Garage Door Repair

SimonWright · **Posted:** Sat Oct 09, 2010 5:53 pm

Before I pick a name at random from the interwebulator does anyone have a recommendation for someone to repair a garage door?

Of course, I'm in the UK right now (on the way back from Singapore). My wife reported an enormous bang noise last night but she couldn't find the source until this morning when she tried to leave. The big spring across the top of the door has spontaneously failed and now the garage door is holding our two cars hostage.

I don't think it's a repair I can (or even want to) attempt myself.

Thanks.

Simon

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Sat Oct 09, 2010 6:53 pm

I've used both of these guys with good results.

It's "basic" stuff for them.

http://www.ohdraleigh.com/

http://www.customoverheaddoors.net/rale ... -door.aspx

BretLuter · **Posted:** Sat Oct 09, 2010 9:46 pm

If it's the torsion spring (which is what it sounds like), then you should be able to lift the door up manually in order to get the car(s) out. If you've got an automatic door opener, you'll want to pull the release handle first.

It'll be heavy as hell, and once it's up, you'll have to prop it up with something sturdy (2x4, etc) to keep it up, but this may buy you some time so you can get the door fixed.

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

BretLuter wrote:

If it's the torsion spring (which is what it sounds like), then you should be able to lift the door up manually in order to get the car(s) out. If you've got an automatic door opener, you'll want to pull the release handle first.

It'll be heavy as hell, and once it's up, you'll have to prop it up with something sturdy (2x4, etc) to keep it up, but this may buy you some time so you can get the door fixed.

If it's a wood door like my old house, it will probably take more than manual effort. When my torsion spring broke I screwed a big eye hook into the trim on top, and used a come-along to open the door using the handle. This was just to get a car out to get to work.

SimonWright · **Posted:** Sun Oct 10, 2010 5:07 am

Fortunately it's an aluminum door.

Thanks for the advice guys. It's funny how bad things only happen when when I'm away. My wife had to drive the Sequoia on Saturday (shared ownership with my neighbor) so at least she had a ride.

Simon

clinehall · **Posted:** Sun Oct 10, 2010 8:31 am

Yes, but it makes your wife appreciate you more! If its an extension spring then once you get the door up, its an easy fix. They sell them at Lowes and color coded for strength. Be sure to use the safety wire to keep them from going all over the garage when they break.

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:41 pm

If you have a pro come out, ask that he check/lube/adjust the whole system as needed. Might as well get some extra value out of the travel portion of the fee and give you and your wife one less thing to worry about. Too bad you can't add it to your travel expense (assuming business trip)

Dick

SimonWright · **Posted:** Thu Oct 14, 2010 10:00 pm

Closeout:

Had Overhead Door come out. Prompt, job well done, not too expensive ($218) and they did tighten up and lube everything.

Thanks everyone.

Siimon

ColinAnderson · **Posted:** Sat Oct 16, 2010 4:56 am

SimonWright wrote:

Fortunately it's an aluminum door.

Thanks for the advice guys. It's funny how bad things only happen when when I'm away. My wife had to drive the Sequoia on Saturday (shared ownership with my neighbor) so at least she had a ride.

Simon

It's spelled aluminIum!!

See you at Sandblast!

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Sat Oct 16, 2010 11:41 am

SimonWright wrote:

Closeout:

Had Overhead Door come out. Prompt, job well done, not too expensive ($218) and they did tighten up and lube everything.

Thanks everyone.

Siimon

Which "Overhead Door" since there are at least two with similar names? :lol:

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