by preventing the door from closing or descending onto objects that could cause injury. They are not infallible, however. Calls about malfunctioning sensors are one of the most common garage door repair requests we receive. While it may be tempting to investigate and correct garage door sensor problems on your own, it’s best to consult a professional. A trained technician can perform quick fixes and more substantial improvements to ensure the safety sensors continue functioning properly.

Misaligned sensors are the most common type of problem. They sit low to the ground, making it easy for pedestrians or children playing near them to bump them out of alignment. Inspect them to see if their lights are solid green or yellow and to check for dirt that may be blocking the beam.

Wiring problems are another common issue. Loose wires can interfere with the transmission of messages between the sensor and the opener. If the light on a sensor is flickering, you’ll need to inspect and repair any wiring connections.

Once the wiring is inspected and repaired, you’ll want to test the sensors by placing an object in the path of the downing door. If the sensors are functioning properly, the garage door will reverse and return to its original position. A monthly test with an object will help prevent mishaps and costly damages. It’s also a good idea to have an annual professional inspection of the sensors. This can catch problems that aren’t obvious to the untrained eye and make sure your system is operating safely.

Damaged Weather Stripping

The weather strip is the thin, rubber strip that lines the bottom of your garage door. The purpose of this seal is to create a solid barrier that prevents air and water from entering your garage. If your weather stripping is worn or damaged, it’s important to replace it to protect your belongings and the integrity of your garage.

The easiest way to tell if your weather stripping is in bad shape is by looking at it. If you see sections of the strip that are dried out, cracked or discolored, it’s time to call a repair technician for garage door replacement.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a cracked or worn weather strip will allow moisture, dirt, pests and rodents into your garage. This can lead to mold, mildew, wood rot and other expensive problems. You can help your garage door last longer by examining and cleaning the weather stripping regularly.

A good tip is to clean it with an all-purpose vinyl cleaner every three months and then lubricate it with silicone-based lubricant. This will help it maintain its elasticity and flexibility, which is vital to preventing cracking and wearing.

A draft in your garage is a normal part of a home, but if it’s become more noticeable or seems to be getting worse, the weather stripping may be worn down and creating an air leak. This can decrease heating and cooling efficiency and cause the garage to feel too cold or hot. It can also allow dust and other debris into the garage, which could damage your garage door or anything stored inside it. Replacing the weather stripping will help to resolve these issues and keep your garage in great condition.

Uneven Doors

When your garage door isn’t balanced correctly, it can cause it to open or close unevenly, which can cause damage to the mechanism. Often, this is caused by misaligned tracks or other problems that can be easily corrected.

A lack of lubrication can also cause your garage door to become crooked. It’s important to regularly lubricate moving parts like the rollers and hinges with a lithium-based grease, which will help reduce friction and improve performance.

Other common causes of uneven doors include:

Loose Hinges

Over time, your garage door’s hinges may loosen and shift out of alignment. This can be a result of normal wear and tear or can be caused by an impact or poor anchoring. It’s a good idea to check the hinges regularly and tighten them as needed.

Obstructions in the Tracks

Just like a train derailing on a rocky track, debris or dirt lodged in the tracks can throw off the balance of your garage door. Make sure to clean out the tracks frequently to remove obstructions and ensure they are properly aligned.

Misaligned Sensors

If you see a red light blinking on your photo-eye sensors, this is a sign that they are out of alignment. This can be a simple fix by adjusting the sensors until they are correctly aligned. In addition, you can also try adjusting the limit adjustment screws on your opener to control how far the door can travel before it automatically stops. These can be adjusted using a screwdriver and will help to ensure your garage door closes fully. If none of these solutions work, it’s a good idea to call a professional to diagnose the problem and complete any necessary repairs.

How to Maintain Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy Flooring Tomball TX is a long-lasting floor coating that creates a unique, one of a kind look. It’s often used in commercial and industrial settings because it can withstand heavy impact.

Epoxy Flooring

It can also include slip-resistant additives and decorative flakes to make it more visually appealing. It is important that the concrete underneath is properly prepped prior to application.

Epoxy floors are some of the toughest flooring solutions available. They are used in high-impact areas, commercial and industrial settings where carpet or tile would quickly become worn down and damaged. They are also a great solution for areas where heavy equipment is dragged across the floor regularly. The durability of epoxy floors comes from the concrete base that it is bonded to. This helps to prevent cracks and fractures caused by the impact of heavy equipment or foot traffic. It is also highly resistant to chemicals and can withstand abrasions. This makes it ideal for chemical and oil spills that may occur on a regular basis in industrial environments.

The longevity of an epoxy floor depends on a number of factors, such as the initial quality of the concrete base and the level of maintenance it receives. Epoxy floors that are kept clean and free of debris tend to last longer than those that do not. It is also important to avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.

An excellent way to keep your epoxy floors looking as good as new is to sweep and vacuum frequently and mop them with a mild detergent solution on a regular basis. The use of walk-off mats at entranceways is also recommended, as this can help to eliminate dirt and grime that may scratch the surface. It is also a good idea to clean up any spills promptly as these can cause staining on the epoxy floor.

Epoxy floors are a very durable and attractive option for any area, but they are not indestructible. It will take a very strong or heavy projectile to damage an epoxy floor. Fortunately, minor scratches and chips can be easily buffed out or repaired. In addition to routine maintenance, it is a good idea to conduct periodic inspections and repairs to address any issues that may arise. If these are addressed quickly, they can be prevented from deteriorating and becoming more serious issues. Having an experienced team of professionals conduct these inspections and repair any damage can go a long way in keeping your epoxy floors looking as good as new.

Easy to Clean

While epoxy floor coatings are very strong and durable, they do need to be kept clean. Dirt and grit can scratch and etch the surface, and this damages the integrity of the floor. Sweeping regularly will keep dust, sand and grit under control and will remove any debris that could cause damage to the surface. A good dust mop will handle the majority of your floor cleaning duties, but you may need to use a hard foam or string mop with warm water and mild soap to scrub any areas that are particularly dirty or sticky. Some cleaners, such as citrus or acidic ones, are harmful to epoxy, and they will de-gloss the surface and diminish its shine.

If a spill does occur, wipe it up as soon as possible using shop towels or paper towels. This will help prevent chemical spills from sitting too long on the floor and causing damage. Chemicals like antifreeze, oil or paint can be washed off with warm water and kitchen scrubbing sponges or soft deck brushes. Rust stains may require a scouring pad or steel wool, but this should be done very gently to avoid damage to the surface.

It is important to keep in mind that a concrete surface can deteriorate if it gets wet, so always protect your epoxy floor from rain and snow. Also, it is a good idea to place mats at workstations, under heavy equipment and at entry doors to help collect dirt and moisture before it is tracked into the epoxy flooring.

Depending on the amount of traffic your floors receive, you will need to clean them either daily in high-traffic areas or at least weekly in less-traveled areas. When the time comes to scrub, you should begin with a mild solution and move on to more powerful solutions until the stain is gone. It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for large stains or cuts that should be repaired immediately, as this can allow moisture and debris to penetrate the surface and cause damage or cracking.

Safety

When properly used and maintained, epoxy floors are a safe flooring solution for garages, workspaces and other high-traffic areas. But like all surfaces they are prone to damage from abrasions, dirt, sand and other debris that can be tracked across the surface. It is always best to remove as much of this grit and grime as possible on a regular basis for safety, cleanliness and the longevity of the floor’s lifespan. A micro fibre mop or broom with a soft brush attachment is the most efficient way to clean the floor, while avoiding scratches that can mar an otherwise flawless finish. Avoid cleaners that have citrus or acidic solutions and abrasive cleaning pads, as they can etch the floor’s surface.

Oil and chemical spills must be addressed immediately to preserve the integrity of an epoxy coating, especially in a garage or work area. Soaking up liquids as soon as possible with paper towels, rags or plastic scrapers prevents permanent staining of the floor. Stubborn stains can be removed with a mild cleaner or even isopropyl alcohol in the case of highly corrosive chemicals such as battery acid.

Epoxy floors must also be protected against damage caused by cars, machinery and other heavy equipment. Using mats at the entry door, under heavy tools and machinery and on the front and back of a vehicle or bicycle can reduce the amount of damage that is inflicted on an epoxy floor over time. Lastly, placing plywood under jacks or other heavy objects when lifting them off of the epoxy floor will ensure that the flooring is not scuffed or marked during the process.

It is important to use only experienced epoxy flooring installers who know the proper safety measures to take when tackling an installation. This includes requiring all employees to wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles to protect themselves from the fumes that are given off during the 48 hour curing period. The toxins released from the isocyanates used in conventional epoxy coatings have been linked to serious health concerns including respiratory, skin and reproductive issues. This is another reason why NEx Systems was founded – to provide an alternative that provides the versatility, durability and strength of standard epoxy while eliminating the toxic chemicals.

Environmentally Friendly

As a durable, chemical-resistant floor coating, epoxy is also eco-friendly. While it requires regular maintenance, this is a small price to pay for an attractive, long-lasting floor that provides both durability and visual appeal.

A daily sweeping and mopping routine will keep dust, sand, dirt and other debris from scratching, etching or wearing away at the epoxy surface. In high-traffic areas, this should be done at least daily; less-frequently trafficked floors can be swept or mopped weekly. Mats outside entrances can help trap abrasive materials before they reach the epoxy, which can further extend its lifespan and enhance its appearance.

Regular cleaning with a neutral-PH soap will prevent build-up of oil and other residues, which can degrade the integrity of the resins and dull the finish. Avoid soaps that contain acids, such as citrus or vinegar, which can break down the epoxy and leave a film coating, haze or streaks on the floor. Similarly, floor stripping agents and corrosive chemical degreasers are not recommended because they can wreak havoc on the surface.

Spills should be addressed immediately to prevent permanent damage to the epoxy surface. For tenacious spills, such as paint or ink, a mild solution can be used to remove the stain; corrosive substances may require isopropyl alcohol or a chemical solvent.

If a large quantity of liquid is spilled, the floor should be vaccumed up to avoid water pools. Then, the affected area can be rinsed with water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Thoroughly dry the area afterward to prevent moisture damage.

To further protect your epoxy floors, avoid sliding heavy machinery or pallets across the surface. This can cause gouges and deep scratches in the epoxy surface, which can weaken it over time and allow moisture to seep under the coating. Similarly, opt for soft-wheeled carts and furniture instead of hard-edged wheels or legs, which could cut into the surface and leave unsightly marks.

For an extra layer of protection, consider an optional UV-resistant topcoat. This will reduce the amount of sun exposure that the floor receives, which can diminish its vibrancy and lead to deterioration over time.