Common Garage Door Problems Explained
A garage door is among the biggest moving components of your home, and most homeowners open and close it more than any other entrance. Because of that constant use, problems are only a matter of time.Fortunately that the majority of problems are easy to identify. Learning the basics can save you time, money, and stress.Failing Garage Door SpringsThese springs do most of the hard work each time you use the door. Springs are wound under enormous tension, which is why they eventually wear out.When a spring breaks, you will usually notice: the door only rises a few inches. Do not attempt a DIY spring repair — the stored tension can send you to the hospital. Leave it to a licensed pro, and replace both springs at once so the second one won't break right behind it.When the Opener Stops WorkingThe opener unit stop responding for a number of reasons, and thankfully not all require a technician. Begin with the basics: the remote's battery is the most common culprit.If the wall button works but the remote doesn't, the issue is likely the remote or keypad. However, a motor that runs but doesn't lift, you may be looking at worn internal parts that calls for a repair.Off-Track Doors and Worn RollersOne that looks crooked may have jumped its track. It often occurs following a minor collision. In any case, do not force the door — forcing it can make the repair more expensive.Broken Cables and DrumsThe cables and drums help balance the door to lift and lower the door smoothly. Once a cable fails, one side may drop. As with springs, these parts hold tension and are not a DIY fix.Driveway and Automatic Gate RepairsAutomatic gates are a great feature, but they have their own set of issues. Gate operators sometimes fail after a storm, and the safety sensors can get blocked by dirt.A grinding noise usually points to a worn part. Given the mix of power and moving parts, an experienced installer is worth the call.The Value of Routine UpkeepA smart way to reduce costly breakdowns is routine upkeep. Lubricating the moving parts and testing the safety features adds years to the equipment's lifespan.When something does break, hiring an experienced pro is always the safest route. A trained expert can spot the real issue and save you from bigger repairs down the road. see more