How Long Do Garage Door Rollers Last?

“How Long Do Garage Door Rollers Last?”

The answer depends on what type of garage door rollers you have in your garage. When you provide proper maintenance for your rollers, they can last anywhere from one to two decades. Other factors play into the longevity of rollers too, such as the climate and how often the garage door is used.

Garage Door Rollers: Plastic vs. Nylon vs. Steel

Garage door rollers are usually made from plastic, nylon or steel.

• Steel is the most durable material for rollers, but it’s the most expensive as well as the noisiest of the three.
• Nylon is much quieter and less expensive, but it’s also less durable.
• Plastic is the least costly and least sturdy of the three. Plastic rollers do not have ball bearings, which means they can be noisy, and they generally require replacement after just a few years.

Do Garage Door Rollers Wear Out?

Eventually, your garage door rollers will stop working effectively. Factors that cause them to wear out include:

• Weather: Metal parts rust when they’re exposed to lots of rain. Stainless steel holds up much better, resisting rust and working exceptionally well for car washes as a result.
• Usage: If you use your garage door multiple times every day, you may cut down on the rollers’ long-term life. These rollers work for so many cycles, and once you hit that number, you’ll need to replace them whether it’s been two years or 12.
• Track maintenance: With any machinery, the better maintained it is, the more efficiently it will function. Getting regular inspections of your rollers each year will ensure that they are working properly, catching small problems before they grow into big ones.
• Track cleaning: Removing small debris from the tracks will improve the ability of the rollers to move while reducing noise. You can add a lubricant to the tracks if the sound is especially loud. Try specialty garage door formulas that you can get from your local garage door repair shop.

How Often Should You Replace Garage Door Rollers?

You should replace your rollers when they stop working well. Depending on the material, that may mean 10 to 20 years, though plastic rollers will need to be replaced well before that.

To determine whether you need new rollers, disconnect the door from your automatic opener. Pull the cord manually to make the garage door open and close so that you can see how much drag there is and whether it seems like too much. If it is, you may need to replace the rollers.

If you decide you need new rollers, you should contact a professional and have them complete the installation. Someone who doesn’t understand garage door rollers may install them improperly and put your family at risk.

Rollers that don’t meet the correct installation standards may break or wear out quickly, and the door may become unbalanced, closing suddenly and potentially hurting someone.

Do You Need Assistance Replacing Your Garage Door Rollers?

Contact Oregon City Garage Door to discuss our parts and repair services. You can request service online or give us a call at 503-632-3070.

Should I Replace Both Garage Door Springs?

“Should I Replace Both Garage Door Springs?”

Yes. You may be tempted to save money on parts and labor by replacing just one spring, but you’ll likely need to replace both when one spring breaks.

Garage doors have two springs, one on either side of the door. The springs exert the force that makes the door light enough to be lifted. When one garage door spring breaks, many homeowners wonder if they need to replace both springs or if they can replace only the one that malfunctioned. Read below to learn why you should always replace both garage door springs when one breaks.

Why Is a Balanced Garage Door Important?

Springs keep your garage door balanced, ensuring that both sides of the door rise up and down at the same time. If one spring breaks, it throws off the function of the door. The two sides will rise and fall at different speeds.

You’ll hear more noise when you use the garage door, and the other spring will wear down faster with the higher workload, trying to balance out the issues on the other side of the door.

The average life expectancy of a garage door spring is about 10,000 open and close cycles. For most garages, that means about seven to nine years, but some springs break within four or five years with frequent use.

How can you tell if your garage door is unbalanced? In addition to hearing more noise, you can look for several telltale signs. A slanted or crooked door is a sign of imbalance, and so is a garage door that slams down when you close it instead of coming down slowly. If you notice increasing gaps between the coils in your springs, consider it an indication that the springs are failing and may need replacements.

What Is the Danger of an Unbalanced Garage Door?

If one spring breaks, there are several things that can occur:

• The door may close suddenly.
• Loose springs can crack or fall out of the brackets.
• The door may speed up or slow down, becoming unpredictable and putting you and your family in danger when you try to enter or exit the garage.

Having a malfunctioning spring can lead to warping on the tracks due to wear on the wheels. The motor can also experience greater demand for its power when the garage door is being pushed up, which means it will need to be replaced sooner.

An imbalanced garage door can also cause injury or damage to your property. If your garage door falls on your car, you may need to take it to the shop for repairs. It could fall on something sitting near your garage door entrance, too, such as a bike or scooter. 

Learn About Our Garage Door Spring Repair

Should I Replace Both Garage Door Springs? 

If you’re thinking of replacing one garage door spring, you’re probably better off replacing both. Your garage door will function better when you get two new springs to balance out the wear and tear, and you’ll gain peace of mind protecting your family from the consequences of a broken spring. 

Can a Garage Door Operate With One Spring?

No. Both springs must work together to pull the garage door up and bring it down gently. When operation relies on one spring, in addition to presenting safety concerns, it can also lead to wear and tear on the door.

You shouldn’t try to balance a garage door yourself. While replacing both springs is critical for your door to function again, only a professional can provide the repairs you need. Garage door repair technicians understand how to perform tests on the door’s balance.

Garage doors are heavy, often weighing hundreds of pounds, and you don’t want to put yourself in harm’s way. The safest option is to get help with the replacement of both springs.

Why Do Garage Door Springs Break? 

The most frequent reason a garage door spring breaks is wear and tear. Nothing lasts forever, and when your garage door goes up and down at least twice a day, that puts a lot of tension on the spring. You can buy extended life span torsion springs to get more use out of your garage springs, but you’ll still need to replace them at some point. 

Another contributor to broken garage door springs is rust. It shortens the life span of a spring and leads to more friction when the coils move. You can apply a silicone-based lubricant to your springs every season to reduce rusting. 

Poor maintenance may also cause springs to break. You should check the garage door balance every year so you can detect any potential issues early. Use the emergency release cord to put the door in manual mode, and then lift the door and let go. Well-maintained springs will keep the door in place. 

What Type of Garage Spring Do I Need?

To replace the spring correctly, you’ll need to know what type you have. The two main types of springs are extension and torsion. 

Torsion springs are the long, thin springs along the door’s horizontal track, which extend when you move the door. They include three types of springs: 

• Open-looped extension springs
• Double-looped extension springs
• Clipped-end extension springs

Torsion springs sit on the metal shaft above the door opening. They get wound to a specific torsion that assists with the assembly. The four types are: 

• Early-set torsion springs. 
• Standard torsion springs.
• Torque-master torsion springs. 
• Steel rolling door torsion springs. 

Is It Dangerous to Replace a Garage Door Spring? 

Yes, it can be dangerous for a homeowner to replace a broken garage door spring. Garage doors are heavy, and their components are under a lot of pressure. It’s best to leave the job to a professional. The dangers of attempting repairs or replacement on your own may include: 

• Springs snapping back on you as you try to replace them: The tension in the springs can produce quite a sting or even cause serious injury. 
• The door falling on you as you work: A broken spring can make a garage door close suddenly, injuring you or damaging any items in the door’s path.
• Estimating the wrong tension for the springs: If you guess wrong, then the garage door could fall when you’re using it later.

Schedule Maintenance

What Do I Need to Replace a Snapped Garage Door Spring? 

To replace an extension spring, you will need the replacement part as well as C-clamps. Open the garage door, then secure it with the C-clamps. Take the spring off the track bracket and pulley, and remove one end of the safety cable. Put the new spring on along with the pulley and connect the safety cable again. 

Torsion springs are more challenging to work with. Close the door and unwind both the springs. Take them off the central rod bracket and take the cables off the pulleys. Slide the loosened pulleys off the rod. Put on the new springs, then reinstall the pulleys and cables. Wind up both springs using a winding bar and test the door balance. 

Contact Oregon City Garage Door for Spring Repairs and Replacements

Now you understand why a balanced garage door is essential. It protects you and your family. Performing repairs on your springs or replacing them yourself may cause safety issues, and the work can be challenging if you’re not familiar with all the moving parts. It’s best to leave repairs and replacements to the professionals, especially if you live in Tualatin, Wilsonville, Tigard, Portland, Happy Valley, Canby or any other areas in Portland for which we regularly provide expert garage door services. 

If you need assistance replacing your garage door springs, give Oregon City Garage Door a call at 503-632-3070 or contact us online to schedule service. We can get the job done quickly and correctly the first time around. 

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Ways to Cool Your Garage in the Summer

Why is my garage so hot? You step into your garage and you immediately start to sweat. While most garages get hot, there’s always a way to cool them off. Learn more below about why the temperature in your garage temperature rises so high and the best way to cool a garage in the summer.

Why Do Garages Get So Hot in the Summer?

Summers everywhere can get hot and humid, turning the garage into an uncomfortable place. Trying to work out how to cool a garage in Oregon can be difficult. There are two main reasons garages feel like saunas in the summer. The first is a lack of ventilation and the second is the lack of insulation.

That said, other factors can play into the problem, as well. If your garage is full of objects, built with concrete flooring or has lots of heat-generating vehicles and equipment, your garage might be holding onto more heat. Here are some common reasons your garage is getting hot in summer.

Lack of Insulation

Poor insulation is the main cause of a hot garage. With inadequate insulation, warm air seeps into the garage as the cold air escapes, meaning your space can’t maintain a comfortable temperature level. This increases your energy bill and makes your garage uncomfortable.

In the summer months, uninsulated garages are naturally warmer since they don’t have the ability to keep the hot air out. Properly insulated garage doors and walls help maintain the garage’s temperature as the outside air fluctuates, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter. In addition to improved temperature control, you can enjoy several benefits of insulating your garage.

• Lower energy bills: Insulating your garage keeps the heat out and helps lower your energy costs. Your HVAC system won’t constantly try to maintain the climate level as the garage warms up.
• Noise management: Insulation softens the outside sound heard in the garage. Additionally, an insulated door will be quieter when it opens and closes.
• Storage item protection: Managing the garage’s indoor temperature prevents vehicles and items stored inside from being subjected to extreme temperatures.

Air rises, entering cracks and crevices around the garage door, warming and cooling the garage by mixing with the outdoor temperatures. If left unsealed, these garage door gaps could also let in water, animals and wind, ruining your stored garage items.

Lack of Ventilation

Lack of ventilation is a common problem, especially in windowless garages. Without air circulation, the garage feels hot and stuffy. A soft breeze can decrease the temperature and improve comfort. Removing the hot air through a turbine or mechanical system is an excellent way to provide ventilation.

Without ventilation, your garage traps warm air — and potentially, toxic fumes from vehicles. This mixture can be hazardous and should be removed from the space. To improve ventilation and remove the hot air and fumes, add a mechanical air mover or windows and vents to the garage walls. You’ll enjoy cleaner, cooler air.

Location and Color

Your garage’s location impacts the amount of sunlight it receives. A south- or west-facing garage is more exposed during peak heat periods, which means it gets hotter inside.

The garage door and roof color can also impact the internal temperature — darker garages often absorb more sunlight. Lighter colors can help reflect light, preventing it from absorbing into your garage. Similarly, your home’s exterior may conduct or repel heat depending on its color.

Heat-Generating Objects

If you’ve just parked your car, the engine’s heat will radiate out and increase the garage temperature because it emits heat long after it stops running.

Operating electrical equipment such as dryers and washing machines also elevates heat levels, and cluttered items block airflow and keep air stagnant and warm. If your garage is full of objects and contains operational appliances, you’ll likely feel more heat inside during the summer.

7 Garage Cooling Solutions

No one likes a heated garage. Check out these tips on how to cool off your garage.

1. Park Your Car Outside

Parking your car outside in the shade after driving home provides some time for the engine to cool down. That way, it won’t emit as much heat when you move it into the garage for the night. Leave it outside for at least a few hours into the evening for the heat of driving to dissipate.

2. Use Garage Ventilation Systems

The simplest ventilation option for a garage is windows. They have many advantages, such as opening and allowing fresh air to circulate. Tinted and UV-protective windows also help reduce the light and heat entering your garage.

Fan-driven airflow systems are another efficient solution that comes in multiple varieties:

• Passive ventilation systems: A standard method for cooling garages, passive ventilation systems often consist of a turbine roof or wall vent that uses natural winds to help circulate air through the garage.
• Active ventilation systems: These mechanically circulate garage air. They are either separate or integrated with the house’s ventilation system. They’re more expensive and should be installed professionally to prevent your electrical circuit from overloading.

3. Leave the Garage Open for a Few Hours

If your garage door lacks windows, leave it open for a while in the evening to let hot, stagnant air escape. Move home improvement projects and hobbies outside while you allow air to circulate naturally for a few hours. Make sure you close the door if you plan to leave home.

4. Circulate Air In Your Garage

Install a ceiling fan, pedestal fan or air conditioner in your garage. If you opt for a fan as your primary, permanent cooling solution, it’s best to choose an industrial-strength model. You have a couple of options for ways to increase air circulation in your garage:

• Fans: Install a ceiling fan to help cool the garage or place several pedestal or box fans along the sides of the garage ceiling for more circulation. Fans pull and push air inside and outside to create a flow, so place them near vents and open windows if possible.
• Air conditioning: Adding an air conditioning unit is the quickest way to lower your garage’s temperature. You can also use a portable air conditioner, but make sure you take measurements and select the correct size.

5. Upgrade Your Garage Insulation

Insulation works to keep your garage cooler in the summer and retain heat during the winter. Insulate your garage door and walls to keep the heat out and reduce the temperature. A new, insulated garage door can help reduce your energy costs by placing less pressure on your HVAC cooling system.

Proper insulation and weatherstripping protect your garage from extreme temperatures and weather damage. Preventing the elements from entering protects your garage from heat, cold, animals and water damage, so it stays secure year-round.

6. Place a Dehumidifier in Your Garage

A humidifier regulates the air’s humidity by extracting moisture from it. It also prevents musty odors caused by excessive heat buildup in the garage. These devices are helpful in summer, as they maintain comfortable humidity levels and make the heat feel more tolerable. Place the dehumidifier away from direct sunlight or attach it to a portable air conditioner for optimal results.

7. Consider Repainting Your Garage Door

Darker garage doors tend to absorb heat more than lighter colors. Consider repainting your door’s exterior to repel the harsh summer heat, especially if your garage receives large amounts of direct sunlight during the day.

Contact Us to Insulate Your Garage Door and Keep the Heat Out

Even with temperatures at their hottest, there are ways to cool your garage in the summer. Let Oregon City Garage Door help you! We sell a range of new insulated garage doors designed to keep your garage more comfortable all year round — all while protecting your belongings and lowering your utility bills.

We have been trusted for reliable garage door service in numerous counties and cities in Portland, including Beavercreek, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Tualatin, Tigard and more!

Tips to Keep Children Safe Near Garage Doors

It’s no secret that the garage isn’t the safest place for young children. You’ve probably already childproofed any drawers or cabinets in your garage to keep your kids from accessing sharp tools or cleaning agents. You also know not to leave power tools plugged in. But how can you childproof a garage door?

Garage door child safety starts with you as a parent, just like any other kind of safety you teach your kids about. Not only are there garage door safety tips you should share with your children, but you should also perform regular maintenance to keep children safe near garage doors.

How to Childproof Garage Doors

From regular maintenance to features designed specifically with safety in mind, here are some steps you can take to childproof a garage door:

1. Inspect Your Garage Door Often

Even if your door is operating smoothly, you should be on the lookout for any broken cables or springs and get them fixed immediately.

2. Test the Reversing Mechanism

This is an essential safety feature for a garage door, so if you don’t have one, you should look into it. With this feature, your garage door will automatically reverse if there is anything in its path.

Test it at least once a month using an object like a piece of wood, and make sure the door reverses as soon as it comes in contact with the object. Contact your garage door service provider right away if the mechanism fails.

3. Keep the Garage Door Opener Out of Reach

You might consider enlisting the help of a technician to reposition your garage door opener so that children can’t reach it and touch the buttons. Placing a cover on top is also a good idea.

4. Seal Any Gaps With Rubber

Adding seals will keep small hands from getting stuck in gaps in panels — and it helps with insulation, too.

Garage Door Safety Tips for Children

Once you know how to childproof your garage door and keep up with maintenance, your work is halfway done! Here are some garage door safety tips you should share with your children:

1. Never play near garage doors. It’s easy to bump into hinges and joints that can injure your child as well as cause damage to the door. Not only that, but someone could press a button — either accidentally, or not knowing that children are nearby — and close the garage door. Make sure kids understand this and remember to keep a safe distance from the door.
2. Don’t press any buttons. Younger children, in particular, may need to be reminded not to press the button to open or close the garage door. Just like pushing buttons on the stove, this is a task for adults to handle.

Your garage door might be a stylish, functional feature of your home, but it’s also a complex mechanical system. Practice garage door safety around your child and keep your door well maintained so that it can protect your home for years to come.

Oregon City Garage Door is your trusted local company for all garage door needs in Portland and the surrounding areas! Give us a call at 503-632-3070 or contact us for childproofing and other garage door services today.

How a New Garage Door Can Decrease Energy Costs

Like most people, you’ve probably been wondering how you can make your home more energy-efficient. You might want to lower your household’s carbon footprint or decrease your energy costs — maybe both!

Whatever your reason, you’ve probably heard a lot of different advice on things you can do to accomplish your goal. One notable factor that many people underestimate is the role a new insulated garage door can play when it comes to your home’s energy efficiency.

What Is an Energy-Efficient Garage Door?

An energy-efficient garage door is one that will lower the energy costs in your household because it helps regulate the temperature in your home.

Which garage doors are most energy-efficient?

The most energy-efficient garage doors are made up of multiple layers of steel and insulation, with the most effective materials for insulation being polystyrene and polyurethane.

When it comes to efficiency, an insulated garage door will go a long way toward keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Insulated garage doors prevent the air in your home from escaping, thus saving energy.

How Can a New Garage Door Decrease Energy Costs?

If you’re looking for ways to make your garage more energy-efficient, here are a few reasons you should start with your garage door:

1. It Regulates the Temperature in Your Home

You probably don’t spend the bulk of your time in your garage, but it’s still an extension of your home. If your garage is not insulated, heat and cold air can radiate from your garage into the rest of your house through shared walls. If you find yourself adjusting your thermostat constantly, this could be the reason!

You can save time and lower energy costs by upgrading to an insulated garage door.

2. It Lowers Energy Usage – And Ultimately Energy Costs

This one may seem obvious, but it’s true: lower energy usage translates to lower energy costs. But how can a new garage door lower energy usage?

You may have noticed a pattern here — it all comes back to the insulation. According to the EPA, properly insulating and air sealing a home can lower heating and cooling costs by 15%. It’s easy to overlook your garage door when it comes to insulation, but it can make a significant difference.

3. It Can Make Your Car Battery More Efficient

Your car probably isn’t what you had in mind when it comes to decreasing energy costs in your garage, but it’s a great bonus! Extreme heat in the summer is hard on your car’s battery.

Elevated temperatures can cause liquid in the battery to evaporate, shortening its lifespan.

An insulated garage door will keep the heat at bay so your car battery can go the distance.

Update Your Garage Today

Are you ready to cut costs and improve your home’s energy efficiency with an insulated garage door? Contact Oregon City Garage Door today! We have plenty of options to choose from, including our Energy Series as well as our collection with Intellicore® for even more insulation.

Give us a call at 503-632-3070 if you’re looking for a new energy-efficient garage door or contact us online. We proudly offer service throughout the Portland area, and we provide free estimates for new garage door installations.

Don’t wait — start lowering your energy costs today!