Garage doors are a part of any home, providing security, convenience and insulation. But like any mechanical system, they wear out over time. If you’re having issues with your garage door, it’s important to know the common problems and how to fix them. From broken springs to misaligned tracks, let’s get into how to fix a garage door.
Garage Door Problems
Several issues can arise with garage doors, most of which are related to the garage door opener, torsion springs or the door itself. These problems can be minor annoyances to total door failure. Here are the most common garage door problems homeowners face:
- Broken Springs: The torsion springs on a garage door help balance the weight of the door, making it easier to lift. Over time these springs can break due to tension and wear. A broken spring is one of the most common issues and needs to be fixed ASAP.
- Garage Door Won’t Open: If your garage door won’t open, it could be due to the electric motor, malfunctioning garage door opener or broken torsion spring. The motor may need to be replaced or the spring system needs to be adjusted.
- Misaligned Tracks: Garage doors run on metal tracks that guide the door’s movement. When these vertical tracks and horizontal tracks become bent or misaligned, the door may stick or not open properly. This issue often results in the door staying open halfway or making unusual noises during operation.
- Photo Eye Sensor Problems: A modern automatic doors have safety features like photo eye sensors. If these sensors become dirty or misaligned, the garage door may not close fully, thinking an object is in the way.
- Worn or Broken Cables: Cables play a big role in lifting the door. Over time they can fray, snap or become detached which could result to your garage door being stuck or unevenly balanced.
- Damaged Door Frame or Door Panel: Whether you have wooden doors or metal ones, they can get damaged from weather or accidental impacts. You can repair minor damage with wood filler for wooden doors but more severe damage may require the garage door or door frame to be replaced.
How to Fix Garage Door Issues
1. Broken Springs Repair
Fixing a broken spring requires professional help especially when dealing with the torsion spring system. Springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if not handled properly. In most cases a professional can replace the springs and adjust the tension to make it smooth again.
2. Garage Door Opener Troubleshooting
If your garage door opener won’t work, start by checking the power source. Make sure it’s plugged in and there’s no tripped circuit breaker. If the problem persists the motor might need to be serviced or replaced. Regular maintenance of the opener’s moving parts like the rollers, cables and springs can prevent future issues.
3. Track Realignment
If the garage door looks off balance or making scraping sounds, check the metal tracks. Tracks can break or become misaligned over time and cause the door not to function properly. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the tracks back into place if they are slightly out of alignment. Make sure the tracks are aligned and free from debris or dirt.
4. Fixing Photo Eye Sensors
The photo eye sensor is a safety feature of the door. Clean the sensors regularly to make sure they are free from dirt or obstruction. If the garage door won’t close, check if the sensor lights are aligned properly and nothing is blocking the door’s path.
5. Cables and Rollers Replacement
If your garage door is not closing evenly or stuck on one side, this could be a cable or roller issue. Broken cables should be replaced and if the rollers are worn out they can be replaced with new ones. A professional can install these parts and make sure the safety feature of the door is intact.
6. Fixing Damaged Door Panels
For minor cracks on wooden doors use wood filler to patch the damage, then sand and paint for a smooth finish. For metal doors dents can be popped out using a plunger or body panel tools. For more severe cases the door or the door frame may need to be replaced.
How to Maintain Your Garage Door
Preventive maintenance can save you from costly repairs in the long run. Regular inspection and servicing of your garage door system will extend its life and make it function properly. Here’s what to include in your maintenance routine:
- Lubricate moving parts like springs, rollers and hinges to reduce wear.
- Tighten loose bolts and screws so the door will operate smoothly.
- Check the spring tension and adjust if necessary so the door can be opened manually.
- Make sure the track is clear from debris and aligned properly.
- Test the remote control and electric motor regularly to make sure they are working properly.
When to Call a Pro
While many small garage door repairs can be done by a DIYer, some problems require professional attention. For example issues with the torsion spring, electric motor or spring system can be dangerous to do alone. If your garage door is still having trouble after basic troubleshooting, it’s time to call a garage door repair pro such as Garage Doors Repaired Wales. A certified technician has the tools and expertise to fix broken springs, misaligned tracks and malfunctioning openers.
Summary
Fixing a garage door is not complicated but it does require maintenance and proper troubleshooting when things go wrong. Whether you have broken springs, misaligned tracks or a malfunctioning garage door opener, knowing how the system works will help you fix the problem. For more complex problems like broken garage door parts or faulty spring system, it’s best to call a pro to make sure your door is safe and functional in the long run.
