A sagging garage door can not only look unsightly, it could also compromise the security of your home. It could even let criminals or pests enter your home.
It’s normal for your garage door to take a second or two to open when you press the button, but if it’s taking longer, it might be time to call in a professional.
The Door Is Leaking
The bottom of your garage door has a seal that helps to keep moisture, pests and leaves out. If this seal is broken or worn out, rainwater will easily enter your garage. A technician can replace this seal and make your garage watertight. Just visit their website.
A leaking garage can lead to mold, mildew, and other problems. It’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible.
It’s also important to ensure that your downspouts point away from the garage. This will help to prevent the puddles that may form in front of the garage door during storms. Also, a drain in the concrete floor can help to channel the rainwater away from your garage. A professional can dig a trench and install an iron grate that will fit over it.
The Door Is Stalling
Like any other mechanical equipment, your garage door can only withstand so much before it starts to fall apart. Often, it’s the result of an easily fixable problem.
Getting your garage door back on track can be as simple as adjusting the close-limit screw on the motor of your opener. Turn it up or down in tiny increments until the door stops right when it hits the floor.
Also, if your door is making grinding sounds, it’s time to switch from metal rollers to nylon ones that are quieter and require less lubrication. Lastly, check that nothing is blocking the line of sight between the electronic sensors. It’s not uncommon for leaves or debris to clog them.
The Door Is Making Noises
Over time, even high-quality garage doors can begin to make noises. These can include rattling sounds, squeaks, scraping, and banging. While a little bit of noise is normal, sudden or new, loud or unusual sounds indicate a problem that needs to be addressed quickly.
Squeaking and rattling sounds may mean the door hardware has become loose and must be tightened or lubricated. Lubricating metal parts will help prevent friction and will make the door quieter. To do this, apply a silicone spray lubricant to the hinges of each section of the garage door, the rollers, and any other places where metal parts are moving against one another. Repeat this regularly to keep the door working smoothly.
The Door Is Damaged
If your garage door is damaged, it may need to be replaced. A broken door or opener can be costly and pose a risk of injury, entrapment, or damage to your car or household items stored in the garage.
Ensure your garage door hinges are in good condition and lubricated regularly. This includes the hinges that attach each door panel and the tracks that your garage door moves along.
Check the springs and counterbalance assembly for signs of wear & tear. This component handles the heavy lifting of your garage door, so it should be working well to avoid stress on other components.
Move any cars or other large items from the garage before beginning your maintenance check. This will give you more space to access different components.
The Door Is Unusual
Even though your garage door is a relatively reliable mechanism, it’s not indestructible. When your garage door makes unusual sounds, it’s time to call a professional for repair. While a few squeaks are common and can be fixed by cleaning and lubricating the tracks, any noise that isn’t normal for your door is cause for concern and should be looked into immediately.
Another warning sign is if your garage door takes over one or two seconds to open and close. This could mean a problem with the opener cords, corroded pulleys, or damaged remote control circuitry. Getting these problems repaired right away is important to prevent further damage and reduce injury risks. A professional can inspect and recommend the best repair solution.
