How To Fix A Bent Garage Door? With Tips and Tricks
When it comes to protecting your property, a garage door is an essential part of keeping your home and belongings safe. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, resulting in a bent or damaged garage door that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
Here, we will provide simple instructions on how to fix a bent garage door, enabling you to move forward without worry and get back to your daily routine. So, let’s get started.
To fix a bent garage door, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
- Hammer
- Nails
- Level
- Vice grips
- Pliers
- Screwdriver or drill with screw extractor bit
- Replacement parts such as hinges or tracks
What Are The Ways to Fix a Bent Garage Door?
Here are the steps to follow when fixing a bent garage door:
Inspect the Damage:
The first step is to inspect the damage done to the garage door. Note any sections that appear bent or out of place, as well as any dents or other damages. This will help you determine what needs to be fixed and how best to go about it.
Secure Bent Sections:
If there are any bent sections, use vice grips or a hammer and nails to secure them in place. This will help you get the garage door back in shape before moving on to other repairs.
Check for Levelness:
Use a level to check that the garage door is still level after securing any damaged sections. If it is not, you will need to make adjustments to ensure that the door is even before continuing.
Check The Tracks:
You will also need to inspect the tracks for any damage. If you notice that they are bent, use pliers and a screwdriver or drill with a screw extractor bit to repair them. Make sure to replace any damaged parts as well.
Adjust Springs:
Check the springs on the garage door and make necessary adjustments if they have become loose. Be sure to do this slowly and carefully, as any sudden movements could cause the springs to snap.
Replace the Cables:
If the springs are in good condition, but the door still isn’t opening or closing properly, you may need to replace the cables. The cables attach the springs to the door and can become worn or frayed over time. Replacing them is a relatively simple process and can often be done without professional help.
Lubricate the Door:
Even after completing all of the steps above, your garage door may not function properly unless you lubricate it. Garage doors often become stuck due to a lack of lubrication. There is a special lubricant available at most hardware stores that can be used to lubricate garage doors.
Tighten All Hardware:
Another simple fix for a garage door that isn’t opening or closing properly is to tighten all of the hardware. Over time, nuts and bolts can become loose, which can cause problems with the operation of the door. Simply tightening all of the hardware can often solve this problem.
Test the Door
Now that all repairs and adjustments have been made, it’s time to test out the door. Open and close it several times to ensure that it is working properly. If everything seems fine, you can proceed with your day knowing your garage door is back in order!
By following these steps, you can easily fix a bent garage door and get back to protecting your property.
What Are The Reasons For A Bent Garage Door?
There are several reasons why a garage door may become bent or warped, including the following:
Improper Installation:
Garage door installation requires specific knowledge and expertise. If the garage door isn’t installed properly, it could become bent or warped over time due to excess pressure.
Weather Damage:
Extreme weather conditions can cause extreme fluctuations in temperature which will cause a garage door to warp or bend. This is especially true of steel doors, as they are more susceptible to extreme temperatures than other materials.
Industrial Grade Rollers:
Industrial-grade rollers are typically heavier than residential grade rollers and can put more stress on the door’s tracks, causing them to bend or warp over time.
Misaligned Tracks:
The garage door tracks must be properly aligned for the door to open and close correctly. If the tracks are misaligned, it can cause the door to bend or warp.
Lack of Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is essential for any garage door system and a lack of it can lead to bent or warped doors. Neglecting basic maintenance, such as lubricating parts and checking for loose hardware, will only exacerbate existing issues.
Accidental Damage:
Accidental damage is a common cause of bent or warped garage doors. If the door is hit with enough force, it can cause it to bend or warp over time.
Old Age of Garage Door:
Garage doors typically last anywhere from 10-15 years depending on how well they are maintained. Over time, the door may start to become bent or warped as a result of normal wear and tear.
Improper Spring Tension:
Garage door springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door, making it easier to open and close. If the tension on the springs is incorrect, it can cause a bent or warped garage door.
It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of a bent or warped garage door, as this can cause issues with the functionality of the door.
What Are The Tips For Securing Garage Door From Bent?
Here are a few quick tips for securing your garage door from bent:
- Make sure that the tracks are properly aligned and attached to the wall securely.
- Check if there is any loose part or a broken spring in the mechanism of the garage door.
- Ensure that all guide rollers, hinges, springs, and cables are tight and secure.
- Use horizontal bracing to make sure that there is no excessive force on the door.
- Install weather stripping around the door and use a threshold sealer to prevent drafts from entering your garage.
- Keep the hinges, locks, and other parts lubricated to keep them functioning properly over time.
- Regularly inspect the garage door for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
- Replace any damaged parts immediately to prevent them from becoming a bigger issue down the line.
- Consider adding additional bracing as necessary, such as an overhead piece of wood that can be mounted on the sides of the door frame for extra support.
- Finally, consider installing a security system for your garage door to prevent intruders from entering your home.
Conclusion:
Fixing a bent garage door is a difficult but important task that should not be overlooked. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to fix your door and save yourself costly repairs and replacements. Taking the time to perform regular maintenance on your door will also help ensure its longevity.
In any case, if you ever find yourself unable to fix a bent garage door, contact lv-garagedoors to seek professional assistance to get timely and efficient repairs. Our experienced technicians are well-equipped to handle any problem related to garage doors.
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