Most Common Garage Door Problems
Even the strongest garage door won’t last forever. Frequent use, lack of maintenance, and accidental damage are common causes of garage door problems.
If one part is experiencing problems, then your whole garage door could stop functioning as efficiently and safely as it once did, or it may fail altogether.
We’re going to be taking a closer look at eight of the most common garage door issues, so you know exactly what could go wrong with your garage door and when to call in the experts:
Garage Door Squeaking & Grinding Noises
A garage door making unusual sounds can be very concerning. Some garage doors are noisier than others, but your garage door certainly shouldn’t be making squeaking or grinding noises. If the hinges or rollers on your garage door are loose, the door is unbalanced, or you don’t lubricate the door frequently, it may begin to squeak. Not enough lubrication and loose hinges and rollers may also cause a grinding noise, along with additional problems such as poor installation and opener faults.
Other problematic sounds to be aware of include rubbing, squealing, screeching, scraping, popping, and banging.
Garage Door Cracks or Gaps
Cracks and gaps on your garage door are not just an aesthetic problem. This kind of damage can be a security concern, cause moisture problems, and reduce energy efficiency. There are many causes of cracks and gaps on a garage door, including general wear and tear, bad weather, and accidents. When you address cracks and gaps quickly, they are often simpler and more affordable to fix.
Cracked or Broken Weather Sealant
The weather seal on a garage door needs replacing every now and again to ensure that the seal is effectively protecting your garage against water, debris, and rodent entry. Failing to replace broken or cracked weather sealant can cause your garage to become damp. It’s normally easy to tell if a weather sealant needs replacing as it’ll start to look old and worn and small cracks will begin to appear.
Garage Door Opens Slightly Then Immediately Closes
Like other common garage door problems, there are multiple reasons why a garage door may open only slightly before closing. The cause of this problem can be as simple as debris on the track or rollers or something blocking the door. If there’s nothing preventing the door from opening, then there may be a problem with the garage door sensors, such as damage, dirt, or misalignment. A garage door that doesn’t stay open could also be a sign that there’s a fault in the spring system. Spring faults can be extremely dangerous to repair yourself, so it’s best to consult an expert.
Garage Door Closes Then Immediately Opens
A garage door that won’t stay closed is a big safety concern! Thankfully, resetting the opener limit switch on your garage door could immediately remedy the problem. If the opener limit switch isn’t the cause of the problem, then there may be an issue with the opener’s wiring, circuit board, or control buttons. In extremely rare cases, a garage door may open unexpectedly because a nearby garage door opener shares the same code.
Garage Door Remote Is Broken
A garage door remote not working isn’t normally a major problem. The fix could be as simple as resetting the remote by removing and reinserting the batteries or buying new batteries. There are other easy fixes you can try, such as making sure you’re in range or giving the sensors a quick clean. If your remote still isn’t working, then it’s time to give the professionals a call.
Broken or Rusty Torsion Springs
Garage door torsion springs have a limited lifespan. If a torsion spring reaches the end of its lifespan without being replaced, then it may break and become a health hazard. Proper maintenance of torsion springs – including lubricating the springs a couple of times a year – will help to prevent rust from appearing and extend the lifespan of the springs. For torsion spring replacements, it’s always advised to hire a professional garage door technician.
Garage Door Off Track
A garage door off track is a very common issue that can be the result of poor-quality tracks, incorrect alignment or tension, impact damage, and general wear and tear. Just as with broken or damaged torsion springs, a garage door off track is a dangerous problem and must be inspected and repaired by a professional. Failure to correct the problem could result in further damage occurring. Are you experiencing one of these common issues with your garage door, or is there another problem that you’re struggling to identify? For all garage door problems in Chicagoland, contact AR-BE Garage Doors. With our fast, affordable, and experienced service for garage door repair and replacement, you won’t have to live with garage door problems for long! Get in touch with us today to learn more.