Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener: Repair or Replace?

Over the past few decades, garage door openers have become some of those small, yet essential things in our lives. Not only because they provide the convenience of not having to get out of our cars but, also, because of the added safety and security that comes with controlling the access to our homes at the push of a button.

However, when they break down or malfunction, they become an inconvenience and a source of frustration. Fortunately, a fix for this problem is quite easy, as all you have to do is reach out to experts for garage door replacement in Encinitas. Only, how do you know if you should replace or repair the opener? That’s what we’re here to find out!

Is it cheaper to repair or replace the garage door opener?

When your garage door opener malfunctions or stops working altogether, the logical question is whether you should repair or replace it. However, the answer to that is never fully black or white. Rather, it will depend on several factors, including:

• The extent of the damage;
• The age of the opener;
• The price of a new opener.

In most cases, it is more profitable to repair a broken part of the opener, than to replace the entire contraption. However, if the opener is old and reaching the end of its lifespan or if certain parts are too damaged to be repaired and remain safe for use, then replacing it altogether is a much better and cost-effective option.

How much does it cost to fix a garage door opener?

The cost of repairing a garage door opener will vary widely based on the specifics of the problem. Factors that can impact the price are:

• The extent of the damage: The more severe the damage, the more expensive the repair. For instance, if the problem is a loose spring or screw, that’s something that can be easily fixed. However, if the motor is shot, it is more cost-effective to replace the entire opener.
• Age of the opener: The older the opener, the more difficult and costly it is to repair it. Plus, older parts may not be as readily available as new ones, which makes the undertaking even more complicated since you’ll have to spend an excessive amount of time scouring for them, paying extra to machine them, or contending with used ones, which is never advisable.
• Type of the opener: There are three widespread types of openers (chain drive, belt drive, and screw drive), and repairing each type carries unique challenges that will impact the final price;
• Technicians’ expertise: Finally, the cost of repairing a garage door opener will depend on the experience and skill level of the person performing the repair. A highly skilled technician will be able to diagnose and fix the problem more efficiently and effectively, leaving you with a lasting solution, rather than a temporary one.

Who is the leading company for garage door replacement in Encinitas & the area?

For 8 decades, Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego was and remains one of the foremost experts for garage door maintenance and installation anywhere from Batiquitos Lagoon to San Elijo Lagoon and beyond. 

We boast a team of expertly trained technicians who can diagnose and repair any issues with your garage door opener in a swift and efficient manner, using proven techniques, modern tools, and quality materials.

You can also count on us for a wide range of state-of-the-art replacement options if the repair isn’t feasible. With our detail-oriented mindset and utmost dedication to customer satisfaction, you can rest assured that the job will be done right the first time. Reach out to us today!

Who would believe that something as mundane as a simple garage door opener could become such an integral part of our lives? It is such a small, barely noticeable thing and, yet, it brings so much convenience (especially when it’s raining outside!).

Unfortunately, like any other electronic device, garage door openers aren’t invincible. They can break down over time due to age, wear and tear, or electrical issues. While you can diagnose these problems DIY-style, remedying them should be left in the capable hands of experts for garage door repair in Encinitas, CA. Let’s take it a step at a time.

How do you diagnose a garage door opener problem?

If you suspect that your garage door opener isn’t working properly, here’s some good news: you don’t have to be a tech savant or garage door repair specialist to figure out what went wrong. All you have to do is follow the steps below.

Step 1: Check the power source

This is one of those things that the vast majority of people simply forget about. Still, the outlet that the opener is plugged in can be switched off by accident or tripped by a circuit breaker.

Therefore, first, you should make sure that the power source for your garage door opener is up and running. If the outlet is working and isn’t damaged, check if the cord is plugged in properly. If that doesn’t do the trick, check the length of the cord for damage such as fraying. 

Step 2: Inspect the remote

If the power source is not the source of the problem, the next best thing is to check the remote control. First, look for signs of physical damage, especially if your remote met the curb forcefully aided by gravity in recent days. If there are no cracks, that might mean that the batteries died. Replace them and, if the problem persists, move on to step 3.

Step 3: Check the tracks

If you notice that your garage doors are struggling to move (e.g. creaking or moving incredibly slowly), the tracks might be the cause. Sometimes, dirt and debris get stuck inside the tracks, causing them to malfunction.

Be sure to inspect the tracks on both sides of the door to see if there’s anything blocking them. If there’s some debris in there, carefully clean it out, and try the door again to see if it’s moving smoothly.

Step 4: Check the door’s balance

The garage doors are really heavy and require a lot of force to move, which puts a lot of strain on the opener mechanism. For this reason, their weight should be evenly balanced, at all times. To inspect balance, disconnect the door from the opener, and open the door manually. If it stays open, it means balance is not the issue here. However, if it closes (fully or partially), then that means they are out of balance and causing strain on the opener, which leads to malfunction.

Step 5: Inspect the opener

Once you’ve eliminated all the previous criteria as the cause of the problem, then the probable culprit of your garage door issues is the opener itself. So, it’s time to give it a check. Look for any visible signs of wear and tear, loose nuts and bolts, frayed wires, or broken parts. 

Sometimes, fixing the problem is as easy as tightening a loose screw. However, in other instances, it may entail repairing or replacing electrical or sensitive door parts which, if done incorrectly, can cause more harm than good. 

Additionally, wear and tear can cause the opener to fall out of safety standards, which means that fiddling with it can be incredibly risky for your health. For these reasons, it is highly advisable to leave this task to trained professionals.

Who are the leading specialists for garage door repair in Encinitas, CA?

Radford Garage Doors & Gates are the foremost specialists for garage door installation, replacement, and repair in Encinitas, CA and the entire area east of Swami’s SMCA. Whether it’s a broken spring that needs replacing, a faulty sensor, or a burnt-out motor, our trained technicians have the skills and tools to get it working again in no time. Give us a call today and ensure a faulty opener stops ruining your day!

Are you hearing strange noises every time you open your garage door? Though the irritating squeaking, rattling, and buzzing noise is something we’re all familiar with, ignoring it won’t make the problem go away. Moreover, there’s a simple fix for it: lubrication.

Lubricating your garage door offers many benefits, from improved performance to an extended lifespan. The question is, what is the best way to do it and what are some garage door lubricants Encinitas residents should consider? Read on to find out what you need to do to keep your garage door running smoothly!

Pre-Lubrication maintenance checklist

Here are a few things to keep in mind before lubricating your garage door:

• Keep your door tight – Remember to tighten the nuts and bolts without overdoing it. Additionally, inspect all the worn parts and replace them if needed.
• Inspect the rollers – Rollers usually have unsealed bearings, which causes them to accumulate dirt and eventually break down. If rollers are damaged, they rub against the track, causing noise.
• Ensure hinges are in good condition – When hinges are worn, doors can bind at every section, resulting in noise.
• Adjust the garage door opener chain – Chain-driven garage doors often have this problem. If the chain is loose, your door will make slapping sounds.
• Choose the best garage door lubricant – You may be tempted to use WD-40 or a similar product to lubricate your garage door, but this will not be effective. Instead, use silicone or lithium-based products.

Following these simple maintenance tips, it’s time to get the work started.

How should I lubricate my garage door?

Over time, garage door friction and wear issues can arise if numerous unique parts that move in unison are not properly lubricated. It is essential to be meticulous and cover all the moving parts. For this reason, do it by following the detailed instructions below:

1. Close the garage door and unclog your garage opener, in case you have one.
2. Use a moist rag and give the tracks a good wipe to remove accumulated dirt. Never apply lubricant to the tracks since this makes it more difficult for the rollers to move and increases the workload on the opener. If you’re struggling to get your tracks perfectly clean, brake cleaner is a great way to get rid of buildup gunk.
3. Now open up the door carefully and spray or wipe the hinges with the lubricant of your choice.
4. Thoroughly lubricate the rollers, and cover rolling elements with a thin oil film, as well. For the door to stay balanced, wipe off any excess lubricant. However, keep in mind that nylon rollers do not require lubrication.
5. The springs and bearing plates at the top of the garage door should be lubricated, too. Remember to open and close the door at least a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
6. Lubricate the armbar and lock if you have them to make it easier to manually lock the door. Also, it’s vital you clean the keyhole and spray lubricant into it once to ensure it’s properly lubricated.
7. Apply lubricant to the top of the rail and then distribute it evenly across it. Given that the chain already has natural lubrication, you don’t need to grease it additionally.

What’s the leading garage door repair company in Encinitas?

Not sure if you should repair or replace your garage door and you’re looking for some expert garage door repair tips? You’re in the right place because Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego has your back!

Our approach is solution-driven and customer-focused, which makes us a leading provider of garage door installation services, maintenance, and repair services in Encinitas and the region. Count on our professional team, no matter if you live near San Diego Botanic Garden or elsewhere in the area. Get in touch with us today!

 

As odd as it may sound, we’re increasingly dependent on our cars and our garages due to our fast-paced lifestyles and tight schedules. As a matter of fact, Americans open and close their garage doors approximately 1,500 times a year to get to work, school, soccer games, doctor’s appointments, concerts, and other daily activities. You have to admit it’s quite an effort on your garage door – which will completely transform it in the long run.

It comes as no surprise that a damaged garage door should be addressed quickly. But have you ever wondered how often you should replace your garage door in Encinitas and why? Read on and find out when you should get a new garage door!

When should you replace your garage door?

It may be time to replace your garage door if you haven’t done so in a while. A new garage door system is an excellent home improvement investment since it will not require replacement for 15-30 years after installation.

If you are experiencing any of these conditions, an upgrade might be just what you need:

1. Wear and tear

With the right garage door, your home’s exterior will look completely different, adding to the overall look of your house as well as complementing its design. As your garage door starts to wear, the appearance of your home is affected. Choosing home garage door repair over a full replacement is a good idea when a single panel needs to be replaced. However, if there are several rusty panels or there’s long-term structural damage, it may be a good idea to replace your garage door altogether.

A damaged door doesn’t necessarily warrant a replacement, however. A new garage door can make a big difference to the appearance of your home, so if you’re planning to remodel and looking for a sophisticated and appealing design, now is the right time to consider a highly functional and stylish door.

2. There’s long-term structural damage

The sooner you address the damage to your door, the better. If you’ve placed off repairs for a long time, you probably won’t be able to keep it in good working order. Keep in mind that superficial damage to the door’s frame and mechanical systems will cause substantial damage over time. It may be necessary to replace the door if these stresses have permanently damaged its mechanisms.

3. Your garage door is noisy or vibrates excessively

A well-maintained garage door should operate smoothly. On the other hand, grinding, rattling, and shaking sounds coming from your garage door may indicate it’s time to replace it. No matter if you’re dealing with poor garage door lubrication, loose chain, broken hinges, or if it’s past its prime and needs replacing, find out what caused the issue and how to fix it.

4. You’re seeking to reduce energy consumption

You may want to replace your door due to energy efficiency concerns, even if no serious damage has occurred. In older garage doors, insulation may be lacking, allowing heat and drafts into the garage. This can significantly raise your energy bills. This is why you may want to consider upgrading your door to one with tighter seals and panels made of polyurethane to improve insulation. You will soon recoup your initial investment by saving money on your energy bills.

Where in Encinitas can I book a reliable company for garage door repair?

Not sure if you should repair or replace your garage door? No worries, you’re not alone! Over the past 75 years and counting, Radford Garage Doors & Gates has been providing the best garage door repair solutions, as well as unique garage solutions to home and business owners in Encinitas and beyond. A team of experienced technicians is at your disposal, ready to provide you with cutting-edge doors that meet the highest industry standards and specifications while adding aesthetic value to your home. Get in touch with us today!

There inevitably comes a time when your garage door is due for a makeover. Whether as a consequence of natural events, such as age, or manmade problems, such as backing your car into the door, you’ll end up asking yourself: “Should I repair or replace my garage door?”

If that moment has come, it is essential to know how to discern whether your experts for garage door repair in Encinitas, CA, should try and salvage your existing door or replace it with a new, better model. In the following article, we’ll show you how to do just that. Read on!

How do I know if I should repair or replace my garage door?

Since this decision has a practical, financial, and aesthetic side, it is important to consider several factors:

• How old is your garage door?
• What’s the extent of the damage?
• How much will repair/replacement cost?

A combination of answers will ultimately determine whether you should repair or replace your garage door.

How old is your garage door?

On average, a quality garage door can last 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance only. However, after that time, they’ll start showing signs of aging. They’ll start squeaking and screeching, stop working periodically or completely, or develop a whole host of problems.

At this point, a repair can entail anything from replacing one section of a garage door, to a complete overhaul. And that can cost a lot of money, even as much as the new door. Therefore, it is best to consider replacing them altogether, even if it isn’t damaged at all. Simply put, repairing isn’t financially feasible if the garage door is too old.

What’s the extent of the damage?

The extent of the damage will play a critical role in making the final decision. In general, we can split it into 2 categories:

• Cosmetic damage;
• Structural damage.

Cosmetic Damage

Cosmetic damage, as the name suggests, concerns only the aesthetics of your garage doors. Peeling or fading paint, minor scratches or cracks here and there, or a few loose screws do not call for a complete replacement.

They do, however, call for timely intervention as even a minor issue can quickly escalate. For instance, a new coat of paint can prevent steel from rusting or wood from rotting, given that the damage isn’t too big.

The good thing here is that you can take care of most of the minor repairs yourself. A new coat of paint, bolt tightening, or lubricating a garage door mechanism is all easy work that won’t take you much time.

Structural damage

Unlike cosmetic, structural damage can be disconcerting, depending on the extent. This damage type can range from moderate to severe and can impede or completely devoid your garage door of functionality. It may even pose a serious security risk.

In the case of moderate damage (e.g. rusting, bent sections, etc.) repair can sometimes be an option. The operating word being “sometimes”. However, when damage is severe (e.g. door won’t open or close at all, parts of the mechanism are broken, there’s extensive impact damage, etc.) repairing is never feasible.

How much will repair/replacement cost?

In the end, everything boils down to your budget and preference. As we mentioned, sometimes the repair can cost more than a new garage door. On the flip side, maybe you’re getting tired of seeing the same old dull gray door every single day and longing for a change in scenery.

Either way, it is best to contact the pros and have them do a thorough inspection. Their expertise will help you determine whether the repair is a practical solution, or if replacement is the way to go.

Who are the leading experts in garage door repair in Encinitas, CA?

For the finest garage door repair and replacement service north of San Elijo Lagoon, you need not look further than Radford Garage Doors & Gates. For 80+ years we’ve been Encinitas’ #1 choice due to our client-centric approach, undeniable quality, and unparalleled efficiency. Give us a call today to get the most out of your garage door for years to come.

Nothing’s built to last forever, and garage doors aren’t an exception. After years of constant use, they’re bound to show signs of aging, whether it be rust, refusal to obey your command, or creaking so loud you wouldn’t want them obeying your command.

The question is “What should you do when garage doors malfunction?” Should you try to repair it on your own or entrust that job to a reputable garage door repair company in Encinitas? Let’s find out!

Can I repair my garage door myself?

While garage door repair isn’t exactly rocket science, it certainly isn’t something that should be taken lightly. There are many nuances to the job, many of which leave ample room for mistakes. Therefore, before you rush into DIY-ing, consider a few facts:

• First, garage door repair is intricate work. It takes a lot of skills and specialized tools, as well as finesse to not only be able to get the job done well but at all.
• Second, garage doors, while sturdy, aren’t indestructible. It doesn’t take a lot to “fix” them up so well, that you’ll need a new one in a blink. And, let’s face it, garage door replacement isn’t exactly something you want to do often.
• Third, some components comprising the garage door mechanism aren’t safe for work. They can damage your garage walls, windows, and anything inside if handled improperly.
• Lastly, and most importantly, there are real health risks involved with this type of work. It only takes a misstep, a mishandling of a component, or looking the wrong way at the wrong time to end up with a serious injury.

Therefore, the answer to the title question is a resounding “no”. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, you’ve done it before, and have all the necessary tools it is best not to risk it. Leave garage door repair and replacement to professionals who will certainly do a good job without risking your well-being or that of your property.

Things you can and cannot DIY

From everything said, you may be under the impression that you shouldn’t even get close to your garage doors if they’re broken. Don’t worry, you don’t have to call a garage repair specialist for every minor thing. There are some (relatively) safe repairs that you could do yourself:

• Tightening loose nuts and bolts;
• Replacing damaged water seals and panels;
• Lubricating your garage door mechanism.

However, you should never ever attempt to repair broken drums, cables, or springs. All of them are under incredible tension and mishandling can result in severe injury.

Can I repair only one section of the garage door?

Absolutely! If only one section of your garage door is damaged, there’s no need to replace them all. However, before you start working on it, it is highly recommended to do a thorough inspection of every panel and the garage door as a whole to make sure it still meets the relevant safety standards. If the rest is in good condition, you may proceed.

That said, if you notice significant damage or signs of rusting on other sections or door mechanisms, it is best to have a professional do the assessment. Sometimes, salvaging some of it is possible. But, if the damage is extensive, it would be much more cost-effective to replace the entire door.

Where to find experts in garage door repair in Encinitas?

Whether you’re looking to repair your garage door or replace them entirely, there’s no one east of Moonlight State Beach to entrust the job to than Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego. We are a client-centered company with a track record of excellence spanning over 80 years.

With our expertise-based approach and the hard work of our trained professionals, we can give your garage doors a makeover that will stand the test of time. Contact us today to learn more about us and how you can benefit from our services in Encinitas and beyond.