Most Common Problems With Garage Doors
Garage doors can last a really long time and, depending on the material, are also very durable as well. They can last anywhere from 25–30 years with very little maintenance, outside of the occasional deep-cleaning and lubrication.
That doesn't mean you won't experience any problems with your garage doors, however. Like everything else in your home, any kind of garage door repair needs to be handled promptly and professionally to ensure you have a properly functioning garage door for years to come. Below are some of the most common problems you may experience as a homeowner.
Squeaky Wheels
Depending on how old your garage door is, you may notice that your garage doors are starting to squeak. If a simple shot of lubrication doesn't solve the issue, you'll most likely need to get your rollers and tracks looked at to make sure they're not aging prematurely. If they're out of alignment, you should also notice a grinding sound as the metal on the sides scrapes against the inside of the tracks. While this can be a highly annoying sound, the bigger danger here is in the rapid deterioration that can take place if not handled soon enough.
Failure to Open
Almost universally, a garage door that won't open means there's a problem with the electric opener. Either the device isn't receiving power or the motor or circuit board have blown, both of which can cause major problems and necessitate a garage door repair service. If it's not that, you should also check the safety pull on the trolley to make sure that it's attached, as well as the manual lock on the door itself. If these are in the wrong place, your garage door may actually be functioning fine but is hamstrung due to simple operator error.
Off-Level
If your garage door is not sitting level, it could be because your garage door itself is off-level on the tracks or a piece of the weatherstripping is missing and giving the appearance of your door being off-level. While this may be annoying, you could also be at risk for water creeping into your garage and causing significant damage to the items in your home, as well as massive amounts of energy loss to your home. Since your garage door represents the largest opening in your home for air to escape, a gap in your garage door can mean hundreds of dollars in lost energy. It's a good idea to have a garage door repair performed to save you money over the long run.
To learn more, contact a garage door repair service.