February 2025 - Mesa Garage Doors

Safety Tips for Garage Door Repair and Maintenance

Your garage door is one of your home’s largest and heaviest moving objects, weighing hundreds of pounds and operating under high tension. While the importance of garage door maintenance can’t be understated, garage door repair safety should always be your top priority.

As Southern California’s leading garage door installation and repair company with over 500,000 satisfied customers during our 35-year history, Mesa Garage Doors has plenty of experience and knowledge regarding garage door safety tips for repair, maintenance, and installation.

Common Garage Door Repair Mistakes To Avoid

Many homeowners across Orange County might attempt DIY repairs without fully understanding the risks. DIY repairs can cause serious injury or costly damage because the average person isn’t trained in how to safely repair a garage door. Here are some of the most common garage door repair mistakes to avoid.

Improper Spring Adjustments

Garage door springs operate under extreme tension and require precise adjustment to function safely. Proper spring adjustment requires specialized tools and knowledge of torque calculations based on the garage door’s weight and dimensions. Attempting to adjust or replace these components without professional training puts you at risk of severe injury from sudden spring release.

Ignoring Warning Signs

Overlooking minor issues often leads to major mechanical failures. Some of the biggest risks of putting off garage door repair involve compromising your door’s safety systems.

A quiet creak or mild stuttering action can quickly develop into complete system failure, potentially causing serious injury or property damage. Regular professional inspections help catch these warning signs early.

Using Incorrect Parts

Every garage door system is engineered with specific component requirements for safe operation. While you may be tempted to pick up generic or mismatched parts from the local hardware store because they’re cheaper, doing this may create weak points in the system, causing it to fail unexpectedly.

The professional technicians at Mesa Garage Doors understand the importance of using manufacturer-recommended replacement parts to maintain your door’s safety certification.

Broken or Frayed Cables

Garage door cables bear tremendous weight and stress during normal operation, making them extremely dangerous to handle when damaged. If you notice broken or frayed cables, stop using your garage door right away and contact us for a free repair estimate.

The main thing to remember about garage door repair is safety. Professional cable replacement includes a complete safety inspection to identify the underlying issue that may have caused the original damage. This way, we can help prevent the problem from returning and putting your loved ones in harm’s way again.

Noisy or Stuck Rollers

Attempting to force stuck rollers or ignoring grinding sounds can cause track damage and garage door misalignment. DIY roller repairs frequently lead to more problems that accelerate wear on other components. Our service includes track cleaning and alignment, along with professional roller replacement.

Off-track Garage Door

An off-track garage door poses immediate safety risks and requires precise realignment to prevent further damage. Knowing when to call a professional for garage door repair is important. Attempting to force a door back onto its tracks can cause permanent damage to panels, cables, and springs.

Rely on the specialized experience and equipment of Mesa Garage Doors to safely realign your garage door. Our technicians will check all related components for damage and present you with repair options.

How To Safely Maintain Your Garage Door

Many of the same precautions involved in safely repairing a garage door also apply to regular maintenance. Professional inspections help reveal potential safety issues before they become dangerous and prevent common garage door problems.

Monthly Visual Inspection

A thorough visual inspection can help catch developing problems. Perform these basic checks at least once a month to maintain the safe operation of your garage door:

Check for frayed or damaged cables.
Look for loose hardware or bent tracks.
Test the door’s balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door.
Verify that the safety sensors are aligned and working correctly.

Cleaning and Lubrication Tasks

Every three to six months, focus on key maintenance tasks to reduce wear and tear on moving parts and to help maintain smooth, safe operation. These tasks may include:

Removing dirt and debris from garage door tracks
Cleaning photo eye safety sensors
Applying the appropriate lubricant to hinges, rollers, and springs
Wiping down weather stripping

Essential Safety Precautions for DIY Garage Door Repair

The importance of garage door maintenance shouldn’t override the importance of staying safe. Follow these garage door safety tips to prevent possible injury and property damage:

Disconnect the garage door opener before starting any work.
Clear the work area of obstacles.
Wear appropriate safety gear, like goggles and safety gloves.
Keep children and pets away from areas of possible harm.
Work with a partner who can assist when needed.
Use proper tools designed for safe garage door repair.
Maintain three points of contact at all times when using a ladder.
Avoid wearing loose clothing that could get caught.
Tie or secure loose hair to avoid getting caught.

When To Call a Professional for Garage Door Repair

A key element of garage door repair safety is knowing when to call a professional for help. While you can perform some basic maintenance tasks on your own, it’s best to contact Mesa Garage Doors when you notice:

Visible signs of wear or damage on garage door springs
Frayed or loose cables
An unbalanced garage door
The door falls faster than normal
A malfunctioning automatic garage door opener
Unusual noises during operation
Significant damage or deterioration of garage door panels

Why Garage Door Springs Are the Most Dangerous Component

Garage door spring safety is especially important because of the heightened risk of causing serious injury. Garage door springs are designed to work under high tension, storing massive amounts of energy to counterbalance your door’s weight. Much like the springs on your car, this stored energy can be released suddenly if the spring breaks or it’s improperly handled during repairs.

Our technicians undergo extensive training in garage door repair safety, including working with garage door springs. They follow strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries during spring replacement or adjustment. If you notice gaps between spring coils, loud banging noises, or your door feels especially heavy when lifted manually, call us right away to take a look.

Your Trusted Garage Door Repair Team in Southern California

Proper garage door maintenance keeps your family safe and your door operating reliably. While homeowners can safely perform some basic maintenance, most repairs require professional attention.

Mesa Garage Doors provides comprehensive repair services and free safety inspections. Our experienced technicians offer service throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Ventura County. With an A+ BBB rating and over 1,000 five-star reviews, we’re Southern California’s trusted leader in garage door installation and repair.

Philip A. Saunders

Mr. Saunders serves as Mesa’s Vice President of Marketing, bringing with him a wealth of experience in strategic marketing and operations. In this role, Mr. Saunders is responsible for overseeing all marketing activities, utilizing a blend of traditional and digital strategies to enhance brand presence and profitability, managing a multi-million dollar marketing budget across various media platforms, and leading the continued implementation of CRM systems to streamline customer engagement and drive business growth.

www.philipasaunders.com

February 24, 2025/by Philip A. Saunders

Energy Efficiency and Garage Doors: How Replacement Can Save You Money

Garage Door Replacement

Energy-efficient garage doors are an excellent investment for your home. Similar to an ordinary garage door, they’re built using special insulation materials that maintain a consistent indoor temperature in your garage, no matter the weather outside. This means you’ll spend less on heat and AC year-round, and your belongings won’t be damaged on hot summer days.

Contact us to speak to an expert about energy-efficient garage door options, go over garage door replacement cost vs. savings, or schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve the Anaheim, CA area and are available to take your call now.

How Garage Doors Impact Energy Efficiency

With appropriate insulation and a good seal around the edges, your garage door will keep the garage dry and at a consistent temperature, withstanding the elements outside. A professionally installed garage door is no match for a chilly, rainy day or a sweltering heat wave. This is especially important with attached garages. A leaky, under-insulated, or poorly installed door affects the comfort of your entire home.

Benefits of Replacing an Old Garage Door

If your garage door is damaged and you want to avoid replacing the entire system, sometimes you can have an individual panel replaced or repaired. This depends on the door design type, how it’s put together, and the damage that was done.

If you’ve got an old, uninsulated garage door, or the damage is too extensive, it’s probably time for a replacement. A garage door’s lifespan depends on how well it was constructed, how often it’s used, and how well it’s been maintained. Generally, after 15 years, parts become harder to find, and the signs of wear and tear begin to show.

Here are some benefits of replacing your old garage door.

Energy Efficiency

An old garage door will lose its insulation capabilities over time, and many older models were made without adequate insulation. The most significant benefit to quality garage door insulation is savings. You may save up to 15% to 20% on your annual energy bill. A federal tax credit may also be available for homeowners purchasing a new garage door for their principal residence.

Improved Temperature Regulation

New garage doors are built with double, triple, or quadruple insulation layers, so your home’s heat stays inside, improving your comfort. They also keep the heat out during California summers, protecting your belongings from heat damage.

Safety

A worn-out or broken garage door can injure you or your family members or damage your vehicle. If your garage door doesn’t close properly, it can also make your home and belongings more vulnerable to intruders and pests.

Quieter Operation

Over time, the inner workings of older garage doors start to wear out, and the hardware inside begins to vibrate or grind together. Old tracks or damaged rollers in an older garage door system will also make a lot of noise. Replacing the door and the opener system gives you peace of mind and allows you to enjoy a much quieter entry and exit from the garage.

Increased Property Value

A new garage door increases your home’s curb appeal, which positively impacts the resale value.

Better Technology

With a new garage door, you’ll notice a fast response time after pushing the remote or opener button. You can also install smart-home technology into your garage or integrate a security system. Speak to our team to learn more about what a new garage door can do for you.

What Are Energy-Efficient Garage Door Options?

If your energy bills are high, and you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency, you’ll love the cost savings from insulated garage doors.

There are a few energy-efficient garage door options available to choose from. Styles include:

Traditional, including our bronze, gold, and platinum series
Carriage house with swing doors
Aluminum with optional finishes like solid color powder coated, black or bronze anodized, or wood grain
Custom wood doors
Contemporary modern tech design

How To Choose the Right Energy-Efficient Garage Door

If your garage door is broken or sagging, needs frequent repairs, or you’re interested in the cost savings from insulated garage doors, it’s time for an upgrade. But how to choose? Consider the following factors.

Insulation Levels

In Orange County, winters rarely drop below freezing but still get chilly and wet. Summers are muggy and warm, making good insulation a must year-round to help keep the interior of your garage dry, pest-free, and climate-controlled. As a bonus, insulation acts as a sound dampener, keeping street sounds out and your workshop or garage band’s noise inside.

Fit

Your garage door needs to fit the garage. This may seem obvious, but oddly sized openings may require a custom job or extra weather-stripping to keep out the elements.

Aesthetics

The door design needs to complement the rest of your home. Garage doors make up a large portion of the average house’s exterior, so it’s important to find one that suits your home’s color, architectural style, and preferred look. Frosted or tinted windows installed at the top of the door allow light in while obscuring the view from outside.

Safety Features

Modern garage doors have safety features like motion detectors, auto-reverse, and manual controls in case of a power outage. Some new openers are designed with new technology to prevent unauthorized access. If you upgrade your opener when adding a new garage door, you can find systems that integrate with home security and smart home systems.

Budget

You don’t want to spend too much on a custom-fabricated door if it’s not in your budget, but
investing more in extra insulation helps save you money on your energy bills in the long run. It’s all about finding the right balance.

Still unsure? Our garage door experts are here to help. Schedule an appointment, and we’ll come to your home, assess your needs, and provide you with our recommendations and an accurate cost estimate. No further commitment is necessary.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors Today

Mesa Garage Doors offers high-quality service and parts in LA, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Ventura County. We’ll expertly repair or install your garage door quickly to protect your property from the elements.

Our team of installers and technicians are highly trained and professional. We’ll arrive at your home on time and ready to work with everything we need to complete the job. We’re happy to review the benefits of replacing old garage doors and the various options you can choose from.

If you’re ready for a better-insulated door designed to deter pests and intruders and keep the elements at bay, contact us today to schedule your new door estimate.