Top 5 Garage Door Issues: Spot Them Early
When it comes to home maintenance, garage doors are often overlooked until a problem arises. It’s better to stay informed about common issues and spot them early. So, let’s dive into the top five garage door issues you should know.
Broken Springs:
Many think that the opener does all the heavy lifting, but it’s the garage door springs that are the real workhorses. When they snap, your door won’t move. A telltale sign of a broken spring is a door that lifts only a few inches or not at all. Should you encounter this issue, halt! Broken springs can cause serious injury if mishandled. Professional help is a call away.
Unresponsive Garage Door Opener:
It’s a frustrating situation – the garage door simply refusing to respond. The most common culprit is usually the easiest to fix: dead remote batteries. Replace them, and if the problem persists, the issue might lie within the opener’s motor or its programming. In such cases, expert intervention ensures the quickest fix.
Noisy Operation:
Some noise during operation is normal. But when your garage door starts singing its own raucous opera, there could be trouble. Grinding, crunching, or squeaking noises can indicate anything from a need for lubrication to issues with the opener or springs. An ear tuned to these irregular symphonies can catch problems before they crescendo into a full breakdown.
Damaged Weather Sealant:
Your garage door’s weather sealant is its first line of defense against the elements. If damaged or worn out, you could face water damage in your garage, a haven for pests, and an increase in energy costs. A visual check can easily reveal a damaged seal. Replace it promptly, or seek professional help if unsure.
Worn-Out Hardware:
Rollers, hinges, and tracks may not be glamorous, but they keep your door gliding smoothly. Over time, these silent soldiers wear down, making your door’s movement jerky or shaky, or worse, derailing it completely. Regularly inspect these components for any visible wear or damage. If you find any, call the pros.
To maintain your garage door, conduct regular visual checks and call a professional if you notice anything unusual. Remember, garage doors are heavy and operate under high tension, so repairs are best left to professionals to ensure safety and proper function.
Through understanding these common garage door problems, their causes, and what can be done to address them, you can help extend the life of your garage door and prevent more significant issues down the line.