Troubleshooting Common Garage Door Problems
Whether you’re grabbing some tools for a spot of DIY or parking your car after a long day, most of us will open and close our garage doors multiple times a day. It’s only natural that such repeated use comes with a little wear and tear which, if left unresolved, can develop into serious faults.
If you notice an issue with your garage door, it’s best to get this sorted as quickly as possible; that’s why the team here at Access Garage Doors has put together this troubleshooting guide.
Why won’t my garage door open fully?
There are a number of reasons why you might be struggling to open your garage door fully, but one of the most common causes is that there’s an obstruction. Whether it’s an errant box of tools in the way or some stones or twigs that have become lodged in your garage door tracks, it’s important to check the inside of your garage and make sure there’s nothing blocking the path.
If dirt or debris has been left to build up in your garage door tracks, this could also be stopping it from opening properly; you might need to give them a quick clean with a damp cloth. If this still doesn’t solve the problem, it’s likely there’s a more serious fault with the cable or springs; in this situation, it’s best to call in a professional.
Why is my garage door remote not working?
While automated garage doors are incredibly convenient, it can be frustrating if your remote isn’t working and is preventing access to your garage. Although obvious, the first thing you should do is change the batteries in the remote – this might be a quick fix to the problem.
You should also check the immediate area surrounding the garage door sensors; it might be that there’s an obstruction preventing it from communicating properly with the remote. Garage door sensors are extremely sensitive, so give them a gentle wipe to ensure there’s no dirt or condensation interfering with the signal. Failing this, you may need to reset your garage door remote; every model is different so there should be specific instructions on how to do this in the manufacturer’s handbook.
If you try all of the above and are still experiencing problems, the fault may lie with the mechanics of the door itself – contact an expert like Access Garage Doors for advice.
Why is my garage door slamming shut?
Every garage door is equipped with springs and a cable that bear and balance its weight. If these snap, it can cause your garage door to close at a speed that is much faster than is safe, so they will require immediate replacement. You should never attempt to replace these components yourself, as any kind of error could result in serious injury.
Why is my garage door crooked?
If your garage door is sagging on one side, it could be that the garage door tracks have been bent out of shape and require realignment. A crooked garage door could also be caused by worn or damaged springs, as this creates uneven tension. All of these components are incredibly complex and attempting a repair without the proper tools or expertise can cause further damage; instead, it’s best to get in touch with an experienced profesional straight away.
Why is my garage door so noisy?
While it’s expected that your garage door will make a bit of noise when in use, excessively loud squeaking, rattling or grinding sounds are a sign that something is wrong.
One of the easiest fixes is to lubricate all the moving parts of your door. It’s best to apply a silicone spray lubricant in small amounts as this reduces friction and helps to prevent rust. You should also examine all of the screws and bolts; it may be that some have loosened over time and need to be retightened.
If you’re still struggling with an excessively loud garage door after this, the rollers may be worn and in need of replacement – contact a professional for further investigation.
If you’ve noticed a fault with your garage door, don’t wait around for the problem to get worse. Instead, get in touch with the team here at Access Garage Doors. Backed by over 35 years of experience, we can handle even the most complex garage door repairs throughout Harrogate, Leeds, Skipton or the wider West Yorkshire region – contact us to discuss your needs in more depth.
