Common Garage Door Issues And What You Can Do About Them

Garage doors and their openers aren't meant to last forever. They can last for quite a while, though, if they are taken care of properly. Most homeowners neglect maintenance on their garage door, but it is one task that should not be ignored. Maintenance of your garage door is simple to do and can prevent a lot of issues that may occur over time. Read on for some of these issues and what you can do about them.

Garage Door Squeaking Or Making Loud Noises

If your door is making quite a bit of noise when you open it or when it closes, it may be due to lack of lubrication. The hinges and rollers should be lubricated to prevent them from drying out and causing these loud noises. Don't use oil or grease for lubricant; use silicone spray that won't gum up or cause dirt to stick to it.

Cleaning the rollers and the tracks can also help prevent this noise and ensure your door opens smoothly. Clean these areas using a rag to remove dirt and other debris that may be sticking to it, then lubricate as necessary.

Garage Door Not Opening Properly

If your door is not opening properly or looks like it's moving to the side or opening crooked, it may be due to bent tracks. Check the tracks for damage such as bent areas or misaligned areas. This can happen if something hits the tracks, or they can get misaligned over time if the bolts become loosened. 

If you've found any damage, try to make the necessary repair yourself, but if this isn't possible leave it to a professional garage door repair company. 

Any loosened bolts and screws should be tightened and check that the tracks are level and even with one another as well.

Garage Door Not Opening At All

If the garage door isn't opening at all, check the batteries in the opener.

If this isn't the problem, then check the sensor. If anything is blocking the sensor the door may not open (or close). Clean the sensor with a clean cloth to remove any debris that may be on the sensor, or remove anything in the way of the sensor.

Check the springs and cables on the door assembly. Check that these are still intact and in good shape. If your cables are frayed or the springs are worn out, it may cause a problem with your door opening or closing.

Also check the garage door opener. Sometimes the motor can go out on the opener or parts can become worn out over time and a replacement may be necessary.

If you have problems with your garage door and you aren't sure how to repair it yourself, call a professional garage door repairman for help to ensure the repair is done properly and safely.