Common Garage Door Problems
Most people don’t think too much about their garage door. You open it, close it and everything is fine. The typical garage door opener will last about 10-15 years, so many people will need to eventually change their opener. However, garage doors can experience many other issues that are not opener related. If your garage door isn’t working properly, it can be a major inconvenience. Here are some common problems you may be experiencing:
Door Won’t Open or Close
The door won’t open or close: This is usually due to an issue with the tracks, springs, or opener. Check to see if there is any debris in the way of the tracks, and make sure the springs are properly tensioned. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the opener.
Broken Spring
A broken spring is one of the most common garage door problems. The springs are what counterbalance the heavy door, so when they break, the door becomes very difficult to open. You may be able to replace the spring yourself, but it’s best to call a professional for help. Be careful with garage door springs – these springs are under a lot of tension and can be dangerous. With garage door springs, it is usually a good idea to call a professional.
Door Off Track
The door may come off its tracks if there is an issue with the rollers, springs, or tracks. Inspect each component to see if there is any damage. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the damaged parts. Check the tracks to see if they are bent, and make sure the rollers are not damaged.
Blocked Garage Door Sensor
If your garage door sensor is blocked, it can prevent the door from opening or closing. The sensor is usually located near the bottom of the door, so make sure there is nothing in the way. You may need to clean or adjust the sensor if the problem persists. Sometimes direct sunlight will get in the way of the sensor – you can try opening or closing the door when the sun gets higher or lower in the sky. Otherwise, you can try cleaning the sensor or removing anything that could be blocking it.
Noisy Door
The door is very loud: This could be due to a number of factors, such as loose hardware, worn out parts, or incorrect installation. Inspect all of the hardware to see if anything needs to be tightened or replaced. Make sure your rollers are oiled and lubricated – this will help reduce the noise. If the problem persists, you may need to replace some of the parts.
Often times, your garage door may need to be lubricated. You can buy garage door lubricant at most hardware stores, and it’s a relatively easy fix. Simply apply the lubricant to all moving parts, such as the tracks, springs, rollers, and hinges. You should do this at least once a year to keep your door working properly.
Remote Opener is not Working
The door opener remote isn’t working: This is often due to a dead battery, but it could also be an issue with the opener itself. Try replacing the batteries first, and if that doesn’t work, you may need to call a professional for further assistance.
Burned out Garage Door Motor
The garage door opener motor has burned out: this is a more serious problem that will require the assistance of a professional. A standard garage door opener will last for about 10-15 years, so if yours is starting to act up, it may be time for a replacement. Garage door openers are not cheap, so make sure you research different models before making a purchase.
Cost of Garage Door Repairs
Garage door repair can be expensive, especially if you need to replace major components. Garage door springs can cost anywhere from $100-$300, and a new garage door opener can cost upwards of $500.
These are just some of the more common garage door problems that you may encounter. Garage doors are complex systems, and it’s best to leave repairs and maintenance to the experts. If you are experiencing any issues with your garage door, make sure to call a professional for help. garage door repair can be dangerous, and it’s best to leave it to the experts.
