The 2 Most Common Garage Door Repairs in San Antonio
Hey there! As you probably know, living in San Antonio comes with its own charm, and let’s not forget the wild weather swings. From blazing hot summers to those unexpected chilly mornings, your garage door takes a beating year-round. You might be wondering: what’s the most common garage door repair in our city? Let me break it down for you nice and simple.
Springs: The Hardworking Helpers
The number one repair I’m called for is spring replacement. Have you ever heard a loud pop from your garage? It might’ve sounded like a firecracker going off. That’s probably one of your springs breaking. These springs do all the heavy lifting—literally.
Garage door springs are super strong. They help lift the door by balancing its weight so you or your opener don’t have to work as hard. But here’s the thing: springs wear out over time. Most are made to last about 10,000 cycles. That sounds like a lot, but if you open and close your garage door twice a day, that’s 730 cycles a year. Add in extra trips for the kids, deliveries, or those “forgot-my-keys” moments, and your springs can wear out faster than you think. If you’ve ever wondered exactly how garage door springs work and why they’re so crucial to your door’s operation, check out this detailed guide on how garage door springs work.
Why Springs Break
San Antonio’s weather doesn’t help. Humidity can make springs rust, and big temperature changes can make the metal weaker over time. I’ve seen springs that look like they’ve been through a battle, even though they were just working for a busy family.
Tip: Don’t Fix Springs Yourself. I know, you might think, “How hard can it be?” But trust me, fixing springs is dangerous. These things are under a lot of tension, and one wrong move can lead to serious injuries. Leave this job to the pros. I’ve seen too many DIY attempts go wrong—and it’s not worth the risk. If you’re curious about why DIY garage door repair can be so risky, take a look at this guide on why DIY garage door repair can be dangerous.
Rollers and Tracks: Another Big Problem
The next most common issue? Roller and track repairs. These parts help your door move up and down smoothly. But over time, rollers can wear out, and tracks can get bent. When that happens, your garage door might make some pretty loud noises—like a train screeching to a stop.
Here’s a tip: If your garage door sounds way louder than usual, check the rollers. Upgrading to nylon rollers instead of the old metal ones can make a big difference. They’re quieter, last longer, and your neighbors will thank you for the peace and quiet.
The San Antonio Twist
One thing that’s unique to San Antonio is our clay soil. It can shift a lot, and when your foundation moves, your garage door tracks can get misaligned. I’ve had customers call me because their door wouldn’t close all the way, only to find out their house had settled a bit. It’s a weird problem, but it’s part of life here.
Easy Maintenance Tips
Want to avoid expensive repairs? A little maintenance goes a long way. Once a year, grab a can of garage door lubricant and spray the springs, rollers, and hinges. Also, check your door’s balance. Disconnect the opener and lift the door by hand. If it doesn’t stay halfway up, it’s time to call a pro.
Don’t forget to check the weatherstripping along the bottom of your door. San Antonio’s heat can make it crack or break, and replacing it can keep dirt, bugs, and even scorpions out of your garage. Nobody wants that surprise!
Final Thoughts
At ClearPath Garage Door Repair, we love helping our neighbors keep their garage doors working smoothly. We’ve seen everything from broken springs to doors that look like they’ve been in a wrestling match. No matter what, we’re here to help.
So, if your garage door’s acting up, don’t stress. Give us a call, and we’ll fix it up right, Texas-style—with hard work, a little humor, and a smile.
Take care, San Antonio!