My one piece garage door rubs the concrete on the bottom when it is closing and it does not close all the way. Can that be fixed?
Quick Solutions for Garage Door Problems
A: Most of the time, this can be fixed pretty easily. The door will just have to be leveled out and rehung. As for what causes this problem, there are a few different factors. One issue could be the bottom piece of wood that runs along the whole bottom of the door, usually a 2 by 6 piece of lumber. Over the years, exposure to the elements can cause it to sag in the middle, leading it to rub against the floor of the garage when closing.
Identifying Other Contributing Factors
Another thing that can cause this problem is a bent or damaged hinge, or even a hinge that is falling apart and needs replacing. When a one-piece door hinge gets distorted or starts to break down, it will position the garage door differently than it was originally hung. This can result in the door rubbing in places where it did not used to.
Step-by-Step Door Adjustment
The best way to level and adjust a one-piece wood door is to have the door in the down position. Use shims to support the bottom of the garage door, where it may be rubbing. Then, remove the 3 or 4 screws that attach the hinge to the garage door and drill new holes for its re-positioning. Once this is complete, the door should open and close without rubbing.
Considering Limitations in Adjustment
Not every instance will allow for an easy fix, as you may need to raise the door by at least an inch. Therefore, consider where the top of the garage door hits when it’s closed. If the bottom piece of lumber on your wood one-piece door is sagging in the middle, you might need to replace that piece of wood.
The Challenges of Wood Replacement
Replacing wood can be a cumbersome task, and it’s crucial to note that hiring a garage door company may not be cheap. Given the complexity involved in ripping apart old wood, there’s a possibility that other components may also need replacement, which can lead to unforeseen expenses.
Exploring Alternative Options
One consideration is converting to a sectional roll-up garage door, if space permits. Alternatively, you can replace your wood one-piece garage door with a metal one that mimics the appearance of a sectional roll-up door. The key difference is that it does not roll up, but functions identically to your wooden one-piece garage door while resembling a sectional when in the down position.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, addressing the issues with your one-piece garage door is not just about fixing the rubbing. It’s essential to consider the long-term functionality and aesthetics of your garage door, ensuring it meets your needs while maintaining its operational integrity.