Your garage door – it’s something you probably don’t think about much until it stops working. Then, suddenly, it’s all you can think about as you’re left with a car stuck in the garage and a sense of rising panic. Before disaster strikes, learning about common garage door repair signs is a good idea. By recognizing the early warning signs that something’s off with your garage door, you can take quick action and potentially save yourself from bigger, pricier headaches down the road.
You know the sound of a healthy garage door – a smooth, rhythmic hum as it opens and closes. However, when those comforting sounds morph into grinding, screeching, or banging, your garage door might be trying to tell you something. These sonic red flags are often the first indicators of an issue, ranging from minor inconveniences to safety hazards. You may need to request service from a local garage door contractor if your door is operating strangely.
Garage Door Doesn’t Work? It Might Be Time to Call a Pro
We’ve all been there – standing in your garage with a perplexed look, pushing the button on your remote control… only to be met with silence from your garage door. Whether it refuses to budge, jerks abruptly or takes its sweet time opening, these are all telltale signs that you need garage door repair. However, don’t start tearing things apart just yet. Diagnosing the exact cause requires a bit of detective work.
Here are some of the most common reasons a garage door doesn’t work as it should:
The Usual Suspect: Dead Batteries in Your Remote
Before assuming the worst, try replacing the batteries in your garage door opener. Sometimes, the simplest solution is the right one. A fresh set of batteries might just be what your garage door needs. However, if new batteries fail to revive your door, don’t worry—we have some other potential solutions.
Broken Springs Can Leave You in a Bind
Garage doors have powerful springs, called torsion springs, that help to lift the door’s weight. If one of these springs breaks – which they unfortunately do occasionally – your door will struggle to open (or close). In some instances, it may not move at all.
Given springs’ essential role in safely operating your garage door, this is definitely not a DIY fix-it job. Torsion springs are under tremendous pressure – even when the door is closed. If you attempt to replace a broken spring yourself, it could result in serious injury. Instead, trust a professional garage spring repair service to handle these crucial repairs safely. They have the know-how and specialized tools needed to tackle this task.
Malfunctioning Sensors Might Be Tripping Up Your System
Modern garage doors have safety sensors. These are the small, typically black, boxes at the bottom of each side of the garage door. The sensors ensure that nothing obstructs the door’s path while it closes. If anything, like a child’s toy, interrupts the sensor’s signal, it automatically reverses the closing process, preventing injury or damage.
So, before hitting the panic button, check to see if the sensors are dirty, misaligned, or damaged. Sometimes, something as easy as a leaf blocking the sensor can stop your garage door from functioning. If you find that your sensors need adjusting, try cleaning them and make sure they’re pointed directly at one another.
Is It Really Broken, or Is It Just Off Track?
An off-track garage door is as inconvenient as it sounds – literally. The rollers designed to glide effortlessly along the tracks can jump the track, leaving you with a garage door stuck in a most unhelpful position. Garage doors typically come off their tracks for various reasons – maybe a roller got damaged, or the tracks themselves might be bent.
If you think your garage door is off track, step back and call a professional. Don’t attempt to force the door to move, as this can cause further damage and potentially lead to injury. Local garage door repair companies have the expertise, experience, and specialized equipment to safely put your garage door back on track. This is also a great time to consider garage door maintenance to help prevent this from happening again.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late – Recognize Garage Door Repair Signs
Much like your car, garage doors offer subtle (or sometimes not-so-subtle.) hints when they need some TLC. While these hints may be obvious to seasoned pros, they often slip past the radar of homeowners, leading to inconvenient (and often preventable) breakdowns. But fret not. Learning these garage door repair signs will empower you to nip problems in the bud, saving you potential frustration in the future. Here’s a quick rundown of telltale signs:
- Slow to Open
When you find yourself waiting longer than usual for your garage door to respond, it’s more than just annoying; it’s usually the first sign something isn’t quite right with your garage door. If it feels like an eternity has passed by the time it finally inches open, it might be struggling with a problem begging your attention. Having a slow garage door is a sign you may need opener repair.
- Off-Balance Movement
A garage door should operate smoothly, going up and down with a balanced rhythm. Notice if it jerks, shudders, or hesitates at any point during its movement, as this could be a signal of underlying mechanical problems. If your door is off-balance, you must balance it or have someone do it for you.
- Excessive Noise
Remember the telltale grinding, screeching, or banging sounds we mentioned? That’s not normal, even if you’ve gotten used to it over the years. Every moving part of a garage door system should function as quietly and efficiently as possible. Unusual or sudden loud noises could signal a red flag requiring a repair service checkup to prevent more significant issues. Common causes include lack of lubrication in moving parts or wearing of parts over time. A simple lubrication job can usually remedy an occasional squeaky sound.
A loud garage door is not only annoying, but it could also be dangerous. If your door is making noise, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional to determine the cause of the problem and get it fixed before it becomes a safety hazard.
- Sagging Garage Door
Have you noticed that your garage door looks a little droopy? A sagging garage door is a common sign that the springs are starting to wear out. As we discussed before, these springs are responsible for counterbalancing the door’s weight, and if they’re on their last legs, the door will begin to sag, especially in the middle. If you notice your door is starting to resemble a tired frown, it might be time to consider having those springs inspected and possibly replaced. It’s always better to be proactive with garage door spring repair to prevent getting stuck with a door that won’t open at all.
- Cracks and Gaps
Your garage door is a hardworking part of your home’s exterior; as such, it’s exposed to all sorts of natural wear and tear from the elements. Over time, you might start noticing small cracks, gaps, or even warping on your door, especially if you live in an area with extreme temperatures. Not only do these blemishes detract from your home’s curb appeal, but they can also compromise your garage’s security and energy efficiency. Damaged panels might need repair or replacement. This is a good opportunity to consider custom garage doors like the ones offered by Clopay.
- Shaking and Vibrating
Does your garage door rattle dramatically every time it opens or closes? This is another sign that it needs attention. A well-maintained garage door should operate relatively smoothly. If yours is prone to excessive shaking or vibrating, it could indicate loose hardware, worn-out rollers, a problem with the opener, or even issues with the tracks.
- Responding Only Sometimes
A garage door that only works when it feels like it can be incredibly frustrating. Suppose you find yourself repeatedly pressing your remote control or having to hold it at just the right angle to get your garage door to cooperate. In that case, there’s likely an issue with either the opener or the remote control. It could be a simple fix, like reprogramming the remote, or it might signal a more serious problem with the opener’s circuitry that requires professional garage door opener repair.
Conclusion
Remember, paying attention to these seemingly minor issues and learning about the common garage door repair signs will not only extend the life of your garage door but also ensure it remains the safe and dependable entryway to your humble abode for many years. While it can be tempting to DIY certain garage door fixes to save a buck, be cautious – especially with more complex problems involving potentially hazardous components like the torsion springs. You want to make sure you are keeping up on your door maintenance and not waiting too long if you find you have a broken garage door.
If you’re dealing with a garage door on the fritz, remember that you’re not alone. Contact a reputable garage door repair company in your service area. They can quickly diagnose the root problem, provide an all-encompassing estimate, and get your garage door back in tip-top shape in no time. By taking care of those garage door hiccups early on, you can prevent small issues from turning into expensive repairs and keep your garage door operating smoothly for years to come. Don’t let a faulty garage door cramp your style– call those garage door experts today.
