Garage doors are a critical part of your home and can be expensive to replace. You must regularly check your doors and maintain them to ensure they function well and last long. Garage doors will not operate properly if they have any issues. If you have any problems with your garage door, you can contact a company like Jacob’s Garage Door Repair. Below are common signs that indicate your garage door may need repairs:

The Door Doesn’t Open or Close Properly

While a door that won’t open or close properly is problematic, it can be challenging to find the root cause of the issue. There could be several issues because of which your garage door doesn’t open or close properly, including:

  • An inactive or non-functioning power source
  • The door sensor eye is blocked by something
  • Broken extension or torsion springs
  • Overhead garage door off its track
  • Garage door remote needs a new battery
  • The door’s reverser sensitivity requires adjustment
  • Loose or snapped cables
  • Incorrect limit settings
  • Locked door

While some of these issues may get fixed quickly, some others may need a professional. 

The Door Has a Slow Response Time

Garage doors typically open within seconds of pressing the opener. It should then open and close smoothly without any issues. A delayed response to the opener can indicate a problem with the door or opener. You should get it inspected by a professional to identify the exact cause. Common causes of a delayed garage door response include:

  • Corroded pulleys
  • Worn-out remote circuitry
  • Broken open cords
  • Bad rollers
  • Old motors

You Cannot Manually Lift the Garage Door when the Release is Disengaged

You can try to disengage the opener and open the door manually if it doesn’t open automatically. The manual release involves a rope with a handle on the end that disengages the automatic trolley for manual lifting when pulled. The door will usually open without too much effort when you try to open it manually. However, if its moving parts are not working properly, it will not open smoothly. 

Broken or Damaged Panels

Broken or damaged door panels can create security concerns and are an eyesore. They also let cooling and heating escape, leading to increased energy costs. This damage can worsen if the door gets dented, torn, or broken. This problem needs to be addressed immediately. If not, the door’s functionality can get compromised. 

Broken Extension or Torsion Springs

Problematic springs are one of the most severe issues in garage doors. Garage doors use the extension and torsion springs to open and close. The torsion spring sits centered above the door, and the extension springs are on either side of the door, near the tracks. Both are under high tension when the door is closed. This tension creates the strength required to lift the door. Broken springs or worn-out coils can make it difficult to open the door.

Noisy Door

Properly functioning garage doors typically don’t make any noise. Noises from the garage door indicate problems. Depending on the type of noise your door makes, you can try to identify the underlying cause. Below is a list of common garage door noises and problems related to them:

  • Rattling noises indicating loose bolts and nuts along the track
  • Granting sounds indicating issues with torsion springs
  • Grinding sounds indicating lubrication issues with rollers
  • Squeaking sounds indicating loose parts or lubrication issues
  • Banging noises when shutting the doors due to broken springs
  • Squealing indicating an out-of-balance door

The Door is Off the Tracks

The garage door should stay in its tracks on both sides of the opening to function properly. If it slips off the track when slid, it will need repairs. The door will also be a danger to anyone near it. The door panels have sharp edges that get exposed when the door moves off its rail. Below are reasons why the garage door could be off its track:

  • Discontinued tracks on the rail
  • Misaligned or bent tracks
  • Broken lift cables
  • Worn out rollers

Sagging Door Panels

Sometimes, your garage door panels may become saggy. This could be an indicator of pending repairs. Door panels typically start sagging with age. Other reasons for sagging garage door panels include:

  • Worn-out tension spring
  • Dulled rollers
  • Corrupted tracks
  • Flimsy door material
  • Aging panels
  • Weakened lintel
  • Weather-related problems

A sagging door can lose balance easily. It needs to be fixed as soon as the issue is identified. A sagging door can be fixed by strengthening a sagging beam, installing a strut, and realigning any crooked tracks.

Automatic Opener Doesn’t Lower or Raise the Door

Automatic door openers are supposed to make it convenient for you to open your garage door. But sometimes, they may stop working. Usually, the automatic opener may stop working due to a power outage or exhausted batteries. A worn-out gear or a problematic motor in the opener unit may cause the opener to malfunction. You may have to hire professional garage door repair services like Jacob’s Garage Door Repair to take a look at the opener and replace or repair it. They are a garage door service company that offers both service and door repairs. 

Increased Utility and Energy Bills

Your garage door has a large impact on your home’s insulation system. If it doesn’t function well, it will not seal properly when shut. As a result, the outside temperature can affect your home’s interior by letting cool or extremely hot air in. As a result, your heating and cooling appliances will work overtime, leading to increased energy bills. 

Repairing your garage doors is a large project and can cost you a lot if the damage is extensive. That is why it is important to regularly check the doors and maintain them well. The average door repair cost ranges between $100 and $300. Some repairs may cost more depending on the extent of the damage. If you spot any niggling issue, you can immediately fix it, preventing large expenses in the future.

By Manali