A garage door is an essential asset to every home. From providing additional security to your home to maintaining the aesthetics of your home, there are many reasons why it is so important. With regular and frequent use, it is completely normal to have wear and tear in your garage door. However, have you stopped and checked its condition to see if it requires some repair?
Today in this blog, we will shed some light on some of the most common signs your garage door needs a repair and tips on its maintenance.
The Importance of Garage Door Repair
Garage door repair holds significant importance for many reasons. Here are some of them:
- Regular repair and maintenance for your garage door ensure it operates properly with intact security features.
- Addressing minor defects and issues in your garage door promptly can prevent more extensive and expensive repairs in the future.
- Timely repairs to your garage door will make it more durable and extend its longevity.
- Proper repair and maintenance to your garage door will make it operate smoothly and make your life more convenient.
Symptoms of a Faulty Garage Door
There are many signs that indicate that your garage door needs repair as soon as possible. Listed below are some symptoms that indicate your garage door is not in good condition:
Unusual noises
If your garage door is noisy, it probably has a lot of underlying problems. A fully functioning garage door in good condition is usually quiet and makes no unusual noises. While a certain amount of noise is normal, a sudden change in the sounds can indicate underlying issues in your garage door.
The sound it makes may indicate the kind of repair it needs. For instance, if your garage door is making a grating or rumbling sound, it could mean that the torsion springs are malfunctioning. Similarly, if it is making a grinding or squeaking noise, it may suggest loose hardware and worn-out rollers.
Recognizing these issues early on can prevent major problems later on and keep your garage door functioning properly.
Doesn’t open or close properly
It’s a red flag if your garage door needs to be opened and closed constantly. This issue is often the result of broken down cables, malfunctioning door openers, or misaligned tracks. In the worst-case situations, the garage door stops moving and gets stuck.
If your garage door doesn’t react in a second once you’ve clicked the activation button on your control panel, it’s time to call professionals for help.
Sagging and imbalanced
A garage door that is sagging and looks imbalanced is a sign of potential trouble. When the sagging exceeds, the door might have problems opening and closing. You can avoid this situation by manually checking the door’s balance. To check, open the door manually and leave it halfway. If it doesn’t sit in the same place and either rises or falls, it is evident that your door is sagging.
It will overload other components of the door, such as the opener and tracks if the imbalance needs to be corrected promptly. It will compromise the insulation of your garage and cause energy loss. Similarly, a sagging door also creates a security issue with more break-ins.
Looks worn out
It is crucial to regularly inspect your garage door for any visible signs of wear and tear to extend its longevity. Visible signs of wear and tear include cracks, dents, warped panels, and even rust on hardware. The bottom-edge rubber lining and edges may also have chipped away. It is important to understand that little defects like these do not make your door faulty; if left unattended, they can cause problems in the future.
Ensure you attend to these defects sooner to maintain your door’s functionality and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Rising electric bills
Insulating and sealing your garage are crucial functions of your garage door. A properly sealed garage door keeps your home snug during winter and doesn’t let the heat escape. Insulation is vital even if there’s a little gap at the bottom or the side of your garage door.
The improper insulation will not just cause less comfortable winters, it will also increase your energy bills. A poorly sealed and improperly insulated garage door will negatively affect your home’s insulation. You will have to compensate for this by increasing your electricity bill.
Should You Call a Garage Door Professional?
When it comes to garage door maintenance, the best and easy thing you can do on your own is to check your garage door for any malfunctions or defects regularly. Pay attention to the noise it makes and check whether it is operating properly. However, leaving the potentially dangerous maintenance tasks to the professionals is the best thing you can do.
Garage door repair can be tricky and extremely dangerous if you do not have the right tools, knowledge, and expertise. Here are some of the benefits you can get when calling a professional for your garage door repair:
- Professional garage door repair is much safer than doing it alone because they have the right tools, techniques, and expertise.
- You will have peace of mind when a professional handles the task rather than assuming your DIY works fine.
- Hiring a professional will be well worth the time and energy you will save. It will also cost less than you think.
- Their work is warranted, so they will do it for free if any issue arises later.
Garage Door Maintenance Tips
Here are some maintenance tips for your garage door to prevent any major issues from happening in the future:
- Regularly inspect your garage door.
- Conduct safety tests from time to time.
- Periodically examine the door hardware.
- Lubricate the chain and belt every once in a while.
- Clean and groom the garage door surface.
- Replace worn-out bulbs around the door.
- Adjust the opening and closing speed of your garage door.
Conclusion
Overall, your garage door is vital to your home, providing safety, security, and convenience. Repairing and maintaining it when necessary is essential. Make sure you choose the best service for your garage door.
