Over the years, automatic garage doors have become safer systems than manual ones because they protect not only the vehicle but also people and the home. However, your garage door doesn’t respond properly – it won’t open. After all, it won’t close because it’s stuck. And it always happens at the worst possible time. This will be Murphy’s Law or the gift of opportunity.
Installing an automatic garage door can be tricky if you don’t have any prior knowledge of the automation of this type of mechanism. In addition, after installation, it is necessary to maintain the condition of the door and always respond to breakdowns on time. In this article, we will provide you with the tools to identify the problem and your commercial garage door repair, or for your home, so that your door will serve you for a long time.
Step-by-step installation of automatic garage doors
- First of all, you need to measure the space where you plan to install the door. Once you have clear dimensions, you can purchase the automatic door that best suits the space. Remember that they usually come in standard sizes, and if you need to make them to size, their cost may be higher.
- Next, you need to install the door frame and the guides where it will run when opening. Keep in mind that the installation must ensure full travel and that the door does not encounter a blockage when opening.
- Once the rails and frames are assembled, secure them well to the structure to ensure the stability of the entire assembly.
- Continue to install the door panels, making sure they are securely fastened to the structure and can move along the entire length of the rail.
- Next, it’s time to install the motor. This requires minimal knowledge of electrical installations, as it is necessary to connect them to the electrical network.
- After installing the motor, attach the rail to the motor and the door.
Causes of breakage of garage doors
- Problem with the security photocell: If the door does not open or close, check if the security photocell is connected or has moved. When this sensor fails, it is sometimes enough to clean it and make sure it is properly aligned.
- Issues with the remote control that operates the door: We’re so used to using the garage door remote control on a daily basis that it doesn’t even occur to us that it could be running out of batteries. And sometimes the solution is as simple as replacing the batteries. Another possibility is that the signal-receiving device is malfunctioning. If it is an interference problem, you can check this on the control panel using the input button.
- Concern with the mechanism that moves the door: the most common is an obstruction. To prevent this from happening, it is best to maintain proper care and clean the rails periodically, as leaves, dirt, and debris can build up on the rails. If the door becomes stuck due to such an obstruction, it must be removed, thoroughly cleaned, and reinstalled. When the door is removed, it will be the perfect time to lubricate the gears.
- The issue with gears: when door mechanisms are not sufficiently lubricated, it results in noise and squeaking from the moving parts. If any of these mechanisms have been displaced by an impact, wheezing may occur. The solution in these cases is to check all the mechanisms, oil them, and change the position of the turnouts.
- Condenser problem: In sliding doors, the door may not move even if the motor starts and makes a noise. Make sure that the door is not too stiff by pushing it by hand, and if it slides well, the capacitor may have a concern. If this is the problem, the capacitor will have to be replaced by a commercial garage door repair company near me.
- Difficulty with the anti-snagging system: If the door moves but suddenly stops and returns to its original position, the anti-snagging system may have detected an obstruction. Check to see if any obstacles are preventing the door from moving. If it continues to act the same way, you should check the motor.
- Problems with the electrical system: sometimes a bad connection or cable can be the problem. In this case, it is necessary to review the entire installation to replace the cable, terminal, or cell that is causing the failure, or to adjust the loose terminal.
Can you assemble the garage door yourself?
At the beginning, we mentioned that garage door installation should be performed by a qualified installation team. Of course, if the homeowner buys the garage door without an assembly service, he can try to install it if he has the knowledge and skill to do so. For professional assistance, you can find commercial garage door repair services to ensure proper installation and functionality.
Installation and repair instructions are added to each garage door, along with a detailed description of how to proceed. However, every homeowner should realize that experience in garage door assembly will be a challenging task, so the recommendation of all companies that manufacture garage doors, including STI Garage Door, is to contact specialists.
To sum up
As you can see, the process can be a bit complicated, especially if you want the installation to be durable and free from future breakdowns. Therefore, we always recommend that, if in doubt, you contact STI Garage Door professionals, who specialize in installing this type of door.
Installing and maintaining an automatic garage door can be challenging without prior experience, but with the right guidance, it is manageable. Common issues such as sensor misalignment, remote control problems, and mechanical obstructions can often be resolved with basic troubleshooting. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the rails and lubricating the gears, is essential to keeping the door functioning smoothly. Although homeowners can attempt the installation and repairs themselves, it is often best to consult professional installers to ensure optimal performance and safety. By staying proactive with maintenance and addressing issues promptly, your automatic garage door can provide reliable service for many years.
