Garage doors are a key part of any home, they’re secure and convenient. But like any mechanical system, garage doors wear out and problems arise. Whether it’s a garage door opener malfunction, broken garage door springs or issues with the garage door remote, you need to know how to fix them. In this article we’ll go through the most common garage door problems, how to diagnose them and when to call a garage door repair.
1. Noisy Garage Door
One of the most common garage door problems is noise. A noisy garage door can mean several things, from worn out rollers to loose hardware. The noise can come from the garage door opener or the door itself.
- Garage door rollers: Rollers can wear out over time, especially if they are metal. Replacing them with nylon rollers will make the door much quieter.
- Loose hardware: Over time the hardware that holds the door in place can come loose. Tightening bolts and lubricating moving parts will reduce the noise.
- Garage door springs: If the noise is more of a loud bang, it could mean a broken spring. Broken springs are dangerous and need to be addressed immediately.
If the noise persists after lubrication and tightening, call a professional to inspect and repair.
2. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
Few things are more annoying than a garage door that won’t open or close. This can be caused by:
- Power supply issues: If the garage door opener isn’t responding, check the power source. Make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped and the garage door opener is plugged in.
- Safety sensors: Most modern garage door systems have safety sensors. If the sensors are misaligned or blocked the door won’t close. Make sure nothing is obstructing the sensors and clean the lenses.
- Broken cables or worn springs: Garage door springs and cables are under a lot of tension. If they break the door won’t open. This is another case where you need to call a garage door repair.
When a garage door opens partially it can mean either sensor misalignment or a bigger issue like a broken spring. In this case you need to call a trained garage door technician.
3. Garage Door Opens or Closes Unevenly
If your garage door opens unevenly it may be due to misaligned tracks or worn rollers. Misalignment can occur over time due to general use and the door becomes lopsided. Track misalignment prevents the door from moving smoothly and can stress other parts of the garage door system.
- Misaligned tracks: You’ll notice gaps between the rollers and the tracks. If the gap is big the garage door rollers will come off the track. Get this fixed ASAP to avoid further damage.
- Damaged rollers: Worn or damaged rollers will cause jerky movement as the door opens and closes. Replacing the worn rollers will make the door smooth again.
If the door is sagging or tilting this will wear out the garage door opener and other parts. Regular inspections and garage door repairs will prevent more damage in the future.
4. Garage Door Remote Not Working
Garage door remote problems are another common issue. Here are a few reasons why:
- Battery issues: The most common cause is a dead battery. Replace the battery in the garage door remote and you’re good to go.
- Signal interference: Other wireless devices or obstructions between the remote control and the garage door opener can cause the remote to malfunction.
- Programming issues: If you’ve replaced the batteries and the garage door remote still doesn’t work the device may need to be reprogrammed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or call a professional for help.
If the remote still doesn’t work it could be a more complex electrical issue within the garage door opener system and needs professional help.
5. Sagging Garage Door
A sagging garage door is common in older or wooden doors. Sagging can occur due to the door’s weight especially if the springs or support mechanisms are worn out.
- Spring system issues: The garage door springs counterbalance the door’s weight. When the springs wear out the door won’t stay open or lift evenly. New springs may be needed.
- Structural wear: Over time materials like wood can warp or weaken and cause sagging. Replace the door or reinforce it with support brackets.
Get sagging doors fixed ASAP to avoid further stress on the garage door opener and the garage door system.
6. Broken Garage Door Springs
Broken garage door springs are the most serious issue you can have. These springs carry the door’s weight and when they break the door is almost impossible to lift manually. Springs can break due to:
- Wear and tear: Springs have a lifespan and will wear out especially if maintenance isn’t done regularly.
- Improper spring tension: If the springs are not balanced properly one spring will wear out faster than the other and break.
A broken spring is dangerous so it’s important to have a trained garage door technician replace it. Trying to fix it yourself can result to injury or damage to your garage door system.
7. Garage Door Closes Too Fast
If your garage door closes too fast it may be a problem with the spring system or cables. Broken springs or faulty cables can no longer support the door to slow down its descent.
- Worn springs: Replace the garage door springs and it will be balanced again.
- Loose cables: If the cables are frayed or broken they can’t support the door’s weight and will slam shut. This should be fixed ASAP to avoid accidents.
8. Automated Garage Door Malfunctions
Automatic garage doors rely on a combination of electrical systems and safety sensors to work properly. Common malfunctions are:
- Sensor alignment: If the safety sensors are misaligned the door won’t close or will reverse unexpectedly.
- Power supply issues: Electrical failure or problem with the garage door opener’s power source will make the door inoperable.
- Photo eye sensor: This small sensor at the bottom of your door detects obstructions. Dirt or debris on the sensor will prevent the door from closing.
Regular maintenance of automatic garage doors can prevent these issues from happening.
Preventative Measures and Maintenance
Most garage door problems can be prevented with regular garage door maintenance. This includes:
- Lubricating moving parts like garage door rollers, hinges and garage door openers.
- Checking the wheel tracks and cleaning out any debris that can cause track misalignment.
- Inspecting the spring system and safety sensors for wear and proper alignment.
When to Call a Pro
Some repairs like fixing broken springs, adjusting misaligned tracks or replacing worn out rollers require special tools and knowledge. Trying to fix it yourself can result to injury or further damage to your garage door system. It’s always better to call a pro who can diagnose and fix the problem quickly. Look for a garage door technician who offers great service and free quote for your repairs.
Summary
Whether your garage door won’t open, is noisy or has broken garage door springs get it fixed ASAP to prevent bigger problems and extend the life of your garage door system. Maintenance like lubricating parts and keeping tracks clean will prevent frequent breakdowns. For complex issues always call a pro, such as Garage Doors Repaired Wales, to have your garage door fixed safely and quickly.