Garage doors are one of the frequently used components of your house and are more susceptible to wear and tear. Although the garage doors are designed to last for decades, occasional damages are no surprise. Over time your garage doors may show various signs of damage, including malfunctioning opener, and damaged door panels, among other issues. No matter how big or small the issue, the garage door problem causes inconveniences if not repaired in time. So, here we aim to illustrate some of the common problems that indicate the need for your garage door repair as soon as possible.
Common Garage Door Repair Problems
A garage door is a complex system consisting of various components, including garage door panels, cables, rollers, tracks, and more. With the constant use of the garage door, any of its parts can break, which is a normal occurrence. Here are some commonly occurring problems in a garage door:
1. Problem with Opener
The opener switch in your garage controls the motion of the garage door using a motorized system. When the opener malfunctions, you will notice the following issues with your garage door:
- The garage door does not open or close.
- The opener makes a loud or unusual noise.
- Visible vibration in the opener on closing or opening the door.
Whatever the sign of damage is, the malfunctioning opener is fixable. Mostly, the issues with openers occur after it has lived its lifespan. In such a case, the replacement of the opener will be the most suitable solution.
2. Uneven Motion of the Garage Door
The garage doors are supposed to open or close in a uniform motion. However, if a door has alignment issues, you will notice the door is tilting at a certain angle when opening or closing. Such uneven motion of the door can happen because of:
- Worn out cables
- Loose hinges
- Uneven weight distribution in torsion springs
- Alignment issues in the tracks
Sometimes, the door may move unevenly because of some blockage in the tracks. You can simply wipe the tracks to remove the block. For other issues, make sure to call for professional help for safe and reliable repair work.
3. Noise While Operating the Garage Door
You may hear unusual squeaking or grinding noises coming from your garage door. Such noises can occur due to various reasons, such as:
- Malfunctioning garage door opener
- Broken torsion springs
- Loose parts of the door
- Inadequate lubrication
You can get rid of some of the minor issues by yourself. The most common noise problem in a garage door is seen due to the lack of lubrication. You can purchase any suitable lubrication from your nearest dealer and apply it to the metallic components of your garage door.
4. Malfunctioning Keypad
The keypad is an optional component in a garage door that helps open and close the door by pressing the keypad button. Any problem with the keypad prevents the garage door from opening even when you press the keypad button. Here are some of the reasons why your keypad is not working:
- Loose wire connections
- Drained battery
- Exposure to extreme weather conditions
- Dirt accumulated in the keypad
Some of the common fixes for your faulty garage door keypad are resetting the keypad, erasing the memory, changing the battery, or reprogramming the keypad. You need to identify the problem with your keypad first and use the suitable repair process as necessary.
5. Sensors Not Working
Sensors in your garage door are an essential safety feature. If your sensors are faulty, the garage door can abruptly open or close and may crash into anything on its way. Here are some common causes of malfunctioning sensors in your garage door:
- Misalignment of the sensors’ LED
- Dirt accumulated in the sensors
- Wear and tear
- Faulty wiring
- Damaged wires
Sensors safeguard your garage door from crashing into any object or person. Therefore, it’s important to fix the faulty sensors as soon as possible. Fixing the sensors is quite simple. You can use some quick fixes, such as adjusting the alignment, cleaning the sensors, or replacing the damaged wires.
6. Problem with the Remote Control
Remote control is a convenience that allows you to control the opening and closing of the garage door from a distance. However, a faulty remote control can be annoying at times. Here are some common causes why your remote is not functioning properly:
- Drained battery
- Remote control out of range
- Problem with the photo-eye sensors
- Obstacle between the remote control and the signal receiver
Likewise, you can easily fix some of the issues with your remote control and make it function instantly. Some common fixes are:
- Ensuring the remote control is within the range
- Changing the battery
- Resetting the remote
- Removing the obstacle from the signal receiving board.
7. Slow Opening or Closing of the Door
It can be frustrating when you have to wait several minutes for your garage door to open and close at a snail’s pace. The slow motion of your garage door can happen because of issues such as:
- Worn out components
- Messed up speed setting
- Lack of lubrication
- Dirt or grease in the tracks
- Faulty opener
Some instant fixes you can carry out to avoid minor issues are lubricating the rollers and tracks, cleaning the tracks, or resetting the speed. However, if it requires an extensive garage door repair solution, then it is better to get professional help.
Maintenance Tips for Your Garage Door
Garage door components come with a longevity of several years or even more than a decade. However, as the parts go through a tremendous amount of friction on a daily basis, it’s bound to wear out over time. The worn-out components then give rise to various garage door problems, as illustrated in the above section. Garage door maintenance has to be done at least once every 6 months to avoid any wear and tear. Here are some garage door maintenance suggestions you can follow to prevent potential severe damage:
- Inspecting the garage door components frequently.
- Tightening the loose components.
- Lubricating the metallic components that undergo friction.
- Cleaning the tracks and getting rid of accumulated dirt or grease.
- Conducting safety tests occasionally to ensure the sensors are working.
- Looking out for the water damage on the garage door panels.
- Ensuring the springs and trolleys are in good shape.
- Having a professional garage door repair expert inspect the door once every 6 months.
Conclusion
If you detect any issues with your garage door, make sure to repair it immediately. Delaying the repair work can lead to damage to other components of your garage door and may cost you a fortune. So, make the garage door repair your priority and take action today. It’s important to note that some garage door problems are fixable with DIY fixes, while others require professional attention. For complicated repair works, opt for a trusted repair technician. Moreover, do not forget to carry out maintenance on a regular basis to ensure the longevity of your garage door.
