When to Replace or Repair a Garage Door

When to Replace or Repair a Garage Door

When something happens to your garage door, it can be challenging to determine whether you should replace or repair it. How do you know which option will make more sense and be more effective in the long run? Learn when it’s better to replace vs. repair your garage door and what the benefits are of both options.

Do You Need a New Garage Door?

When something happens to your garage door, you typically have two options — repair or replace it. How do you know which option is the right choice for you? There are certain situations or problems you may face with your garage door that may be better suited for either a replacement or a repair.

Here are some common garage door issues and whether they warrant a repair or a new door:

When to Repair Your Garage Door

Making repairs to your garage door is often the favorable option in these situations:

• Damaged panel: Commonly, garage doors become dented or damaged over time. Luckily, garage door panels are a relatively simple repair when addressed sooner rather than later. There’s no need to replace your entire garage door when the damage is confined to a single panel.
• Door stops working: When your door suddenly breaks down and isn’t working, the solution may be an easy repair. These are likely due to an isolated issue that can be easier to locate and repair than a problem that’s been worsening over time.
• Unbalanced door: If one side of your garage door appears to be sagging more than the other, it may be unbalanced, or you have a broken cable. Any imbalance can put unnecessary stress on the lift motor, which can create more extensive damage over time. This problem only requires a simple repair when you catch it early.
• Worn or broken springs: The springs that aid in the lifting mechanism gradually wear down over time, which can cause your garage door to feel heavy. Worn springs are typically an affordable repair and can help reduce wear on the entire garage door system. If your garage door spring is broken, a replacement spring will have your garage door running smoothly for years to come.

When to Replace Your Garage Door

In most cases, it makes more sense to replace your garage door, particularly in these situations:

• Significant damage: When multiple garage door panels are damaged or the door undergoes significant damage, replacing it is a more cost-effective solution. When repairs won’t suffice or would cost as much or more than a new door, you may be better off going with a replacement.
• Door hasn’t worked: If your door hasn’t worked properly in a long period of time, you may need to replace it entirely. While professionals can often repair a sudden breakdown easily, extensive damage requires a replacement.
• Old garage door: Like most things, old garage doors will show natural wear and tear and become less efficient as they age. Old garage repairs often fail to be effective long-term solutions. Garage door designs and features also progress over time, so replacing your old door can be a huge improvement.
• High energy consumption: When garage doors have ineffective insulation or poor energy efficiency, they can drive up your energy bill. To prevent this, replace your garage door with a newer, more energy-efficient door that will help lower your energy costs.

Garage Door Repair vs. Replacement

Both repairing and replacing your garage door are beneficial in a few different ways. If you’re still unsure of which route to take, consider some of the benefits of each option to help you determine what will be most beneficial in your situation.

Benefits of Repairing

Depending on the situation, repairing your garage door can be extremely beneficial. When small issues arise, repairs can be time- and cost-effective.

For example, repairing one dented panel is much more affordable than purchasing an entirely new door. Repairs can also be more convenient, as they’re typically simple repairs that a professional can finish in short amounts of time rather than undergoing a major home improvement project like replacing the door.

Keep in mind, however, that small problems can turn into large ones if you leave them unaddressed. Repairs are most beneficial when initiated promptly.

Benefits of Replacing

Replacing your garage door offers a different set of benefits.

If you’re looking for a garage door solution that will also increase your home’s value, replacing is the way to go. Investing in your home and improving its curb appeal can boost its value if you chose to sell.

Additionally, new garage doors require less frequent repairs and maintenance, which can save you money in the long run. New garage doors can also help improve your home’s security, as your garage door will be less of a burglary target.

Other Garage Replacement Considerations

Replacing your garage door is a significant home investment, so there are many things to consider when making the decision to replace it. To ensure you’re making a fully informed decision, here are a few more aspects to consider when looking at new garage doors:

• Warranty: When buying a new garage door, you’ll want to ensure it comes with a warranty so you know your purchase is protected. Warranties can cover a variety of aspects, like defects, repairs or replacements, for a specified period of time following your purchase. Look into your garage door manufacturer’s or seller’s warranty policy before purchasing.
• Budget: Another huge aspect to consider is your budget and what the most cost-efficient solution will be. You’ll need to consider whether a single repair will be sufficient or if it’d make more sense to spend the money on a replacement. You’ll also need to consider that the price of a new door can vary depending on the style and features of the system.
• Aesthetic: The garage door is one of the first features people will notice about your house, which means it has a big impact on your home’s exterior appearance. Consider colour, design and style in relation to the exterior of your house.

Contact Upper Canada Garage Doors for Repair and Replacement Services

Trusting a professional to repair or replace your garage door ensures the job is done properly and safely. For quality garage door services, contact Upper Canada Garage Doors. We understand that each repair and replacement job is different depending on your needs, so we take time to understand your situation and provide the highest quality service to our clients.

From helping you find the right products for a replacement to repair and maintenance, our team has the knowledge and experience to deliver top-quality results. Request service or get a new door quote today to begin your project.

Common Garage Door Problems

Common Garage Door Problems

Many homeowners rely on their garage doors as the main entrance to their homes. Most days, this system performs dependably and safely without much consideration — but one morning when leaving for work, you notice your door isn’t operating as smoothly as it did before. What could be causing your garage door problems, and can the issue be easily fixed?

With regular daily use, it’s common for homeowners to experience problems with their garage doors, especially if the system isn’t receiving routine annual maintenance. When you notice your garage door not working correctly, inspect the possible cause of the problem right away — some issues may be fixed with a minor hardware adjustment or replacement, while others might require immediate attention to prevent severe injury or property damage.

Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won’t Work

If your home’s garage door isn’t opening and closing properly, note the source of the issue and what could be causing the problem. The following are common causes for why your garage door won’t work:

• Broken garage door spring system: The torsion or extension springs of your garage door counter-balance the door’s weight, allowing it to raise and lower smoothly. To determine the quality of your spring system, perform a visual check for damaged hardware, a broken spring will be very visible. Avoid using the garage door until the springs have been replaced — continuing to use the door could cause it to become off track.
• Damaged garage door cables: If your door is on an angle, one of your garage door cables has broken and needs to be replaced. It is most common to replace both cables as they wear at similar times.
• Dead remote batteries: When you click your transmitter remote, does the garage door operator light turn or make any noise? If so, then the batteries in your remote are likely dead and need to be replaced.
• Misaligned photo eye sensors: As your garage door closes, does it nearly reach the bottom then reverse direction? When the photo eye sensors at the base of your garage door track become misaligned, the invisible beam spanning the width of your garage door is broken, triggering the door to open. Check if any object is in the path of the sensors, check and realign the sensors if needed, or contact a local repair company to inspect your system.
• Power outage: If you come home and your garage door isn’t responding to commands — and the system has recently been inspected and found in good condition — then there’s likely a power outage in your neighbourhood. If you need to access your garage quickly, release the emergency cord connecting your door to the opener, then manually lift the door.

To best troubleshoot the problem with your garage door and ensure the system is repaired correctly, contact a professional garage door specialist to thoroughly inspect your door and perform repairs using the proper tools and equipment.

Benefits of Having a Professional Garage Door Repairman Perform Fixes

While many garage door repairs may seem like a simple task, it’s imperative to contact an experienced and trained professional to perform safe and lasting repairs with the correct tools for the job. By trusting a professional garage door company to perform repairs, you can expect:

• Repairs to be completed safely, minimizing homeowner injuries
• Professional experience and expertise to quickly identify the issue and recommend quality solutions
• Time and cost savings
• Proper tools and equipment for lasting, reliable repairs
• Parts and workmanship backed by warranties

Garage Door Not Working Properly? Trust Upper Canada Garage Doors

For help troubleshooting your garage door, contact the skilled and experienced professionals at Upper Canada Garage Doors. All of our garage door repair technicians are highly trained and respond promptly to your request, quickly identifying the issue and creating a personalized, effective repair solution. We happily provide garage door and maintenance service for homeowners throughout the Oakville, Burlington, and Milton communities.

To schedule garage door repair services, call us today at 905-267-2700 or complete our online scheduling form.

Spring Replacement and Cable Replacement

Spring Replacement and Cable Replacement

When your garage door isn’t working correctly, it can cause a huge disruption. If you’re a homeowner, you lose the amazing convenience you usually enjoy from your garage door. If you’re a business owner, it can be even more of an issue — potentially causing delays and losses.

When something breaks on your garage door, you need a fix as soon as possible. The springs and cables of your garage door are the most likely culprits of a broken or malfunctioning door. Read on to learn how to spot the signs of a broken cable or spring and how to get them fixed.

Dangers of Broken Springs and Cables

At its best, a broken garage door will be a nuisance. A garage door is a complex mechanism — when any one piece isn’t working, it will affect the entire door. When it isn’t working the way it should, it may not open or shut properly.

At the worst, a broken garage door can be a danger. When your door isn’t working, it can also be a security issue. If the door is hanging at an angle or won’t close the whole way, a thief may see that as an opportunity.

Signs of Broken Springs and Cables

If your garage door isn’t working right, you may not know what’s wrong with it. There are lots of signs for a broken garage door, like delayed opening and closing, strange sounds and more. If you have a feeling something is wrong, there probably is.

When you know how to recognize broken springs or cables, you’ll be able to get it fixed sooner. The sooner you get it inspected and fixed, the sooner you can get back to using it like normal. And, waiting to fix a broken garage door could lead to more serious issues.

A door with a broken spring will not open. If you press the opener and it makes a grinding sound but doesn’t open, you’ll most likely need to replace the spring. A broken cable is the more serious of these two types of issues, but a broken cable can also cause problems. When your garage door is sitting at an angle, it means one of the cables might have snapped. The door may still open a little bit, but you should always have it fixed as soon as you can.

Spring and Cable Repair and Replacement

If you suspect that the spring or cable of your garage door is broken, you should hire a professional. Some homeowners or businesses choose a DIY fix, but we recommend trusting in the expertise of a professional. If your door also has more serious issues, they will know what to do. Plus, if you run into additional problems during your DIY fix, you may end up causing more issues and having to pay for a pricier repair.

Contact Upper Canada Garage Doors for Spring and Cable Replacement

For a top-quality garage door professional in the Oakville, Burlington, or Milton area, we hope you come to us at Upper Canada Garage Door. Our expertise and excellent customer service will allow us to find the problem and suggest the best solution. Please schedule a service appointment with us to get your garage door back in order soon.

How To Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Your Garage Door

How To Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Your Garage Door

You’ve had your garage door for as long as you can remember. But lately, you’ve noticed that this loved feature has become a little — or quite a bit — run down. It isn’t working as it should, and you’re worried about how best to help keep it functioning while retaining your home’s market value.

If you’re wondering whether to repair your garage door or whether your old door is even worth salvaging, look no further than these tips for your garage door’s repair or replacement.

When Can I Repair My Garage Door?

• Only one part of the door needs replacing. Typically, buying one or two parts for a garage door is far cheaper than buying an entirely new system. If you’re generally happy with how your garage door looks and functions but find that one or two parts need a tune-up, purchasing and replacing the part itself is a quicker and more budget-friendly option.

• The door stops working suddenly. Years of wear and tear don’t tend to take a toll on your garage door in one day. If you wake up to find your door not functioning correctly, the chances are high that it’s an easy issue to address. Before calling a professional, check your garage door opener and remote batteries to ensure that all batteries are working properly. If they are, contact a professional to diagnose the problem.

• The garage door opener malfunctions. If you find an issue with your garage door opener, you’ll be relieved to know that you don’t need to purchase an entirely new garage door system to fix it. Garage door openers generally have different lifespans than the door itself. Call a professional who specializes in garage door opener systems.

When Is It Time to Replace?

• There are multiple issues with the door. While fixing one part of your garage door is usually cheaper than completely replacing the door itself, if you continue to have problems with one or several parts of the door, it’s probably time to get a new one. Replacing the door will be cheaper in the long run than continuing to purchase new parts.

• The door is old. Old garage doors don’t just tend to malfunction more, they’re also more unsafe than newer doors. Older garage doors are easy to break into, putting you and your family at risk. More modern doors have safety features that keep intruders out and keep your valuables locked in.

• The door lacks safety features. Family comes first. You and your family deserve to be protected by your garage door and shouldn’t have to worry about your safety while using it. Most newer doors have child safety features that reverse the direction of a closing door if the sensor indicates there is something underneath.

Hiring A Professional to Handle Repairs and Replacements

When repairing or replacing your garage door, it’s always recommended that you contact a professional and never try to complete the repairs yourself.

At Upper Canada, we value keeping you and your family safe through garage door repairs and replacements — serving the Oakville, Burlington, and Milton regions. Contact us today to allow us to maintain your family’s peace of mind in all your garage door needs.

The 3 Reasons Why It’s Time for a New Garage Door Opener

Why Your Garage Door Isn’t Closing All the Way

Why Your Garage Door Isn’t Closing All the Way

It one of those things you just don’t think about, until there’s a problem. It’s one of those things that works perfectly until it breaks. Your garage door and opener rarely have a breakdown, but when they do, troubleshooting it feels like you’re hunting in the dark.

If you’re lucky, you might spot the problem fairly quickly. If the opener is working, but the door won’t close, you might find something blocking the tracks the door rolls along.

But, if after you check the tracks, it still doesn’t close all the way, then you might be facing any of a number of issues that could be causing the problem.

Here are some of the potential reasons for your garage door is not closing or not closing all the way.

Potential Reasons Your Garage Door Isn’t Closing

1. Something Blocking the Photo Eyes

One of the main safety systems of your garage door are the safety sensors located on each side of the door opening just above floor level. A signal is passed between the sensors and, when the signal is broken, the sensors trigger the opener to stop closing.

If you’ve already checked for the obvious, which would be an object blocking the photo eyes, check them more closely. One of the eyes could be very dirty, blocked by a spider web, or something could have slipped immediately in front of one of the eyes.

2. Photo Eyes Out of Alignment

This is one of the most common reasons for the garage door mysteriously not closing all the way. If the photo eyes are not in line with each other, the signal between them is broken and the opener will stop the door from closing.

Check to make sure the photo eyes are properly aligned. If they aren’t, a light on each eye will flicker. You can adjust each eye by turning the wing nut on them. Once the eyes are aligned, the light on each one will remain lit and not flicker

3. Broken Sensors

If there’s nothing blocking the photo eyes and they are in alignment, the problem could still be with the sensors. If power is being interrupted or the signal isn’t been sent between the eyes properly, you may need to replace the sensors. We have lots of quality replacement sensors available here at Upper Canada Garage Doors.

4. Broken Springs

Your garage door is very heavy, yet it moves with just about the same effort as any other door in your home. That massive weight is balanced by a series of springs. The main load-balancing spring is the torsion spring, which is installed above and parallel to your garage door, inside the opening to your garage. There are also two extension springs above the track on either side of the door. Extension springs have the dual role of providing some weight balance and of keeping the door aligned in the track.

If one or more of these springs breaks, it could mean that the garage door opener isn’t able to close the door. We strongly recommend that you do not try to fix or replace the torsion spring on your own. It is under a lot of tension and, if not handled properly, you could seriously damage the garage door or, even worse, harm yourself or someone else.

5. Track Misalignment

If for whatever reason the tracks along which the door’s rollers travel are not parallel to each other, it could make it impossible for the door to close. If the tracks are knocked by something, or perhaps just over time they slip out of alignment, they could ‘squeeze’ the rollers so that the rollers can’t travel properly.

With a little practice, you can become a garage door troubleshooting expert. Again, not every garage door repair should be done by the do-it-yourselfer. Contact us here at Upper Canada Garage Doors to learn more about our garage door service and repair options.