Repair & Maintenance

A broken torsion spring on a garage door refers to a failure of the tightly wound metal spring mounted above the garage door that helps lift and lower the door. This spring stores mechanical energy when the door is closed and releases it to assist in opening the heavy door. Here's what you need to know:

🔧 What Is a Torsion Spring?

• A torsion spring is typically located horizontally above the garage door.
• It is wound under tension and attached to drums on either end with cables running down to the bottom corners of the door.
• It counterbalances the door’s weight, making it easier to lift manually or by an opener.

⚠️ Signs of a Broken Torsion Spring:

1. Loud bang: It often breaks with a loud snap or bang due to the tension released.
2. Door won’t open (or opens a few inches only).
3. Door feels extremely heavy when trying to lift manually.
4. Visible gap in the spring coil (typically 2–4 inches).
5. Cables may appear loose or dangling, but they aren’t the actual problem.

🚫 Why It’s Dangerous:

• Torsion springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly.
• A broken spring renders the opener nearly useless and can damage the opener motor if you try to force it.

✅ What to Do:

• Do not attempt to open the door or fix the spring yourself unless you're trained and have the right tools.
• Call Action Overhead Garage Door to inspect and replace the spring.

A cable replacement on a garage door refers to the process of removing and installing new lift cables (also called garage door cables) that help raise and lower the door. These cables are an essential part of the counterbalance system, usually working alongside torsion or extension springs.

🔧 What the Cables Do:

• The cables wrap around drums (for torsion spring systems) or pulleys (for extension spring systems).
• As the door opens or closes, the cables wind and unwind to assist with lifting the heavy door safely and evenly.

🔩 Why Cables Need Replacing:

• Fraying or snapping due to wear and tear or rust.
• Uneven lifting or the door coming off track.
• Slack or unwound cables from broken springs or misalignment.

⚠️ Signs You May Need Cable Replacement:

• Door is crooked when opening or closing.
• Visible fraying or broken strands on the cable.
• The door slams shut or is hard to lift.
• One side of the door doesn't move properly.

🔐 Safety Warning:

Garage door cables are under a lot of tension—especially in torsion spring systems. Replacing them without the proper tools or knowledge can be dangerous. Calling Action Overhead Garage Door is highly recommended unless you're an experienced garage door mechanic.

A garage door opener is a motorized device that opens and closes a garage door, typically using a remote control, wall switch, or smartphone app. It works by pulling or pushing the door along a track using a drive mechanism (like a chain, belt, or screw). Most openers also have safety sensors, lights, and manual release mechanisms for power outages.

🔧 Common Types of Repairs a Garage Door Opener Might Need:

1. Remote or Wall Switch Not Working

• Cause: Dead batteries, faulty remote, disconnected power, or bad wiring.
• Fix: Replace batteries, reprogram the remote, check power sources and wiring.

2. Door Doesn’t Open or Close Completely

• Cause: Misaligned travel limits, dirty sensors, broken gear, or track obstruction.
• Fix: Adjust travel settings, clean/re-align safety sensors, inspect tracks, or replace worn gears.

3. Garage Door Reverses Before or After Hitting Floor

• Cause: Incorrect force settings or sensor issues.
• Fix: Adjust the force settings or check/realign safety sensors.

4. Motor Runs But Door Doesn’t Move

• Cause: Disengaged trolley or broken drive mechanism (chain, belt, or screw).
• Fix: Re-engage the trolley or replace the drive system.

5. Noisy Operation

• Cause: Worn parts (rollers, hinges, chain), loose hardware.
• Fix: Lubricate or replace worn components; tighten loose hardware.

6. Flashing Lights or Error Codes

• Cause: Electrical or sensor issues.
• Fix: Check the owner's manual for error code meanings and troubleshooting steps.

7. Wi-Fi/Smart Connectivity Issues

• Cause: Outdated software, weak signal, or lost connection.
• Fix: Update firmware, move router closer, or reconfigure the app connection.

If the opener is over 10–15 years old, and parts are failing repeatedly, it may be more cost-effective to replace the unit rather than repair it. Action Overhead Garage Door can replace your unit! Give us a call today.

Gear kit changes on a garage door opener refer to replacing the internal gears that drive the opener mechanism. These gears are usually located inside the motor housing of the opener unit.

What is the gear kit?

The gear kit typically includes:

• A main drive gear (usually a large white plastic gear)
• A worm gear (smaller gear on the motor shaft)
• A grease packet (for lubrication)
• Shafts, clips, washers , or other mounting hardware

Why replace the gear kit?

Over time, these plastic gears can:

• Wear down or strip, especially under heavy loads
• Become damaged due to a broken spring, improper balance , or excessive force
• Fail from lack of lubrication

Signs the gear kit needs replacement:

• The motor runs, but the chain or screw doesn’t move
• You hear a grinding noise
• The door won’t open or close even though the opener seems to be trying

A garage door section replacement refers to replacing one or more individual panels (sections) of a garage door instead of replacing the entire door.

When is a section replacement needed?

You might need a section replaced if:

• A panel is dented or cracked from impact (e.g., backing into it with a car).
• There's rust, rot, or water damage (common on wooden or steel doors).
• A section is warped or bent, affecting how the door opens and closes.
• You're fixing cosmetic damage without changing the full door.

How does it work?

1. Inspection: A technician checks the damage and determines if just the section can be replaced or if the whole door needs it.
2. Matching: The replacement panel must match the size, style, and color of the existing door. If the exact model is discontinued, it may be hard to find a match.
3. Removal: The damaged panel(s) are removed.
4. Installation: New sections are installed and aligned so the door functions smoothly.
5. Reconnection: Any affected tracks, rollers, or hardware are adjusted or reattached.

*Please note, new sections may not match older sections perfectly due to color fading from sun, aging and outside elements.

Weather stripping and sealing on a garage door refers to the materials and techniques used to seal the gaps around the door to keep out:

• Cold or hot air
• Rain and snow
• Dust and debris
• Insects and pests

🧰 What It Includes:

1. Bottom Seal
• A rubber or vinyl strip attached to the bottom edge of the door.
• Compresses against the ground when the door closes to block gaps.
2. Side Seals
• Flexible strips (usually vinyl or rubber) mounted to the door jambs on the left and right sides.
• They seal the sides of the door when it’s closed.
3. Top Seal
• A strip that seals the top edge of the door where it meets the frame.
4. Threshold Seal (optional)
• A rubber strip mounted directly to the concrete floor under the door.
• Often used in addition to the bottom seal for extra protection.
5. Panel Weather Stripping (optional)
• On sectional garage doors, thin seals can be placed between the individual door panels to prevent air infiltration.

🛠️ Why It’s Important:

• Energy efficiency: Reduces heating and cooling loss from your garage.
• Protection: Prevents water damage, dirt buildup, and pest entry.
• Quieter operation: Dampens noise from wind and vibrations.
• Better comfort: Especially useful if your garage is attached to your home or used as a workspace.