Maintenance Tips for Commercial Garage Doors in Houston

Maintenance Tips for Commercial Garage Doors in Houston

Your garage door is an essential part of your everyday routine as a business. You have to rely on a quick exit and entrance to deliver goods, offer reliable services and keep up productivity. You also trust your door to keep valuable parts, machinery, products and staff safe. 

Your garage will always need a little bit of maintenance throughout the year to keep it running. From cleaning the tracks to lubricating the rollers, you’ll need to inspect your door and make sure it’s working correctly. If you’re experiencing drafts, hear startling noises or your door is reaching the end of its lifespan, you may need to replace your door and start fresh with a new one. 

There are many common problems when it comes to garage doors. Thankfully, we have some commercial garage door maintenance tips that can help you keep your door running smoothly so you can focus on what drives your business.

Tighten the Bolts

After years of consecutive use, your bolts will show signs of wear and start to loosen. Businesses may use their garage doors multiple times a day as staff members clock in, clock out or leave for a scheduled service. All of that opening and closing takes a toll on the pieces that keep your door moving. 

You should check the bolts on your hinges, brackets and spring plates. The bolts on your hinges may have widened the holes that keep them in place after a lot of use, and if you notice this, you should replace the screws with ones that will allow for a tighter fit. When you check the screw on your brackets, you should also ensure that the tracking system is level so your door won’t become misaligned. 

Lubricate Moving Parts

Keeping your door lubricated will help it run smoothly and extend its lifetime. You’ll want first to remove any dirt or buildup that you find is in the way of moving parts. You should plan to lubricate your door about twice a year, but you may want to add more if you use your door more frequently. 

You may find rust on your springs, which you should remove as soon as possible so they don’t snap. Your torsion or extension springs need special attention because these are the parts that open and close your door. If your door is snapping shut or struggling to open, it’s probably time to get these replaced. 

You should never try to replace springs on your own because they can become projectile when they break and cause injuries to yourself or staff and damage vehicles and equipment. It’s always best to contact a professional if you think you need to replace your garage door springs.

Check for Damages

It’s always a good idea to look for damage when you perform your garage door inspections. As you examine your door, bring some cleaning supplies and give everything a good wipe down. Cleaning debris will help you spot any cracks, bends or other damages in places where there’s excessive dirt. It’s essential that you remove any buildup that you find in the tracks because this can prevent your door from opening and closing smoothly. 

Some damages will only worsen if you don’t fix them and affect other parts of your door. For instance, the rollers aid in moving your door quietly, and when these pieces are worn or broken, the rest of the unit will have to work harder to get your door to the right place. This will create a screeching sound and put a lot of strain on those other parts and pieces, leading them to break. Some pieces you may be able to replace on your own, but others could cause injury, so you should hire a professional to service those parts.

Look for Rust

Metal is prone to rust, which can make your door less attractive and cause future door problems. Rust makes metal weaker and can create holes if you don’t remove it. Additionally, rust on moving parts can cause your door to get stuck when you try to open or close it. If you don’t give your door proper maintenance, it won’t last as long as you need. Areas with humid air can cause rust to appear sooner than others, so you should check for this more often. 

While modern doors are more resistant to rust, older steel doors are especially susceptible to rust, and you should contact a professional to take care of your rust issue before a larger one develops. You may decide to replace your door instead of getting it repaired, but an experienced technician will be able to inspect your door and tell you the best course of action. 

Check the Insulation

You want to ensure that your door is energy-efficient, especially in very hot or cold weather. If your team works in the garage, it’s essential that they can stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. First, you should evaluate the door’s weatherstripping to determine if it’s worn. The seals on your door should prevent dirt, air, insects and moisture from coming under the door. If it’s worn, you should replace it. 

However, if you’re still seeing high energy bills or feel a draft when the door is closed, you may want to get your door replaced. Modern doors have a layer of insulation that keeps the inside of your garage safe from the elements, and they tend to last longer with an added layer of protection. 

Using an insulated door will reduce the chances that air and energy escape and keep your team and equipment safe from the weather. Additionally, insulated doors add a layer of protection from break-ins and can keep your equipment and property safer. 

Contact HALO Overhead Doors for Garage Door Repairs

HALO Overhead Doors is a family-owned garage door business that has been operating since 1991. We believe each door is an opportunity to serve, and our team is passionate about providing you with solutions that fit your budget and preferences.

We know you want to protect your business, property and staff, and we have a large selection of doors to meet your needs. Every one of our team members has five or more years of experience in the industry and knows how to handle any problem you have. 

HALO provides tough doors and loyal service. Schedule a service or request an estimate with HALO Overhead Doors. Whether you need a new door or maintenance on your current one, we’ve got you covered. 

How Do I Fix the Rollers on My Garage Door?

Garage rollers are an essential part of your garage door. When they age or break, your garage door can become inoperable. 

Read on to learn more about the various types of garage door rollers, including how to know if your garage door rollers are bad, how to fix them and when you should replace them. 

What Are Garage Rollers?

Garage rollers are the small wheels on your garage door. The wheels fit into tracks on either side of the door, enabling it to move up and down.

These wheels often contain ball bearings to reduce friction, letting the rollers move more smoothly and quietly. The wheels attach to a shaft that fits into a steel bracket on the garage door. When they’re working correctly, these rollers move along the tracks and guide your garage door up and down. 

Types of Garage Door Rollers

Garage rollers come in a variety of materials, each with advantages and disadvantages: 

• Plastic rollers: Made of hard plastic, these basic rollers are inexpensive and often come with new garage doors. However, they typically only last a couple of years.
• Steel rollers: Durable and cost-efficient, steel rollers are a solid step up from hard plastic. However, they’re often noisier than other rollers and need regular lubrication. Rust may also be a concern if they’ll be operating in a damp environment.
• Nylon rollers: While more expensive than either plastic or steel, nylon rollers have become a popular choice. Their highly durable nylon is quieter and more weather-resistant than steel and these rollers require very little maintenance overall.

Knowing the type of garage door roller you have will be very helpful when you need to fix or replace them. You’ll be able to estimate how long your rollers will last and how frequently you’ll need to maintain them.  

How Often Should Garage Door Rollers Be Replaced?

How often you change your garage door rollers largely depends on the type of rollers you have. While basic plastic rollers usually only last a couple of years, steel rollers and nylon rollers can last a long time. 

The life of your rollers also depends on the average number of daily cycles your garage door goes through, or how many times it opens and closes on a daily basis. When buying garage door rollers, you can measure their longevity by their cycle ratings. While you’ll likely have to estimate your average daily cycles, this rating can still give you a good idea of how long the rollers should last. 

How Do I Know If I Need New Garage Door Rollers? 

Once you know what to look for, you’ll find there are a variety of other signs that can let you know it’s time to replace your rollers:

• Old age: One of the easiest ways to know if it’s time to replace your garage door rollers is to check the cycle rating. If you remember when you bought them, this rating will give you an idea of whether or not your rollers are approaching the end of their lifecycles. 
• Noisiness: If you hear a constant grinding, scraping or screeching noise, it may be a sign that you need to replace your garage door rollers. You may just need to add some lubrication if you have steel rollers, while plastic or nylon rollers may be on their last legs. 
• Shaking: Rusted garage door rollers can cause your garage door to vibrate and shake as it opens. Check the tracks for signs of rust, especially if you have steel rollers.
• Slow operations: Even the most durable materials can only last so long. General wear can make your garage door rollers less effective, making your garage door open more slowly than usual. 
• Visible signs of wear: Make sure you inspect your garage door rollers every so often for signs of damage. Check for cracking and chipping, loose parts and any broken seals on the rollers. Your garage door is made up of a lot of intricate parts — it’s important to check every once in a while to make everything is still intact. 

How to Replace Garage Door Rollers 

You’ve spotted one of the signs above, and it’s time to consider a replacement. Rather than tackling the job yourself, it’s best to contact a professional service for any significant garage door roller repairs and replacements. While you may think that a DIY approach could save you some money, there are many advantages to using a service, including:

• Safety: One of the biggest benefits of a professional service is safety. There are many moving parts on a garage door — if you’re not sure what you’re doing, you could be risking injury. Hiring a professional will help you stay protected. 
• Quality: With a professional service, you’ll be getting garage door technicians with years of experience in the industry. They’ve done countless replacement jobs and know exactly what they’re doing. You’ll be able to trust the quality of the final product. 
• Reliability: Although you may save money by doing a repair or replacement yourself, you also might lack the reliability that a professional service would give you. Invest in a service to get expertise that you can rely on for years. 

Garage doors can present multiple dangers when they’re not operating correctly, so it’s important to find someone who has the training and experience to replace your rollers safely. However, you still have several ways to determine if your rollers need repairs or a complete replacement. 

1. Examine Your Rollers 

When you’re experiencing those telling signs of garage door roller wear, get up close and inspect them. Look for any loose or chipping parts, scratch marks or signs of rust. Clear away debris, lubricate all moving parts and then test the door again.

2. Tighten Parts 

As your garage door moves up and down, the vibrations can loosen the bolts, nuts and screws that hold its parts together. Perform a thorough check to see if any have come loose.

If you do notice any loose bolts or screws, you can get a screwdriver and tighten these parts. Sometimes simple tightening can do the trick. 

3. Check Springs and Chain 

You can also inspect other parts of your garage door like the springs and chain to determine where the problem originates. While the rollers could be causing noisiness and shaking, it’s best to investigate every possibility. Improper track alignment or an old chain could be complicating your garage door operations. 

Contact Halo Overhead Doors Today 

Finding a professional service is the way to go when you need a garage door repair or replacement. When you need a company you can trust, Halo Overhead Door is there to help. We’re a family-owned company that’s been in business since 1991. We offer a wide selection of residential and commercial garage doors as well as a variety of services. 

Work with us to find a quality garage door or get your door back in working order. Contact us today! 

When It’s Time to Call in the Professionals for Garage Door Service

Professional garage door inspections and maintenance can extend your garage door’s lifespan and ensure it’s functioning properly and safely. You might be wondering how often you should have a technician come out and perform routine garage door service. Keep on reading to find out!

Standard Garage Door Maintenance Schedule

If you’re not experiencing issues with your garage door, preventative maintenance is recommended once annually for normal use. If you use your garage door frequently, you might require more frequent maintenance or servicing. Having said that, if you have any safety concerns or suspect any problems with your garage door, stop using it and have a professional come out and inspect it.

Signs you Need Garage Door Service Now

Below is a list of signs that you should schedule an appointment now versus waiting for your regularly scheduled garage door maintenance appointment.

1. Sagging Sections

Check and test your garage door’s balance at least once a year. This will involve you disconnecting the door’s opener and operating the door manually. Now, bring the garage door down about halfway and leave it like that. The door should not continue rising or falling. If it does, there’s something wrong with your door. Don’t check or attempt to repair any of the door’s components on your own, particularly if you’re inexperienced because this could be dangerous.

2. Slow Response Time

Check to see how long your garage door takes to respond to your commands. Usually, it shouldn’t take more than a second or two for it to open or close after you press the opener. Once you press the opener, your door should begin opening or closing smoothly without any delay or hitching. If you notice there’s a delay in its operation, it might indicate a problem with either the opener or the door. You should have a garage door technician come out and inspect it.

3. Malfunctioning Photo-Eye

The photo-eye is responsible for keeping your door from closing if something is blocking the infrared beams or an object is passing through. They’re essential because they reduce the risk of accidents;  however, a photo-eye can be sensitive and if not lined up quite right, it could keep your door from closing. Another way the photo-eye could be malfunctioning is if there is dirt and/or debris on the eye. If you’ve lined up the photo-eye and you’ve cleaned any dirt and debris off it and it’s still malfunctioning, call in a professional.

4. Roller Issues

The rollers keep the door running up and down its track smoothly. But, rollers can become:

• Broken
• Bent
• Worn

This can make your garage door noisy or stop it from functioning altogether. It can also cause bent hinges. You would need a roller replacement garage door repair in this case.

5. Broken Cables

The pulley and cable system of your garage door’s operation is a complex system. The cables can break off the pulleys. Fixing this yourself, even though it’s an inexpensive job, is complicated and dangerous and isn’t recommended.

Keep in mind, your garage door is the heaviest and largest moving part of your house. Any type of repair or service to it can be potentially dangerous. It’s never recommended that you try any repairs yourself. If you’re in need of any type of garage door service, contact Halo Overhead Doors today!