Your garage door is one of the most important parts of your home. Not only does it protect your vehicle, but it might also serve as additional square footage for your home, whether as a fancy garage office space or classroom for your kids. Yet, unique among other spaces in your home, your garage and by extension your garage door are not only exposed to the elements, but suffer far more wear and tear then other doors in your home. As a result, depending on the age of your house, garage door issues might not be far away.
Fortunately, as expert garage door repair professionals, we know what it takes to address many of the common garage door problems you might face. Whether it be garage door rollers wearing out, your door starting and stopping, or problems with it opening, we have seen it all! That’s why in today’s blog post, we want to take a closer look at some common garage door issues and their solutions.
Garage Door Won’t Open
Most of us don’t really think about our garage door until it stops working properly. If you park your car in the garage, obviously this is a big issue. Fortunately, a garage door that won’t open isn’t necessarily a problem that requires a garage repair technician to come to your home. There could be a number of reasons why your door is not opening.
- The Remote is Dead: When was the last time you changed the batteries in your garage door opener remote? This may seem like a no-brainer, but all-to-often it is something homeowners overlook. Fortunately, it is an easy fix. If you click the button and your door does not respond, it is time to change the batteries.
- A Spring is Broken: This is another one that may sound simple, but if you have a broken spring, your garage door will not open. The sign of a broken spring is usually a very loud noise. Expect it to startle your dog! If you do have a broken spring, do not try and fix it yourself. That is a problem for a garage door repair person.
- The Disconnect Switch is Enabled: Do you have a rope hanging from your garage door opener? If so, that rope connects to a disconnect switch. You may not realize it at the time, but that switch may be enabled, which will ensure your garage door does not respond when you click to open or close it.
In some cases, if your garage door is damaged, you may also just need a new garage door. It might be more than one of the more common garage door issues. Of course, replacing your garage door is the most expensive of all options, but it may be worth your while if the door is damaged or broken anyway.
Garage Door Keeps Stopping
Another common garage door problem is intermittent stopping. The good thing is that this is another issue that may not need an expensive service call. Why? Because it could very well be that something is simply blocking your garage door’s path. Did you kids drop their bikes in the way of the garage door? Or did a tool drawer accidentally roll into its way?
You might also find that something is blocking the infrared sensor or otherwise obstructing your garage door. Even if there are not objects directly obstructing your garage door, infrared sensors are sensitive, and if a stray leaf is in the way of the sensor, it will prevent your garage door from properly functioning. A misaligned infrared sensor is also a problem. This should be one of the first things you check if your garage door is constantly stopping or starting.
Also check the actual track your garage door rolls on. Something as simple as a rake falling over and jamming the rail could cause your garage door to stop while opening or closing. With so many mechanisms involved in the proper functioning of your garage door, you need to make sure you evaluate all possible scenarios.
Garage Door Rollers are Wearing Out
Garage door rollers are often referred to as “wheels” and their function is to ensure your overhead door travels smoothly up and down your track system. Most people do not put much thought into their garage door’s track system, yet they are an integral part of a proper functioning of your garage door. When it comes to garage door problems, issues with your rollers are at the top of the list.
Now, you might be asking yourself, “How long should garage door rollers last?” Well, there is no standard number of years, simply because the lifespan of your garage door rollers depends on different factors. Are you ensuring your garage door undergoes annual maintenance, for instance? As a resident of Akron, Canton, or any of the surrounding cities, are you winterizing your garage door? Another factor is how often you open your garage door. If you are opening it every day to store your car, your rollers will last a lot longer.
The material your rollers are made out of also make a big difference. The most common materials rollers are made out of include steel, plastic, or nylon. While steel is the most durable, it is also the most expensive and loudest option. Nylon is a little less durable and plastic is the least durable, though also the least expensive. If you are having a problem with your garage door rollers, your best solution is to contact a garage door repair professional to come look at them and possibly replace them.
Are you experiencing one or more of these common garage door issues? If so, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. In most cases, we offer same-day service with a smile. Don’t take a chance on your garage door operating safely, contact Prestige Door today!