You’re about to head out, and suddenly your garage door starts making this awful grinding noise. The hinges look wonky, and something just doesn’t feel right. Your morning is quickly turning into a frustrating mess of mechanical problems and unexpected repairs.
Don’t panic! Most garage door hinge issues aren’t as complicated as they seem. This guide will walk you through exactly what to check, how to fix simple problems, and when it’s time to get professional help.
What Causes Garage Door Hinge Wear in Tennessee?
Tennessee presents some truly one-of-a-kind obstacles for your garage door. As an individual who has labored on numerous garage doors throughout the state, including in Hendersonville, TN, I can assure you that our climate has an inordinate effect on the theme of wear and tear with hinges.
The humid summers and occasional severe winters hand out a perfect storm for the various metal parts that make up a garage door-especially the hinges.
Inevitable normal wear and tear occurs, but Tennessee’s environmental conditions hasten the process. The metal expands and contracts because of humidity, while intense summer heat causes significant stress on your door’s (and home’s) hinges and other moving parts.
Think of it as if your car was left parked in an August Nashville lot; every component gets pushed to the very limits of its intended design.
DIY Hinge Inspection: What to Look For
Identifying possible hinge problems before they escalate is a good idea. The first thing to look for is rust. In Tennessee’s wet climate, your metal parts are always trying to become rusty. So examine your hinge connections for any signs of it.
You’re looking for reddish-brown spots, of course, but you’re also looking for any deviations in the smoothness of your metal and any flaking that might be happening.
Another critical sign is loose or damaged hardware. Gently wiggle each hinge—they should be firmly attached with no significant movement. If they aren’t, it’s a clear sign that you need to fix your door. You could also pitch fixing it as a DIY project, since really the only tools you need are a hammer and some old newspaper.
You could also substitute that with some thick cardboard. That sounds wobbly, and it probably is, but you’d be surprised how attached those hinges can feel once you get them properly aligned and fastened.
Simple Hinge Maintenance Tricks
Here’s something that the majority of people don’t get: routine upkeep can significantly prolong the lifespan of your garage door. The essence of this maintenance is lubrication. Using a silicone-based lubricant (which you can find at most hardware stores for around $8-$12), apply a light coat to each hinge connection. Don’t apply too much; you want the lubricant to do its job without making the door a dirt magnet.
Basic tightening is very easy to do. All you need is a socket wrench and about 15 minutes to spare. Go through each bolt and make sure they have the proper amount of tension; they should be snug but not overtightened. Pro tip: I’ve fixed this same issue for dozens of clients by simply ensuring the hardware was properly tensioned.
You May Be Interested In: Who Repairs Automatic Garage Doors In Hendersonville?
When DIY Isn’t Enough: Warning Signs
Some issues are a definite reason to call in an expert at Benjamin Garage Doors. If you hear loud grinding noises, don’t just turn up the volume on your TV; turn off the power to your garage door until a professional can take over.
This problem can also be a visible one, such as with serious structural concerns. If you notice significant rust or other damaging corrosion, or parts that are bent, you shouldn’t be hesitating to call a pro.
Professional Repair vs. DIY: Making the Right Choice
Cost is always a factor. A professional hinge replacement usually costs between $100 and $250, depending on the damage. You might save money with a DIY approach, but if you don’t repair the hinge properly, it could lead to more expensive door problems down the line.
Your top priority should be safety. Garage door systems exert a lot of tension and weigh a lot. One tiny move in the wrong direction can lead to serious injuries. If problems with your door keep cropping up, or if you’re just plain unsure of what’s going on, calling in a pro is the best option.
These folks not only understand the whole garage door system better than most of us do; they know what kinds of garage door problems are specific to Tennessee. You can find our local shop on Google Maps.
This occurs all the time on projects—homeowners who procrastinate wind up with repairs that are not only more extensive but also far more costly than the original issue at hand. Procrastination leads to repairs that are twice as extensive and three times as costly.
