Blog

The garage door is constantly exposed to elements like rain, snow, humidity and temperature fluctuations. Eventually, these conditions can lead to rust and corrosion, ruining the appearance of your garage door as well as its performance and longevity. However, with regular maintenance and a little preventative care, you can prevent damage to your garage door and ensure years of use without issue.

Understand What Causes Rust and Corrosion: Rust commonly forms when metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen. This process is accelerated by salt — especially road salt that you scatter in winter. Corrosion can also result from extended exposure to humidity, pollutants, or chemicals. Steel or iron garage doors are especially at risk when protective finishes wear down.

Keep Your Garage Door Clean: Regular cleanings are one of the easiest and most effective methods to avoid rust. The dirt, salt, and grime hold the moisture against the metal surface- an incubator for rust.

• Wash your door every 2–3 months with warm, soapy water.
• Wash clean and dry with a soft cloth.
• Be sure to focus on the base edges and corners, where dirt can collect.

Apply a Protective Wax or Sealant: Once clean, coat the metal in wax or a corrosion inhibitor to protect it from any moisture. You can use an automotive wax or a silicone-based sealant on steel garage doors. Use it twice a year — once in preparation for winter and again in the spring — for best results.

Inspect for Early Signs of Rust: Nipping rust in the bud can spare you expensive repairs down the road. Examine your garage door regularly, particularly after wet, rainy or snowy times of year.

Look for:

• Small orange or brown spots
• Paint bubbling or flaking
• Rough patches or discoloration

If you see rust, lightly sand it away, apply a rust-inhibiting primer and paint right over the affected spot.

Lubricate Moving Parts: Rust and corrosion don’t only affect the door panels themselves — they can also cause damage to hinges, springs, rollers and tracks. Spray the moving parts with a silicone-based lubricant or garage door spray oil every couple of months to minimize friction and maintain moisture levels.

Repaint When Needed: The paint coat has an essential function as a primary anti-corrosion protection. When the paint of your door begins to peel or fade, it’s time for a touch-up.

• Sand away any peeling paint or rusty spots.
• Apply a rust-preventive primer.
• Repaint with an outdoor paint that is weather-resistant and suited for metal surfaces.

Improve Ventilation in Your Garage: Inadequate venting causes trapped humidity and speeds corrosion. If you are in a coastal or high-humidity area, put vents or get a dehumidifier to keep the moisture level low.

Schedule Professional Maintenance: A qualified garage door pro can spot problems that might go unnoticed by a casual observer. A yearly maintenance check from a reliable source, such as Peel Garage Doors, will keep your door free of rust and corrosion — and make it last for longer whilst it looks brand new.

Final Thoughts

Your garage door is a valuable investment and needs to be treated well. By cleaning, lubricating, examining, and sealing your garage door, you can effectively prevent rust and corrosion, avoiding expensive additional service calls while maintaining your home’s curb appeal.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late!

We offer reliable maintenance, inspection and repair services to ensure that your garage door is always in top condition.

Your garage door may be the last thing on your mind and something you only use on an as-needed basis – that is, unless it isn’t functioning correctly. Among house alarms and smoke detectors, garage doors that will not stay open are some of the most problematic challenges. On top of being a hassle, this is potentially dangerous for you, your family members and other possessions you may own.

In this post, we will describe why this issue occurs, what risk it presents, and how to fix it before it escalates into a more severe problem.

Common Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Stay Open

1. Broken or Worn-Out Springs

They use torsion and extension springs to counterbalance the weight of your garage door. When they break, the door may suddenly fall, creating a dangerous situation and making it harder to keep the door open.

2. Faulty Garage Door Opener

If the motor or settings of your opener fail, it is possible that the door will not stay open. It is a common problem when the safety sensors are not lined up correctly, or the limit settings of your opener need adjusting.

3. Cable Issues

The lift cables are frayed or broken, which means that the door will fall unexpectedly, as the damaged lifting cables do not support its weight.

4. Track Misalignment

Your rollers might not keep the door in place if your tracks are bent or out of alignment.

5. Worn-Out Rollers or Hinges

Broken hardware causes the door to move out of position and eventually drop down.

The Safety Risks You Need to Know

One of the most annoying and dangerous door malfunctions is when a garage door won’t stay open. Here’s why:

Potential Harm: If the garage door comes crashing down, anyone standing under it will be injured.

Car Damage: If the door drops while your car is stuck partially in or out, it could cause expensive damage to your vehicle.

Security Hazard: If the doors that refuse to stay can pose a problem, so the doors which willingly open may also have troubles in properly closing, therefore your property will be exposed.

Increased Damage: Left unattended, a broken door will cause other parts to perform poorly and result in costly repair work.

What to Do if Your Garage Door Won’t Stay Open

Do not operate: Do not open and close until it is checked.

Inspect for Obvious Damage: Frayed cables, broken springs, or bent tracks — but please don’t attempt any repairs yourself.

Hire a Pro: The springs in garage door systems are under high tension, so these repairs should only be done by trained technicians.

Keep Your Garage Door Safe and Reliable

At Peel Garage Doors, we are the experts in detecting and solving a plethora of garage door problems. Avoid the temptation to overlook this because that door is only waiting to unleash a great calamity upon you.

Contact us today to book that repair and secure your home.

A garage door that won’t open can be maddening — particularly when you’re in a hurry. Although you may be tempted to try to pry it open (for a “quick fix”), that can make matters worse or a repair more expensive. At Peel Garage Doors, we understand the dangers of trying to make a stuck garage door work and the additional damage that can result. In this post, we’re going to cover some of the potential hazards of making your overhead door open when it doesn’t want to and what you should do instead.

Risk of Injury

It can be dangerous to try to force an overhead door open. The doors themselves are heavy, and they can get stuck (with a broken spring, off-track, or bad cables), causing the force to push the door’s weight down (or back). This can lead to:

• Crushed fingers or limbs
• Head injuries
• Strained muscles or injuries to the back

Garage door parts are under extreme tension—especially the springs—and they can cause death if mishandled.

Worsening the Existing Damage

If a door is not opening smoothly, there is a story behind it. If you pry it open without addressing the cause, it can:

• Bend or break the tracks
• Damage the rollers or hinges
• Strip the opener motor gears
• The door panels can become misaligned

These kinds of damages can add up to repair bills, making a quick repair a more expensive service.

Void of Warranty

Now, most garage door manufacturers offer warranties — but some conditions apply. Trying to pry your door open or make untrained DIY repairs could void your warranty. If you do damage in this manner, you are likely on the hook for the entire repair or replacement cost.) As always, be sure to look up your warranty terms before taking any action.

Compromised Home Security

If the door is pried open and is unable to close properly afterward, your home is vulnerable. A broken overhead door will entice burglars to enter your property through that weak point. An unsecured garage can also provide entry to tools, vehicles, and even your main house — especially if there’s an internal door leading inside.

Increased Repair Costs

What might have been a simple tweak could become an expensive teardown. For example:

• A sensor out of alignment might cost $50–$100 to adjust
• But when it damages tracks as it is forced, the price can be more than $500.
• A damaged opener system can result in a complete replacement that could cost $1,000 or more

Not using force when it is not necessary can prevent you from incurring expensive repair costs.

Damage to the Garage Door Opener

Many homeowners assume that the opener is a powerful motor capable of “pushing through” a door that’s in trouble. The fact is that openers are designed to work in conjunction with door systems. Forcing the opener to do the heavy lifting on a jammed or heavy door can overheat the motor, strip gears, or break internal parts — usually resulting in a whole “You’re gonna need another new opener” situation.

What You Should Do Instead

If your overhead garage door doesn’t open:

Inspect Basic Issues: Inspect obstructions, power connection, and detached openers.

No Force: Never force the door up, down, or to either side.

Unplug the Opener: Unlock the garage and “operate the garage door manually” using the emergency release cord — in other words, have some faith and do it if you’re sure that’s the issue.

Rely on the Pros: Call a licensed technician at Peel Garage Doors. We can safely and effectively investigate, diagnose, and resolve the issue.

Conclusion

It is an inconvenience when an overhead door is stuck — but forcing it open is never the solution. The danger to you, your property, and your pocket is much too great. That’s where Peel Garage Doors comes in: we provide quick, reliable, and cost-effective garage door repair service that helps get your system working again – without the risk or damage of a DIY fix.

Need assistance with a garage door that won’t open? If you need help, be sure to call Peel Garage Doors.

Your garage door is one of the biggest moving devices in your home. When protecting your family — inquisitive children and carefree pets — it’s essential to ensure that your garage door sensors are in working order. These little gadgets pack a lot of power, stopping the door from closing on whatever gets in its way. At Peel Garage Doors, we know that keeping your garage doors well-maintained is the key to a safe and secure home. Consider why garage door sensor maintenance is essential and how to guard against it.

Why Garage Door Sensors Matter

Garage door photo-eye sensors are the little black boxes near the ground on either side of the garage door frame. Mounted on either side of the door, 4–6 inches above the floor, these sensors project an invisible beam across the door opening. If anything obstructs that beam, the door automatically backs up — avoiding accidents, mishaps, or damage to your stuff.

For a family with kids and pets, sensors that work equate to peace of mind. From the bike-riding child who travels under the door to the dog that tries to run out at the last second, properly working sensors can help avoid serious injury.

Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Need Maintenance

If you see any of these, it’s time to take a look at your sensors:

• The garage door does not close, or it reverses unexpectedly.
• The sensor lights are non-illuminated or flashing (usually green or orange).
• The door closes lopsided or makes an unfamiliar noise.
• There are smudges, cobwebs, or dirt on the sensor lenses.

Simple Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Sensors in Top Shape

Keeping your garage door sensors up to date isn’t too tricky. Just follow these easy precautions for consistent safety:

Clean the Sensor Lenses Frequently: The infrared beam can be reflected by dust, dirt, and cobwebs. Wipe the lenses with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner. Do not use materials that may damage the surface, such as abrasive or metallic brush or scouring powder.

Check for Alignment: The sensors need to be directly across from each other and at the same level. The beam doesn’t sit properly if they are inadvertently jostled or loses position. Hand-tighten the brackets until both sensor indicator lights are solid and not blinking.

Inspect the Wiring: Search for frayed wires, loose connections, and damage from moisture or rodents. You should leave any wiring problems alone and contact a skilled technician to fix or replace what is broken.

Test the Reversal Mechanism: Put something (such as a roll of paper towels) in the door’s path and try to close it. The sensors should pick up the object, and the door should reverse at once. If it doesn’t, you should have it serviced.

Keep the Area Clear: Ensure no toys, garden tools, or anything else are blocking the sensors. The beam, no larger than small items, can obstruct the beam, and the door will not close properly.

When to Call Peel Garage Doors

A pro should address some sensor malfunctions and wiring issues because of the associated electrical danger. The team here at Peel Garage Doors can provide professional garage door sensor inspection, repair, and replacement to ensure your system meets safety codes. We can also offer a complete garage door tune-up to help maintain your whole system.

The Bottom Line: Safety First

Your garage door sensors are the unsung heroes of your house, especially for homes with children and pets. If you perform regular sensor maintenance as part of your home care maintenance routine, your garage door will remain safe, reliable, and hassle-free.

If you think your sensors might need some love, or if you want a professional to take a look, give Peel a call today. Our mission is to help you seriously protect what’s most important to you.

Brampton has a variety of weather conditions throughout the year—freezing winters one day and hot and humid summers the next. The weather changes here can significantly alter your garage door remote’s operation. Knowing how weather conditions affect different types of remotes will probably allow you to take precautions that can prolong operation.

Cold Winter Temperatures and Battery Drain

In Brampton, in the winter months, temperatures are sub-zero. On a year-round basis and especially in winter, cold weather may cause garage door remote batteries to drain more quickly due to cold weather effects that can lead to diminished performance or even outright failure. If this condition arises in cold weather, replace regular batteries with high-performance lithium batteries, which are better suited to traditional types when coping with low temperatures.

Moisture and Condensation Issues

Moisture from snow, rain, and humidity may infiltrate your garage door remote, harming its interior circuits and even corroding them. Left in the water, the remote will not work at all. Keeping the remote in a dry and weatherproof spot can prevent this.

Extreme Heat and Electronic Malfunctions

In summer, Brampton might enjoy a lot of sunshine and high temperatures, but that is not always pleasant for your home. Gadgets like garage door remotes need to withstand this heat, and a good cleaning is beneficial to health. Remote controls open and close garages and gates, plus many other devices. There can be consequences to exposure. If the circuits within your remote control become hot and then overheated, this may result in malfunctions. It can prevent the remote from getting too hot and help it enjoy a longer life.

Signal Interference During Storms

In severe cases, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds may interfere with the signal between your garage door remote and the opener. Electrical interference from electronic devices or nearby power lines may also prevent the signal strength of signals transmitted intermittently, causing communication failures. If your remote is not responsive in a high windstorm, put it away and wait until the storm has cleared.

Battery Performance in Fluctuating Temperatures

Temperature variations cause batteries to expand and contract, resulting in uneven performance. This effect may cause your garage door remote to operate sporadically during Brampton’s changing seasons. Routinely inspecting and replacing old batteries can maintain dependable performance all year long.

Tips to Protect Your Garage Door Remote from Weather Damage

Use weather-resistant storage: When the remote is not in use, store it in a dry, temperature-controlled area.

Replace batteries regularly: To boost battery health and performance when it gets cold, the user must switch to lithium batteries.

Do not expose the remote control directly to sunlight: Keep it in a cool and comfortable spot, or even better yet, inside the glove compartment where your valuable stereo equipment still has some hope of survival!

Use a protective case: Weatherproof and protect your wallet from moisture.

Check for interference sources: When using remote control, try to minimize signal disruption by keeping it away from other devices that use similar frequencies.

Conclusion

In Brampton, the weather can be brutal on your garage door remote and shorten days. Now that we’ve explained what cold temperatures, high humidity levels, and even electromagnetic interference all do to your remote hand and sleek operation lever, you can look for ways to guard against the elements. If your garage door remote is doing funky things, let Peel Garage Doors take care of it. Give us a call or send us an email, and we’ll stick with the problem until it’s right again.