Your garage door is an essential component of a residential property, as it provides security, aesthetics, and convenience to homeowners. However, just like any other mechanical system, garage doors can malfunction or break down, requiring repairs or even replacement. In this blog, we’ll explore six signs that indicate your garage door needs repairs and when it’s better to replace it.
6 Signs Your Garage Door Needs Repairs
Slow or Unbalanced Operation
If your garage door is moving slower than usual or operating unevenly, it’s likely that something is wrong with its components. This could be due to worn-out tracks, springs, or rollers.
If your garage door seems slow, you can start by lubricating the rollers, hinges, and tracks to ensure the door doesn’t stick or slow when opening. If this doesn’t fix the issue or you can’t determine further damage, it is time to call the professionals to have it repaired.
If your garage door seems out of balance, you’ll need to see if it looks like it’s sagging or doesn’t close evenly. Shut off your automatic opener and manually open or close the door to its halfway point. If your door continues to go up or down, it means something is out of alignment and needs to be repaired. The balance of your garage should be monitored on a monthly basis after that to see if any further replacements are needed.
Noisy Operation
Garage doors can make some noise while opening or closing, but excessive noise could indicate a problem. Squeaking, grinding, or rattling noises may indicate that some components of the garage door are worn or damaged. Lubricating the moving parts may solve the problem temporarily, but if the noise persists, you may need to call a professional for repairs.
Damaged or Worn Out Panels
If your garage door panels are damaged or worn out, it can affect the overall appearance of your property. In addition to affecting the aesthetic appeal of your home, damaged or worn-out panels can also compromise the security of your property.
If the panels are minorly damaged, with a few scratches or dents, these can be easily repaired on your own with the proper paint and materials. Otherwise, if the damage is significant, you will probably need to have your entire garage door replaced.
Difficulty in Opening or Closing
If your garage door won’t open or close, it can be annoying and dangerous. Not only do you now have to spend extra time figuring out the issue, but your valuable items are now either stuck inside or exposed to the outside.
Oftentimes, the inability to close or open a garage door is due to a faulty part, such as a broken motor, damaged tracks, or worn-out springs. If you notice difficulty operating your garage door, it’s best to seek professional help as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Sagging or Bent Door
If you notice that your garage door is sagging or appears bent, it’s an indication that the door may be under significant stress. This issue can be caused by worn-out springs, a damaged track, or a motor that is not functioning correctly.
Additionally, your garage door may have come off its tracks, causing a bend in your garage door. The rollers on your garage door help it to smoothly open and close, and when these rollers jump the track, your garage door becomes difficult and dangerous to operate. If the issue is not addressed promptly, the garage door may become more difficult to operate, causing additional damage and risking injury.
High Energy Bills
When your garage door is closed, it should be very well insulated. It is crucial to be able to do this since a properly sealed garage door keeps heat inside the house during the winter and aids in maintaining a suitable temperature throughout. Unfortunately, your garage door won’t properly insulate your property, even if there is a tiny gap along the bottom or side.
If you notice a significant increase in your energy bills, it could be due to your garage door. An old or poorly insulated garage door can cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder to regulate the temperature inside your home, leading to higher energy bills.
This issue may be hard to determine on your own, so we suggest you call professionals out to see if there are any existing gaps or damaged insulation in your garage.
When to Replace vs. Repair
In general, it’s best to repair your garage door if the issue is minor and can be fixed promptly. However, if your garage door is more than 10 years old or has sustained significant damage, it may be more cost-effective to replace it. Additionally, if you notice recurring problems with your garage door, it may be time to replace it.
Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can prolong the life of your garage door and keep your property secure. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, Able-Luebke Overhead Doors is here to help. We specialize in providing top-notch repair and installation services for all types of overhead doors. Whether you need a simple repair or a complete installation, contact us today for further information.