Garage doors are basically the first thing you’ll see when you approach a house or even a commercial building.  They provide security and aesthetics for the structure. One of the examples of garage doors are tilt doors, which are known for their simplicity and ease of use. But the same as all parts of your house, they are all subject to wear and tear over time. And you might need to understand the impact of garage door repairs and how to definitely extend their lifespan on post-repair.

Garage tilt doors are usually solid, secured doors that open in one motion or sometimes roll above the garage opening. If you want to know more about the factors that influence the longevity of garage tilt doors after repair, then here are a few tips you might want to consider.

Common Issues with Garage Tilt Doors

  • Worn or broken springs. To have your doors open and close smoothly, the springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of your doors. Over time, these springs can break and might lead you to difficultly open your tilt doors. It may get stuck in one position or another.
  • Damaged cables. To control the movement of the doors, they usually rely on the cables in the mechanism. If these cables get damaged, your doors may not function properly, or they might even be a safety hazard. Worse, it might suddenly drop. We don’t want that.
  • Hinge wear. The basic parts of a door are the hinges that support movement. Usually, these are the parts that are under continuous stress, as they bear most of the weight of the door. When they misalign, your door may not close evenly and eventually cause the other parts of the system to wear off.
  • Misaligned tracks or brackets. To have a smooth operation of your doors, there should be a proper alignment of the supporting tracks or brackets. If these parts are misaligned because of regular use of impact, it might get your doors stuck or not close at all.
  • Surface damage. Some tilt doors are made of wood or aluminum and usually incur damages like dents, cracks, or even warping, especially due to weather conditions. This might affect the structural integrity and overall appearance of your door.

Impact of Repairs on Garage Tilt Doors

Knowing these common issues your tilt doors might be suffering from, we have to address them immediately to avoid deterioration or functionality issues. Repairing them may extend your door’s lifespan. But the quality of these repairs will determine how long your door will remain functional after the repairs. And you might want to consider the following:

  • Quality of repair materials. If you have a high-quality door to begin with, it’s also important to choose a quality type of material for your repairs. A good example are the springs or cables. Choose those that are rated for more cycles, as they will last longer compared to the cheaper ones. You might also want to consider those weather-resistant materials, as these doors are usually prone to rust and corrosion. Make sure that the replacement parts are also compatible with your doors, for it might increase the wear and tear and may shorten the lifespan of the doors instead of actually repairing them.
  • Professional vs. DIY repairs. Yes, you read that right, DIY carport. Most are tempted to do their DIY repairs, but it is still best to get a professional to do them for you to ensure longer-lasting results. These professionals have the expertise to properly check and fix the issues with your tilt doors, even those that may not be visible to you.
  • Frequency of repairs. If you need frequent repairs due to continuous breakdowns of your doors, it might mean that the functionality or lifespan of your tilt doors might be nearing its end. If major parts like the door panel itself or the springs or tracks have been repaired a number of times already, you might want to consider replacing the full set to be more cost-effective.

Extending the Lifespan of a Repaired Tilt Door

Post-repair maintenance extends the lifespan of your tilt garage doors. Some key practices may include regular lubrication of the moving parts, like hinges, springs, and even rollers. This will reduce the friction and prevent it from wearing faster.  You may also want to inspect for wear and tear regularly to see signs of damage. You might be able to hear unusual noises or slow movement, or you might observe some misalignment. If you regularly look for these, you might be able to prevent any larger repair requirements.  Make sure that your garage door is also properly sealed or weatherproofed to avoid any damage from moisture, heat, or cold. Test the balance of your doors to avoid any unnecessary strain on the opener and springs. If your doors are unbalanced, it will surely put more stress on your important parts. And last but not least, hire a professional. You may call them on a regular schedule if you think you need to perform checks and maintenance on your tilt doors.

It is best to address the issues early to extend the lifespan of your garage tilt doors. Make sure to look out for possible defects or damages and seek professional help if needed. You only want what’s best for your home, right?