The 10 Most Common Garage Door Problems and Repairs

Posted by Author Central on December 8th, 2023

How to handle the most common Garage Door Repairs

In our fast-paced, modern world, we’ve come to appreciate the seamless convenience that technology affords us, and few things exemplify this better than our trusty garage doors. These marvels of engineering welcome us home and bid us goodbye each day, keeping our vehicles safe and our lives running smoothly. Yet, much like the unsung heroes of our favourite films, their crucial role often fades into the background until an unexpected problem disrupts our routine.

Whether it’s the grind of a broken spring, the frustration of a stubborn sensor, or any issue in between, garage door troubles can quickly escalate from minor annoyance to major headache. But fear not, for understanding is the first step to resolution. In this comprehensive guide, we aim to demystify the most common garage door repairs, arming you with the knowledge you need to handle these issues with confidence and ease.

In this article, we cover the top 10 most frequent garage door malfunctions but also provide valuable advice on diagnosing and managing them. Along the way, we’ll underscore the importance of timely maintenance and professional intervention of Affordable Openings when necessary.

Recognising the Importance of an Efficient Garage Door

The garage door may seem like a humble, unassuming part of your home, but don’t let its modesty fool you. An efficient garage door is far more than a mere access point for your vehicle; it’s a vital cornerstone of home security, energy efficiency, and daily convenience. A well-functioning garage door keeps your property secure, your energy costs low, and your comings and goings smooth.

Recognising and appreciating this significance is paramount, as it promotes a proactive approach to maintenance, helping to prevent small issues from ballooning into costly repairs. Now, let’s turn our attention to the main event – the top 10 most common garage door repairs. We’ll dissect each of them to help you understand the problem, recognise the symptoms, and navigate the best course of action.

1. Broken or Worn Out Springs

A common culprit of garage door malfunctions is broken or worn-out springs. This seemingly insignificant component carries a substantial amount of responsibility. In fact, a common culprit of garage door malfunctions is none other than broken or worn-out springs. These metallic workhorses bear the hefty weight of the door, facilitating its seamless lifting and lowering. However, just like any overworked soldier, they too can succumb to fatigue, wear, and tear. So, whether it’s a sudden break or gradual wear, a compromised spring can significantly disrupt the smooth operations of your garage door, making it crucial to keep an eye on their health. With the help of a professional, detecting and fixing spring issues can be swift and hassle-free.

Signs of a Broken Spring

Not sure if your garage door springs are wearing out? Here are some tell-tale signs to watch out for:

Difficulty in Lifting the Garage Door

If your garage door seems unusually heavy or challenging to lift, worn-out springs could be the issue. These springs do most of the heavy lifting when you open your door, so when they’re in poor shape, the task becomes much harder.

Door Opens or Closes Too Quickly

Garage door springs control the speed at which your door opens and closes. Worn-out springs may cause the door to slam shut or fly open faster than usual.

Loud Noises

Springs can make a loud noise when they break, which can be quite startling. If you hear a loud bang or snap, it’s time to check your springs.

Door Doesn't Open Completely

If the garage door doesn’t open all the way but stops midway, it could indicate a problem with the springs.

Visible Wear and Tear

Over time, springs can rust, get stretched out, or appear worn. Regularly inspect your garage door springs for any visible signs of damage.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in a professional garage door technician. Regular maintenance can prevent spring wear and prolong the life of your garage door.

2. Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener

The garage door opener is a motorised device that controls the opening and closing of the garage door. It’s essentially the heart of your garage door system. When it starts to malfunction, it can cause a range of issues, from erratic opening and closing to not working at all.

There are several reasons why a garage door opener might malfunction. It could be a problem with the power source, the remote control or keypad, or the opener’s motor itself. In other cases, the issue might be due to misaligned or blocked photo-eye sensors.

If your garage door opener isn’t working correctly, it’s best to consult a garage door professional like those at Affordable Openings. They can accurately diagnose the problem and provide effective solutions, whether it requires fixing a component or replacing the entire unit. Never ignore a malfunctioning garage door opener, as it can lead to bigger problems down the line and even compromise the safety of your home.

3. Damaged or Misaligned Tracks

The tracks of your garage door are an integral part of its operation. They guide the door as it opens and closes, ensuring smooth, effortless movement. However, these tracks can sometimes become damaged or misaligned, causing your door to operate poorly or, in worst-case scenarios, become completely immobile. Damage to the tracks can occur from everyday wear and tear, accidental impacts (like from a car), or even severe weather conditions. Misalignment, on the other hand, can result from loose hardware, insufficient lubrication, or gradual shifts in your garage’s structure.

Signs of Damaged or Misaligned Tracks

Some signs of damaged or misaligned tracks include:

• uneven door movement

• noisy operation

• visible dents or gaps in the tracks.

• In some cases, the door might even slip off the tracks entirely.

Addressing this issue as soon as possible is vital to prevent further damage to your garage door system. While minor adjustments can be made by homeowners, significant repairs or realignment should be performed by trained professionals, such as those at Affordable Openings. They possess the knowledge and tools to correct the problem effectively and safely.

4. Worn or Broken Cables

Cables are an integral part of your garage door system, playing a pivotal role in the raising and lowering of the door. Over time, these cables can wear out or become damaged due to continuous tension and friction, leading to potential malfunctions or even sudden, hazardous cable snaps.

Signs of worn or broken cables can vary, ranging from a loose, sagging, or frayed cable to your garage door not opening or closing completely. In more severe cases, a broken cable might cause the door to slam shut unexpectedly, presenting a significant safety risk.

Addressing worn or broken cables immediately is essential to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your garage door. Due to the high tension that these cables are under, attempting a DIY repair can be incredibly dangerous. As such, it’s highly advisable to enlist the help of professionals like Affordable Openings. Our experienced team is fully equipped to handle cable replacements, ensuring a swift and safe resolution to the problem.

5. Garage Door Doesn't Close Completely

A common issue that homeowners face is a garage door that doesn’t close completely. This seemingly small problem can have significant implications, from creating a security vulnerability to affecting your home’s energy efficiency by allowing outside air in.

This issue can arise due to a variety of reasons, such as misaligned or obstructed sensors, a problem with the close limit switch, or even physical obstructions in the door’s path. In some cases, worn-out rollers or a need for lubrication could also be to blame.

While some of these issues, like clearing obstructions or realigning sensors, can be handled with some basic DIY skills, others will require a professional touch. Affordable Openings’ team of experts can help identify the root cause and implement the appropriate solution, ensuring your garage door closes completely and securely every time.

6. Damaged Garage Door Panels

Aesthetics and functionality combine when it comes to your garage door panels. They not only contribute to the curb appeal of your home but also ensure the door’s proper functioning. Damage to these panels can occur due to various reasons, such as weather conditions, accidental bumps from vehicles, or wear and tear over time.

Damaged panels are more than just an eyesore. They can compromise the integrity of your entire garage door system and may cause it to malfunction or reduce its overall lifespan. Furthermore, they can also impact the insulation of your garage, leading to increased energy costs.

When faced with damaged garage door panels, it’s crucial to assess the extent of the damage. While minor dents can often be repaired, severe damage may warrant a complete panel replacement.

Engaging professionals like the team at Affordable Openings can be invaluable in these situations. They can provide expert assessment, offer appropriate solutions and carry out repairs or replacements seamlessly. Remember, neglecting panel damage can lead to further complications, so prompt action is advisable.

7. Weather Seal Replacement

A key, yet often overlooked, component of your garage door system is the weather seal. This nifty feature runs along the bottom and sometimes around the sides of your garage door, providing insulation and protecting the inside of your garage from external elements such as rain, wind, and pests.
Over time, weather seals can wear out or become damaged, which can result in drafts, leaks, and even unwanted critters finding their way into your garage. You may notice a spike in your energy bills due to loss of insulation, or find that your garage is noticeably colder, hotter, or damper than usual.
Replacing a weather seal may seem like a straightforward DIY task, but it can quickly become challenging without the right tools or knowledge, as it requires precise fitting to effectively block out the elements. A poorly fitted seal won’t offer the protection your garage needs, so it’s generally best to enlist the help of professionals like Affordable Openings.

Regularly inspecting your weather seal for signs of wear and tear, and addressing any issues promptly, can keep your garage safe from the elements and help maintain its overall efficiency. Weather seal replacement is an essential aspect of garage door maintenance that contributes to the longevity and effectiveness of your garage system.

8. Garage Door Remote Issues

We often take for granted the convenience of a functioning garage door remote until the day it stops responding. Suddenly, we’re reminded of the days of manually opening and closing heavy garage doors.

Garage door remote issues can stem from a variety of problems. The most common is simply a drained battery, which is easily resolved with a replacement. However, if new batteries don’t do the trick, it might be a sign of more complex issues such as interference with the remote’s signal, a need for reprogramming, or issues with the garage door opener’s motor.

In some cases, the problem may even lie with the buttons on the remote itself. Continuous use can wear down the buttons, leading to less responsive or non-functioning controls. Moreover, if your garage door opens and closes perfectly with the wall switch but not the remote, it’s a clear sign that your remote needs attention.

With the various potential issues that can plague garage door remotes, it’s often best to have an expert diagnose and handle the problem. They can ensure the proper steps are taken, whether that’s reprogramming the remote, fixing the signal interference, or replacing a faulty remote altogether.

Trust the professionals at Affordable Openings to troubleshoot your remote issues and restore the seamless operation of your garage door. Remember, having a fully functioning garage door remote isn’t just a matter of convenience, but also of security and efficiency.

9. Sensor Problems

As technology advances, so does the sophistication of our garage doors. An integral part of this sophistication lies in the sensors that ensure the safe operation of our doors. When functioning correctly, these sensors can detect objects in the path of a closing door and halt its motion to prevent accidents. However, when these sensors encounter issues, it can lead to frustrating operational problems.

Common sensor problems include misalignment, blockage, or dirt and grime build-up, all of which can disrupt the infrared beam that the sensors use to detect obstacles. If your garage door reverses before hitting the ground or refuses to close despite nothing being in its way, it’s likely you’re dealing with a sensor issue.

To resolve sensor problems, start by checking for obvious blockages or debris on the sensor lenses. If they’re clear, check to ensure they’re correctly aligned. Misaligned sensors cannot establish their infrared connection, causing them to assume there’s an obstacle.

Despite these checks, if your garage door continues to act up, it’s time to call in the experts. Sensor issues can sometimes signal more significant problems with the garage door’s electronic systems. Affordable Openings’ team of professionals can promptly diagnose and fix your sensor problems, ensuring your garage door’s safety features are operational and reliable. Your safety is our priority, and we are dedicated to ensuring your garage door sensors function flawlessly.

10. Noisy Garage Door

In the symphony of household sounds, a garage door should play the role of a quiet background instrument, not a screeching solo performer. A noisy garage door can be a significant nuisance, not just to you but to your entire neighbourhood. What’s more, that intrusive racket isn’t just annoying—it could be a telltale sign of underlying issues that need immediate attention.

The reasons for a noisy garage door can range from simple to complex. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of metal parts in need of lubrication. Dry rollers, loose hardware, or worn-out insulation strips can contribute to those unsettling sounds. In more complicated cases, however, a noisy door might indicate problems with the springs, opener, or even the door’s alignment.