Imagine you are running late for work. Rushing to your car, you press the button on the remote for your garage door, but nothing happens. Or worse, the door starts to close just as you are walking underneath it. These are examples of garage door mishaps, which can be minor annoyances or major safety hazards.
This blog covers the common garage door mishaps, their causes, ways to prevent them, and how to fix them. The goal is to help you ensure your garage door does its job well without any trouble. Read on to learn how to keep your garage doors working smoothly for years.
Common Garage Door Mishaps
Garage doors are complex but powerful systems. Yet, they are still prone to breaking down, which causes accidents. That is why knowing the usual garage door mishaps helps you prevent them and deal with them if they arise. Here are the common garage door issues any homeowner in the Quad Cities can face:
Garage Door Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures in garage doors can happen in a few ways. The garage door springs that help lift the door can break from all the strain. This spring breakage makes the door stop working or potentially causes it to crash. Meanwhile, the garage door opener, which is the brain of the whole system, could also give you some trouble. The issue could stem from old, worn gears, electrical issues, or misaligned sensors. Last, the door could get stuck, not move right, or even collapse if it comes off its tracks. This incident is likely to happen if the tracks have broken or misaligned or if something is in the way.
Electrical Issues
Over time, the wires inside a garage door opener can wear out or get damaged. This electrical issue can cause the garage door system to malfunction. It is important to fix this problem right away to avoid any more damage or potential dangers. You may also experience different kinds of problems with garage door remote controls. It can be as simple as dead batteries or as complex as problems with the rolling code. When issues involve electrical wiring, it is best to call in a pro for a quick and lasting fix.
Wear and Tear
Garage door panels can become damaged from weather, accidental bumps, or just from getting old. Damage to these panels can make your garage door look less nice and less safe and insulated. Also, the metal parts of your garage door, like the springs, tracks, and other hardware, can rust in the long run. This rust can weaken these parts and cause your garage door to not work as smoothly as before.
Accidents and Blockages
Garage doors have sensors to stop closing if there is something in the way. But if these sensors get blocked or misaligned, the door might not close right or could open by itself. It is also common for cars to hit garage doors by mistake, causing damage. It usually happens when people misjudge the distance or do not wait for the door to open fully.
Steps to Take to Avoid Garage Door Accidents
Here is a streamlined guide to keeping your garage door in optimal condition:
Regular Maintenance: The Foundation of Garage Door Health
Regular maintenance is important for all parts of your home, including the garage door. Having a professional come in once a year to service your garage door can stop pesky problems from getting serious. They will check the rollers, tracks, and other garage door parts to make sure the door hangs upright.
Another easy but important thing to do is lubricate the moving parts of the door, including the hinges, rollers, and springs. Using garage door lubricant can help everything work smoothly and prevent rust from building up. Also, making sure the nuts and bolts are tight helps keep the door working right and safe.
Safety Tips: Protecting Your Home and Family
It is important to follow a few simple practices to keep your garage door working safely. First, make sure that you keep the remote control away from kids to avoid any accidental door movements. Also, do not leave your remote in your car or with someone like a parking attendant. Someone could steal it and use it to get into your house.
Modern garage doors usually have a built-in safety feature that stops the door from closing if something is in the way. You should check this feature every month by putting a roll of paper towels under the door to see if it stops closing. If the door does not stop, then it is time to call in a garage door expert to take a look.
Upkeep and Care: Extending Your Garage Door’s Lifespan
Make sure the tracks on both sides of your garage door are clean and rust-free. Use a simple cloth and a non-corrosive cleaner to wipe the tracks. Also, regularly inspect for signs of any rust or damage, particularly in coastal areas prone to corrosion.
DIY Solutions for Common Garage Door Mishaps
Basic Troubleshooting
Before diving into repairs, it is essential to identify the problem. Simple garage door mishaps like misaligned sensors or a garage door that would not close properly often have straightforward solutions:
- Resetting the Opener: Sometimes, all your garage door needs is a reset. Pull the opener out of the electrical socket for one minute, and then plug it back in. It can sometimes refresh the system and solve minor problems.
- Aligning Sensors: If your door is not closing all the way, check the sensors. Ensure they are clean, unobstructed, and properly aligned. A small adjustment can make all the difference.
DIY Garage Door Repair Instructions
For more complex issues, such as a worn-out spring or an off-track door, here are some steps you can take:
- Replacing Worn-Out Springs: If you have experience with DIY repairs, you might manage this with the proper tools and precautions. However, if you are unsure, it is safer to call a garage door repair professional.
- Fixing Off-Track Doors: To realign your garage door, release the door from the opener and manually guide it back onto the track. Ensure the tracks are free of debris and are not bent. If they are bent, lightly tapping them back into place with a rubber mallet might work.
Remember: While DIY solutions can save time and money, safety should always be your top priority. If you are ever in doubt or the repair involves complex mechanisms, it is best to consult with a professional. Note that dealing with garage door springs and electrical parts can be very dangerous and needs special tools and knowledge.
Garage Door Service Near Me
Is your garage door making weird sounds? Or is it not opening or closing? Do not wait for these garage door mishaps to become a bigger problem. Let Titan Garage Doors Quad Cities help with your garage door maintenance and repairs. We will check every garage door part to make sure everything works smoothly. Our expert team also offers garage door services, including garage door opener repair and tune-ups, to make your door last longer. Ready to get your garage door checked? Call us right now to set up your yearly garage door maintenance.
