Your garage door is an important part of your home. From providing security for your vehicles to offering protection from extreme weather elements, your garage door plays an essential role in maintaining your safety and privacy. As such, you should pay close attention to these indicators that something is amiss with your garage door so that prompt repairs can be made by a professional technician.
1) Listen for excessive or unexpected noises.
If you suddenly hear noises that do not seem quite right when your garage door is opening or closing, then it's important to call a garage door repair service to identify the source of the strange sounds. For example, a loud screeching noise can be a symptom of extensive wear and tear on the hinges, rollers, and other metal parts of your garage door, as the components are likely rubbing against each other without the proper lubrication. A garage door repair technician will replace the damaged pieces to help your door function correctly. Other noises that signify trouble include rattling, popping, and grinding. Contact a professional garage door repair technician to investigate these sounds and address the issues right away.
2) Don't ignore jerky movements when the garage door is in motion.
One of the most obvious signs that your garage door needs to be repaired is movement that is off-kilter. When you attempt to raise or lower the door, take note of any time that the motion seems rough or irregular. Jerky movements can often indicate a complication in your garage door's system of springs and tracks. A skilled garage door repair technician can find the root cause of the problem, verifying if the tracks need to be adjusted, cleaned, or lubricated. The technician will also check for tension imbalances in the springs prior to replacing any broken parts and fine-tuning the position of the tracks to ensure that the door runs smoothly without risking further damage.
3) Seek help if your garage door will not fully close.
Another indicator of a faulty garage door is an inability to close the door all the way. The door might freeze before it can reach the ground, remaining in the open position without automatically rising back up to the top. When your garage door fails to shut completely, a repair technician will confirm that there are no obstructions blocking the door's sensors. The technician will also examine the tracks for spots that might be bent or broken. Even a minor crack or dent in one of the tracks can cause a garage door to become unbalanced and unable to close as expected. The technician will rule out a serious alignment problem before making the appropriate repairs to the motor, tracks, or cables.
Knowing how to spot the signs of trouble will allow you to preserve the functionality of your garage door. If you notice strange noises, slow movement, or an inability to close the door, be sure to call a garage door repair technician without delay.
