Can you imagine not having a garage? One of our favorite things is the automatic garage door opener which saves us from having to get out of our car in the sweltering heat or torrential rains that we get our fair share of in Florida.

Like any at-home convenience we enjoy, maintenance comes at a cost. In fact, homeowners in the US spend anywhere from one to four per cent of the value of their home on annual maintenance.

If your home is valued at $200,000, that means you’re looking at spending as much as $8,000 per year on home maintenance costs. These costs only get higher, the older your house gets.

You can lower these costs by learning how to do some basic DIY repairs. Read on and learn about your garage door’s mechanics and how to fix a garage door that’s off track.

Ways Your Garage Door Can Go Off Track

Your garage door moves on a series of rollers. These rollers are on brackets which are attached to your garage door.

Then there is a track that is installed throughout your garage. On occasion, the rollers can get dislodged from the track for one reason or another. The first thing to do when your garage door isn’t working properly is to identify what the problem is.

The Track Needs Lubrication

To keep the rollers running smoothly, you need to ensure that all of the moving parts of your garage door are well lubricated. You can use a spray lubricant for this purpose or even powdered graphite.

Household oil will work in a punch, but it’s really better to use a spray lubricant such as a silicon spray. Doing this regularly will help prevent the rollers from coming off the track in the first place.

The Track Has Come Loose

Once you’ve lubricated the track, the next thing to do is check if a track has come loose.

A track coming off the wall is the main reason that garage doors come off track. Ensure that all the tracks are tightly anchored to the wall. Use a ratchet handle or wrench to tighten any brackets that have come loose.

The Track Has Been Dented or Damaged

Garage door tracks are surprisingly delicate and can be dented even from something like a child or a bicycle bumping into it the wrong way. Think of the tracks like train tracks. Even a small dent will derail the rollers. If you heard a grinding sound when you were trying to open the garage door, there is a good chance that there is an issue due to a dented track.

Check along the length of each track for any dents or other signs of damage. For small dents, you can easily repair them. The best tool for this is a rubber mallet as it won’t damage the tracks further. Alternatively, you can use a hammer or a block of wood but proceed with caution. If the damage is more significant, then you will need to replace the tracks completely.

The Track is Out of Alignment

Next, you’ll need a level to check that the tracks are in their proper alignment.

The way to check this depends on the type of set up that you have for your garage door. If your garage door is on a horizontal track, they will angle slightly at the back of your garage. A roll-up door, on the other hand, needs to be exactly level. Also, check that tracks across from each other are the same height.

How to Fix a Garage Door That’s Off Track

Once you’ve fixed the track, the next thing is to put the rollers back on the track. As long as the garage door has not suffered extreme damage, this should be a relatively straightforward procedure.

Step 1: Separate the Automatic Opener

In the middle of your garage, you’ll see a string hanging from the console that controls the door opener. Pull that string to disable the mechanical opening mechanism.

Once you’ve done that, you will be able to manually open and close the garage door. Note that the garage door will no longer be locked so you should make sure that the door to your home is securely locked if you leave the garage unattended.

Step 2: Open and Secure the Garage Door

Partially open the door and until the damaged track is lined up with one of the rollers. Use a pair of vice grips or locking pliers to hold the garage door in place.

Step 4: Open and Straighten the Track

At the spot where the roller has jumped out of the track, use a pair of pliers and open up the track. Next, guide the rollers back into the groove of the track. Finally, once the rollers are in place, you need to close and straighten the track. Do this using a rubber or wooden mallet.

Step 5: Check the Movement of the Door

After you’ve fixed all the rollers, remove the pliers that were holding the door in place.

Slowly open and close the door and check that all the rollers are staying in place. Assuming that none of them is jumping the track, then you should be all set. Reattach the garage door opener from the center console and again check that the door is opening and closing smoothly.

A Word of Caution

Learning how to fix a garage door that’s off track is an important DIY skill as a homeowner. That said, a garage door may also go off track due to a more serious mechanical issue such as the lift cord snapping. When this happens, there is a risk that the door will collapse completely. If this is the case, you should always contact a professional to help you with the repairs.

No matter how big or small your garage door repair situation is, contact us today and take advantage of our same day repairs to get your garage door up and working right away.

Have you ever seen a horror movie where the killer succeeds because someone’s garage door won’t open in time?

Probably not. Although it’s not as exciting as fumbling to start a car or unlock a door, coming home to a garage that won’t open can be a real nightmare.

If you’re scratching your head because your garage door won’t cooperate, you’ve come to the right place. This article will walk you through the top 10 reasons why your garage door won’t open.

My Garage Door Won’t Open

There are many reasons why you could be having problems with your garage door. All of these issues boil down to a few simple causes: an obstruction, a technical issue, or old equipment.

Let’s look closer at some specific problems.

1. The Photo Eye

The photo-eye is the tiny sensor on each side of your garage door. It should be a few inches off the ground. If you look closely, you should see a bright red dot on each eye.

These two sensors project across the door to make sure that the door never shuts on top of any object or person. It’s a great safety feature, but it can get misaligned.

It’s possible that an object knocked into one of the sensors so that the light beams are disconnected. If that’s the case, then you need to adjust the photo-eye until you re-establish a connection.

Bad weather can also cause a lot of damage to your garage. If your sensors sustained any water damage, that could disrupt the circuit.

2. Broken Cables or Springs

Your garage door relies on a few different cables and springs to open and close it smoothly. When something breaks, you’ll definitely be able to hear it. The moment it snaps, it will make a loud boom.

If your garage door only opens halfway, this usually means that a spring is broken. Although you can easily fix some other issues on this list yourself, replacing broken cables and springs is a job where you should seek professional help.

3. Remote and Sensor

There could be many different issues coming from your remote control or the remote sensor.

First, make sure that you’re using the remote within the range where it can open the door. If you’re close enough and it still won’t open, check the batteries to see if they need replacing.

Your remote sensor may also be damaged. Take a look at your motor and find the wire dangling in front of it. If there is any fraying, it needs to be replaced.

If you’re still in a pickle, you can try reprogramming your remote. It’s possible that the remote and sensor are simply out of sync.

4. Getting Off Track

Your garage door slides along a metal track so that it can open and close quietly. If your garage door doesn’t open all the way, it may be because of an alignment problem.

Inspect the metal track to look for any bending or damage. The tracks need to be in perfect condition for the door to function. If you notice that your garage door opens slowly or if there are any grinding noises, you should get your alignment fixed immediately.

5. Locked Out

Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with the garage. We can accidentally lock ourselves out without knowing it!

If you can hear the motor running when you try to open the garage, check to see if a bar or another locking mechanism is in place. You can remove the lock, and the door should be free to move now.

If you use a keypad, that could also be your problem. Most keypads come with a lock mode or vacation mode that disables the garage door. Take a look at your keypad to make sure your door didn’t get locked.

6. Keypad

Other things can go wrong with your keypad beside accidentally locking the door.

If your remote isn’t what’s out of sync, then your keypad could be to blame. A simple reset could be all you need to get your door open again. Having the most up-to-date technology will ensure that your home is the safest it can be.

7. Electric

Since you need electricity to open your garage door, there are a few things that could be wrong.

The most obvious problem is if your outlet is blown. The easiest way to check if the power source your garage door uses is disrupted is by plugging something else into the outlet. If it doesn’t work, it needs to be replaced.

Other problems include frayed wires, water damage, and accidentally unplugging the power source. If the problem isn’t obvious, you should definitely get a professional to inspect your garage door.

8. Wear and Tear

Just like any other appliances you own, the mechanisms that open your garage door can get worn down with age. Getting proper replacements should be all you need to get your garage door functioning again.

9. “Disconnect” On

In case you didn’t know, every garage door comes with a lot of safety mechanisms. Whether it’s a knob, button, or switch, your door has the option to shut off the automatic opening. This feature is useful for when there are power outages when you’d need to open the door manually.

This is an easy fix! All you need to do is look for the disconnect feature your door uses and switch it back to automatic.

10. Obstacles

Garages can sometimes be people’s storage units. If your garage is packed with all kinds of stuff, something might accidentally get knocked over. If an object is blocking the photo eye sensors, then the garage door will not open.

Did you know that the sensors are so powerful that even dust can disrupt them? If you don’t notice any object in the way, try giving the photo-eye a nice wipe down.

Need More Help?

If you ever need a professional opinion, you can always call Bayside Garage Doors for any garage door troubleshooting. We are more than happy to help when your garage door doesn’t open or assist you with any other concerns you may have.

We offer 24/7 service to all of our customers. Life doesn’t stop happening during off-hours, which is why we’re always for you.

Among the many options available to improve the look and appearance of the home, improving the garage structurally and aesthetically is often the way to go. It gives you a chance to make your entire property shine because it gives the garage and home a unified look. If you’re hoping to sell your house and think that putting in a new garage door helps increase the value of home, you’re right. Any significant improvements you make work well to increase interest in the property you’re trying to sell.

Different Styles to Meet Different Needs and Different Houses

Your neighborhood is full of different houses. They range in size, décor, rooms, and even yards. You may have a home that looks completely different than your neighbors’. Consider this a blessing as a house is every bit as unique as its owner.

Here are some ways to make your garage door stand out in your neighborhood:

• Choose Windowpanes. Windows help break up the boxy look of traditional garage doors. It’s a great way to let the sun in, too, if you choose to work inside the garage. Windows are a way to reduce energy costs as you can use the heat from the sun to warm the space when the weather is cooler.
• Opt for Horizontal Relief Patterns. It helps create visual interest by offering a line for the eye to follow. It’s far more interesting than a traditional garage door. It also fits the look of many of the homes that it shares space with.
• Use Vertical Lines to Create Visual Interest. Just like horizontal relief patterns, vertical lines give the eyes something to zoom in on. People will see how attractive your garage door is as well as how well it matches the rest of your property. When trying to create curb appeal, it’s best to choose options give the appearance of depth, dimension, and even texture.
• Install Barn Door Style Cross Beams. You can achieve any look you want to by selecting the right door. There are modern options that exist outside of aluminum. You can choose wood and opt to have it painted to look like a barn door. This makes the space much more special than a typical garage. In fact, you may not even use it for your vehicles. You may choose instead to treat it like an extension of your home by utilizing it as an entertainment area or art studio.
• Use Color. A little color goes a long way in making a garage door stand out. Choose one that complements the home. You can create contrast by using a lighter or darker color than the one you have on your garage already. Think about extending the look of your home to the garage and find new colors that allow you to express yourself and your unique personality.
• Accessorize with details. If you opt to have a carriage house style garage door, you can add details such as patterned hinges and even multi-pane windows. You can use potted plants to draw interest to that area of the property and to even make smaller spaces look bigger than they really are. If you want to use a trellis, you can do it to soften the area and make it look warm and comfortable. The DIY Network offers suggestions as to which plants are the best for easy landscaping. The fifteen varieties selected are low-maintenance. They are Velvet Cloak Smoke Tree, Jules Verne Peony, Winter King Hawthorn, Variegated Ribbon Grass, Burgundy Carousel Japanese Barberry, Elijah Blue Fescue, Thornless Common Honeylocust, Grey Owl Juniper, and more. Stonework on the walls outside the garage door also work well. Anything that creates a sense of texture is nice. Stamped concrete is an option that doesn’t cost a lot but delivers favorable results.

There are a number of things you can do to make your garage door different than others in the neighborhood. You’ll enjoy being the home that people stop and admire every time they pass it. How the door looks is every bit as important as the functionality of the product.

The Right Company for the Job is Bayside Garage Doors

When you decide to add a new garage door to your garage, Bayside Garage Doors will install it for you. We offer a number of different door types including carriage house style and wrought iron. We also offer steel, wood, and wood composite for you to choose from.

This ensures that you get the exact aesthetic and quality that you paid for when you do business with us. A new garage door is affordable for every type of budget. In fact, if you have questions about a particular style of door, just ask as we want to help you find the right fit for you.

Your new garage door is something you’re proud of and want to be able to enjoy for a really long time. It’s the type of financial decision that improves your home by making it more attractive, structurally sound, and safe from intruders. If you haven’t thought about how to protect your new door from damage, you’ll want to soon. It’s how you avoid certain situations that could potentially damage or destroy the door you worked so hard to pay for.

Don’t Let Hurricane Season Take Its Toll on Your Investment

Garage door damage occurs in high winds and other severe storms. It occurs when people push things up against the door while storing them in the garage. Vehicles striking garage doors happens from time to time, too, which is why it’s important to make sure that your garage door opener is in good working order at all times. Garage doors are sometimes damaged by thieves who want to get what is inside the property.

Here is how to protect your new garage door from damage:

1. Remove all obstacles from obstructing the garage door. Do not place anything up against either side of the door. Store items on walls, shelves, and in bins in the back or the sides of the garage. Allow enough room for vehicles to move in and out of the space effortlessly. If you have to swerve or park at an angle to avoid hitting something, it’s time to look into other storage options.
2. Make sure that it lowers and raises with ease. If the garage door is getting stuck, do not force it. First, look to see if there is an obstruction preventing it from lowering and raising. It could be something as small as a stick or rock so keep that in mind. It may also be due to the fact that the garage door needs maintenance. Having a trained professional come out and take a look at the mechanisms is ideal. Sometimes, it’s a quick fix. Other times, it’s a bigger repair that keeps you from having to replace the door altogether.
3. Purchase a reinforcement kit or have one attached for you. In the event that strong weather threatens the door and structure of the garage itself, you’ll want to frame the door to add support. Today’s Home Owner shows how you can do it yourself with 2x4s and lead shields or concrete screws. If you’re not comfortable doing it alone, you can call on a company that is well-versed on this type of service. When you hire a professional, you’re getting their guarantee that the work is protected. If you do it yourself and do it incorrectly, you’ll have to accept the liability for it.
4. Secure your garage against intruders. Don’t give the wrong people access to your garage. Motion detector lights that turn on when someone approaches the structure help tremendously. Reinforcing the garage door and making sure that it is closed at all times keeps people from trespassing on your private property. You’ll also want to keep your car doors locked while parked in the driveway. Don’t leave the garage door opener inside of your vehicle, either. Carry it into the home so that if someone does gain access to your car, truck, van or SUV, they won’t have a way to get into your home easily.

As you can see, there are a number of issues that can cause a garage door to get damaged. It’s up to you to do everything you can to make sure that it doesn’t bend, buckle, and break in areas. Garage doors are often made from lightweight material because it helps them move easily.

There are other options to choose from than aluminum, however. Speak to the garage door company that you’re working with to install your new garage door for suggestions on what type of door to use for your property.

Expert Service Helps You Keep Your Door Free from Damage Year After Year

A new garage door is an investment with lots of potential. You increase the value of your home and its curb appeal when you work with Bayside Garage Door. We provide you with a garage door made of quality materials that are durable and long lasting. It’s up to you to take care when you raise and lower the door as well as back your vehicle out of the garage.

You’ll want to exercise extreme caution whenever you enter and leave the property. That way, you don’t make a mistake that costs you money. Ask that everyone in the home do the same.

That way, you’ll have your garage door intact for years. You won’t have to do anything more than have it serviced. It helps keep the property value high because a nice garage is something that many people look for when buying a home.

If you’re in the market for a new garage door, there are some things you should know. For example, what industry trends should you follow? What do you need to know to make an informed decision about purchasing a new garage door? You want it to be something you’re happy with for a very long time so it does require research.

Your existing garage door has served its structure well. It is, however, showing signs of wear and tear. Before replacing it, stop to think if it can be repaired instead. Does the garage door still have some life in it, or will you need an entirely new door altogether?

Knowing when to repair and when to replace a garage door is a skill that will help you as a homeowner. After all, the idea is to lower your expenses as much as possible, right? By being able to distinguish the difference between a repair and a replacement, you’ll save yourself time and money by getting the job done right.

It’s Time to Repair the Garage Door

If your garage door isn’t raising or lowering, it could be due to a mechanical malfunction. In these cases, a simple repair is needed. Rather than replace the door, the transmitter, keypad, circuit board, wall button, rpm sensor or photo eye is repaired or replaced which reduces the overall cost of the job.

Here is how you know it’s time to repair your garage door:

• It no longer opens or closes easily. There are a number of things that can cause this problem. For example, it may due to faulty wiring or a misaligned sensor. You may even have something getting caught in the door. The best thing to do is look to see if there is an obstruction and removing it immediately to prevent further issues with the garage door. If it still isn’t doing what it needs to do, it’s time to call a professional to take a look at it.
• It takes a long time to open or close. You might have a problem with the opener itself and not the door if you experience this issue. See how long it takes to respond to your command. Replace the batteries in your opener, and if it still gives you trouble, call a repair service.
• It makes a lot of sound when you raise or lower it. Loose hardware or even the garage door opener itself could need repair. You’ll hear a sound that isn’t normal and want to get it taken care of right away so it doesn’t worsen.
• The door is coming off its tracks. You can visibly see the problem when you stand inside or outside the garage. You’re likely missing a part that needs replacement. Calling a repair technician is the best way to approach the situation because they have the tools needed to get the job done right.
• Parts of the garage door sag. Again, this is an issue you can see with your eyes. There are parts of the door that no longer are flush. They sag and need repair.

Any of these scenarios can be easily remedied by a garage door repair company.

It’s Time to Replace the Garage Door

There are times when a garage door cannot be repaired. If it has been driven through or damaged significantly, it must be replaced. You have no other option than to have another garage door installed.

Here is how you know it’s time to replace your garage door:

• There is visible damage. The door has cracks and holes in it. It has big spaces where animals can climb in, water seeps in or people can enter the garage easily while you’re away. A damaged garage door can compromise the safety of the structure. It needs to be taken care of right away.
• It’s wasting a lot of energy. You find that you’re paying more in electrical costs than normal. The spaces caused by an old garage door may let the heat out. It could possibly not close properly, either. The insulation might be failing which means it’s time to look into getting a new door altogether.
• It makes so much noise and a repair doesn’t stop it. A noise indicates a bigger problem in some cases. It’s usually taken care of with a quick and easy repair. In the event that it isn’t, it could be time to replace the door. Otherwise, you’re stuck listening to that sound for a really long time.

In the best cases, a simple repair does the trick. In the most extreme cases, however, a new garage door is advisable. If you can’t take care of the problem with a simple repair, it’s time to make a financial investment in your home by removing the old door once and for all.

Contact Bayside Garage Doors for Your Garage Door Repair

Repair or replace your garage door with ease. It’s time to upgrade yours anyway. Now that you know what type of options exist, you’ll be able to make the decision to repair or replace your garage door with confidence. Bayside Garage Doors is available to help you make a final decision.

A garage door repair is a job best left to experts. That’s why you don’t want to make a mistake and hire the wrong company to do the job. You can easily choose the right garage door repair specialists when you know what to look for. Consider this your guide as you hire technicians to do work for you.

Have Realistic Expectation by Asking the Right Questions

Having a good idea of what type of company you’re working with helps ease concerns. It answers the questions that you have so you can prepare for the repair and expense. It also helps you understand the garage door repair process so you can explain it to other people who are looking for a good company to work with.

What You Should Know About the Company You Want to Work With

Here are five things to know before hiring a garage door repair company:

1. How long have they been in business, and what do their customers say about the work they do? Even the newest businesses start to build a reputation online and throughout a community. If you’re not sure what type of company you’re working with, read some reviews. Ask someone you trust who repaired or replaced their garage door. See what they have to say about the experience. This is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself from working with the wrong garage door repair company. You’ll know you made the right choice based on other people’s experiences.
2. What services do they provide? Depending on the extent of damage your garage door has, you’ll either want to repair it or replace it. If a company only does repairs and you need the old garage door removed and a new one put on, what will you do? It’s important to know what to expect from the company you choose to work with. That way, there isn’t added expense or future issues with the door to deal with.
3. On average, how long does it take to complete a job? A company should give you a timeframe letting you know exactly what to expect. That way, you can prepare for the repair or replacement accordingly. You will not be able to park inside the garage until the job is done. You may also need to be at your home at the same time the garage door repair company is there to answer any questions they have about your garage.
4. What type of guarantees are offered to customers? Is the garage door itself covered in the event it stops raising and lowering? Are future repairs covered in the event that the door malfunctions? Getting to know the company you plan to work with means that you know what they’re offering as well as what sets them apart from the competition. You’ll want to have a good idea of what the garage door repair company stands for by asking the right questions.
5. How much does the average garage door repair or replacement cost? This question helps you prepare financially for the expense. It gives you an idea as to exactly how much to allot for the repair or replacement garage door. It takes into consideration labor costs. It is among the most important things you’ll want to know before hiring a garage door repair company. It provides you with the opportunity to shop around until you find the right place to give your business.

Before you hire a garage door repair company, ask yourself questions pertaining to the company’s reputation, the services they provide, the length of time it takes to complete a job, the type of guarantees offered, and the price of the repair or replacement.

Give Yourself Time to Prepare for a Repair

Knowing these things helps you make an informed decision as to which company to go with. It helps you prepare time in your schedule for the repair or replacement as well as free up your finances to pay for the repair. Getting an idea what company your family, friends, and neighbors use for their garage door needs helps make up your mind about which company gets your business.

What Makes Bayside Garage Doors Different Than Its Competitors

Bayside Garage Doors offers a wide range of services to meet our customers’ needs. For example, it’s not just broken cables or crooked doors that we deal with. We also offer keyless entries and opener remotes.

Working Quickly to Address the Problem at Hand So You Don’t Have To

The services we provide address the most common garage door and opener issues such as a door that doesn’t open or a door that doesn’t close. We discover the problem and work quickly to remedy it before it worsens. Many times, there is a malfunction in the electronic components of a garage door which hinders its usefulness. It’s something we’re accustomed to taking care of efficiently.