Springtime Garage Cleaning and Garage Door Maintenance

Springtime Garage Cleaning and Garage Door Maintenance

Be Sure to Inspect the Garage Door When Cleaning Out the Garage this Spring

The return of spring warmth and sunshine are indeed welcome sights after another cold and seemingly endless winter. After several months of pseudo-hibernation, neighbours can once again be seen working about their properties, raking the lawn, removing patio furniture from the shed, and detailing the interiors of their vehicles.

Another ritual of spring for many homeowners is cleaning out their garage; it is amazing just how much dirt, dust, film, and grit can accumulate in a garage over the winter, even if that space is accessed much less frequently during those months than in the warmer seasons. And when all of the garage contents have been removed and spread over the driveway and lawn, there will often be a quick-witted passerby who stops and asks what time the garage sale will be starting.

Once everything (most everything) has in fact been taken out of garage, the cleaning process can actually be completed, and there is an odd sense of satisfaction in knowing that all of the possessions will be returned to a freshly-swept environment, even though they may all end up in the same spot from whence they came. Before this replacement ritual takes place however, it may benefit the homeowner to invest the time in a garage door inspection.

Winter can be particularly harsh on a garage door and its parts, regardless of the actual amount of snow and ice that fell/accumulated during that time of year; therefore, having the garage emptied out for cleaning purposes offers an excellent opportunity for a door inspection and, if necessary, any maintenance or repairs that may be needed to restore its optimal performance.

A thorough garage door inspection should take into consideration the overall state of the door itself, its general operation (smooth or bumpy? quiet or noisy?), and an assessment of the condition and/or performance of these components:

• Cables
• Springs
• Hardware
• Tracks/Rollers
• Window Inserts
• Weather Stripping
• Garage Door Opener

Based on the findings of such a self-inspection, a homeowner might take one or more of these steps to better the operation/performance of their garage door and prolong its life:

• Tighten all hardware
• Wipe/lubricate all moving parts
• Replace tattered weather stripping
• Prepare/ready the door for re-finishing
• Test all garage door opener safety features

Conversely, for those homeowners in Durham Region who might be less confident and/or less inclined to perform their own garage door inspections and subsequent maintenance, they have the option of contracting the expertise of a reputable and reliable garage door service company such as Whitby Garage Doors.

Some Garage Door Maintenance Issues Will Need a Professional Repair Service

In some cases, garage door inspections and maintenance by a homeowner could uncover more severe or potentially dangerous damage that will likely require professional repair services. Some examples would consist of:

• Frayed cables
• Loose or bent springs
• Jammed or misaligned door
• Damaged, rotted, or rusted panels
• Peculiar sounds when door is in motion
• Peculiar sounds when door opener is in use

When such garage door repair work is needed, Whitby and area homeowners can rely on the award-winning services provided by the skilled technicians of Whitby Garage Doors. These services include but are not limited to addressing:

• Broken or bent springs
• Snapped or worn cables
• Twisted/bent tracking/rollers
• Damaged or broken door panels
• Malfunctioning garage door openers
• The root cause of any unusual sounds

For additional information on the garage door maintenance and repair services provided by the experts from Whitby Garage Doors, see our Services page.

For all your garage door inspection, repair, or maintenance needs, rely on the specialists from Whitby Garage Doors. Call Whitby Garage Doors today at (905) 441-1512 to arrange a service visit at your first convenience.

What To Do When Your Garage Door Has a Broken Panel

Removing & Replacing Broken Garage Door Panel

It would be safe to say that very few products will actually last forever, despite the best efforts of the manufacturer or the quality of the material. Some construction can indeed endure for centuries, such as Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids, but unfortunately, a homeowner cannot expect any such longevity from their appliances, furnishings, or other amenities.

With this reality in mind, consumers still retain certain expectations about durability and performance whenever they invest their hard-earned money in any type of merchandise or product. Regardless of the item or the amount invested, people simply want value in return, and will often take whatever steps they deem necessary to protect or extend the lifespans of their purchases – vehicles, swimming pools, furnaces, and valuables are just a few of the items that come to mind.

A parallel mindset can also be applied to a homeowner’s investment in their garage door. Due to its constant exposure to the elements, as well as its repetitive use, a garage door can be subjected to wear-and-tear; yet with regular and timely maintenance and repair, its longevity can be prolonged, and thereby continue to deliver its return on investment.

One of the common needs for garage door repair stems from damaged or broken panels. Regardless of their composition, there are several reasons why garage door panels can warp or sustain cracks, dents, or holes – these would include:

• General aging and deterioration of the door
• Parts failures – broken springs, cables, hinges
• Lack of maintenance (especially wooden doors)
• Quality of the material; quality of door installation
• Amount of direct exposure to the sun/the elements
• Impact damage, as a result of encounters with:
  • Family members
  • Vehicles, bicycles
  • Wind-blown debris
  • Hockey pucks, baseballs
  • Power tools, step ladders, etc.

Fortunately, the majority of such damage can be repaired without the need to invest in an entirely new garage door. Through the expert repair services offered by the team at Whitby Garage Doors, broken or otherwise compromised garage door panels can usually be removed and replaced right on the premises.

It should be noted, however, that the age and style of the garage door could complicate matters somewhat, especially in relation to matching the exact colour of any new panels to that of the original door. In such cases, it would essentially mean that the entire door might need to be repainted or re-stained, hence indirectly adding to the ultimate cost of the repair for the homeowner.

Include a Full Garage Door Inspection When Repairing Broken Garage Door Panels

Although the removal and replacement of broken or damaged garage door panels can be a relatively straightforward process, it will also require the removal and reinstallation of the garage door springs. The springs are designed to operate under high tension, which in turn should be taken out of the equation, so to speak, for reasons of technician safety and to facilitate the overall repair process (the door must be in the down/closed position while the work is being completed).

As noted above, a faulty spring could be the root cause of a broken or damaged garage door panel, and as a result, both issues would need to be addressed. Because the repair technician will already be on site, it might be prudent to also include a full garage door inspection as part of the overall service call.

This would permit a complete assessment of the condition and operation of the door and determine whether any other damage has occurred. It would also allow the technician to recommend and/or perform any additional repairs or preventative maintenance to further extend the lifecycle of the door.

A garage door inspection by Whitby Garage Doors will assess the state of the following:

• Springs
• Hardware
• Cables/Pulleys
• Tracking/Rollers
• Energy Efficiency
• Weather Stripping
• Garage Door Opener

For further information on the garage door repair and maintenance services provided by Whitby Garage Doors, including the replacement of broken/damaged garage door panels and complete garage door inspections, visit our Services Page.

If your garage door has any broken or compromised panels and is in need of professional repair services, call the experts at Whitby Garage Doors today at (905) 441-1512 to request a no-obligation consultation and quote.

Why Your Garage Door Is Making Those Strange Noises

Every garage door makes noise while it is opening or closing — even if it is ideally maintained and properly lubricated, there can still be humming sounds from the opener or the quiet whirring of rollers moving along the metal tracks.

In most cases, homeowners pay little attention to the everyday noises their garage door makes — if you hear the same sounds every time the door is in motion, you’ll probably assume everything’s in good working order. Unfortunately, this level of predictability can cause many homeowners to become complacent about their garage door’s performance until it is too late, and they need a service call to replace a broken garage door opener or attend to some other repair. If your garage door is making a buzzing sound, it might be time to call a professional.

Common Odd Noises and Their Possible Causes

Even if your garage door opens and closes normally, it isn’t necessarily in proper working order — there may be signs that service is on the horizon. These red flags can begin as strange noises you wouldn’t usually associate with its daily operation. Therefore, you should pay attention to the noises your garage door and opener make to detect potential or existing issues and minimize or prevent repair costs.

Rattling or Shaking

If your garage door makes noises like rattling or shaking, it can indicate several underlying issues. Ignoring rattling noises may lead to further loosening of components, exacerbating the problem and potentially causing more significant damage to the door or its mechanism.

Possible causes of rattling or shaking noises in your garage door could include the following.

• Loose hardware: Over time, nuts, bolts and screws can loosen due to regular door movements, causing parts to rattle during operation.
• Worn rollers: If the rollers on the garage door tracks are worn or damaged, they may produce a rattling noise when the door moves.
• Misaligned tracks: Improperly aligned tracks can shake the door during opening and closing, resulting in rattling noises.

Grinding or Screeching

Grinding or screeching noises are distressing sounds you might hear when operating your garage door. Here are some of the common causes.

• Lack of lubrication: Insufficient lubrication on moving parts such as hinges, springs or rollers can cause metal-on-metal contact.
• Worn or damaged rollers: Over time, garage door rollers can wear out or become damaged, causing friction and noisy operation.
• Misaligned tracks: If the tracks are misaligned, the rollers may grind against the edges, producing an unpleasant sound.

Popping or Clicking

Popping or clicking noises are another unusual noise you might hear when operating your garage door. While occasional clicking sounds may not cause immediate concern, don’t ignore persistent or sudden popping noises, as they may indicate potential issues within the garage door system.

Possible causes include the following.

• Temperature changes: In extreme temperatures, metal parts of the garage door may expand or contract.
• Spring tension issues: Incorrectly adjusted garage door springs could produce clicking sounds during operation.
• Loose or worn components: Some clicking noises may arise from loose or worn-out parts within the garage door’s assembly.

Squeaking or Whining

Promptly address these high-pitched sounds or strange buzzing noises in your garage to prevent further damage and ensure your door operates smoothly and quietly.

• Lack of lubrication: Insufficient lubrication on hinges, springs or other moving parts can result in squeaking or whining noises.
• Dry or rusty rollers: Dry or rusty rollers can create friction, leading to annoying squeaks during garage door operation.
• Worn-out bearings: The bearings in the garage door’s pulleys or other moving parts might wear out, causing squeaking sounds.

Other Noises

Additionally, there may be issues specific to a faulty or broken garage door opener.

• Rattling: A loosening of the chain or support rails
• Grinding: Inadequate lubrication of a part or parts
• Straining: Defective motor or inadequate horsepower

Regardless of the specific noise or how to differentiate them, any abnormal sound indicates the need for a garage door inspection and perhaps repair service. 

The Role of Regular Maintenance

While you can inspect your garage door and perform minor fixes such as adjusting loose hardware or lubricating the opener, you should leave most other repairs or service to trained professionals like the technicians from Whitby Garage Doors. A garage door’s weight and the degree of tension in the springs and cables can be particularly dangerous for do-it-yourselfers.  

Like any other mechanical system, your garage door requires periodic attention and care to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Routine maintenance prevents potential issues, while contributing to home security.

• Preventive measure: Regular maintenance prevents unexpected breakdowns and malfunctions. By addressing small problems early on, you can avoid more extensive and costly repairs in the future.
• Safety assurance: A well-maintained garage door is safe. Ensuring all moving parts function correctly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries to you and your family.
• Extended life span: Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life span of your garage door and its components. Well-cared-for doors are less likely to wear out quickly and require premature replacements.

A Garage Door Tuneup Can Prevent Additional and Unnecessary Repair Costs

If you suspect your garage door is struggling to keep up with your needs, schedule an immediate service call with a technician from Whitby Garage Doors. Our team will address any pressing maintenance tasks and perform a complete garage door tuneup to prevent additional or unnecessary service and repair costs.

Our garage door maintenance checklist includes a thorough inspection and essential maintenance for any door and opener repair issues.

Garage Door Inspection/Tuneup

• Panels
• Hardware
• Tracks and rollers
• Springs and cables
• Door weight/balance

Garage Door Opener Inspection/Tuneup

• Motor
• Travel limits
• Drive system
• Support tracking
• Safety/auto-reverse

If your garage door or garage door opener is making a strange buzzing noise or other unusual sounds, it might be time for repair or maintenance. Call the garage door repair experts from Whitby Garage Doors today at 905-441-1512 to book a garage door inspection and tuneup visit as soon as possible.

Repainting a Garage Door is a Fundamental Part of Overall Home Maintenance

Despite the best of intentions, it often seems that time runs out on homeowners before they can start/finish all of the outdoor home maintenance projects they had planned for the fall season. Subsequently, any tasks left pending on this list are transferred, at least in theory, to the front of the line for outdoor home maintenance projects next spring.

Whether spring or fall, these are the more suitable seasons for exterior painting than the heat and humidity of summer and, at the risk of understatement, winter should not even enter this conversation. One exterior aspect of the home that responds well to a fresh coat of paint in the spring or fall is the garage door, as the more moderate temperatures of these seasons will allow the paint to dry properly. The principal scheduling challenge for any homeowner might be choosing the precise date to attempt this project, as it will require a stretch of several days without rain in the weather forecast.

Repainting a residential garage door is a fundamental part of overall home maintenance for a variety of reasons, including:

• Enhancement of curb appeal
• Extending the life of the garage door
• Protecting the door from the elements
• Protecting the door from rust or decay
• Reducing the probability of costly repairs
• Matching other colour changes to the home

In terms of the process for repainting their garage doors, Whitby homeowners might find benefit in following these guidelines/suggestions:

• Sand the face of the door to remove any flaking paint or rust
• Wash surface with soap and water or a power washer (gently)
• Lift door slightly; brush/sweep away all dirt/dust along its base
• Spread a tarp/plastic under the door to catch paint drops/spills
• Lower the door; tape around the inside edge of the door frame
• Apply a coat of primer, especially if changing colour of the door
• Begin with the upper panel; move horizontally across entire section
• Complete this application section by section, lifting door as required
• If primer coat was applied, repeat previous two steps to apply paint

Some additional tips to help homeowners in repainting their garage doors would include:

• Use a primer that is specific for outdoor use and suitable for the door surface
• Choose a latex-based paint, apply thin layers, and allow each coat to fully dry
• For multiple coats, alternate between horizontal and vertical brushing or rolling
• Use a roller for larger, flat surfaces; a small brush for edges or recessed areas
• Remember to prime/paint the edges per section before moving to the next one
• Wait until door is fully dry before removing tape (pull tape gently, slowly, evenly)
• Open door fully to paint door frame – close it only when frame is completely dry

With the appropriate motivation and materials, as well as a sufficient time commitment, residential property owners can revitalize the appeal and condition of their garage doors. Making such an investment in garage door maintenance can pay dividends over the short term with respect to preventing unnecessary repair costs and/or extending the life of the door before a complete replacement is required.

Sometimes, however, based on the age, condition, and style of the garage door, it could be more prudent long-term for homeowners to invest in a new door instead of repainting the existing unit. This may be particularly applicable to upgrading from a non-insulated door to an insulated model or from a higher-maintenance surface to a lower-upkeep one.

Homeowners looking for professional advice in such situations are encouraged to contact an experienced garage door service provider such as Whitby Garage Doors.

Garage Door Maintenance Extends Beyond Caring for the Outer Face of the Door

Repainting a residential garage door can indeed enhance its curb appeal and protect it against weather damage and premature replacement. However, exterior care is just one aspect of overall garage door maintenance. Regardless of the specific composition of the garage door, there are fundamental maintenance practices that are common to all.

Such general garage door maintenance consists of performing the following on a regular basis:

• Lubricating springs, hinges, latches
• Tightening all hardware if/as needed
• Examining tracks for dents and damage
• Wiping dirt/grime from springs and cables
• Checking rollers for signs of wear/weakness
• Inspecting weather stripping for faults or flaw

Homeowners can certainly perform their own garage door inspections and maintenance; however, those in Whitby and the Durham Region who would prefer the experience of a professional service can rely on the skilled technicians from Whitby Garage Doors. The garage door maintenance experts from Whitby Garage Doors can perform inspections and door tune-ups quickly and efficiently and, should an issue be identified, complete the appropriate repairs to avert further damage and unnecessary expense.

For more information on the garage door maintenance and repair services provided by Whitby Garage Doors, please visit our garage door services page.

If you are unsure about the viability of repainting your current garage door or would like a consultation on any other aspect of garage door maintenance, call the specialists at Whitby Garage Doors today at (905) 441-1512 to speak with one of our technicians or contact us at [email protected].

Why It Is a Good Idea to Insulate Your Garage Door

Insulation of a Garage Door Increases Home Comfort and Lowers Energy Bills

A garage door being insulatedIt should come as little surprise to homeowners that the monthly cost of utilities can add rather quickly or, considered from the opposite perspective, subtract dollars quite quickly from their bank account. Even with a monthly home maintenance plan/budget in place, there can be times of the year when these expenses will place a strain on one’s finances.

Therefore, it should also not be surprising that homeowners will look for ways to reduce utility costs in order to stretch their budget/finances just a little bit further every month. However, one aspect of cost reduction that can be especially challenging in this regard is that related to energy consumption, since winter weather/temperatures in Whitby and the surrounding region necessitate regular heating of a home for the family’s comfort as well as their personal health and safety.

On the subject of comfort, the following all-too-familiar complaint might strike a chord with many homeowners: is the living space above and/or adjacent to the garage always too cold in winter? And does this circumstance require either raising the thermostat or using an additional heat source, thereby increasing the cost of running the home during this season? If the answer to these questions is ‘yes’, the situation might be attributable to the fact that their garage doors are not insulated, thus allowing cold air to penetrate the garage area essentially at will and subsequently affect/lower the temperatures in the neighbouring rooms of the home.

Non-insulated garage doors are usually constructed of wood, either flat-surfaced or with recessed panels, or from a single layer of steel, with an open frame on the interior side. Of course, an immediate way to improve energy efficiency and lower heating costs would be to replace these types of garage doors with a newer, insulated model, but this might not be financially feasible for some/many homeowners.

Fortunately, there are less costly ways to upgrade garage door thermal insulation without the installation an entirely new door; this can be done rather easily by affixing one of these materials to the back of an existing door:

• Batt insulation – best choice for steel doors
  • Usually made of fiberglass, backed by paper or foil
  • Material acts as an air barrier and a vapour barrier
• Reflective foil – for steel doors or flat-surface wood doors
  • Insulation is either cardboard or polyethylene bubbles
  • This has highly-reflective aluminum foil on one/both sides
• Foam board – can be used with steel or wooden doors
  • Thin rigid polystyrene panels with high insulating value
  • Material usually has either a vinyl or aluminum facing

In addition to improving the thermal performance/energy efficiency of the garage door, the layer of insulation can also provide benefits in terms of noise reduction. This muffles street noise and can be advantageous to family members who are watching television or reading/studying in the rooms over or adjacent to the garage.

One important point for Whitby homeowners to note when adding insulation to the back of their garage doors would be to determine whether the garage door springs or garage door opener would need any adjustment to compensate for the extra weight of the door.

Indeed, due to the extreme winds and cold temperatures that can be part of the winter in Whitby and surrounding areas, installing insulation for garage doors can be very effective in improving energy efficiencies as part of good overall home maintenance practices. Homeowners looking for the immediate advantages of insulating their garage door, but who may be limited by time or other priorities, can count on the expert technicians from Whitby Garage Doors to complete the installation in a quick and competent manner.

Whitby Homeowners Can Realize Many Benefits from an Insulated Garage Door

A closed garage with an insulated wooden garage door. Should homeowners decide that installing a new, insulated garage door would in fact be the best course of action, they can once again bank on the skills and expertise of Whitby Garage Doors. The technicians from Whitby Garage Doors are trained in the installation of garage doors distributed by the leading North American manufacturers, including:

• Amarr
• C.H.I.
• Clopay
• Equal
• Haas
• Steel-Craft
• Wayne Dalton

Further to their improvement of energy efficiency, insulated garage doors offer other benefits over non-insulated doors, such as:

• A more quiet operation
• Improved noise reduction
• Greater resistance to dents
• Enhanced aesthetics/curb appeal

As a result, Whitby homeowners may want to capitalize on the full range of operational advantages and improved visual appeal afforded by installing a new insulated garage door from Whitby Garage Doors.

If you are interested in insulating your current garage door or want to upgrade to a new insulated door, call the expert technicians at Whitby Garage Doors at (289) 316-2997 to schedule a complimentary consultation today!

Garage Door Inspirations

Many Aspects to Consider When Replacing or Upgrading Your Garage Doors

Before investing their money in a major renovation project, homeowners will often invest time and energy in researching various designs, products, suppliers and/or contractors in order to initially generate ideas then make an informed decision on how best to proceed. After all, home upgrades such a new kitchen, an in-ground pool, or a finished basement are intended to be long-lasting, so they need to meet high standards in terms of quality, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

The same process should hold true when homeowners need or want to change the look of their garage doors. While some might at first disagree, it is important to keep in mind that a garage door can represent as much as 30-35% of the front face of a home, hence playing a significant role in providing curb appeal as well as influencing property values. Coupled with the fact that a garage door needs to deliver dependable functionality on a regular/daily basis for an extended period of time, it becomes apparent that time/energy invested in its purchase should parallel that dedicated to other major home renovations.

When looking to purchase new garage doors, homeowners should take several factors or aspects into consideration. These will include:

• Type of door
• Choice of material
• Door design or style
• Specific needs/preferences

Looking at each of these factors in more depth may help to inspire or stimulate ideas for homeowners as they investigate and decide on the garage doors that are best suited for their Whitby home.

Types of Garage Doors

• Swing-up – one-piece doors that open in canopy format or fully retracted into garage
• Swing-out – side-hinged two-piece doors (an option when overhead space is limited)
• Sectional – multiple panels; smooth roll-up operation along vertical/horizontal tracks
• Slide-to-the-side – either one-piece or two panels; doors open in horizontal direction

Choice of Garage Door Material

• Wood – beauty and craftsmanship contrasted against high maintenance
• Steel – lower maintenance but could be subject to rust, scratches, dents
• Aluminum – light-weight, rugged, and rust-resistant – also more expensive
• Glass Panel – tempered panes in highly-durable aluminum frames – very chic
• Wood Composite – a wood look with less maintenance, better energy efficiency

Garage Door Design/Style

• Classic – a traditional look, ideal for older homes
• Contemporary – more modern, sophisticated designs
• Carriage House – a bygone-era look with modern functionality
• Custom-Designed – patterns/décor appealing to homeowner tastes

Personal Needs/Preferences

• Colour – compatibility with exterior of the home
• Door maintenance – how much and how frequent?
• Primary use of garage – window inserts to permit natural light?
• Degree of insulation – for energy efficiency and noise reduction

There are indeed a vast number of factors that can inspire/motivate homeowners when choosing their new garage doors. Whitby homeowners looking for additional information on various options or specific types of doors are encouraged to call on the professional knowledge and insight of experienced garage door installers, such as the team at Whitby Garage Doors.

Learn About the Styles and Models of Garage Doors Best Suited for Your Home

Whitby Garage Doors carries and installs an extensive selection of garage doors from all leading North American manufacturers such as Clopay, Steel-Craft, and Wayne Dalton to name just a few. This affords Whitby-area homeowners access to a centralized resource with comprehensive knowledge on available garage door options relative to:

• Manner of operation
• Materials and maintenance
• Insulation/energy efficiency
• Range of styles (curb appeal)
• Pricing, accessories, and more

Searching for a new garage door to upgrade the look and appeal of your Whitby home? The team from Whitby Garage Doors can help you make an informed decision about this important investment. Call the experts at Whitby Garage Doors at (905) 441-1512 to book a no-obligation consultation today!

Update the Overall Appeal and Value of Your Home with a New Garage Door

New Garage Doors Can Enhance the Curb Appeal and Value of Your Home

All garage doors are new at some point in time, and therefore, regardless of design and composition, this may lull homeowners into thinking that they have just installed the last garage door they will ever need for their home. Unfortunately, new garage doors are only new once, and what was perhaps considered to be trendy or state-of-the-art a few years ago may no longer be the case today.

Much can change from the time that new garage doors are first installed, particularly in relation to the homeowner’s personal situation, tastes, or needs. These could include:

• Affordability (more disposable income available)
• Conscious decision to upgrade rather than move
• Exterior design and/or colour scheme of the home
• Primary use of the garage – living space, work space
• Occupancy of the space above/adjacent to the garage

Moreover, and depending on when the doors were bought and installed, technology may have grown by leaps-and-bounds over that time with respect to advancements in:

• Material/composition
• Methods of operation
• Energy efficiency/insulation
• Safety and security aspects

When all of these dynamics are taken into consideration, one might understandably see why a garage door that has been in place for several years may not be the best option for the homeowner moving forward. And, if more substantiating evidence is needed, one just needs to keep in mind that garage doors represent approximately 30 to 40% of the front façade of a home and are clearly the largest and most noticeable feature from the street – this can play a significant role in both the curb appeal and the value of a home.

Therefore, whether homeowners want to upgrade their home for personal gratification or for the purposes of preparing to sell the property, they should seriously contemplate the installation of new and more modern garage doors. Some options include:

• Sectional doors
• Sliding barn doors
• Carriage house style
• Glass (frosted or tinted)
• Doors with window inserts
• Insulated doors (steel/aluminum)

Homeowners in Durham Region who wish to upgrade the curb appeal and value of their home may want to rely on the experience of a reputable garage door company in the Whitby-Ajax area like Whitby Garage Doors. Whitby Garage Doors supplies/installs a vast array of doors and can present options for consideration like the above and more.

Wide Selection of Garage Doors and Accessories for Whitby-Ajax Homeowners

Home renovations or upgrades intended to increase the value of a home, including the installation of new garage doors, generally require a sizable investment on the part of a homeowner. As such, these types of spends/purchases should also entail a considerable time investment to research and compare styles and prices.

As a licensed distributor and certified installer for all leading garage door manufacturers in North America, Whitby Garage Doors can assist customers with their comparative shopping by providing insight and information on a vast selection of quality garage doors from major suppliers including:

• Haas
• Equal
• C.H.I.
• Amarr
• Clopay
• Steel-Craft
• Wayne Dalton

Looking for new garage doors in Ajax or in the Durham Region? Call the garage door company in Whitby that offers the widest selection of doors and accessories. Call the installation specialists at Whitby Garage Doors today at (905) 441-1512 or contact us at [email protected] to schedule a service visit today!

Garage Door Repair Service is Often All You Need When the Door Will Not Open

There is a perception that exists within a segment of consumers that, when something is either broken or not working properly, it is often better to just replace it with a new and perhaps improved model rather than having it repaired. The time and inconvenience of arranging for service or sending the item back to the manufacturer, not to mention any associated costs, will frequently lead these consumers to look for an option that is faster and easier – out with the old, in with the new.

While this could be a possible option for certain types of products, it is not necessarily applicable to garage doors. When a garage door no longer opens and closes properly, or not at all, the cause is often readily identifiable and can usually be remedied through a professional garage door repair service such as Whitby Garage Doors.

Indeed, there will be occasions when a complete garage door replacement would be the appropriate course of action. Such situations might include:

• Age-related issues – rust, rotted wood, warping
• Structural damage, either accidental or malicious
• Improving energy efficiency over the existing door
• Upgrading the aesthetics or curb appeal of the home

But, for the most part, the smooth operation of a garage door and even its appearance can be fully restored without incurring the costs of purchasing and installing an entirely new door. There can be a number of reasons why a garage door may no longer function safely, securely, and/or appropriately – these circumstances can include:

• Broken garage door springs or cables
• Loss of tension in the springs and/or cables
• Weight of the door off-centre or imbalanced
• Rollers cracked, bent, or shifted out of place
• Track is misaligned or has sustained damage
• Garage door opener somehow malfunctioning
• Window inserts are either cracked or broken
• Damage to one or two of the individual panels

All of the above issues can be rectified relatively easily and affordably by calling upon a Whitby garage door repair provider like Whitby Garage Doors. A trained technician from will respond promptly to diagnose the primary cause of the failure and recommend the appropriate course of action to restore the operation and/or aesthetics of the door.

Common Reasons Behind the Need for Garage Door Opener Repairs

In much the same way that garage door repair providers can help homeowners avoid the cost of a replacement door, such services may also prevent the need to purchase a new garage door opener when the existing/current model has malfunctioned.

Let’s face it, these mechanical devices are repeatedly called upon to open and close the garage door, often several times in a single day, and this level of use may simply cause an automatic opener to stop working at some point. Issues with the following parts are the most common reasons behind the need for a garage door opener repair service:

• Wall switches
• Electrical wiring
• Drive systems
• Gears and sprockets
• Remote controls
• Receivers
• Safety sensors
• Circuit boards
• Light sockets

Once again, a certified technician from Whitby Garage Doors can identify and remedy the issue quickly and efficiently, thereby extending the life of a garage door opener and avoiding the cost of purchasing an entirely new unit.

For more information on the full scope of garage door repair services offered by Whitby Garage Doors, please visit our Services page.

If your garage door will not open and/or you suspect that your garage door opener has malfunctioned, a repair service may be all that is required rather than buying a new door or opener. Call the garage door repair professionals at Whitby Garage Doors today at (905) 441-1512 or contact us at [email protected] to schedule a visit by a technician at your earliest convenience.

Reasons Why Your Garage Door Will Not Open

Troubleshooting to Assess Whether a Garage Door Repair Technician is Needed

For most mechanical objects that are used on a daily or routine basis, there is a certain level of owner expectation with respect to their performance. It is generally assumed that vehicles will start every time the key is turned in the ignition, that gas lawnmowers will respond every time the starter cord is pulled, and that food will be properly chilled or frozen every time a family member opens the refrigerator or freezer respectively.

So, when a result other than the expected occurs, there could be a feeling of momentary shock and disbelief in discovering that something usually quite reliable has failed; these emotions may often be followed by frustration and even resentment at the subsequent inconvenience caused by this failure.

This same scenario plays out time and again, at home after home, when family members try to open their garage door and, surprise, nothing happens! Their immediate reactions might be to simply repeat the process by either straining harder to lift the door (it must be stuck) or pushing the button on the remote more forcefully (it must be sticking). But there may be any number of reasons why a garage door will not open, including:

• • With a garage door opener
    • Malfunctioning remote (or just dead batteries)
    • Malfunction in the opener drive system or motor
    • Power source disconnected or wiring may be loose
    • Photoelectric eye either blocked or out of alignment
    • Open and close limits for the opener not set properly
    • Door might have been inadvertently left in lock mode
  • With or without a garage door opener
    • Broken torsion spring
    • Broken or loose cables
    • Door off kilter/weight unevenly distributed
    • Rollers damaged or popped out of tracking
    • Tracking blocked, bent, or out of alignment

When it comes to troubleshooting these types of issues, some may be readily apparent through a visual inspection, particularly those related to the garage door itself and/or its hardware. Should a mechanical or parts-related problem be identified or suspected, it is strongly advised that a professional garage door repair service, like Whitby Garage Doors, be contacted to confirm and/or rectify the matter. This is due to personal safety concerns linked to installing or readjusting springs and cables placed under high tension.

• Testing all remotes/replacing all batteries
• Resetting the power source/checking fuses
• Examining all wiring for fraying/connectivity
• Wiping/cleaning dirt from all photo eyes/sensors

Should such actions not correct the situation, it could imply that something much more complex is at play. In these cases, it would again be prudent for homeowners to utilize a certified garage door repair provider such as Whitby Garage Doors to diagnose the issue and recommend an appropriate course of action.

An Annual Tune-Up Can Prevent Unnecessary Garage Door Repair Service Costs

In the same manner that regular maintenance can prolong the life of a furnace or an air conditioner, an annual garage door tune-up will help keep the door in optimal operating condition and extend its lifecycle as well; it can also help the homeowner avoid the need for/costs of unwanted garage door repair service.

There are several steps that homeowners can take to maintain their garage doors in top working condition. These actions include:

• Brushing/cleaning and inspecting all torsion springs, cables, pulleys, drums
• Inspecting all hardware and tightening any screws, nuts, bolts as needed
• Examining tracking for dents/damage that should be repaired or replaced
• Lubricating rollers (spray not oil) and looking for wear, cracks, misalignment
• Lubricating the garage door opener drive mechanism (again using a spray)

Homeowners who might be unsure about completing their own garage door tune-up or those with a preference to have this tune-up performed by a certified technician can call on the expert garage door repair service available from Whitby Garage Doors.

If you have been inconvenienced by a garage door that will not open, due to the failure of a garage door opener or a problem with the door mechanism or hardware, call the garage door repair specialists at Whitby Garage Doors today at (905) 441-1512 to book a technician as soon as possible.