5 Indicators That Your Garage Door Is in Need of Repair

An essential part of many U.S. homes, the garage provides an extra layer of security, and can be used for storage, or as an additional room. While garage doors have become sturdier and more efficient over the years, they still require services every now and then, and repairs are not unusual, particularly if the door is opened and closed frequently.

Here are 5 of the most common indicators that your garage door is in need of repair:

1. The door is noisy

Every garage door will make a certain amount of noise while being operated, but if it has begun clanking loudly, or making any noises that sound unusual, it could be that the motor, or the springs (or both) are damaged and need to be repaired or lubricated. Lubricate the springs, and if the noise persists, contact a garage door specialist as soon as possible, and schedule an assessment before the damage becomes even costlier to repair.

2. It doesn’t open and close properly

Any issues during the operation of the door could signify a problem that needs to be checked by a professional. If the door isn’t responding to controls properly, or is moving up and down in a way that isn’t smooth, then there is definitely something wrong. Once the control button is pressed, the garage door should immediately begin moving, and if there is a delay or refusal to open, then there may be a faulty connection with the circuitry, faulty wiring or the door may even have come off its tracks. A door that doesn’t open correctly, or at all, can be inconvenient and dangerous, so this problem needs to be resolved by a garage door professional, pronto.

3. The door shakes and shudders during operation

A healthy garage door may move a little when being opened or closed, but an excessive tremor or shaking is usually an indicator that something is in need of repair. Whether its loose hinges and screws, corroded or broken tracks, or rollers that have come off the tracks, you’ll need a professional to come and take a look at it.

4. It’s sagging

All garage doors will sag at some point during their lifespan, and this is typically a result of worn tension springs, or dulled rollers and/or tracks, but a door that sags too much, will need to be repaired or replaced. If you’re not sure whether your door is sagging, you can test it by manually lifting it and looking to see if it sags an inch or more. A potentially dangerous problem, this will need to be assessed by a garage door specialist before it causes danger to you, your family, your pets or your vehicle. 

5. The door has worn out or broken parts

Regular inspections can help a garage door stay healthy and functioning well for longer, and you can perform a basic inspection yourself to check for damaged weather stripping at the bottom of the door, chipped, broken or worn rollers, or loose screws, wires or bolts.