The average garage door is among the largest moving components of your home, and most homeowners open and close it several times a day. With that much wear and tear, problems are only a matter of time.
The good news is that most failures fall into a few common categories. Knowing what to look for will save you an expensive emergency call.
The Trouble With Springs
The springs carry the heavy lifting each time you use the door. They are extremely dangerous to handle, which is exactly why they eventually wear out.
If a spring snaps, it is easy to tell: you may hear a loud bang from the garage. Never try to replace a spring yourself — the sudden release of force can send you to the hospital. Have a professional handle it, and replace both springs at once so the second one won't break right behind it.
Garage Door Opener Problems
Garage door openers stop responding for a number of reasons, and not all of them are serious. Begin with the basics: a dead remote battery is the most common culprit.
When only the remote fails, the opener itself is probably fine. However, a motor that runs but doesn't lift, you may be looking at a stripped gear that needs professional service.
Off-Track Doors and Worn Rollers
A door that looks crooked could have slipped out of alignment. It often occurs after an impact. In any case, never keep operating it — running it can make the repair more expensive.
Broken Cables and Drums
These parts support the springs to move the door smoothly. Once a cable fails, the door can become uneven. Just like springs, they carry a heavy load and are best left to a professional.
Fixing Automatic Gates
Electric gates add security and curb appeal, but they have maintenance needs. The gate opener sometimes fail during an outage, and the photo eyes often just need cleaning.
A gate that stops halfway can indicate a worn part. Since gates combine mechanical and electrical systems, a qualified technician is worth the call.
Preventing Problems Before They Start
The best way to avoid costly breakdowns is regular maintenance. Lubricating the moving parts once or twice a year can add years to how long everything lasts.
When in doubt, calling a licensed local professional is always the safest route. The right technician can diagnose the problem quickly and get your door or gate working again.
broken garage door spring