Here are ten common garage door issues that homeowners often encounter:
- Misaligned Tracks: If the tracks that guide the door become misaligned, the door may not open or close properly. This can lead to friction, noise, and potentially damage to the door.
- Broken Springs: Garage door springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door. Over time, they can break due to wear and tear, causing the door to become difficult to open or close.
- Worn Rollers: Rollers that run along the tracks can become worn or damaged, leading to a noisy and jerky operation of the door.
- Faulty Sensors: Modern garage doors are equipped with safety sensors that detect obstructions and prevent the door from closing on objects or people. If these sensors are misaligned or malfunctioning, the door may not close properly.
- Broken Cables: The lifting cables are under high tension and can break over time. If this happens, the door may become unbalanced and won’t open or close correctly.
- Malfunctioning Opener: Garage door openers can develop issues with their motors, gears, or circuitry. This can result in the door not responding to remote or wall button commands.
- Lack of Lubrication: Hinges, rollers, and tracks require regular lubrication to operate smoothly. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to increased friction and premature wear.
- Weather Stripping Damage: Weather seals and stripping along the bottom of the door can deteriorate over time, allowing drafts, pests, and debris to enter the garage.
- Stuck Emergency Release: The emergency release cord is used to manually open the door in case of a power outage or other emergencies. If this becomes stuck, the door might not operate properly.
- Dented or Damaged Panels: Accidental impacts or collisions can lead to dented or damaged door panels. This not only affects the door’s appearance but can also impact its functionality.
Remember that some of these issues can be addressed through simple maintenance tasks, while others might require professional intervention. Regular inspection and maintenance of your garage door can help prevent many of these issues from occurring or escalating into larger problems. If you’re unsure about how to address a particular issue, it’s best to consult a professional garage door technician.