Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers, which makes it perfect for observing the city’s cultural and historical features. The winters, though, are when most of the 20 inches of annual rainfall occur, making the season cool and damp. Each season offers unique climates for specific activities, but they may also cause property issues. For example, the weather may lead to some individuals needing a garage door installation and repair in Sacramento, CA.
With over 25 years of industry experience, you can believe our specialists at Rolling Garage Doors and Gates have seen everything and anything that can affect garage doors. Trust us to delve further into this and other common causes of door issues.
Common Reasons and Signs of a Garage Door Issue
Below are some common reasons for a faulty Sacramento door and the signs they provide.
Faulty Sensors
Garage doors are sensitive, relying on sensors that tell the door when to move up and down. With them, you never have to worry about the door opening up and hitting your child or pet or closing on your car hood since the photo eyes detect obstructions. If it senses something, it’ll halt functions. But in extreme climates, the sensors become compromised, acting up for no obvious reason.
For instance, with the 95-degree Sacramento summer highs come 15 straight hours of sunlight each day, and the glare can confuse the sensor into thinking there’s an obstruction. The humidity also introduces extra moisture, encouraging malfunctions and short circuits. And being out of the summer months doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods since winter rainfall and 40-degree lows lead to frost and can crack the lens.
If you can’t tell there’s an issue with the lens itself, look instead for other symptoms of a faulty sensor. For instance, a garage door installation and repair in Sacramento, CA, is necessary if you notice:
- The door only opens or closes halfway
- The door moves even if there is an obstruction
- The sensor light blinks or doesn’t light up
Improper Track Alignment
Aside from faulty sensors, poor track alignments are another common garage issue residents face.
Garage door tracks use metal channels to guide the door smoothly and safely. However, the tracks have a lifespan like all other garage door components, so within 10 to 15 years, they’ll damage or corrode, especially due to high moisture. Poor maintenance also causes issues, such as jerking motions from a lack of lubrication or grinding noises as the rollers roll over filth and pop out of the tracks.
In turn, the garage door may appear misaligned with warped or bent tracks that cause large gaps between the rollers and rails and the door to hang slightly to one side. However, many of these symptoms are similar to those of broken torsion springs, so contact a professional for a second opinion and an accurate garage door installation and repair in Sacramento, CA.
Broken Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are steel wire coils that store energy when the door is closed and release it as the door opens to counterbalance its weight. With the help of the tracks mentioned above, they ensure smooth door functioning but wear with excessive use, especially since these springs only last 15,000 cycles.
Unfortunately, even if you rarely use your garage door, meaning the springs still have years ahead of them, high humidity or constant rainfall causes them to rust and easily snap on impact. When this happens, the door can slam shut or move inefficiently with popping noises. Moreover, your Sacramento garage door may appear crooked when closed or feel heavier than usual.
Other Origin Points of Garage Door Issues
While the above issues are the most common causes of garage door malfunctions, below are other likely culprits you may be dealing with:
- Faulty openers: If grinding or screeching occurs as the door opens or closes or the door won’t budge at all, you may need an opener replacement.
- Bad panels: Whether because of repeated hits or constant exposure to the outdoor weather, garage panels dent and discolor, requiring a panel replacement.
- Poor remote controls: If your remote control setup isn’t connecting with the garage door, it usually needs new batteries or rewiring.
Common Repair Jobs Performed in Sacramento
Calling for a garage door installation and repair in Sacramento, CA, allows a specialized team to examine your system thoroughly. Sensor issues are usually easiest to deal with since the team simply adds a shield to block UV rays that give false readings. Other sensor remedies include realigning the sensors or replacing chipped lenses with added insulation options like covers to bar the cold.
Aside from sensors, technicians also conduct repairs like:
- Removing busted panel boards
- Cleaning and lubricating rollers and tracks
- Tightening loose nuts, bolts, chains, and other parts
- And more!
Times You’ll Need a Replacement Door Instead
While you can replace door components like the track or openers as they near their lifespans’ ends, sometimes a whole door replacement is a better decision. That’s because garage doors last between 15 to 30 years, depending on their material makeup and the amount of maintenance you offer them. As they decline, components act up, leading to frequent and higher-cost repairs.
So, while a door replacement costs more upfront, you’ll save money with fewer repairs in the years that follow. Similarly, when choosing between a garage door installation and repair in Sacramento, CA, the former is better if your door has severe damage that an expert cannot repair. That includes dents, cracks, and warping that reduce safety and appearance.
For Professionals Right in Your Sacramento Neighborhood!
We proudly serve El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Auburn, Roseville, and Rancho Cordova. For a complete list of locations, visit our service area page.
As a family-owned business with over 25 years of experience, we specialize in addressing a wide range of garage door and gate issues in Sacramento, CA—fondly known as Hangtown. Our team is dedicated to providing customized solutions and ensuring your satisfaction every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Call Rolling Garage Doors and Gates today at 530-320-8879 to schedule your free consultation for garage door installation and repair services!
