The garage door is one of the most used items in the home, yet it is often taken for granted. On average, you might open your garage door 1,500 times a year. That’s a lot of wear and tear! Over time, it’s not uncommon for garage doors to start developing problems. It can be frustrating to figure out what’s wrong when this happens. Is it a simple fix that you can do yourself, or do you need to call a professional? While the best thing would always be to call Local Garage Door Pros for help, here are some tips on how you can troubleshoot common garage door problems yourself:
1. The Garage Door won’t Open or Close
If your garage door won’t open or close, the first thing you should check is the batteries in your garage door opener. If they are dead, replace them and see if that fixes the problem.
If the batteries are not the issue, there may be something wrong with the garage door opener itself. Try unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. You may need to buy a new garage door opener if that doesn’t work.
2. The garage Door Opens or Closes by Itself
If your garage door starts opening or closing by itself, there is probably something wrong with the garage door opener sensor. These sensors are responsible for telling the garage door opener when someone is trying to enter or exit the garage.
If the sensors are not working correctly, they may cause the garage door to open or close without you touching the opener. To fix this, you will need to adjust the sensors to be properly aligned.
3. The Garage Door Makes a lot of Noise
Sometimes you may hear loud, disturbing noise coming from your garage. Typically you will hear squeaking, grinding, rattling, or popping noises.
If your garage door is noisy, you should first make sure the rollers are oiled properly. Applying silicone- or lithium-based lube to the roller former will do this. However, it is preferable to hire a professional to replace them if the latter is the issue.
Your garage door’s bolts, nuts, and screws may have gotten loose over time, which is another potential cause of the noise. Use a wrench and socket to tighten the hardware to resolve this issue.
Last but not least, the torsion spring can be to blame for the noise. The garage door’s torsion spring, which is situated above it, operates the door’s opening and closing.
If this spring needs to be lubricated or adjusted, it is best to call a professional, as working on torsion springs can be dangerous.
4. The Garage Door Opener Remote isn’t Working
If your garage door opener remote is not working, the first thing you should do is check the batteries. If they are dead, replace them and see if that fixes the problem.
If the batteries are not the issue, you may need to reprogram the garage door opener. Most garage door openers have a “learn” button that you can use to do this. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on reprograming your garage door opener.
5. The Garage Door is off Track
If your garage door is off track, it can be a major safety hazard. If you try to operate the garage door while it is off track, you could cause serious damage to the door or injure yourself. The best way to fix this problem is to call a professional.
Trying to fix an off-track garage door yourself is not recommended, as it can be very dangerous. Only a trained professional should attempt to fix this problem.
6. Garage Door Closes too Quickly or Slowly
If your garage door closes too quickly or slowly, it may be due to the close-force setting on your door opener. This setting determines how much force is required to close the door. If the setting is too high, the door may close too quickly and cause injury. If the setting is too low, the door may not close all the way, allowing intruders into your home.
To adjust the close-force setting, consult your owner’s manual. Once you have found the right setting, test the door to see if it closes at the right speed.
7. The Garage Door Moves Unevenly
If your garage door moves unevenly, it could be due to a track problem. The tracks may be dirty or bent, which can cause the door to move unevenly. To fix this problem, you must clean the tracks and straighten them if they are bent.
The problem may be with the springs if the tracks are not the issue. The springs may be worn out or broken, which can cause the door to move unevenly. If this is the case, you will need to replace the springs. Replacing garage door springs is a job that is best left to a professional.
Garage doors are a vital part of any home. They provide security and peace of mind, knowing that your belongings are safe. However, like any other mechanical device, garage doors can experience problems from time to time. Knowing how to spot and troubleshoot common garage door problems allows you to keep your door in good working condition and avoid costly repairs. Refer to the common problems and solutions listed above the next time you experience an issue with your garage door. If you are ever unsure of how to fix a problem, be sure to call a professional.
