6 Common Garage Door Problems and What to Do About Them

Common Garage Door Problems

Garage doors serve not only as a critical entry point to your home but also as a component of your home’s security and aesthetic appeal. However, garage doors sometimes have issues. Over time, they can encounter various problems due to daily wear and tear, mechanical failure, or environmental factors. Understanding these common issues and knowing how to address them can prevent minor inconveniences from becoming major problems. In this article, we’ll discuss 6 of the most common garage door problems and we’ll provide practical solutions for how to deal with them to maintain your garage door’s reliability and safety.

1. Noisy Operation

A noisy garage door can disrupt the peace and quiet of your home and is often a sign that your door needs some attention. Several factors can cause your garage door to operate loudly, including loose nuts and bolts, old rollers, and lack of lubrication. To address this, start by tightening all hardware with a socket wrench, as vibrations from daily operations can loosen these components over time. If the noise persists, examine the rollers and hinges. If they appear worn or rusty, replace them with smoother, quieter, nylon rollers. Then use a silicone lubricant on all moving parts, including springs, rollers, and hinges, to reduce noise levels and ensure smooth operation.

• Door Opens or Closes Only Partially

One of the most frustrating issues is a garage door that won’t open or close completely. This partial movement can often be traced back to misaligned tracks, obstructed sensors, or incorrect settings on the garage door opener. Start by inspecting the tracks for any dents or obstructions and clear any debris that could be causing an issue. Check the alignment of the photo-eye sensors next. Even small misalignments can prevent the door from functioning correctly. If your door still behaves erratically, review the limit setting on your opener as it might require adjustment to accurately control the door’s range of motion.

• Remote Control Malfunctions

Remote controls simplify the operation of garage doors, but they can also be sources of frustration when they malfunction. Common issues with remotes include depleted batteries, interference from other devices, or the remote being out of range. To resolve these issues, start by replacing the battery and make sure the remote is within the operating range of the receiver. If problems continue, reprogramming the remote or resetting your garage door opener might be necessary. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on these processes, which can often restore normal function quickly.

• Door Off Its Tracks

A garage door that has slipped off its tracks poses a significant safety risk and operational challenge. This issue can occur if the door is hit by a vehicle, the tracks are bent, or the rollers break or come out of alignment. Due to the weight and complexity of garage doors, realigning a door or repairing bent tracks should be handled by professionals. Contact your local reputable garage door repair company to safely put your door back on track and check for any underlying issues that might have caused the problem.

• Broken Springs

The springs on your garage door play an important role in balancing the door’s weight during operation. If these springs break, the door might not open at all, or it could move unevenly. It could even quickly drop shut, which could be a serious safety risk. Spring issues are often noticeable by a loud bang when the spring breaks. Due to the dangerous tension held in garage door springs, these repairs should only be performed by professionals who have the proper tools and knowledge to safely replace the springs and calibrate them for correct balance and operation. 

• Worn Out Weatherstripping

The weather stripping on your garage door seals your door to prevent drafts, water, and pests from entering your garage. Over time, exposure to the elements can degrade these seals, leading to leaks and energy loss. To replace the weather stripping, first remove the old material and clean the area to ensure good adhesion for the new strip, Measure the length of your door and cut the new weather stripping to fit. Most types can be installed simply by pressing them into place in the door’s grooves.

Conclusion

Maintaining your garage door in good working order is important for ensuring it operates smoothly, quietly, and safely. By familiarizing yourself with common garage door issues such as noisy operation, partial opening or closing, remote malfunctions, displacement from tracks, broken springs, and worn-out weather stripping, you can take proactive steps to address these problems before they become more serious issues. Remember, while some issues can be safely addressed using DIY methods, others should be handled by professional garage door technicians to ensure safety and proper repair. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to repairs can extend the life of your garage door, enhance its functionality, and maintain its role as a vital component of your home’s security system.

A1A Overhead Door in Jacksonville, FL, is a leader in garage door services such as repairs and installations. Specializing in rapid solutions for broken springs and compliance with hurricane codes, we emphasize safety and design. Our family-run business offers professionalism, quality, and same-day services at competitive rates. With over 50 years in the industry, we provide a broad spectrum of services, including door openers and spring repairs for both homes and businesses across several Florida and Georgia counties. We guarantee customer satisfaction and price matching. For more information about the products and services we offer, contact us via our website or give us a call at 904-850-5094. We look forward to serving you!