Garage doors are an essential part of your home’s security and functionality, but like any other piece of equipment, they can experience problems over time. Understanding the common issues that affect garage doors and how to resolve them can save you time, frustration, and money. In this blog, we’ll look at five of the most common garage door problems homeowners face and provide tips on how to fix them.
1. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close Properly
One of the most frequent issues homeowners encounter is a garage door that won’t open or close completely. This can happen for several reasons, including misaligned sensors, track obstructions, or a malfunctioning remote control. First, check to make sure the sensors on either side of the door are properly aligned and free from debris. If the sensors are fine, examine the tracks to see if anything is blocking the door’s movement. Replacing batteries in the remote control may also solve the issue. For more complex problems, like a broken opener motor, it’s best to contact a professional technician.
2. Noisy Garage Door Operation
Another common problem is excessive noise during the door’s operation. Grinding, squeaking, or rattling noises can be caused by worn rollers, loose hardware, or dry metal parts. A quick fix for this issue is to apply a lubricant specifically designed for garage doors to the moving parts like hinges, springs, and rollers. Make sure not to lubricate garage door tracks. Tightening loose bolts and screws can also reduce the noise. If the noise persists, consider replacing worn-out components or contacting a professional for a thorough inspection.
3. Garage Door Reverses Before Closing
If your garage door starts to close but then reverses direction, the problem likely lies with the opener’s safety sensors or the door’s limit settings. The safety sensors are designed to prevent the door from closing on objects in its path, but they can become misaligned or dirty, leading to incorrect readings. Cleaning the sensors and adjusting their position usually solves the problem. If that doesn’t work, you may need to adjust the limit settings on your garage door opener to ensure the door closes completely without reversing. If you have questions about adjusting the limits on your garage door opener contact a professional to have it done quickly.
4. Broken Springs
Springs play a crucial role in the proper functioning of your garage door. They bear the weight of the door and help it open and close smoothly. Over time, these springs can wear out and snap, making the door extremely heavy to lift manually or causing it to stop working altogether. If you suspect a broken spring, it’s essential to contact a professional. Replacing garage door springs is a dangerous task and should not be attempted by anyone except a garage door technician.
5. Garage Door Sticks or Moves Unevenly
A sticking or unevenly moving garage door can be caused by issues with the tracks or rollers. Dirt, rust, and obstructions in the tracks can prevent smooth movement, while worn rollers can cause the door to move unevenly. Cleaning and lubricating the tracks and rollers is a good first step in resolving the problem. However, if the door still sticks or moves unevenly after maintenance, a professional may need to realign or replace parts of the track system.
Conclusion
Garage doors are made up of many moving parts that need regular maintenance to function smoothly. While some problems, like noise or sensor misalignment, can be fixed with basic DIY efforts, other issues such as broken springs require professional help. At AR Overhead Doors, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing all types of garage door problems. Contact us today for expert advice and service to keep your garage door operating at its best.
