Few things are as annoying as a garage door that’s acting up, especially when you just came from a very hard day at work. Then again, garage door problems happen all the time. You must, however, address any issue with your garage door immediately to avoid worse problems in the future.
Here are the most common garage door problems and tips on how to fix them.
It won’t open or close.
If you’ve been pressing the opener remote like crazy to no avail, you might want to check the remote first. Its batteries could be dead, or there may be some problems with the keypad.
When your remote is fine, and its batteries are fresh, and nothing is still happening, it could be the garage door opener unit. Check the lights, and if they’re out, then the power source may have been disrupted. Check if the power cord is plugged in. You should also check for a blown fuse. The circuit breaker may also have tripped and needs resetting.
It’s making loud noises.
Noises in anything mechanical always indicates a problem. If it’s making squeaking or grinding noises, it could be a simple lubrication problem with the rollers. Apply lithium- or silicone-based grease to shut your door up.
A rattling noise indicates that your garage door may have a few screws, nuts, and bolts loose. Get a wrench and tighten them all until rattling is gone. However, when you hear a popping sound, it’s likely caused by a torsion spring that requires lubrication or adjustment. For safety reasons, better have a professional work on torsion springs.
It’s opening very slowly.
This could also point to rollers that need lubrication, although dirty tracks could also be the culprit. Lubricate the rollers and clean the tracks to make it open faster. Also, don’t forget to check your garage door opener’s speed setting. The snail’s pace could be because your opener is set to the lowest speed.
It reverses before closing.
Most garage door openers today have been fitted with sensors on either side that prevent it from slamming shut on children or pets. There may be something obstructing these sensors when a garage door reverses direction. Make sure that these sensors are clean, and are aimed perfectly at each other.
It’s moving unevenly.
A correctly working garage door closes or opens evenly. When it doesn’t, you might want to take a look at the tracks because something could be blocking it. Get rid of any obstructions you may find there.
It’s also possible that there may also be too little or too much tension in the spring system. As mentioned above, any issues with the spring must be left in the hands of a professional.
These are just some of the most common garage door problems homeowners face. Some are easy enough to deal with, but when the issues are beyond your expertise, the best option will always be calling a garage door repair specialist. With their skills, experience, and equipment, they should be able to resolve any garage door problem you might have fast.
About The Author
Irene Trentham is the Content Marketing Strategist of Arizona’s Best Garage Door and Repair Company, a locally-owned enterprise that specializes in installing new garage doors and repairing defective ones for residents of Phoenix and surrounding areas. She loves to do camping, hiking and yoga and to spend time with her family and baby girl, Tatum when not writing.
Thanks for sharing the most common garage door problems with us and it is really great info!
As far as my experienced is concerned, I would highly recommend to use best door hardware for your home to avoid these problems. Whatever you want for your door, finding the right one for your needs and preferences will be easier if you have a clear idea of your needs.