How to Repair and Maintain an Up and Over Garage Door

For many years, up and over garage doors were the default choice for many homes due to their affordability, low-maintenance nature and fuss-free operation. Even now, with so many other choices available, the popularity of this garage door style still endures.

However, despite their straightforward design, up and over garage doors can, like all garage door types, experience issues from time to time. To keep your garage door in the best possible condition, regular maintenance and rapid repairs are essential. But how do you repair and maintain an up and over garage door? The team here at JB Garage Doors is here to talk you through the process.

How to maintain an up and over garage door

By regularly inspecting and maintaining your up and over garage door, you can spot any potential issues at an early date, before they have the chance to develop. 

There are a few problem areas that you should be periodically examining, including:

• Tracks: Watch out for any obstructions, grime or debris that might be impeding the movement of your garage door.
• Door condition: Look for any warping, bowing, cracks or damage to any part of your garage door.
• Mechanisms: Check all components of the garage door opening mechanism for any signs of damage, wear or rust.
• Weather seals: Keep an eye out for any signs of cracks or damage that might allow a draught.
• Strange noises: Any rattling, grinding or unusual sounds coming from your garage door typically indicate a deeper issue that needs further inspection.

You should also be lubricating all moving parts of your garage door on a regular basis; this minimises friction, prevents rust and ensures your garage door moves smoothly and quietly. Be sure to use a silicone lubricant and focus on the hinges, tracks and springs.

Check out our maintenance guide for more in-depth advice, or better still,  give us a call and enquire about our garage door maintenance packages – that way, you don’t need to lift a finger!

Can up and over garage doors be repaired?

It can be easy to forget that your garage door is essentially a piece of heavy machinery and, given its weight and complexity, there’s a high level of risk for those carrying out repairs without the proper tools or expertise. As well as being dangerous, DIY garage doors can actually exacerbate the issue and potentially cause further damage, resulting in a hefty repair bill later down the line.

If your up and over garage door is in need of repair, it’s best to enlist a professional who knows exactly what they’re doing, like the team at JB Garage Doors. Some common up and over garage door problems we encounter include:

• Broken springs: A torsion spring provides the tension needed to lift and bear the weight of your garage door. If this spring is broken, you might notice your up and over garage door is difficult to open and appears uneven. As these springs are under such high tension, it’s incredibly dangerous for an amateur to attempt to repair them – always call in a professional.

• Damaged cables: The weight of your up and over garage door is supported by cables. If these cables are loose or worn, then you may notice your garage door is sagging slightly; if the cable has snapped completely then you probably won’t be able to lift your garage door at all and you’ll need a professional repair.

• Misaligned tracks: If your garage door tracks have become crooked or bent, this may cause the door to become stuck, meaning you need the help of an expert to realign them and ensure smooth movement.

• Damage or warping: From dents and scrapes to severe warping, it’s only natural your garage door will experience some wear and tear over time, especially those made of wood. If the damage is limited to a couple of panels then these may be able to be replaced. However, if the damage is extensive and spans the whole door, you’ll likely need a complete up and over garage door replacement.

Whether you’re looking for a new up and over garage door or you need a hand with some maintenance or repair work, the team here at JB Garage Doors is here to help homeowners throughout Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Rochester and the surrounding Kent region. With more than 50 years of experience behind us, we’ll ensure your up and over garage door is always in flawless condition – contact us to find out more.