Is your garage door off the tracks? Do you hear a loud thud and groan coming from your garage door swing? If so, then you may have a broken garage door.
There are many garage door problems that you need to be aware of so that you can solve them. Knowing common issues allows you to fix and maintain your garage door so that you don’t have to call the professionals to fix it all the time.
Read this troubleshooting guide to learn more about common problems you can run into with a garage door, how to fix them without needing to call a professional, and how to maintain your home garage door on your own.
Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
First, check to ensure that power is properly supplied to the door opener. Inspect the electrical wiring, the power outlets, the fuse, and the receptacle. If none of these are the cause, inspect the safety sensors near the bottom of the door. These may be dirty or obstructed, check to make sure there are no objects blocking the garage door sensor.
If it is determined that the sensors are not the issue, inspect the garage door for any obstructions. Ensure that the tracks and springs are clean and working properly. Lubricate the moving parts of the opener if needed. Check the remote to make sure the batteries are good and that the unit is transmitting a signal.
Noisy Operation
It is usually the easiest to notice due to its jarring sound. Start by lubricating all the metal parts of the garage door such as the rollers, hinges, and track. If that doesn’t solve the issue, you will need to test the springs. Make sure they are winding and unwinding properly by checking the balance of the door.
If the balance of the door is off, then you may need to adjust the tension on the spring or replace it completely. If that doesn’t help, it may be time to look at replacing the rollers.
Uneven Closing
It can be caused by a variety of factors including issues with the door balance or worn cables. It is important to inspect to make sure there is no debris or unevenness obstructing the door. It is also essential to ensure the tracks are firmly and correctly secured to the ceiling.
If there is a gap between the wall and the rollers, the springs may need to be adjusted to level the door. If the cables are frayed or broken, they should be replaced by a professional garage door repair. It is often necessary to check the balance of the door; if the door is out of balance, weights need to be adjusted.
Door Reverses Before Closing
These are located on the sides of the garage door and should be clear of any obstruction. If the sensors are blocked by dust or other debris, they will need to be wiped clean. This should be properly aligned so that they are pointed toward each other. If they are not in alignment, they will need to be adjusted.
Once this is done, it is recommended to check the reversing mechanism of the garage door. The reversing mechanism can typically be accessed by removing the access door at the base of the motor housing. It may need to be cleaned and lubricated if the mechanism is not functioning properly. Make sure that the door is closing all the way.
Garage Door Shakes or Jerks
This problem usually occurs when there is something wrong with the torsion springs located at each side of the door. These springs serve to help balance the massive weight of the door, and if they become damaged or worn down, the door can start shaking or jerking when it is opened or closed.
The best solution to this problem is to replace the springs. Having an experienced garage door technician come in and replace the springs professionally is the most secure solution. This will ensure that the task is done properly and that the new springs are properly lubricated and adjusted.
Remote Control Malfunction
Ensure that the remote control is in close proximity to the unit and that the remote control’s batteries are fresh and have been replaced recently. Following these basic tips can help resolve the problem. You can clean the terminals of the remote control as dirt and grime can prevent a good connection.
Furthermore, if you have another remote control, try it on the same unit to determine if the problem is with one remote control or the unit itself. If the problem persists after these steps, disconnect the batteries and wait ten seconds before reconnecting them.
Door Gets Stuck
This often happens if the garage door opener’s chain tension is too tight, as the opener will be unable to push the door up. The first step to solving this problem is to adjust the tension of the chain. To do this, locate your owner’s manual and follow the directions on how to make chain adjustments.
You may need to purchase additional hardware to replace the parts that are too worn down, as needed. If adjusting the chain tension and replacing parts does not improve the problem, then further investigate the source of the jamming.
Weather Stripping Issues
If the weather stripping is worn or aging, it may not be performing correctly. You can replace the entire weather stripping around the garage door or just the seal between the door and the floor. To diagnose this issue, check to see if there is greater than normal airflow coming from the outside into your garage.
If there is, it is likely due to an ineffective seal with the weather stripping. To resolve this issue, either replace the entire weather stripping or just the seal between the door and the floor. Be careful to measure the size of the weather stripping before purchasing a replacement so you know it will fit.
Enhancing Home Security and Convenience on Garage Door Problems
Maintaining your garage door on a regular basis will help you prevent common garage door problems and save you money on costly repairs. If you can’t find the right solution, consider contacting a professional technician for additional help. Act quickly to fix any issues you may have and keep your home’s garage open and secure.
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