Older Doors, Older Hardware
Homes in and around the older part of Milton often have older doors. Some still use extension springs along the side tracks instead of a torsion spring above the door.
Extension springs should have safety cables running through them. If yours don't, ask the technician to add them. A broken extension spring without one can whip across the garage.
See broken springs for both types.
Detached Garages and Shops
Plenty of Milton properties have detached garages or workshop buildings. Those doors often get less attention, and their rollers, hinges and seals wear out quietly.
Gaps under the door let in water and critters. A new bottom seal and side weatherstrip usually fixes it.
Common Calls From Milton
- Broken springs on doors 10 to 20 years old.
- Openers 15 years old or more with stripped gears.
- Doors that feel heavy because of worn rollers and hinges.
- Owners replacing old doors with insulated, wind rated ones.
Repair or Replace
An old door with sound panels can run for years with new springs, rollers and hinges. When the panels are cracked or the hinges are weak, a new door makes more sense.
Read garage door replacement and opener repair to weigh it.
Permits
Milton is the county seat of Santa Rosa County and has its own city building office. A replacement door generally needs a permit and the right wind approval.
Heavy Doors and Tired Openers
A door that feels heavy is often blamed on the opener. With the door closed, pull the release cord and lift it by hand. If it feels heavy or sticks, the springs or rollers need work, not the motor.
Fixing the door first protects a new or repaired opener. It also keeps the safety reverse working the way it should.
Where Technicians Go
All of Milton, plus nearby Bagdad, East Milton and the area toward Whiting Field.
Door trouble in Milton? Send the form or call (850) 555-0147.