5 Most Common Garage Door Issues Homeowners Face
A functional garage door is essential for securing your home, protecting your vehicle, and maintaining easy access to your garage. However, like any other part of your home, garage doors can experience a range of issues due to wear and tear, mechanical failures, or simple mishaps. When your garage door stops working properly, it can disrupt your routine and even compromise your home's security.
In this post, we'll walk you through the five most common garage door problems homeowners face,
1. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
One of the most frustrating problems a homeowner can face is when their garage door refuses to open or close. This issue can have several causes:
Possible causes:
- Broken or damaged springs.
- Dead remote control batteries.
- Misaligned or blocked safety sensors.
Preventive tips:
- Regularly check your remote and sensors to ensure everything is working.
- Professional spring inspection every few years can prevent unexpected breakdowns.
- Garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly.
2. Noisy Garage Door
A noisy garage door is not only annoying, but it could be a sign of a mechanical issue that needs attention. If your door makes grinding, squeaking, or rattling noises, it’s time to investigate.
Possible causes:
- Worn-out rollers.
- Lack of lubrication on the door’s moving parts.
- Loose hardware or parts that need tightening.
Preventive tips:
- Perform regular maintenance by lubricating the door's parts every few months.
- Tighten hardware at least once a year to avoid loosening over time.
3. Garage Door Moves Unevenly
If your garage door is opening unevenly or looks crooked when it moves, it could be a sign of a serious problem.
Possible causes:
- Misaligned tracks.
- Worn-out or frayed cables.
- Broken or imbalanced springs.
Preventive tips:
- Regularly inspect your garage door tracks, cables, and springs for signs of wear and tear.
- Contact a professional for an annual tune-up to prevent major issues.
4. Garage Door Remote Not Working
There’s nothing more inconvenient than pressing your garage door remote and getting no response. Luckily, this is usually a straightforward problem to fix.
Possible causes:
- Dead batteries in the remote.
- Signal interference.
- The remote is outdated or damaged.
Preventive tips:
- Keep spare batteries handy and replace them every few months.
- Test the remote regularly to ensure it’s functioning properly.
5. Garage Door Closes Partially, Then Reverses
If your garage door starts closing but then reverses before it fully shuts, it’s likely a problem with the sensors or obstructions.
Possible causes:
- Obstruction in the sensor’s path.
- Misaligned sensors.
- Sensor malfunction.
Preventive tips:
- Clean the sensors regularly to ensure they’re clear of debris.
- Test the safety reverse function periodically to ensure it’s working as it should.
Conclusion
Garage door issues can be frustrating, but understanding the common problems and how to fix them can save you time, money, and hassle. Regular maintenance and inspections are key to preventing major repairs. However, if you find yourself dealing with any serious issues like broken springs or malfunctioning components, it’s always best to contact a professional garage door repair service to ensure safe and proper repairs.
If your garage door is giving you trouble, don’t wait for the problem to get worse—contact us today for a professional repair or replacement!