If you ever accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake and wind up hitting your garage door, it is important to know that this damage should be repaired as soon as possible. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may provide coverage for garage door damage, but be sure to check your policy deductible first. It may end up costing you more to file a claim with your insurance than to cover the damage out of pocket. Damage to your garage door can disrupt the curb appeal of your home, but more than that, it can also pose a safety risk to you and your family.
Types of Damage
Broken Spring
At some time or another, all garage door springs break. Whether it is due to age or amount of use, springs wear out over time.
Broken Cable
There are metal cables running along the sides of your garage door, and over time they can fray and snap.
Damaged Photo Eye
These are those sensors a few inches off the floor on either side of your garage door. If they become misaligned, it can stop your garage door from functioning.
Electrical Damage
Garage door lift motors require electricity to function. If a breaker blows, then your garage door will no longer work. If something more serious happens, like water damage to the breaker, then you should call in an electrician to fix the issue.
Wear and Tear
As with all things, eventually garage doors just wear out. There are many components and moving parts to account for. While regular maintenance will keep your garage door working longer, it will inevitably need to be replaced at some point.
Off Track
If your garage door is having trouble opening and closing, it could be an issue with the alignment along the tracks. Any misalignment will cause the garage door to unbalanced, making the weight load on the motor much greater. The lift motor is only able to accommodate so much weight, so this will prevent your garage door from working if the misalignment is severe enough.
Repairs
There are some basic repairs that you are able to make on your own. For instance, you can remove an obstacle from the path of the photo eye or adjust the alignment of the photo eyes, so they are pointed in the right direction again. However, any repairs that require electrical work or taking on the weight of the garage door should be left to a professional. It is also a good idea to have your garage door inspected once a year to ensure that it is properly maintained and is in good working order. Our professionals at Straight Up Garage Doors will make sure that your garage door not only works properly but that it keeps you, your family, and your home safe.
