Common Garage Door Problems Homeowners Should Never Ignore

Learn the common garage door problems homeowners should never ignore to prevent costly repairs, improve safety, and keep your garage door working reliably.

That garage door might just be the biggest moving object in the entire home.

Your garage door is used every day. Multiple times throughout the day, in fact. And for most homeowners, it doesn’t even cross your mind….that is until it stops working. While small problems can become large expenses (and safety issues) if left unattended.

Here's the good news:

Identifying these issues early can prevent hours, dollars, and headaches in the future.

Here's what you'll uncover:

• Why Garage Door Problems Are A Big Deal

• The Most Common Garage Door Issues

• When To Call In A Pro

• How To Prevent Future Problems

Why Garage Door Problems Are A Big Deal

Garage doors are heavy. Really heavy.

Many weigh hundreds of pounds and are suspended on high tension springs. When something in that system begins to malfunction, it can be frustrating – at best. At Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there are approximately 30,000 injuries per year in the United States related to garage door accidents.

That's a scary number.

Skimping on a broken spring or malfunctioning opener isn't just dangerous for your pocket book though. It can be dangerous for the members of your family who rely on the garage every day as well. That's why scheduling professional garage door repairs when you first notice a problem is one of the wisest decisions any homeowner can make. Professional garage door opener repair from a skilled technician means the work will be completed safely, correctly, and without making a minor issue into a major one.

The truth is, most garage door issues do not resolve themselves. They get bigger.

The Most Common Garage Door Problems

There are certain problems that become commonplace in garages nationwide. Being able to recognize these issues is key.

Let's break them down…

The Door Won't Open Or Close

It's the one sign that screams "something's wrong here".  And typically the most irritating as well.

There are a few reasons why the door might refuse to move:

• Dead batteries in the remote

• Blocked or misaligned safety sensors

• A snapped spring or cable

• A burnt-out garage door opener motor

Simple things such as replacing remote batteries or fixing a sensor obstruction can usually be done yourself.  However, if there are any springs or cables involved you should ALWAYS call a professional.  Before you freak out and call a technician, check the obvious things.  Remote controls with dead batteries are one of the biggest (and easiest to correct) problems.

Strange Grinding Or Squeaking Noises

Garage doors should make some noise. They shouldn't sound like a horror movie though.

Loud grinding, squeaking, or popping usually means something needs attention. It could be:

• Worn-out rollers

• Loose hardware

• Springs that are on their last legs

• A lack of lubrication

Overlooking these noises will lead to total system failure. Little squeaks can become snapped cables or bent tracks.

A Broken Spring

Springs do the heavy lifting… literally.

Springs allow a lightweight motor to lift a door that weighs several hundred pounds. If a spring breaks, the door may become stuck shut (or slam shut violently).

Caution: Never attempt to replace a garage door spring yourself. Garage door springs are under incredible tension and one false move can cause serious injury.

A Faulty Garage Door Opener

The opener is the heart and soul of the system. If it goes bad, the whole door suffers.

Some common opener issues include:

• The door reverses right before closing

• The motor runs but nothing moves

• The remote works but the wall switch doesn't

• Random opening or closing at odd times

Garage door opener repair is one of the most popular services in the industry for good reason. Angi says most garage door openers only last between 10-15 years before requiring major repair or replacement.

When the garage opener starts malfunctioning you will notice fairly quickly. Everybody in the family will know because its something that goes from a two second process to a major ordeal.

Sagging Or Uneven Door Panels

A garage door that looks crooked when it moves is a big warning sign.

Misaligned doors are often the result of worn cables, damaged rollers, or spring problems on one side only. Not only is this unsightly, it places additional stress on the opener and can cause the door to come completely off of its tracks. Spotting this problem early can save the whole door from the scrap heap.

When To Call In A Pro

Some garage door tasks can be tackled at home. Others really shouldn't.

Safe DIY tasks include:

• Wiping down the sensors

• Tightening loose bolts

• Lubricating hinges and rollers

• Testing the remote and keypad

However, when dealing with springs, cables or opener wiring, you should ALWAYS call a professional. Licensed technicians have the tools and knowledge to complete these repairs with no one visiting the E.R.

Here's the REALITY about DIY Garage repairs:  Saving a couple bucks can lead to thousands in medical costs or additional repair costs.

Here's another way to look at it...... A fast service call costs way less than an ER trip.

How To Prevent Future Problems

Prevention is way easier (and cheaper) than a big repair.

A few simple habits can add years of life to any garage door system and the value of your property:

• Listen for new noises during operation

• Test the auto-reverse safety feature monthly

• Keep tracks clean and free of debris

• Lubricate moving parts every few months

• Schedule a yearly professional inspection

Pay attention to the little things. A silent squeak today could prevent a complete spring replacement tomorrow.

Bonus tip: Remember the date of when you had the opener installed. As they get older they start to go bad quicker. This way you know how old it is when you have to decide about replacement.

Bringing It All Together

Garage doors are one of the most utilized feature of any house…and also one of the most neglected.

Minor annoyances such as an odd sound, sluggish reaction or uneven panel are typically precursors to a larger issue down the road. Nipping them in the bud is what separates preventive maintenance from buying brand new.

Golden rule? Listen (and watch) for the above issues. Take care of the simple problems yourself. Call a pro if anything related to springs, cables or the opener goes wrong.

Having a garage door that's working properly isn't just convenient. It keeps your family safe, secure and happy.