Table of Contents
A garage is more than just a place to park your car – it’s a home for your tools, a storage area for your belongings, and often, it’s an additional entrance into your house. Consequently, a fully functional garage door is key to maintaining your garage’s usability and safety.
However, like all mechanical systems, garage doors are susceptible to issues that may need garage door repairs. Here, we’ll look at seven common garage door problems and provide some tips on how to fix them.
1. The Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
Understanding The Issue
One of the most common problems that homeowners encounter is a garage door that won’t open or close properly. This issue can lead to significant inconvenience and security concerns. The cause could be as simple as an obstruction in the door’s path, or it could be a more complex issue like a faulty garage door opener.
Fixing The Issue
Start by checking for any visible obstructions in the track of the door. Simple things like dirt, leaves, or small toys can stop a garage door in its tracks. If the path is clear, the next step might be to inspect the motor unit and make sure it is plugged in correctly and receiving power.
Finally, check the remote control. Change the batteries and ensure it is paired with the motor unit correctly. If the problem persists, it may be wise to call in professionals who specialize in garage door repairs.
2. Noisy Garage Door
Understanding The Issue
Another common complaint among homeowners is that their garage door is making excess noise. This buzzing or rattling can be more than just an annoyance. Often, it’s a sign that some components of the door mechanism are not functioning correctly.
Fixing The Issue
Quietening a noisy garage door involves checking several key components. Check the rollers and tracks for signs of wear or damage. Lubricate these parts using a high-quality garage door lubricant. Inspect the door’s hardware, including bolts and screws, to ensure they are tight and secure. If these steps do not alleviate the noise, it may be an issue with the garage door opener or springs, which should be addressed by experts in garage door repairs.
3. Garage Door Has Come Off its Tracks
Understanding the Issue
A garage door coming off its tracks is not only something that limits functionality, but it’s also a potential safety hazard. This problem can be caused by a misalignment of the tracks, an obstruction in the path, or heavy damage to the door itself.
Fixing the Issue
You can start by inspecting the tracks for obvious signs of misalignment or damage. Are they straight, or are they visibly bent or warped? Next, check for any obstructions that may have knocked the door off track. If the door is heavily damaged, it may need to be replaced. This type of garage door repair is complex and carries potential risks, so professional intervention is usually the best course of action.
4. The Garage Door Closes Too Quickly
Understanding the Issue
If a garage door closes too quickly, often with a loud bang, it’s a clear indication that there’s a significant issue to address. It can be particularly dangerous if there are pets or small children around. The likely suspects in this case are broken or damaged tension springs or cables.
Fixing the Issue
Resolving this problem is typically a job for professionals skilled in garage door repairs due to its high-risk nature. Broken springs or cables need to be replaced, and it’s important that this is done correctly to avoid any potential safety problems. Never attempt to fix broken tension springs or cables yourself – the tension in these parts could lead to severe injuries.
5. The Garage Door Opener Isn’t Working
Understanding the Issue
Another frustrating issue for homeowners is when the garage door opener stops working. The problem may lie in a number of areas, from the remote control to the motor unit itself.
Fixing the Issue
First, change the batteries in your remote and see if that fixes the problem. Also, ensure the motor unit is plugged in and receiving power correctly. If the garage door still isn’t opening, the issue may require more advanced troubleshooting.
There could be wiring or sensor problems within the motor unit, or it could require programming changes. Professionals can often fix these issues quickly, with minimal hassle.
6. The Garage Door Remote Isn’t Working
Understanding the Issue
The freedom to open or close your garage door remotely is a convenience that many homeowners appreciate. Unfortunately, like all electronic devices, these remote controls can fail to work correctly at times. The issue could be as simple as a battery failure or as complex as internal circuit problems.
Fixing the Issue
For garage door remote issues, start by replacing the batteries. If this doesn’t solve the problem, check that the remote is properly registered with the garage door system. Your control system’s manual should provide instructions on how to do this.
If neither of these solutions fix the problem, you may have a damaged remote. In this case, buying a new one or calling a specialist for garage door repairs would be the next step.
7. Cracks or Gaps in the Garage Door
Understanding the Issue
With time and use, garage doors may develop cracks or gaps. If not addressed promptly, these can lead to additional damages or even security risks. External factors such as weather conditions or physical impacts could cause these cracks or gaps.
Fixing the Issue
Minor cracks and gaps can often be fixed with waterproof filler or sealant. Bigger gaps or cracks may require replacing the damaged panel or even the whole door.
Remember, preserving the integrity of your garage door is important for the security of your garage and the overall look of your home. If you’re unsure about the extent of the damage, it’s always a good idea to call in garage door repairs specialists.
While common household tools and a basic level of handiness can address some problems, remember that many issues involving garage doors are complex and risky. In these cases, professional assistance can provide a safe, efficient, and long-lasting solution.
The key is to ensure that you address these problems promptly to maintain the functionality, safety, and aesthetic value of your garage door.
