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The Ultimate Guide to Garage Door Maintenance, Repairs, and Installation in Layton, Utah

car wheels in the garage while snowing

The Ultimate Guide to Garage Door Maintenance, Repairs, and Installation in Layton, Utah

December 19, 2024

Did you know your garage door opens and closes an average of 1,500 times a year? That’s a lot of movement for something we often overlook until something goes wrong. Our garage door maintenance does more than just open and close; it helps keep your home secure and adds value. But when things start to act up, it can be frustrating. No one wants to deal with a door that won’t open on a cold morning or worse—one that just stops working.

If you're in Layton, Utah, or nearby, it’s important to know how to maintain your garage door so it keeps doing its job day in and day out. This guide will walk you through the basics of garage door maintenance, how to handle common repairs, and when it might be time for installation of a new door.

Why You Should Care About Your Garage Door

We use our garage doors daily, but most of us don't think about them until there’s a problem. Here’s the thing: a little upkeep now can save you big time down the road. Regular maintenance can catch minor issues before they turn into big (and often expensive) problems. Think of it like changing the oil in your car. You don’t wait for the engine to fail, right? It’s the same idea with your garage door.

Garage Door Maintenance

Easy Garage Door Maintenance Tips

You don’t need to be a professional to keep your garage door in great shape. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep things running smoothly without breaking the bank.

1. Check for Wear and Tear

A good starting point is to do a visual check every few months. Look for anything out of place or showing signs of wear. These simple steps can help prevent a bigger problem later.

  • Springs: Are they rusting or looking worn out? Springs do most of the heavy lifting, so if they're in bad shape, your door might not open properly.
  • Rollers and Hinges: Look for any cracks or rust. If they’re getting worn, they may need to be replaced.
  • Tracks: Make sure the tracks are straight and clean. If they’re crooked, the door won’t move properly.

A quick visual inspection can save you time and money in the long run.

2. Keep Everything Lubed Up

A squeaky garage door isn’t just annoying—it’s a sign that something’s not working as smoothly as it should. The best way to keep things running quietly is to keep the moving parts lubricated. Spray silicone spray on the rollers, springs, and hinges about every 3 to 6 months. This keeps everything working quietly and efficiently.

It’s a small step that can really pay off. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference in how smoothly the door opens and closes.

3. Test the Balance

This is one of those things most people forget about, but it’s a simple test that can save you a lot of trouble. If the door isn’t balanced properly, it puts extra stress on the opener and can cause it to break sooner.

Here’s how you test the balance:

  • Pull the release cord to disconnect the opener.
  • Manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, you’re good. If it falls or rises on its own, the balance is off.

If the door isn’t balanced, it’s time to call in the pros to adjust the springs. Trying to do it yourself can be dangerous.

4. Clean the Tracks

The tracks are what guide the door as it opens and closes. Over time, dirt and debris can build up, making the door harder to move. To clean the tracks:

  • Wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
  • If you spot any bent sections, it’s a good idea to have them fixed, as this can cause bigger issues down the line.

Cleaning the tracks is one of the easiest maintenance tasks, and it’s something you should do every few months.

5. Replace the Weather Seal

The weather seal is the rubber strip at the bottom of your garage door. Over time, it can crack, dry out, or get worn down. A good weather seal keeps out the cold, moisture, and pests, and it helps with insulation. If you notice it’s getting brittle or damaged, replace it. It’s a cheap and easy fix that can make your garage more comfortable and energy-efficient.

Troubleshooting Common Garage Door Problems

Even with regular maintenance, things can go wrong. Here are a few common garage door problems that could crop up, along with simple solutions.

1. The Door Won’t Open or Close

Nothing is more frustrating than standing in front of your garage, trying to get in, only to find the door won’t budge. Before you call for help, check these simple things:

  • Power: Is the opener plugged in? Check to make sure the power’s on.
  • Remote Control: Maybe it’s just the remote. Try using the wall switch instead. If that works, change the batteries in the remote.
  • Sensors: The sensors at the bottom of the door might be blocked or misaligned. Clean them off and make sure they’re facing each other.

If these fixes don’t work, there may be an issue with the springs or the opener itself. At that point, you’ll probably need a professional.

checking the garage door

2. The Door is Noisy

Is your garage door sounding like a freight train every time it opens? Don’t ignore it. A noisy door usually means something is out of whack. First, try lubricating the moving parts. If that doesn’t help, check:

  • Rollers: Over time, rollers can wear out and cause noise. If they’re cracked or damaged, replace them.
  • Misaligned Tracks: If the tracks are bent or crooked, the door won’t run smoothly. Call a pro to get the tracks straightened out.

Fixing the noise early can prevent other problems from cropping up, and it’ll make the whole process a lot more peaceful.

3. The Door Won’t Close All the Way

If your garage door starts closing and then suddenly reverses, it’s probably due to one of two things:

  • Sensors: The sensors at the bottom of the door might be blocked, or they could be misaligned. Clean them off and make sure they’re lined up.
  • Track Issues: If the tracks are out of alignment or dirty, the door may not close properly.

Take a look at these simple things before calling a repair tech.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Garage Door

Sometimes, no matter how much you try to fix a door, it’s just time to replace it. If your door is beyond repair, or if it’s just plain old, a new garage door can be a great investment.

Here are a few signs it might be time for a new door:

  • It’s outdated: If your garage door is old and doesn’t match the look of your home, it might be time to upgrade.
  • It’s not energy-efficient: Older garage doors can have poor insulation, which can increase your energy bills. A new door can help keep your garage—and your home—more comfortable.
  • It’s beyond repair: If you’re spending more on repairs than the door’s worth, it might be time to say goodbye and get a new one.

When replacing your garage door, think about the material, insulation, and style. Whether you want something modern or more traditional, there’s a door out there that fits your needs.

Why Right Choice Doors is Your Go-To in Layton, Utah

For garage door services in Layton, Utah, Right Choice Doors is the trusted team you can count on. Whether you need repairs or a new installation, we specialize in all aspects of garage door care. Our skilled, friendly team ensures every job is done right the first time—quickly, professionally, and with a smile.

Expertise You Can Trust

With years of experience, we handle everything from minor repairs to complex installations. Our team stays up-to-date on the latest technology to provide the best service possible.

Fast and Efficient Service

We prioritize quick response times and efficient service, ensuring your garage door issues are resolved promptly and without delay.

Friendly, Professional Team

We take the time to listen, explain your options, and make sure you feel confident in the service we provide. We’re dedicated to offering a seamless experience.

Comprehensive Garage Door Services

Whether it’s a simple repair or a complete installation, we offer a full range of garage door services tailored to your needs.

Affordable and Reliable

We offer high-quality, affordable solutions to fit any budget, without compromising on service.

Local and Trusted

As a locally-owned business, we pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with our customers in Layton. When you choose Right Choice Doors, you're choosing a company that cares about your home.

cleaning the garage with high pressured water

Conclusion

Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your garage door running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs down the road. By taking a few simple steps, you can prolong the life of your door and ensure it stays in top working condition. But, if a problem arises that’s too big to handle on your own, Right Choice Doors in Layton, Utah is always just a call away. Whether it’s a quick fix or a complete garage door installation, we’ve got you covered with reliable, professional service. Don’t wait for an issue to escalate—keep your garage door in great shape and enjoy years of smooth, hassle-free operation!

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We use the absolute best parts available and back it with the most knowledgable crew. However, if anything happens to go wrong for any reason, we back our work and parts with the industries leading 5 year warranty.

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Garage door problems can unexpectedly happen at any time of the day. That’s why we are open 24 hours, Mondays through Sundays, and waiting for your call. Our service trucks carry most parts and all the tools needed by our crew so we can work on your door right on the spot.

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We pride ourselves on having the highest quality parts available as well as competitive pricing.

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Our technicians are local to your area so you know that you are getting kind and caring service from the locals.

Just give us a call for garage door emergencies, even in the middle of the night. Our team will drive to you shortly wherever you are in Bountiful, Kaysville, Layton, Ogden, Park City, Salt Lake City, Syracuse, and surrounding areas in Utah.
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