Owning a garage door can be a great convenience when it’s working properly. But what happens when your garage door isn’t functioning as it should? Knowing the common problems associated with garage doors can help you identify them and take steps to get them fixed quickly. Let’s take a look at four of the most common issues homeowners face when it comes to their garage doors.
Misaligned Sensors
The sensors that tell the garage door opener whether or not there is something in its path are incredibly important for safety reasons. When these sensors become misaligned, it can lead to the door either closing on an object or not closing at all. This is usually caused by moving the sensors slightly out of position, which can easily be done accidentally when cleaning around them. They're also very easy to bump with the garbage can or other large items you keep in your garage. If you notice that your sensors have been moved out of place, simply move them back and make sure they are aligned properly.
Broken Springs
Another problem that homeowners often run into is broken springs, which are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door so that it can open and close smoothly. Over time, springs may wear down and need to be replaced in order for your garage door to operate safely and efficiently. It’s important to note that replacing broken springs needs to be done by a professional due to their potential danger if handled incorrectly. Call an emergency garage door repair service if you suspect your springs may be wearing down. This is not a task a typical homeowner should attempt to perform on their own.
Frayed Cables
Cables play an important role in keeping tension in check while also helping the spring do its job of counterbalancing the weight of your garage door. Frayed cables can cause serious malfunctions with your system if left unchecked, so make sure you check them periodically for fraying or rust damage and replace them immediately if necessary. Again, this is another task best left to a professional due to its potential danger if handled incorrectly.
Sluggish Movement and Strange Sounds
If your garage door feels sluggish or slow while opening or closing, this could be an indication that there is something wrong with its motor or track system. In some cases simply lubricating its parts may do the trick; however, in more severe cases you may need to have a professional repairman come take a look at it before continuing use until further notice. When it comes to your garage door, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Another indicator that there is a problem with your garage is new or strange sounds. The garage may make a loud grinding sound when opening or closing. Other sounds you could hear from your garage could include creaking, grinding, screeching, or groaning noise. Any change in the performance of your garage is an indication that something could be wrong. It is highly advisable to call a professional garage door specialist to check if something more serious is going on with your garage.
Keeping up with regular maintenance on your garage door is key for preventing problems from arising unexpectedly down the road – but sometimes even routine maintenance isn’t enough! By familiarizing yourself with common issues such as misaligned sensors, broken springs, frayed cables, and sluggish movement you will be better prepared should one arise on your own property. This will make sure that any problems are dealt with swiftly and safely!
