Are you having issues with your garage door not opening smoothly or not opening at all? Garage doors can fail to work properly for a variety of different reasons. Exploring some of the most common garage door issues and how to spot the signs of them can help you determine when you need the help of a professional garage door service.
Malfunctioning Opener
Garage door openers can stop working for a few different reasons. Any time your garage door opener won’t work, you should make sure it is still plugged in and the circuit breaker isn’t tripped. You should also try to open the door with both your remote and the keypad. If the door will open with one and not the other, the issue is obviously with the remote or keypad and not the opener itself. You should also make sure that the sensors are aligned and not coated in dust, as these issues can also prevent the door from closing. If your opener still won’t work, you will need to have it professionally inspected since the motor could be burnt out or it may need to be repaired.
Impact Damage
Accidentally hitting your garage door with your car is embarrassing and probably not something you’ll want to admit. However, it is important to have the door inspected if it has any impact damage since this could prevent it from opening and closing properly. If the door doesn’t open and close smoothly, it can also lead to other issues or cause the opener to wear out more quickly. This means that having the door inspected immediately can help prevent future issues and repair needs from arising.
Broken Springs
The springs on a garage door help to support its weight so that the opener can easily open and close it. If a spring breaks, you’ll have to manually open and close the door as it will be too heavy for the opener to work properly. When there is a broken garage door spring, you will typically be able to hear the opener running but the door won’t move. A broken spring is definitely an issue you will want to have repaired by a professional as soon as possible. In the meantime, you shouldn’t try to use the opener or you could easily cause its motor to burn out.
Worn Hinges and Rollers
The hinges and rollers on a garage door are important for allowing it to open and close smoothly. The hinges are also what connect the panels on your garage door and allow the door to flex and move while opening and closing. The hinges or rollers can wear out or loosen over time and prevent the door from gliding and opening smoothly. If you notice that your door opens and closes sluggishly or jerkily, it is often a sign that the hinges or rollers need to be repaired or replaced.
Misaligned Track
The tracks on your garage door need to be properly aligned and level for the door to open and close properly. Misaligned or bent tracks can be a serious issue as they can cause the door to move roughly or not open and close at all. The rollers could also come off of the tracks and cause the door to come slamming down. This is why it’s important to regularly inspect the tracks to make sure they aren’t bent or damaged. You should also check that the rollers sit directly on the track. If there is a gap between the roller and the track, it’s a sure sign that the track is misaligned. A misaligned track will also sometimes cause the door to make a screeching or grinding sound as it moves up and down.
Aging and Weather Exposure
Most garage doors will last for 15 to 30 years, and garage door openers typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. If your garage door is old or looks faded, it’s a good idea to replace it as soon as you can. A new garage door will help make your home more secure, and it will also increase the value and curb appeal of your home.
High winds can also cause a garage door to buckle, which can lead to it falling off the track and crashing down as it opens or closes. As such, it’s also important to have your door inspected if you suspect it has significant wind damage. Hail damage is typically only a cosmetic issue, but it is something that your homeowner’s insurance should pay to repair.
How Maintenance Can Prevent Most Garage Door Issues
The most important thing you can do to prevent most issues is to have your garage door inspected and professionally maintained regularly. This is important for ensuring the rollers are lubricated, the tracks are aligned, and the door opens and closes smoothly to prevent the opener from wearing out sooner.
Whether you’re dealing with a broken spring or need to have your garage door maintained, you can count on Legacy Garage Doors for help. We’re available 24/7 for emergencies, and our team can expertly handle all of your residential or commercial garage door repair, maintenance, and installation needs. For more information on what makes us the top garage door service in Boise, give us a call today.
