5 Sure Signs You Need Garage Door Repair

According to the American Housing Survey, 63% of occupied housing units in the US have a garage or carport. This number jumps to 78% when you look at owned homes. If you have a garage, you know that it’s important to keep it functional.

But how do you know if your garage door may not be working as well as it should? Luckily, there are a few signs that indicate you need garage door repair. By looking out for these signs, you can prevent small issues from becoming larger problems. 

Doesn’t Open or Close

A garage door that doesn’t open or close definitely needs repairs. This problem can become frustrating as it can make the door essentially useless. A number of causes could lead to the door not opening or closing. All of them would require professional repairs.

A door that does not open or stops halfway may indicate that the extension or torsion springs need to be replaced. Replacing garage door springs can be very dangerous and is not something you should attempt to do yourself unless you are very confident in your abilities.

In addition, broken or worn down cables can cause similar problems. Sometimes a garage door that doesn’t open or close could be caused by a malfunctioning garage door opener. Other times a stripped gear in the opener can cause this sign.

Lots of Strange Noises

If your garage door has started to make lots of noise that it didn’t previously, you should consider calling a repair professional. These noises are not only bothersome, but they can also indicate that you have a broken garage door or parts that need to be repaired.

If your torsion springs are malfunctioning, you may hear a grating or rumbling sound. A grinding sound could indicate that the door is dragging across the track. Alternatively, if certain sections are not aligning properly, you may hear a popping noise.

These and other unusual sounds usually indicate a problem. A garage door professional will be able to diagnose and solve the problem to get rid of any potential issues.

Higher Energy Bills

An increase in your energy bill may not be something you considered could be a sign that your garage door needs repairs. However, when closed, your garage door should seal, similarly to if it were a wall. 

When sealed properly, the garage door helps prevent heat from escaping, helping your entire home maintain its temperature. If you have a poorly sealed garage door, heat will escape, while cold air can come in through the gaps.

As a result, your home’s heating system will need to compensate by increasing the heat. This can lead to higher energy bills. Having this issue fixed can help you feel more comfortable and save money over time.

Loose or Broken Cords and Wires

A garage door is powered by electrical wires, allowing it to open or close. In addition, cords support the doors in any position. If you see broken or loose wires or cords, contact a repair professional immediately, as the entire system could fail.

Because of their support role, broken cords are especially dangerous. If they snap, the garage door could crash down on any vehicles, people, or animals below. 

Broken wires are less dangerous but still indicate an issue. Once they give out, the garage door system circuit will die, requiring a replacement. Until then, your remote would be useless and you will need to raise and lower the doors by hand.

Sagging and Off-Track Doors

Sometimes a sagging garage door could indicate that the cords are beginning to fray. Other times, it could be because the door itself is off balance. This could be caused by the springs or other parts beginning to wear out.

If you suspect a problem, you could open the door manually halfway and leave it there. Check if the door remains in the same position or if it rises or falls. This could indicate that the door needs repairs.

In a similar way, garage doors sometimes come off their tracks. If this happens, you need to call a repair professional immediately. Misalignment or damage to the door or rollers could all lead to a dangerous situation that needs to be repaired.

Garage Door Tips 

Garage door repairs can become costly if they are not taken care of quickly. In addition, some problems can pose danger to you and your loved ones. Luckily, there are some steps to take to keep your garage door in tip-top shape.

If you are building a building or installing new garage doors, you’ll have the option to choose from many different materials and styles. Consider these factors to make sure your new metal garage door will meet your needs. 

Regularly inspecting any garage door can help you catch a damaged garage door before it becomes a problem. You can periodically take a look at your door yourself and pay attention to how it operates. 

In addition, a professional inspection can help you have better peace of mind. Some problems can be difficult to notice or could stem from parts that you can’t check yourself, such as the springs. A professional can ensure your garage door is safe and functional.

Keep an Eye Out for Signs of You Need Garage Door Repair

Over time, your garage door may show signs that indicate it needs repairs. If you pay attention and catch them early, you can save yourself a lot of frustration. Keep an eye out for the most common signs that you need garage door repair.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other articles too.