Skip links
Call our office FREE on 0800 542 7978
Emergency engineer 07957 353 228

24-hour call-outs

Contact Us →
Chat Now whatsapp logo

Top 5 Common Faults with Garage Doors: Identifying and Rectifying Common Issues

Our garage doors are the unnoticed champions of our homes; they work nonstop until they inevitably encounter an obstacle. Even though garage doors can have annoying flaws, being aware of frequent problems can save money, time, and hassle. We explore the top five garage door malfunctions in this in-depth guide, offering valuable insights on how to quickly fix them and get smooth operation again.

Broken Springs:

  • Symptoms: apparent gaps in the springs, strange noises, and difficulty opening or shutting the garage door.
  • Cause: Due to wear and tear over time, garage door springs may deteriorate and finally break.
  • Solution: Get new springs to replace the damaged ones. However, since working with garage door springs can be risky, it’s imperative to get expert assistance.

Understanding the indications of garage door problems is essential. Signs that your garage door springs are broken include noticeable gaps in the springs, odd noises coming from the garage door opener, or trouble opening and closing the door can point to more serious issues. These usually indicate the gradual deterioration that garage door springs experience. These parts sometimes break because they bear the majority of the weight of the door when it is opened and closed incorrectly.

The deterioration process that garage door springs sometimes go through causes these symptoms. The continuous strain and pressure that is applied to the springs while they are in operation, along with their exposure to moisture and temperature changes, cause the springs to deteriorate over time. The springs can gradually lose their strength until they are unable to hold the weight of the door or perform their intended purpose. As a result, homeowners could encounter disturbances in the seamless functioning of their garage doors, requiring immediate maintenance to avoid additional issues.

It is advised to replace the broken garage door springs with new ones to resolve the problem properly. Prioritising safety is crucial and dealing with garage door springs carries risks, including the possibility of rapid release and high strain. Therefore, it is crucial to seek professional assistance from experts who have experience in managing garage door systems. This way you can have a safe and precise replacement process that restores garage door functionality while lowering the possibility of mishaps or injuries.

Misaligned Tracks:

  • Symptoms: gaps that are visible between the rollers and tracks; garage door jerking or becoming stuck when opening or closing.
  • Cause: Misaligned tracks can result from frequent use and poor maintenance.
  • Solution: Check the tracks for any kinks or blockages. Make sure the tracks are level and parallel by gently realigning them using a rubber mallet. To promote easy mobility, lubricate the tracks.

It is critical to identify misaligned tracks in your garage door system to stop more issues. Visible spaces between the rollers and tracks, as well as situations where the garage door jerks or becomes stuck while in operation, are typical signs of this. These symptoms frequently indicate that the door’s movement is not being guided by correctly aligned tracks. 

Track misalignment can develop over time due to a variety of circumstances, including dirt accumulation and lack of lubrication from regular garage door use. If these problems are not properly maintained, they may get worse, affecting the door’s functionality and possibly resulting in more damage. Consequently, it’s critical to fix misaligned tracks as soon as possible to guarantee the garage door system operates smoothly and avoid more serious issues later on.

Homeowners can take proactive steps to efficiently correct misaligned tracks. To ensure correct alignment, begin by carefully checking the tracks for any kinks, debris, or obstructions. Realign the tracks lightly with a rubber mallet to make sure they are parallel and level.  Lubricating the tracks can also help lessen friction and enable smooth operation. You can increase the lifespan and effectiveness of your garage door system while lowering the possibility of malfunctions by putting these fixes into practice and scheduling routine maintenance.

 

Faulty Garage Door Opener:

  • Symptoms: motor making strange noises, garage door opening or shutting erratically, and non-responsiveness to the remote control.
  • Cause: Problems with the garage door opener mechanism, such as misaligned sensors, worn-out gears, or electrical issues.
  • Solution: Check the power supply and change the remote control’s batteries. Examine the opening for any obvious damage or disconnected parts. See a qualified technician to diagnose and fix the opener if the issue continues. 

Maintaining the security and operation of your garage requires being able to recognise when your garage door opener is broken. Unusual noises from the motors, the garage door opening and closing spontaneously, or insensitivity to remote control commands are all signs of a broken opener. These symptoms frequently indicate deeper problems with the opener mechanism, which might be caused by worn-out gears, misaligned sensors, or electrical failures.

External variables like weather conditions or gradual wear and tear over time can cause issues with the opening mechanism. The garage door’s operation may be disrupted by an opener that malfunctions due to misaligned sensors, worn-out gears, or electrical problems. Consequently, these problems must be resolved quickly to reinstate the garage door system’s dependability and effectiveness so you can ensure the security of your garage.

There are various actions homeowners can take to identify and fix a malfunctioning garage door opener. To begin with, make sure the remote control’s batteries are in good working order and inspect the power source. Next, look for any evident damage or missing pieces on the opener mechanism. It is advisable to get assistance from a competent expert if the problem continues after doing these preliminary checks. To get the garage door opener back in top operating condition, a professional can precisely identify the root of the issue and carry out the required fixes or replacements. The efficient operation of a garage door system can be ensured by homeowners by being proactive and seeking professional assistance when necessary.

 

Worn-out Rollers:

  • Symptoms: Loud grinding noises while the garage door operates and trouble opening or shutting smoothly.
  • Cause: Over time, the rollers may wear down due to constant friction and a lack of lubrication.
  • Solution: Examine the rollers for indications of deterioration. Any worn-out or damaged rollers should be replaced with new ones. To guarantee smooth operation and minimize friction, oil the rollers regularly.

Noticing that your garage door system has worn-out rollers is crucial to keeping it operating smoothly and avoiding additional harm. When the garage door is moving, loud grinding noises and trouble opening or shutting smoothly are common signs of worn-out rollers. These symptoms usually mean that the rollers, which help the door move along the tracks, have worn down as a result of persistent friction and insufficient lubrication.

Recognising the underlying cause of worn-out rollers emphasises how crucial routine maintenance and inspection are. The rollers of the garage door undergo considerable wear and strain during operation, which ultimately causes them to deteriorate. This process can be made worse by elements like dirt accumulation or inadequate lubrication, which increases friction and loudness while the machine is operating. Consequently, it’s critical to replace worn-out rollers as soon as possible to preserve the garage door system’s functionality and stop additional damage.

Homeowners can take preventative action to properly address the problem of worn-out rollers. Start by looking for any indications of deterioration and obvious wear or damage on the rollers. Replace any worn-out or damaged rollers as soon as possible to get the garage door operating smoothly again. Furthermore, lubricating the rollers regularly with the proper oil or lubricant helps reduce friction and increase their longevity. You can extend the lifespan, maximise the effectiveness of your garage door system and reduce the possibility of malfunctions by implementing these maintenance procedures into your daily schedule.

 

Broken Cables:

  • Symptoms: Uneven garage door movement, obvious fraying, or cable damage.
  • Cause: The garage door cables may break due to excessive tension, rust, or wear.
  • Solution: Fixing damaged cables yourself can be very risky, so avoid doing so. Speak with a qualified garage door technician to evaluate the issue and, if required, replace the wires.

It’s critical to identify damaged wires in your garage door system to guarantee both performance and safety. Uneven movement of the garage door and obvious fraying or damage to the cables themselves are indications that the cables are broken. These symptoms usually indicate more serious problems, like overstress, rust, or overall deterioration of the cables over time.

The importance of recognising damage to the wires in your garage door emphasises how crucial routine maintenance and inspection are. When garage door components are misaligned or improperly set, there might be an excessive amount of tension on the cables, which can eventually cause them to break. As well as this, elements like corrosion and rust can erode the cables’ structural integrity, increasing the likelihood of a break. It is essential to fix damaged wires as soon as possible to stop more harm to the garage door system and guarantee the security of the building’s contents and people.

Prioritising safety and obtaining expert help is crucial for efficiently resolving any issues with your garage door cables. Without the required knowledge and tools, attempting to replace or repair broken wires can be exceedingly dangerous and may end in mishaps or injuries. To assess the problem and choose the best course of action, homeowners should speak with a trained garage door specialist. Should the repair of the cables be considered essential, the expert can guarantee a safe and precise completion of the work, thereby reinstating the garage door system’s functioning and dependability. Homeowners may minimise risks and have peace of mind by hiring an experienced professional to repair or replace the wires instead of attempting it themselves.

Upkeep of a functional garage door is necessary for your home’s convenience and security. Knowing these typical mistakes and how to fix them will help you take care of problems early on and save money on future, expensive repairs. Always remember that safety comes first, so if you’re not confident you can handle garage door repairs yourself, don’t be afraid to call a professional.

So if you need a garage door repair in Leicester don’t hesitate to get in contact. With over 35 years of experience, we have seen every type of garage door repair going. Call us today on 0800 542 7978 for a free quote.

Leave a comment