These components tend to corrode over time, requiring repair work by garage door repair professionals. Luckily, all garage door problems are fixable with reliable repair methods. In this blog, we aim to highlight some of the common problems with garage doors and their repair processes. 

Common Garage Door Problems and Repairs

A garage door consists of several components, including an opener, door panels, sensors, rollers, cables, springs, tracks, brackets, and hinges. Problems in any one of these components can cause the entire system to malfunction. So, here are some of the commonly encountered garage door issues with their fixes:

1. Problem Opening and Closing the Door

You may notice your garage door getting stuck while opening or closing it. If you encounter this issue, turn off the power supply and try opening the door manually. Check whether the door stays in place. If the door appears imbalanced and does not stay in place, there might be a problem with the fuse. But if the fuse is not the issue, then you will require garage door professional assistance who will diagnose the cause of the problem and repair it accordingly. 

2. Malfunctioning Sensors

Sensors in your garage door help ensure its safe operation. However, any problem with sensors can cause the door to shut suddenly, crashing into whatever is under it. Additionally, if your sensors are not working, you may also notice the door does not respond to the remote. Sensor problems are common and mainly occur because of signal blockage due to dirt or misalignment. You can fix the problem by cleaning the sensors or calling the garage door expert for repair.

3. Issues with Rollers

The durability of the rollers in your garage door system depends on their material. The rollers are made of plastic, nylon, or steel. Damaged rollers make it difficult for the door to open and close smoothly. If you notice that the rollers are getting rusty, you can lubricate them. But if lubricating does not help, the most efficient repair process is to replace the defective rollers. Do not attempt to change the rollers by yourself; call professionals for the repair.

4. Faulty Springs

On average, a garage door spring lasts from 7 to 10 years. But, due to frequent use, the springs have undergone wear and tear over the years. Springs are vital parts of your garage door system and help balance the weight of the door. Any problem with the springs will impact the motion of the door. It may also cause the door to slam shut, leading to severe injury to anyone standing under the door. If you encounter any issues with the spring, call repair professionals. They will replace your worn-out spring and install a new one to get your garage door operating properly again.

5. Problem with the Opener

The garage door opener is responsible for opening and closing the door using a motor. Any problem with the opener leads to a security threat, and it needs to be addressed immediately. Issues with openers mostly arise after they have outlived their lifespan, i.e., around 20 years. You may notice signs of damage, such as strange noises and a lack of response to the remote control. You can try checking the batteries to troubleshoot the issue. If it does not help, call for professional help. 

6. Uneven Motion of the Door

The uneven motion of the garage door while opening or closing is mostly caused by damage to the springs, rollers, tracks, or cables. Problems in any of these components can be noticed, such as difficulty opening or closing the door, weird noises, doors coming off track, or an abrupt motion of the door. Such issues can lead to unexpected injuries if not repaired in time. So, contact a garage door professional for reliable repair.

7. Garage Door Opening Slowly

If you notice your garage door is opening slower than its normal pace, it may be due to malfunctioning motors, defective rollers, or a lack of lubrication. Try lubricating the metallic components on your garage doors, such as steel rollers, springs, and tracks. If lubricating does not help, there may be other underlying problems that require expert attention. 

Why You Should Not DIY Garage Door Repair

Besides lubricating your garage door components, trying other DIY repair solutions is not recommended for your garage door. The garage door system is complex and is best handled by trained professionals. Attempting to deal with the components of your garage door may lead to a severe injury. Here are some of the reasons why you should not attempt garage door repair by yourself:

• May cause additional damage: Handling your garage door components without proper training may cause additional damage to your door. You may also use the wrong repair methods to fix the door, which leads to extra damage.
• Damage due to the wrong tools: Repairing the garage door components requires specialized tools. If you are not trained in using the repair tools, you may end up using the wrong tools for the repair and doing more damage than repair. Using the wrong tools may also lead to severe injury. 
• Forfeit of your garage door warranty: If you attempt DIY repair on your garage door, you will most likely forfeit the warranty that you received on the purchase of your garage door. A warranty can help you cut down on the cost required for the repair. But DIY fixes will violate the terms of your warranty.
• Risk of physical injury: Fixing garage door components is much more dangerous than it appears. A slight error in handling the repair tools or any metallic components of the door, such as springs and cables, can severely injure you.

What Can You Do with Waste from Garage Door Repair?

If you are wondering what to do with the leftovers from garage door repair, you need not worry. Most garage door repair service providers handle the waste after the repair. They will take away the removed components for recycling and proper disposal. However, if your service provider does not take the waste away, you can dispose of the repair residue via home trash pickup. Contact your residential garbage disposal service provider and inquire about the disposal process for the metallic components of your garage door.

Conclusion

Garage doors play a vital role in ensuring security and elevating the aesthetics of your property. The best thing you can do to extend the durability of your garage door is through regular maintenance, at least once every 6 months. But if your garage door undergoes damage over the years, you will need a reliable garage door repair service from a trained professional.