Common Garage Door Issues and When to Call a Professional

According to industry reports, the US garage door installation industry has grown at a CAGR of 7% over the last five years and is worth $458.4 million. Garage doors are essential for security, and having a functional door is crucial. However, like any mechanical system, your garage door can develop issues. 

Whether this is minor, like squeaky hinges, or a complete failure, the approach to repair might be different. Knowing when to try and fix an issue yourself or when to seek professional help is important. Here are some common issues you might come across and how to approach them.

Noisy or Squeaky Garage Doors

Sometimes your garage door might develop a squeak or a noise. A lack of lubrication, worn-out rollers, or loose hardware could cause this but it’s hard to know which by the noise alone. If you hear such noises, it’s a good idea to apply lubricant to hinges and rollers. If the problem is solved, you have your answer. Otherwise, if it persists or gets louder, it could be a bigger, mechanical issue. In this case, it’s best to call a professional. 

Garage Door Not Opening or Closing

This is an annoying issue that needs a quick resolution as being unable to open your garage door is inconvenient at best. Being unable to close it is a serious security risk. The potential causes of these issues could be misaligned tracks, broken springs, or sensor malfunctions. As a first port of call, check for any obstructions in the mechanism, but do so carefully in case of any quick releases. If your garage door has sensors, make sure they’re clean, and check the remote too. 

If you’ve done all of that and the door is still not functioning as it should, seek professional help. Should you notice broken springs or cables, calling a professional is essential. These can be dangerous to handle without expertise. Warning signs for this would also include a heavy door, visible loose cables, or loud snapping sounds. This is caused by normal wear and tear over time.

Uneven or Off-Track Doors

If your door comes off its tracks or otherwise looks uneven, it can become a safety hazard if it’s ignored. Causes of this issue are bent tracks, damaged rollers, or if the door has been hit in some way. Professional technicians, like those at ODC, can safely realign and repair your tracks to restore the door’s smooth operation. 

Slow Response or Delayed Movement

If your door is slow to respond, it could be down to several factors, including:

• An aging opener
• Electrical issues
• Worn-out parts

Before calling a professional, check the batteries in your remote, reset the opener, and make sure nothing is blocking the sensors.

Endnote

Timely garage door maintenance is important so that small issues don’t turn into bigger ones and you can maintain the security of your garage. While simple fixes can be done at home, serious problems should be looked at by professionals.