A garage door is an essential part of every home. It protects our vehicles and other valuable items, and also adds to the overall look of the house. However, just like any other mechanical device, garage doors can experience issues over time.
To avoid costly repairs, it’s vital to identify problems early. Having a broken garage door can be incredibly stressful. Not only do you feel like your valuable items aren’t properly secured, but it’s easy to get fed up with the noise created by the system and from passersby peering in.
That’s why having knowledge of when to repair or replace your garage door is so important; getting timely action is key for home security. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to know when to repair your garage door.
Listen for unusual sounds
Your garage door should operate smoothly and silently. If you hear any unusual sounds such as grinding, squeaking, or screeching when opening or closing the door, it could indicate several issues.
Your garage door may need lubrication or parts may be worn out or broken. Inspect the different components of the door to identify the source of the sound.
Monitor how quickly your garage door opens and closes
Ideally, your garage door should open and close smoothly and quickly. If it starts operating slowly, it could indicate issues with the door’s track or tension system. Inspect the track and ensure it’s free from dirt and debris. If you still have issues, then it’s time to call your garage door repair specialist.
Look for signs of damage to the panels
The panels on your garage door can get dented, scratched, or damaged in other ways. Panels that are damaged can affect the structure of the door and compromise the security of your garage.
If you notice any damage, assess the extent of the harm. Small dents may not require immediate attention, but more significant damage will demand immediate repair or replacement.
Test the balance of the door
Garage doors operate through tension created by a counterbalance system. When the door is in operation, it should stay balanced, or else the opener will have to work harder to compensate.
To test the balance of your garage door, disconnect the opener and manually raise and lower it. If it’s not balanced, it could mean your door needs servicing or adjustments.
Check for rust on components
Garage doors are exposed to the elements, and over time, metal components may begin to rust. Rust is a significant problem and can cause the door’s moving parts to become stiff or outright jam.
If you notice rust on any components, call a garage door repair company, if serious, or remove it with a wire brush, sandpaper, or anti-rust spray yourself.
Inspect all bolts and screws
The bolts and screws in your garage door hold the various components together. Over time, vibrations from the door’s opening and closing can loosen them, causing issues with the overall function of the door. Inspect these components and tighten or replace any loose ones.