Common Garage Door Problems and Solutions
If a garage door is occasionally stuck, the nuts and bolts could be loose or damaged.
Like any machine, garage doors are susceptible to problems. Ideally, a homeowner can easily resolve these issues at minimal cost, but expert care is often required. Homeowners must be aware of common garage door issues to know what action to take when they inevitably occur.
A garage door that does not open or close
If the garage door isn’t opening or closing, but nothing seems to be in the way of the sensors or the tracks, there could be an electrical issue. Check the keypad to see if it needs to be reprogrammed. If uncertain, the garage door manual may have instructions on reprogramming the keypad or checking for other potential electrical issues. For a temporary solution, the door can be switched to manual operation to make it functional until a professional can repair it.
A stuck garage door
If a garage door is occasionally stuck, the nuts and bolts could be loose or damaged. The homeowner can attempt to tighten the nuts and bolts on their own, but garage doors are always at risk of falling, so wear a helmet while doing any maintenance. If the problem persists, call an expert to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
A stuck garage door could also be the result of unlubricated moving parts. Apply a lubricant on the rollers and the hinges. Use a spray lubricant if possible, although coconut oil is also acceptable if nothing else is available. Regular door maintenance can prevent a stuck door from happening altogether.
A noisy garage door
If there is loud screeching, grinding, or squeaking when opening the door, debris may be blocking the tracks, or the moving parts of the door may need lubrication. Clean the tracks to remove the dirt or obstacles in the way of the wheels; be sure to use a gentle cleaner. After cleaning, use a garage door lubricant to lubricate the wheels. Finally, move the door up and down several times to ensure the problem is completely resolved.
A garage door that falls quickly when closing
A falling garage door is a significant safety risk and should be resolved promptly. This problem is normally caused by loose springs or broken cables. After closing the door, carefully inspect all parts of the door to identify where the problem is. A homeowner should never replace the springs or the cables themselves; instead, call a professional for this job, as it’s dangerous and requires expert knowledge.
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
