The garage door in your home is under constant use throughout the year. An average door holds significant weight and opens and closes numerous times. Due to the continuous use of the garage door, it’s inevitable to end up with problems now and then.
Although problems eventually develop on your garage door, performing regular maintenance can help keep it in good working condition and prolong its lifespan.
Nevertheless, it would be best to know how to deal with any issue that might arise with your garage door at some point. Here are some common garage door problems you need to be familiar with and how to resolve them.
1. Garage Door Fails To Close Entirely
A garage door that doesn’t fully close can be due to various causes. If you have an automatic door, it might have a problem with the limit switch, which requires an inspection by a professional to ensure it’s working correctly. Working with a reliable service provider such as Queen City Garage Doors and others would ensure your garage door is in good hands.
When closing, any obstructions to the garage door or the sensor can cause it to open up again. Make sure there are no obstacles present on the path.
If you have a manual garage door, having bent tracks, broken cables, or worn-out components usually cause the door to fail to close all the way. In such cases, consider calling a reputable garage door repair company to immediately fix the problem.
2. Unusual Sounds
When your garage door is producing noises out of the ordinary, it might indicate an issue with the components of the garage door pressing against each other. At that point, it would require lubrication to prevent further friction.
If there are squeaking or grinding noises, it’s likely that the rollers lack lubrication or are already deteriorating. Make sure to use lithium or silicone-based grease for lubrication. If the rollers appear significantly worn out, consider getting a replacement.
The rattling of the garage door might be a sign that its bolts, nuts, and screws are loose. The solution is to tighten the hardware using a wrench and socket set.
As for popping sounds on your garage door, it might stem from the torsion spring, which could require lubrication, adjustment, or replacement. Since it can be dangerous to work on torsion springs, consider hiring a Mooresville garage door repair professional to tackle the task.
3. Gaps Or Cracks In Garage Door Sealant
source: Titan Garage Doors go through constant use and eventually get damaged, resulting in splits or cracks in the door sealant.
Aside from making your garage door unappealing to look at, the damage can compromise the watertight ability of the door. If you overlook this problem, it will allow water to build up and enter your home, especially during harsh weather conditions, resulting to further damage. Additionally, it can also affect the overall security of your garage.
Once the sealants show signs of deterioration or damage, replace them immediately.
4. Shaking Of The Garage Door
If your garage door is shaking or vibrating as it opens and closes, there might be an issue with its tracks or rollers. In some cases, the problem might come from the garage door opener.
You need to carefully check the tracks to determine if the issue stems from the tracks or the opener. If the tracks are clean and free of debris while the rollers are in place and operating normally, it might be a problem with the opener. Consider calling a professional to inspect the opener if it requires a repair job or a replacement.
5. Remote Control And Wall Switch Malfunction
When dealing with a remote control that doesn’t work, a troubleshooting tip is to check the batteries first. It’s likely that the batteries have been discharged or grounded, which you can easily replace with new ones.
When your garage door utilizes a wall switch, inspect for any damages or if the wirings are still intact. If you cannot pinpoint the issue with the wall switch, calling a professional would be the best next move to make.
6. Garage Door Does Not Open Or Close
Imagine being ready to start your day and your garage door fails to open, it can be a distressing ordeal. There might be instances when the garage door will not open or close.
You might be able to troubleshoot this issue by checking the batteries in the remote control or inspecting the keypad to ensure it has no signs of damage.
In some cases, the garage door opener may be malfunctioning. If the lights don’t work, it’s a sign that the motor no longer connects to the power source, a fuse has blown, or a circuit breaker has tripped.
7. Garage Door Moving Unevenly
If the garage door appears to move unevenly as it opens and closes, there might be something blocking its tracks. You need to check and get rid of any obstructions you might find. Don’t forget to clean the tracks as well.
If this fails to solve the problem, inspect for any issue with the spring system. The torsion spring or extension springs might be producing little or too much tension. If this is the case, it’s best to call a professional to perform a repair job.
Final Thoughts
If you want the garage door in your home to work optimally throughout the year, performing routine maintenance is crucial. Being familiar with the typical garage door problems and how to deal with them would be an advantage for any homeowner.