You should inspect your garage door at least once a year to make sure that there aren’t any worn or loose parts. Clean the rollers, pulleys, and cables; lubricate them with light oil. Also, spray or wipe a Teflon lubricant to the weatherstripping where it contacts the door.

The two extension springs that counterbalance the door’s weight should hold the door steady in a half-open position. If you want to increase the tension, you will need to shorten the lifting cable. You should NEVER service a torsion spring (the large horizontal spring above the door) without an expert there. It is very dangerous.

If the door is operating properly, it should reverse if it hits something. However, if the opener was made prior to 1982, they do not have a backup to this system; so they should be replaced.  Since 1993 all openers have to include a monitored backup system. It is a sensor that passes a light beam across the door opening. What happens is once the beam is interrupted the door will reverse, and if the beam sensor is unplugged the door will not operate. You cannot bypass the beam sensor.

Loose hinges are the most common door problem. Loose hinges cause the door not to hang right and then they will rub and stick together throwing off the latch mechanism.  Check the hinge screws first. If they are tight but the door still rubs, try sanding down the door’s edge and make it smooth. If you notice that the door doesn’t close easily, it may be warped; you can use a long straightedge to check for warpage. If it is slightly warped you may be able to straighten it with weights, but if it’s really bad, you’ll need a new door. Door latch problems happen for a lot of reasons: loose hinges, swollen wood, sticking latchbolts, and paint buildup.  After you have tried all of the above and the door still won’t shut, it’s probably because the door frame is off. This happens because the house is getting older and it is settling. you can make minor adjustments by filing the strike plate on the door frame. If you have room, align the latchbolt and strike plate by shimming the  hinges. Or, you can drive a few extra-long screws to adjust the frame.

There are many different options that a homeowner might have for doors leading to the backyard or patio area. But there seems to be two that stand out to most, and it can be difficult decision for some. Many times the decision is made because of pricing issues. A set of French doors are going to be a little more costly than the traditional sliding doors. Both can give a great feel to your home really giving you an inviting atmosphere to your outdoor spaces.

French doors are commonly used in homes that are going for a certain style or era. These doors are a little more expensive than most, but they are usually worth the expense in the end. French doors are one of the most popular chooses for people that are remodeling their homes. One of the downsides to these doors is that they are somewhat difficult to install on your own.

Sliding glass doors is a great option for a homeowner who is looking for a door that will let in great natural light. These types of doors can really make the outdoors inviting because of the open view they can give you. They are also one of the least expensive options available. This option is great for homeowners that are on a tight budget.