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What do You do if You Back Into Your Garage Door?

Kevin V Uncategorized

What do You do if You Back Into Your Garage Door?

It happens more often than you imagine. You’re leaving your house in a hurry, put the car in reverse, and back out before the door has fully opened. You’ve backed straight into it before you notice, and now, you’re at a loss for what to do next.

Don’t worry if this sounds like you. There are a few simple solutions. The right one in your situation depends on the extent of the damage.

This guide will clarify the steps you can take if you back into your garage door with your vehicle, the most typical damages in these cases, and how much you can expect to pay for repairs.
The first thing to do is to put the vehicle in park. You don’t want to leave it running while you get out to inspect the damage. This also happens more often than you think.

Evaluate the Damage

Inspect the vehicle and the garage door for damages on the surface to see what intervention is needed. If you hit the door from the outside, enter the garage from your side door or house to check the damages. If you hit it from the inside, move the vehicle forward to see if there are any dents.

Make a list of damages

Before you call a repair service or your insurance provider, make a list of the damages to report. If the door has slid off its tracks or cannot be opened manually, you need to get the company to repair it before using it. To avoid injury, keep a distance from the door of at least eight feet. It’s also a good idea to measure the dents, so your repair service knows what type of damage to expect when they come to your location. Write down what material the door is made of as well.

Call a repair service

You’ll need to call a repair company no matter what damages you identify. This is the case even if you can open the door. Don’t attempt to repair it; this task is best left to professionals. Unless you are one – and probably not if you’re reading this – you might inflict even more damage, which will cost more money and take more time to eliminate. Don’t touch the door if it’s off the rails. You might cause injury. Technicians are specially trained to check and fix the damage, such as opener issues, track problems, and dents.

Check if you can open the door manually

After backing into your garage door, you might be tempted to try and open it with your remote to see if it still works. You shouldn’t do this as it might end up causing even more damage to your garage door by forcing it to open. The whole system might be damaged as a result. Don’t try to move the garage door if you see that it’s no longer aligned with the rails. There is a risk that it will fall. As you inspect for damages, you might identify dents only on the surface. In this case, check if you can open the door manually. You must disconnect the door opener and move the door physically to open it this way.

Determine the next steps

You’ll want to decide how to proceed depending on the situation after the repair service assesses the damages. If there is only minor damage, like a few dents and scratches, the price to pay will probably be less than an insurance deductible. However, it’s a different story if there are extensive damages, like structural problems or replacing the door completely. In the event of high repair costs, consider filing a homeowners’ insurance claim. You might have to call your car insurance provider depending on the severity of the damages. Keep in mind that your car insurance won’t pay for garage door repairs, and neither will your homeowners’ insurance for car repairs. After you assess the damage to your car and door, do what you think is most optimal using your best judgment.

Most common problems after backing into a garage door

While the extent of damage depends on how fast the car was going when you hit the door, the most common problems include broken panels, dents, misaligned rollers, and damaged tracks. After backing into a garage door, people usually notice dents in the bottom part. Typically, residential garage doors consist of four panels. If two or more of the panels are broken or dented, it’s best to replace all of them just to be safe.

A broken or misaligned garage door track will make the door risky to operate. You need a professional to inspect and fix it to make sure it doesn’t fall and hurt someone. These people use special tools to bend a track into place safely or replace it. This type of repair costs around $130.

Finally, you can bend the vertical track if you back into your garage door really hard. This can lead the rollers to come out of the track channel. Damaged or broken rollers cost around $15 each to fix, on average, while hinges cost about $10 each.
 

Contact a professional for a garage door repair or replacement

Consider replacing the door with a brand-new one if you have noticed extensive damage. The repairs and labor costs of fixing some sections approximate the costs of an entire garage door replacement. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the older your door is, the more repairs it will need in the future, and these will add up. It’s best to install a new one in some cases.

You want to contact professionals to repair or replace any materials affected, regardless of the extent of the damage. AlliedDoor.com is here for you if you’ve had this incident recently. We pride ourselves on our quality customer service, around-the-clock interventions, and expert craftsmanship. We’ll evaluate all the damages and work with you to fix or replace your garage door as soon as possible.

When Should You Replace a Garage Door?

Kevin V Uncategorized

There are a few factors to consider before you decide whether to have your garage door fixed or replaced. First, let’s look at the types of garage door damage in general.

Types of damage

The types and degrees of damage range from cosmetic issues to compromised functionality. When damage is minor, it may be visible but doesn’t impact the door’s structural integrity or operation. Minor damage includes cracks, fading paint, or chipping. Pure cosmetic damage does not warrant replacement.

When the door’s structural integrity is compromised, replacing it might be worth looking into. A rusted or warped door won’t work as well as it used to. It also won’t protect your garage from intruders or keep out the elements.

Replacement is more than warranted in cases where the door doesn’t open and close as it should. If the door closes and opens only sometimes, never opens, makes a horrible screeching sound, or gets stuck often, you probably need a new one. Still, have a professional inspect it to rule out simple problems like new springs or a new battery.

Garage door repair

If the door suddenly breaks down, starts to sag, becomes discolored, or one panel is dented, you probably don’t need to replace it. The cause of a garage door breaking down might be dead batteries or something equally trivial. A professional can troubleshoot the issue quickly and save you a lot of time when it comes to solving the problem.
The prohibitive cost of replacing your garage door

How much will it cost you to have your garage door repaired? It depends on the condition of the door, but repairing is always cheaper than replacing it. The specific price will depend on the door's size and type, the service provider, the damage, and other factors. If you can’t afford a new door, repairing it is an option worth exploring. A qualified professional will be able to help you decide if a replacement is really necessary.

Sagging door

The door’s balance is probably off if it looks like it’s sagging. Garage doors work optimally when the springs limit the energy required to raise them up. The mechanism has to work harder than usual to lift the door when it’s off balance, leading to wear and tear. Ultimately, this can result in worn or broken springs and a sagging door. A professional with experience can usually resolve such issues.

Common garage door issues with easy solutions

Door discoloration and damage to or denting of a single panel are among the common issues with easy fixes. If your door is discolored but exhibits no other signs of damage, the solution could be as simple as washing it and removing peeling paint. 

Then, you can apply a primer and a new coat of paint in your color of choice. The door will look and feel brand new. 

Damage to a single panel 

There is no reason to worry if only one panel is damaged. Garage doors have several panels, and replacing damaged ones is generally a simple fix. Don’t ignore panel damage even if just one panel is affected – the costs in the future can pile up. 

As with damage, a single dented panel costs little to fix and doesn’t require replacing the whole door. Still, it’s advisable to repair denting as soon as possible to prevent any damage to the rest of the door and its system and to make sure the door looks good.  

Garage door replacement


Quality garage doors can last for a few decades. With time, they begin to show signs of aging, like rotting wood. Replacing the door becomes unavoidable sometimes. This section shares some signs that it could be time to replace your garage door.

It’s too old

A good-looking garage door delivers curb appeal and increases the value of your home. Sometimes, a new coat of paint is enough to restore it to its former glory. However, a newer garage door has so much more to offer. Modern garage doors are high in visual appeal and more suitable with a view to the size of cars today. Moreover, newer garage doors are safer and more secure than old ones, rendering the dilemma of repairing vs. replacing easy to solve.

It’s unsafe

On the note of safety, older doors lack some of the critical features of newer ones. New doors have sensors that stop movement if they detect objects, children, or animals near or under the door. These features are highly beneficial because they can prevent serious injuries as well as damage to your property. Aftermarket add-ons aren’t very feasible financially, although they are compatible with older garage door models.

Weather damage has become apparent

Garage doors suffer from the elements. Rain, wind, snow, and the rays of the sun can cause a lot of wear and tear. If your door is showing signs of considerable element-related damage, such as warping, rusting, or severe discoloration, it might be time to have it replaced. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can get stuck inside the garage door’s tracks, resulting in friction and causing issues with misaligned tracks.

Rotting wood

If your area is high in moisture and your garage door is wooden, it will begin warping after a while. Don’t wait to have your garage door replaced if the wood is rotting. Modern garage doors are made of weatherproof, durable materials.

Your energy bills are rising

Garage doors are big and can let in a lot of air from outside. If your energy bills are soaring, your door might need replacing. Insulation can be a partial solution, but ultimately, a big difference in temperature between the garage and your house can have a costly impact on your household budget. Modern garage doors are more energy-efficient than old ones. They are made of quality materials, and the insulation reduces energy costs. A new garage door can raise your home’s value and save you money.

Contact the experts at Allied Door

The experienced technicians at Allied Door can help you figure out if your garage door needs replacing or only repairing. We can inspect your door to help you with the final decision – call us today to ask for a quote or more information.

Winter Garage Door

Common Winter Garage Door Issues

mitch Uncategorized

Winter Garage Door RepairIn winter, there are some typical garage door issues we have to deal with. Sub-zero temperatures can lead to stuck automatic garage doors, but how, and why? We’ve put together this guide to common winter garage door problems for all of you who are livid with a door that won’t open or close.

Some issues are small and we can take care of them ourselves. Others require intervention from a professional. Read on to see which type yours is. Before you begin, check your remote. Save yourself the service call cost in calling a contractor just to determine your remote batteries died.

Metal Contracts in Winter

And with that, we have a host of issues on our hands. Even if your door is not made out of metal, many of its components will be, such as rails, springs, and screws. These can break or lead to jamming. Broken springs are the most common garage door issue when it gets cold.

They are critical to a fully functioning system because they keep your door weight balanced. The springs help support the door’s weight when it opens and closes. They help keep stress off the motor of the door, which can weigh hundreds of pounds. They can also help you open the door manually with ease. Low temperature makes metal more brittle and less likely to endure. Eventually, the spring will snap. Difficulty opening the door is the most common sign that it has.

It is not safe to attempt to replace a spring on your own. If the door feels very heavy when you try to open it manually, one or more springs are broken. Get in touch with a professional to help you.

Swelling Door Frame

If your door is made out of wood, it will swell in winter. This kind of damage is due to friction between the frame and the door, leading the latter to get stuck. Unfortunately, wooden garage doors are very high maintenance. They do have very high aesthetic appeal, so if you can’t bear to part with yours, keep any gutters running along the garage free of debris. This will help avoid water splashing onto the door and damaging it.

Water Leaks

It’s very often the case that water leaks under garage doors. This becomes a problem because mildew will grow on damp concrete, potentially causing health problems. In winter, this water will freeze and you won’t be able to open the door.

To avoid this issue, have a gutter system installed over the garage. Downspouts and the gutter system will direct the water away from the door as the ice melts, keeping it from leaking underneath.

Install or Replace Weather Stripping

Get weather stripping installed under the door or replace worn stripping. Worn stripping might get trapped between the ground and the ice as water freezes around the door’s base. Then, the strip will be torn off when you try to raise the door. With time, the aged stripping will harden and crack, ruining the seal and reducing warmth. This will incur higher heating costs as well.

If your stripping on the bottom of the door has frozen, melt the ice before you try to open the door. You could pour hot water on the ice or use a heat gun set on “low”.

There is an easy way to avoid this common issue. Before water gets the chance to freeze, sweep it away from the base. Remove any snow that piles up there.

Weather stripping saves homeowners up to a third on energy bills by keeping cold air out. Check your stripping twice a year and replace it upon signs of wear and tear.

Hardened Grease

Sometimes the garage door is not frozen shut, but it won’t open despite that. If this is the case, it may be that garage door grease on the door tracks has accumulated and hardened. In cold weather, door track grease can get thicker, making it very hard (to impossible) to open the garage door.

To check, rub the grease on the door track with your hand. Normally, it should feel slippery. If it doesn’t, use a grease solvent to remove it. Get a garage door lubricant specifically made for winter conditions and use that instead.

Ice Between Door Panels

Moisture can get between garage door panels when there are multiple ones and freeze, causing problems when you try to open the door. This is an easy fix because you can see the ice. Just don’t use extreme heat to melt it because it will damage the door’s metal parts. Use a hair dryer or another gentle source of heat. Use a cloth or towel to wipe as much moisture away as you can to prevent the water from freezing again.

Damage to the Sensors

There are many ways, in which cold weather affects garage door sensors. Temperature fluctuations can cause condensation to build up on them, blocking the infrared beams they emit. The sensor perceives this as an obstruction although there is none. This is also an easy fix: just wipe the condensation off regularly.

If temperatures are very low, remote sensors can crack. This does not happen often, but if it has, don’t attempt to fix the sensor yourself. You need to contact a professional, who will replace or repair it. In case you suspect some kind of sensor damage, check if the batteries work or if there’s something in the sensor’s path. It’s important to eliminate simple issues before calling a contractor.

Tips on Lubrication

To guarantee that all the moving parts of your garage door opener run smoothly, you need to lubricate them all year round. Applying high-quality lubricant like a 30-weight oil is a good way to keep metal from contracting in winter. Excessive lubrication can be just as bad as inadequate lubrication. This depends on the programming of your door’s sensitivity level. If sensitivity has been set to “high”, the motor may perceive high lubricant consistency as an obstruction and stop working.

The complexities of garage door lubrication can be challenging to navigate. Getting in touch with a professional is a failsafe option.

A Door to Outlast the Cold

Garage door repair is not without risk. We at Allied Garage Door possess the expertise to troubleshoot any garage door issue and offer a customized solution. We will repair or install a new garage door on your home. We have been serving the Chicago area for over three decades and are rated #1 in customer service.

Contact Allied Door

Contact Allied Door for professional service to ensure your garage door functions properly and increase the lifespan of your overhead door. Call us or fill out the form below:

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Garage Door Repair

Commercial-Grade Garage Doors: Tips for Finding the Right Product

Allied Garage Door Uncategorized

If you didn’t know any better, you might assume that commercial and residential garage doors are virtually the same. The truth is, your business needs something more powerful and durable than the typical residential garage door. For this reason, it’s important to research available products and make the right choice for your business.

The difference between commercial and residential doors actually comes down to one factor: weight. Because these doors need to be more durable, they generally weigh more. As a result, the spring system is typically more complicated. Most commercial garage doors have at least two torsion springs; many have four.

Now you know some of the basic differences between the two products. The next step is to learn about the available product types.

Types of Commercial-Grade Garage Doors

The type of garage door you need will depend on the nature of your business. Generally speaking, there are four types of commercial-grade garage doors:

Type #1: High-Traffic Doors

When you have an area of high-traffic (such as a loading dock) the best door type will be a traffic door. These products must be strong and able to move fast. Also, because these doors see a lot of wear, they’re typically easy to repair and replace. One disadvantage to these doors is that they aren’t built for security. If you need a protective shield or gate, this product can serve as a door behind a door.

Type #2: Fire-Resistant Doors

In areas of increased fire hazard, a fire door may be the best solution. Most often, these products appeal to owners of factories, hospitals, cafeterias, etc. High temperatures and alarm systems typically serve as triggers to shut the door automatically. This helps prevent further injury and damage. 

Type #3: Rolling Doors

If you need an industrial garage door that is dependable and design-friendly, a rolling door may be the best choice for you. Another bonus with this door is that it can fit into tight spaces-such as small back or side rooms. Security grills for shops and counters fit into this category.

Type #4: Sectional Doors

Sectional doors are the most commonly used amongst commercial garages. These products consist of three to eight panels and slide easily overhead. The advantage with these doors is that they take up minimal space and are pretty reliable. They can also contain windows and serve a variety of industries.

Top Features to Keep an Eye Out For

Once you’ve settled on a type of commercial door, you’ll need to weigh the advantages of different features. Here are some of the top ones you’ll want to look for:

  • Design. In order to maintain your business’s curb appeal, look for a garage door that is aesthetically pleasing. Maybe it’s wood that strikes your taste, or steel. Either way, there are a lot of design options to choose from.
  • Durability. Look for a product that has tough torsion springs and consists of a strong material. This way, you can ensure that it withstands the wear and tear of daily business.
  • Security. To keep your assets protected, you’ll want a door that can keep harsh weather and intruders out.
  • Clean operation. For a product that works smoothly, you may need to be willing to spend some extra money. But there’s nothing better than a garage door that opens quickly and quietly every time!

With this information at your disposal, you have everything you need to decide on a commercial-grade door. If you have questions or would like more guidance, a salesman will be able to provide additional details. Be sure to get in touch with a local expert as soon as possible!

commercial garage door repair

Start Spring Cleaning in the Garage

Allied Garage Door Uncategorized

Your garage is more than just a place to park your car and store your garbage cans. Whether you like to garden, enjoy fixing things, or just need some extra storage, you can turn your garage into a multipurpose space.

However, for many of us, the garage has become a place where we simply stash our extra things. Just opening your garage door may embarrass you because your neighbors see all the clutter. That clutter may even build up so much that it takes you 30 minutes to find just one thing.

Following the tips below will help transform your garage into a space you can feel proud of. You’ll get rid of the clutter in no time.

Get Rid of the Clutter

First, remove anything that doesn’t need to sit in your garage. This means getting rid of things you don’t use anymore and storingsome things in other areas within your home. Don’t just decide what room you’ll place it in. Actually go there and make a spot for the item so you don’t clutter up another space.

If something takes up too much space and makes it hard to access your garage, move it. In the event of a repair, garage door professionals need between five to ten feet to access to repair, install, and service your door. Make sure you have enough space for that.

One of the best ways to get rid of your clutter in your garage involves removing every item and then deciding where it should go. Make piles for trash, donation, and organization. Make sure to tackle the clutter in manageable bites. This’ll help you stay focused until you get through it all.

Haul Off Hazards

Don’t let your garage be an accident waiting to happen. Get rid of oily rags, dried up paint and cleaners, construction scraps, or anything else that could cause an accident. Make sure you also store a working fire extinguisher in a convenient location in your garage for emergencies.

Deep Clean

Once you’ve made your piles and cleared your garage, give your garage a deep cleaning. Wipe down shelves, sweep the garage floor, and remove stains with the proper products.

Organize by Sections

Now that your garage is free of clutter, rearrange what’s left. Invest in sturdy boxes, shelves, and totes. Common categories for organization include:

  • Tools
  • Nuts and bolts
  • Sports gear
  • Lawn and gardening equipment
  • Seasonal items and furniture
  • Seasonal items and furniture

Make sure to label all boxes, totes, and containers. You’ll benefit from using stackable plastic containers that are easy to label. Label all four sides of each container with a short one- or two-word description about its contents.

Build Shelves

Take advantage of all the wasted space on your walls by installing or building a shelving system. Shelves can attach directly to your walls, or you can build a freestanding system that you can easily move.

Attach Hooks

Not everything you want stored in the garage fits into a bin. Peg boards work well for hanging tools like pliers, hammers, and handsaws. They hang in plain view and make it easy to quickly grab what you need.

Hooks give you another way to hang things like ropes, garden hoses, and even small ladders. You can also use them to hang items from the ceiling. Items easily stored above your head include bikes, skis, and even large ladders.

Add in Extras

Once you have the basics of spring cleaning down, focus on making your garage more functional by adding lighting, accessories, and heating and cooling units.

No matter what you do with your garage, a properly functioning garage door is also an essential. Contact your local garage door expert for regular garage door maintenance and any necessary repairs. A functioning garage door will keep your belongings protected and in great condition.

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