Four Signs You Need To Repair Your Garage Door

Posted on: 24 October 2018

Your garage door sees a massive amount of wear and tear through its normal operation, since the weight of the door itself can place a strain on the many moving components of the system—not to mention that the exterior of the door is also subjected to a wide range of environmental factors throughout the year. Understanding some of the symptoms associated with a worn down garage door system can help you successfully identify when you need to talk to a contractor about potential repairs. 

Space Between Panels

One of the first signs of structural damage to your garage door that you will likely spot when you are overdue for repairs is any sort of space between the individual panels of the door. Sagging panels, broken or chipped sections, and other forms of damage that create space can allow the elements to enter into your garage. Further, gaps between your panels can allow moisture to get at unsealed parts of the door, causing rotting and water damage in wooden doors, or allowing rust and corrosion to take hold in metal doors.

Jumpy Operation

Another sign that your garage door is overdue for a professional inspection and likely needs new tracks or a new motor is if you notice that it does not move smoothly when opening or closing. Jumping and jerking around can point to underlying mechanical issues that prevent your garage door opener and associated systems from holding the full weight of the door at once. 

Stopping

Another, related indication that you need to have your garage door looked at by a professional is if your door suddenly stops closing at seemingly random times of being opened or closed. Sometimes, this is something as simple as replacing the power supply for the motor or realigning the sensors, but in other cases it can be because of structural damage or a complete motor failure, which will require those parts to be completely replaced. 

Loud Operation

Finally, the last thing that you should watch for is an extremely loud opening or closing cycle. A garage door is supposed to make noise when it moves, since it is powered by a motor and supported by a chain or similar device, but the sounds of grinding, scratching or squealing can all indicate structural damage to a component that is slowly growing worse through friction and the weight of the door. This can make a complete failure of the door likely in the future. 

For repairs, contact local garage door services

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