Garages have become a necessity for most homeowners and businesses. They offer protection to your vehicles against weather elements, thefts, and inadvertent accidents. Garage spaces can also serve as excellent storage units, if required.
Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that your garage door operates properly at all times and it’s also important to get it repaired immediately if damaged. A faulty garage door is a liability that can cause harm to you and your family. In addition, it can also pose a security threat to your home and make your house more susceptible to burglars and intruders. In fact, entry through garage doors is one of the five common home invasion tactics.
Moreover, garage door repair is a sound investment as it can increase the resale value of the house according to Garage Wow Now. For this reason, be vigilant about any possible damage to your garage door.
Here are a few signs that your garage door needs repairing:
Garage door makes a lot of noise
Most garage doors make a sound when they open or close, which is not very prominent and fades in the background. Old doors are commonly noisier than the new ones. However, if you notice excessive straining or creaking, or it appears like the door is struggling to support its weight as it moves along, it may need repairing or replacement.
Garage door does not open on cue
If your garage door does not open or close, using the control buttons, or has a slow response time to the opener, it needs to be repaired. Typically, it should open or close within a couple of seconds after you press the opener. Failure to function on cue or delay in the response indicates a problem with the door or the controllers.
Ensure that there is nothing blocking or hindering its movements and check the batteries of the remote. You can also reprogram the garage door opener to see if it solves the problem. Otherwise, call a professional repair company as it can be difficult to determine the exact problem yourself.
Sagging or unstable garage door sections
You should test the balance of your garage door at least once every month. Begin by disconnecting the opener from the door and manually open it about midway. A perfectly functioning garage door will hold its position and will not open or close on its own. However, if it does move, it points towards malfunctioning tension spring or some other faulty part of the door.
Moreover, your garage door should operate smoothly. If it appears to be shaky, jerky or unstable during opening or closing, consult a professional immediately as it can collapse leading to disastrous results.
Increased electricity bills
A garage door opener consists of a radio receiver, garage lights and a motor to lift open the garage door. The door is often very heavy but is equipped with counterweights or springs to bolster its movements. However, if you are using an old door, there are high chances that it is inefficient leading to high energy consumption. In addition, a malfunctioning door can also cause your electricity bills to shoot.
Garage door parts you can check on your own
Cables: With time, the cables used in the garage door system suffer from wear and tear. If they are not maintained regularly, it can cause the door to break, leading to considerable property damage and injuries. Therefore, if you notice fraying or damage in the cable, hire a repair service to solve the problem.
Springs: While you can check the spring tension of your garage door yourself, you will need professional help and special equipment to replace the mechanism if damaged. You can test the spring by trying to close the door and pulling the string on your opener to disconnect it. Then, open the door midway and if it does not remain in its place, the spring is either broken or misaligned.
Hinges: Simply inspect the hinges to check if they are broken or dented. Replace immediately if you notice any deformation.
Rollers: Majority of garage doors utilize rollers for their primary functioning. Whenever you open or close a garage door, observe that the rollers are moving smoothly and noiselessly. These parts endure a lot of strain and tension during use and undergo depreciation over time. Regular maintenance like oiling and care can increase the lifespan of these parts.
Panels: Broken, dented or cracked panels can ruin the aesthetics of your door. Moreover, it can be a quite a feat to find and install a panel of the same color and texture, in order to replace the deformed one. Therefore, check your panels regularly for early signs of wear and tear to catch the problem in its initial stages.
If you notice any problems with your garage door and its parts, it is recommended to contact a competent garage door repair professional immediately. Failure to address the issue on time can have devastating consequences to you, your family and your property.