As homeowners, we expect our garage doors to safeguard our vehicles, goods, and loved ones from the elements, intruders, and pests. But are garage doors invincible? No, they are not!
I’m going to go through all of the main garage door problems that you may encounter as an owner, as well as some strategies to remedy or avoid these issues.
Key Takeaways
- ● Broken springs, faulty sensors, misaligned tracks, malfunctioning openers, and worn rollers are common garage door problems.
- ● Broken springs are dangerous and should be handled by a professional technician.
- ● Faulty sensors can often be fixed by ensuring that they are properly aligned and clear of obstacles.
- ● Misaligned tracks can be fixed by inspecting and adjusting the track’s alignment and ensuring that it is clear of debris.
- ● Malfunctioning openers may require professional assistance to diagnose and repair.
- ● Worn rollers can be replaced to ensure that the garage door operates smoothly.
- ● Regular inspection and maintenance can help prevent common garage door problems and ensure safe operation.
Broken Springs
A very common issue with a garage door is broken springs. Spring in a garage door is normally under a lot of tension and over time they can become worn or even break. Signs of a broken spring include difficulty opening the door or a loud banging sound when the door is opening or closing.
How to Fix: If you suspect that you have a damaged spring, you should immediately contact a garage door repair technician. Trying to change the spring yourself might be unsafe and lead to significant harm.
Faulty Sensors
Most modern garage doors include safety sensors that prevent the door from closing if an obstruction is in the way. The door may not open or close properly if the sensors fail to function properly. This could be an indication that your garage door is malfunctioning.
How To Fix: To repair a broken sensor, first ensure that nothing is blocking the sensor’s route. If the sensors are clear, check to verify if they are properly aligned. Adjust them so that they aim directly at each other if they are mismatched.
Misaligned Tracks
Misaligned garage door tracks can cause the door to open and close incorrectly. A misaligned track can be identified by the door producing loud noises or shaking when opening or shutting. In rare circumstances, the door may never open or close.
How To Fix: To repair a misaligned track, first, inspect it to determine if there are any impediments or debris in the way. If the track is clear, use a level to confirm appropriate alignment. You may need to unscrew and adjust the bolts that hold the track in place before tightening them again.
Malfunctioning Openers
Garage door openers are responsible for opening and closing the door. If the opener is not working correctly, the door may not open or close at all. Signs of a malfunctioning opener include the door opening or closing slowly or making strange noises.
How To Fix: To fix a malfunctioning opener, first, check to make sure that the power source is working. If the power is on, inspect the opener to see if there are any visible signs of damage. If you are unable to identify the problem, it is best to contact a professional technician for assistance.
Worn Rollers
Garage door rollers are responsible for guiding the door along the track. Over time, these rollers can become worn, making it difficult for the door to open and close properly. Signs of worn rollers include the door making a grinding noise when opening or closing or the door coming off the track.
How To Fix: To fix worn rollers, first, inspect them to see if they are damaged or worn. If they are, replace them with new rollers. It is important to replace all of the rollers at once to ensure that the door operates smoothly.
Common Questions:
How often should your service your garage door?
You should service your garage at least once a year. Frequent maintenance can help prevent problems and keep your garage door running smoothly and safely.
How can you determine if your garage door requires repair?
Signs of garage door repair include difficulties opening or shutting the door, weird noises, and visible damage to the door or components. If you discover any of these problems, you should have your garage door evaluated by a professional.
Can I repair my garage door myself?
While some garage door repairs can be performed by the average homeowner, others require specialized knowledge and equipment. Assess your skill level and the difficulty of the repair before attempting to fix your garage door. It is important to call a professional garage door repair specialist for any repairs you are doubtful about for your personal safety.
How can I maintain my garage door to prevent problems?
Regular maintenance can help prevent garage door problems from developing. Some simple maintenance tasks include lubricating the moving parts of the door, inspecting and tightening the hardware, and keeping the tracks clear of debris.
How long do garage doors typically last?
With proper maintenance and care, a garage door can last between 15 and 30 years. A garage door’s lifespan is affected by a number of factors, including the door’s quality, frequency of use, and amount of maintenance.
Conclusion
While some of these issues can be resolved by a homeowner, others necessitate the services of a professional garage door repair technician. By periodically inspecting and maintaining your garage door, you can avoid many of these common issues and guarantee that your garage door functions smoothly and safely for many years to come. Moving parts must be rated and worn-out rollers must be replaced.
The Elocksys Automatic Garage Door Deadbolt Lock is an excellent choice for anyone looking to increase the security of their garage. This lock is intended to function in tandem with your garage door’s existing locking mechanism to give additional security against break-ins. The autonomous operation of the Elocksys lock is one of its most notable characteristics. The deadbolt locks and unlocks in tandem with your garage door at the push of a button. This eliminates the need to physically lock and unlock the garage door every time you use it.
Garage Door Lock Key Features:
- Durable 100% steel 4’x6” double bolt slide
- Fits on the majority of the current garage doors and with most garage door openers.
- Locking system can be activated or deactivated by smartphone app
- Garage door can be opened and closed by smartphone app
- System can be completely controlled and monitored remotely
- Custom programming of time before the door activates to close
- App displays garage door open or close status
