5 Reasons Your Garage Door Needs Repair
A garage door that does not open or close as prompted is a serious safety issue. There are a variety of causes, from a dead battery to a stripped opener gear.
A misadjusted sensitivity setting can also trigger the garage door to reverse directions while closing and stop short of the floor. The solution here is to call a garage door repair professional.
1. Broken Spring
Most garage door springs are designed to last 10,000 cycles. One cycle is when your garage door goes up and then down to close. That’s not a lot, but over time those cycles add up.
Broken springs can lead to jerky movements, which makes your garage door harder to open and close. This could also cause the door to become stuck in its open position.
If your garage door springs are broken, it is extremely important to contact a professional immediately. Attempting to open your garage door manually while the springs are broken can be dangerous and lead to property damage or personal injury.
2. Broken Cable
Garage door cables counterbalance the heavy weight of the garage door as it opens and closes, helping ensure smooth operation. When they snap, the entire system is disrupted and can cause damage.
They’re typically made of stainless-steel, which lasts longer than galvanized wire and doesn’t transfer rust. The cable runs through a pulley, where it is constantly under tension.
A broken cable needs immediate repair because it can cause damage to other components, including the track. Look for visible signs of rust, corrosion, pitting or fraying on the ends of your cable to know when it’s time to replace it. It’s also important to replace a cable once it loses 10 percent of its original tensile strength.
3. Broken Roller
Your garage door is a big, heavy, mechanical device that needs to be regularly assessed for safety and functionality. Examining for sagging and roller condition is like taking your car to the shop for a checkup; it can help catch problems before they worsen, saving you money in the long run.
A malfunctioning garage door not only poses a security risk but also wastes energy as heat and cold rushes into the home. Inspect your door, especially the sensors (photo eyes) to prevent unnecessary waste of energy. These sensors shoot an invisible beam across the garage opening; if an object breaks the light they will stop the motor from closing.
4. Broken Panel
A garage door is a substantial investment that adds value and curb appeal to your home. If you notice that it is broken, you need to call a professional immediately.
A damaged panel creates a hazard that could lead to severe injuries if someone walks into it. Additionally, it can make your garage more vulnerable to break-ins.
If your garage door isn’t opening or closing, there may be an issue with the photo-eye (a safety feature that sends a beam across the doorway to prevent it from closing on people or cars). Try cleaning it with a microfiber cloth to see if this fixes the problem.
5. Damaged Hardware
Unless your garage door is brand new, it’s likely to have some hardware damage from time to time. Inspect the rails, remote opener, rollers, hinges, lifting cables and bottom bracket to see if they got hit by something. If they’re damaged, let a technician know.
If your garage door opens on its own, check to make sure the photo-eye sensor isn’t dirty or blocked. A power outage or a tripped circuit breaker can also cause your door to open and close on its own. In this case, call a professional electrician to fix the problem. Your homeowners insurance or auto insurance may cover the repair costs depending on how extensive the damage is.
