Expert Garage Door Repair Services in Houston, TX – Fast & Reliable

Importance:

The major entry point for rodents through all openings is weatherstripping. The mice and most of the tiny pests can get through the opening of 1/4 inch and smaller than that.

Procedure:

• Check all seals: Inspect the weatherstripping on sides, top, and bottom of the garage door for cracks, tears, or gaps.
• Replace weatherstripping that is damaged: The bottom seal (where the door meets the ground) should be intact and form a tight seal. Worn or damaged seals should be replaced with new ones which are made of material such as rubber or vinyl that are durable.

Why It’s Important:

If the bottom seal is not tight, mice can easily come in through the garage door and it is especially easier if the door does not fully meet the ground.

What to Do:

• You can consider a rodent-proof bottom seal to be installed. These seals are made more effective by keeping the pests out. They are made of thicker rubber or steel-reinforced material which is resistant to chewing.
• Make sure the seal is flush with the floor and creates a continuous barrier along the entire width of the door.

Why It’s Important:

A common way for rodents to enter is through the door's tracks or hinges which may not be aligned or have gaps.

What to Do:

• Inspect the tracks, hinges, and rollers for any areas where gaps or holes may have developed. Secure and align them tightly.
• If required, cover any small gaps or holes around the tracks and rollers with steel plates or mesh.

Why It’s Important:

Rodents can come in through vents, exhaust systems or cracks in the garage door or walls.

What to Do:

• Use rodent-proof mesh to cover any vent openings or air ducts in the garage. The mesh should be of a size that would block rodents.
• Examine the garage's walls and the door for any other misses that could be potential entry points like cracks or gaps in it. Seal these gaps with caulk or foam to prevent the rodents from squeezing through.

Why It’s Important:

Insulation materials are deemed more welcoming by rodents which they will chew through to build nests or for food. They may damage the insulation on the way.

What to Do:

• Check that the door’s insulation is correctly installed and is not damaged period. Use materials that resist rodents like foam board, or fiberglass with a metal barrier, ensuring the materials stay intact.
• Additionally, you could consider the use of reflective insulation which will save you from pests while regulating the internal temperature.

Why It’s Important:

Windows/ light fixtures gaps may also serve as points of entry, particularly those that are worn away become seals.

What to Do:

• Check the garage for windows, light fixtures, and any other spaces that might have gaps.
• Seal the tiny openings with caulk or foam spray. The expanding foam can also be used in larger cracks to create a tight barrier.

Why It’s Important:

Maintaining a clean garage will make it less attractive to rodent issues who are always on the lookout for food and home.

What to Do:

• Ensure that you keep the garage free of food (including pet food, bird seed, or trash) and clutter. The rodents will likely get chosen food and the nest in the area that is left without space.
• Immediately clean up crumbs, spills, and the pet food.

Why It’s Important:

If you witness rodents setting, traps can help to control the volume and prevent them from returning.

What to Do:

• Setting traps like the snap trap or electronic ones will also help to catch any kind of rats that entered previously.
• Repellents like the ultrasonic devices can also be used. These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are annoying to rats but people cannot hear them.

Why It’s Important:

A non-functional garage door can be the entrance for the pest into the house.

What to Do:

• Consistently check and properly adjust the garage door to properly function, to ensure adequate sealing gaps are opened and that the door closes securely.
• The automatic garage door opener should function smoothly, and make sure to inspect it for any signs of wear and tear, or malfunctioning.

• Why It’s Important: Humidity can cause rust and corrosion on metal parts like torsion springs. Lubrication helps reduce friction, which is crucial for smooth and efficient operation, and also helps protect the springs from moisture.
• What to Do:
  • Use a silicone-based lubricant or white lithium grease, which is better suited for humid climates than oil-based lubricants. Oil can attract dirt and dust, which can contribute to rust.
  • Avoid using WD-40 or motor oil, as these can break down over time and attract debris, which accelerates wear.
  • Apply the lubricant directly to the torsion springs (the large, coiled springs above the garage door) and rotate the door manually a few times to spread the lubricant evenly.

• Why It’s Important: Humidity can cause metal components to rust, leading to weakened torsion springs and reduced performance.
• What to Do:
  • Check for rust or signs of corrosion on the torsion springs regularly, especially after periods of high humidity or heavy rainfall.
  • If you notice surface rust starting to form, it’s important to address it immediately to prevent further damage.
  • For more serious rusting, it may be necessary to replace the springs.

• Why It’s Important: Changes in humidity can affect the tension in your torsion springs, causing them to either lose or gain too much tension. This can lead to problems with the door’s operation.
• What to Do:
  • Check the door’s balance by manually lifting it halfway. If the door stays in place and doesn’t drift up or down, it is balanced correctly. If it moves up or down, it may need re-tensioning.
  • Avoid over-tightening the torsion springs, as this can lead to premature wear, especially in humid conditions. It’s best to have a professional technician adjust the springs to the right tension.

• Why It’s Important: Direct exposure to water and high humidity accelerates corrosion and rusting of the torsion springs.
• What to Do:
  • Ensure that the garage door weatherstripping is intact and seals properly when the door is closed. This helps reduce the amount of moisture that enters the garage.
  • If the garage door is near a source of excess moisture, like an open window or leaky roof, address these issues to minimize exposure to humidity.
  • Consider installing a dehumidifier in the garage to reduce moisture levels and protect both the garage door and its components.

• Why It’s Important: Humidity can cause the metal in torsion springs to expand and contract more frequently, which may lead to increased wear over time.
• What to Do:
  • Inspect the springs for signs of excessive stretching, visible damage, or signs of wear such as deep grooves or cracks.
  • If you notice any odd sounds (such as squeaking or squealing) or the door isn’t functioning smoothly, it may indicate that the springs are wearing out.

• Why It’s Important: Torsion springs are under a lot of tension, and while DIY maintenance is beneficial, a professional inspection ensures that the springs are operating safely and efficiently.
• What to Do:
  • Schedule annual or semi-annual professional inspections to ensure your torsion springs are in good condition.
  • A garage door technician will check for corrosion, rust, balance issues, and spring tension, and can reapply lubrication or make adjustments as necessary.

• Why It’s Important: Even with regular maintenance, torsion springs wear out over time, especially in a humid environment. If they are rusted, corroded, or damaged, they need to be replaced.
• What to Do:
  • Replace damaged or worn torsion springs as soon as possible to avoid potential damage to your garage door or opener. A broken spring can cause the door to become unbalanced, which may lead to expensive repairs.
  • Professional replacement is recommended because torsion springs are under extreme tension, and handling them requires specialized tools and knowledge.