Diagnosing the most common garage door problems
Few things are more frustrating than a malfunctioning garage door. Doors that rattle, grind, shake, or fall are not only annoying but can also be dangerous. Before garage door problems drive you crazy, try these troubleshooting tips.
Out of Balance, out of Whack
Noise or rattling when opening and closing can be a sign of an improperly balanced garage door. You can test door stability by pulling the emergency cord to raise the door, then closing the door by hand. Raise it halfway and let go. If it falls, chances are you’re dealing with instability. Springs that are stretched to different lengths or faulty motors may be the root of the problem.
Wear and Tear
A noisy garage door may also be the fault of worn springs or hinges. Check all the springs for wear and rust, then oil the hinges. If the door still makes noise, it’s likely that the springs need replacing. Loud grinding sounds could be a sign of trouble with gears and sprockets rather than hinges.
Dirt on the Tracks
Sometimes the underlying cause of squeaking or grinding can be as simple as dirt in the tracks. Take a look the next time you hear a nasty sound and see if there is any debris gumming up the works. Clean out whatever you find and test the door again to determine if the problem is fixed.
Bent out of Shape
Both the rollers and tracks on the garage door of your home can become bent or otherwise damaged. This interferes with the operation of the door and is made evident by shaking or unpleasant noises. Bent tracks can cause damage to your garage door over time, so if you suspect that the track is the problem, have it assessed by a professional.
Cable Woes
Worn and broken cables or cables that come off their tracks can be one of the most dangerous garage door problems. Without cables to hold it steady, the door may fall too quickly when closing or close when it shouldn’t, posing a hazard to anyone going in and out. Never let this kind of problem go unchecked. Cable damage should be fixed immediately.
Sometimes troubleshooting and DIY fixes aren’t enough to correct garage door problems. In that case, it might be time to consider replacing the door. Contact us at the Overhead Door Company of Portland to find out what your options are. From thermal insulated doors to decorative wood designs, our specialists can walk you through the process of choosing just the right model.
