Garage doors are an essential part of the home. They can keep the cars and the home safe while improving the curb appeal. We use our garage doors every day, but we rarely take the time to examine and inspect their condition and performance. We only take a look at it when something goes terribly wrong. It’s essential that homeowners understand garage doors also require regular inspection and maintenance. Below we share some common signs that indicate potential damage to your garage door.
The Door Doesn’t Open or Close
Obviously, if your garage door refuses to open or close using the control buttons, it needs to be repaired. There are various reasons for such an occurrence, such as a bad connection between the door and the control panel, or due to door malfunction. To test your garage door again, you must make sure that nothing is blocking it from closing. Try the controllers to make sure that the door isn’t moving at all before you call a professional.
Slow Response Time
You have to observe how long it takes for your door to respond to your commands. Typically, it should begin to open or close within a second or two after you have pressed the opener. It must then open or close smoothly without any hitching or delay. If you observe any delay in operation, it may indicate that something is wrong with your door or with the opener. It is advisable to have it inspected by a professional.
Sagging Garage Door Sections
It is recommended to check and test the balance of your garage door at least once a year. This involves disconnecting the opener from the door and manually operating it. When you bring the door at about midway and leave it there, it must not continue to rise or fall. If it does, there must be something wrong with the tension spring or other parts of your door. Do not try to check or repair the components on your own, especially if you have no prior experience.
The Door Makes a Lot of Noise
Most old garage doors make a lot of noise when operated; however, if the creaking or straining is excessive there may be a problem with your spring, the opener backer or the opener itself.
The Door is off the Tracks
The garage door must be operated within the tracks that are placed on the sides of the door. There may be times when it comes off the tracks. This usually happens when the door is not in good condition or has been damaged. A professional can inspect the problem and replace the key parts if necessary to ensure that it will operate properly.
Increasing Energy Bills
If you want to improve the energy efficiency of your home, you may consider swapping your old door for a new one. Newer models are made to be more energy efficient. By upgrading your door, you will be able to save more money on your energy bills in the long run.
A garage door is a big investment and you want it to operate efficiently and last for years to come. To avoid garage door issues, we recommend to always schedule regular maintenance, at least once a year and before the cold weather begins. If you are due to have your garage door inspected and serviced, call us today for a free, no-obligation quote.