Garage doors have a variety of components that enable them to work correctly. If there is a problem with even one component, it can make the door unusable or cause other issues. Unfortunately, many garage door components are prone to breaking or wearing out with regular use. This means your garage door may need some type of repair at some point. In this article, we’ll look at the common issues that a garage door can experience and how to spot them. This will help you determine when repairs are needed, whether you’re in the areas of Virginia, Illinois, New Jersey, Washington, or New York.
Broken or Worn-Out Springs
Most garage doors have either torsion springs or extension springs. Torsion springs sit horizontally above the door, while extension springs run vertically above the track. They connect to the very top of the door. The primary purpose of both types of springs is to provide the additional force needed to help the opener easily open the door. The springs also help to ensure that the door closes smoothly and can’t suddenly come crashing down.
Garage door springs have a limited lifespan and can only open and close the door so many times before they break. Most springs can perform around 10,000 opening and closing cycles before they wear out and need to be replaced. This means that they will typically last around 7 to 10 years. This time frame depends on how many times you normally open and close your garage door each day. Some higher-quality springs can last for around 25,000 cycles but will still need to be replaced eventually.
Having a spring break on your garage door is extremely dangerous and can easily cause severe or even fatal injuries. This is especially true if an extension spring breaks when the door is closed. When closed, extension springs are under a large amount of tension. They are likely to come flying off with a massive amount of force if they break. If a spring breaks when the door is open, there is also a major risk of the door suddenly crashing down.
These issues are one of the main reasons why having your garage door professionally inspected and serviced every year is so important. Springs usually need to be readjusted every so often to ensure the door is still properly balanced.
Along with professional maintenance, it’s a good idea to regularly check the springs and monitor the performance of your garage door as it opens and closes. This allows you to spot any potential issues before they create a safety hazard. Some signs that may indicate you need to have your garage door springs replaced are if the door starts making unusual noises or squeaking excessively when in motion. Also, watch for the door not opening or closing smoothly. It may start moving more slowly, or it won’t open or close all the way.
Bent or Misaligned Track
All garage doors have a metal track on each side that they slide up and down on. As the chain or belt pulls the door upward, the rollers on the door glide along the track to allow the door to move smoothly. The tracks are somewhat flimsy and can easily get bent or misaligned if you accidentally hit them with something. This can lead to the door no longer moving smoothly or not being able to fully open or close.
The rollers and tracks also help to secure each of the door panels so that they can flex or bend. This allows the door to roll open and close. If the track is bent, it can lead to a roller coming off. This results in one of the panels no longer being supported and secured, which means it will sag and prevent the door from opening or closing properly.
A roller that is off the track is an obvious sign that the track is bent and needs to be repaired or replaced. A bent or misaligned track can prevent the door from gliding smoothly or lead to the door becoming stiff and moving sluggishly.
Loose or Sagging Chain
Chain-drive garage door openers require regular maintenance to ensure they continue working correctly. One reason for this is that the chain that pulls the door up and down tends to loosen and sag over time. If the chain isn’t occasionally retightened, it can become loose enough that it slips off the pulley on the door or inside the motor. This is an issue that will immediately be obvious. It will prevent the opener from being able to open or close the door. If the chain is just slightly loose but not enough to come off the pulley, it can still lead to issues like the door moving slowly or making a lot of extra noise.
Adjusting the chain to the right tightness isn’t always easy, which is why it’s a good idea to have a professional perform this task. The main reason is that there is a high risk of the chain snapping if it is too tight.
Worn-Out Rollers
Garage door rollers typically last for around 10 to 20 years. The exception is plastic rollers, which usually wear out much more quickly. The track and rollers also need to be lubricated regularly to allow the door to move smoothly. If you notice your door no longer moves smoothly and makes a jerking motion as it moves, it can be a sign that the rollers are worn out and need to be replaced.
You can check to see if the rollers are worn out by disconnecting the door from the opener and trying to manually open it. Even though some garage doors are quite heavy, you should still be able to manually open the door. If you notice that there is lots of drag or resistance when you try to open the door, this may indicate that you need to have the rollers replaced.
Blocked, Misaligned or Dirty Sensors
Garage doors have a safety sensor near the floor on each side of the opening. This ensures the door can’t close if there is a person or object in the way. These sensors work by shining a light back and forth to detect the presence of any foreign objects. If this light is obstructed, the sensors will prevent the opener from working.
If you ever find that your door won’t close, the first thing to check is that the sensors are directly aligned. You should also clean off the lens on each sensor. Dirt and dust can prevent the light from shining between them. Although the sensors should last for many years, they can sometimes wear out and stop working. This is why it’s a good idea to have them inspected if you’re experiencing frequent issues with your door not closing. It may suddenly stop and go back up partway during closing.
Malfunctioning or Worn-Out Opener
Depending on how much use your garage door gets, an opener will typically last for 10 to 15 years. This means you’ll need to have the opener replaced before it’s time to replace the door. An opener that is starting to wear out can have various issues. It may be starting to make much more noise or working slowly. Other signs to look for are if the opener only works intermittently, if your garage door frequently gets stuck, or if it suddenly starts opening and closing on its own.
Door Pro America has been providing exceptional garage door repair, maintenance, and installation services since 1971. We serve customers in Virginia, Illinois, New Jersey, Washington, New York, Maryland, Colorado, and Oregon and are ready to help with all your garage door needs. To schedule an inspection and get the expert repair services you need to keep your garage door working correctly, contact us today.
