Common Garage Door Problems and Solutions
In the garage door repair industry, certain issues come up all the time.
In the garage door repair industry, certain issues come up all the time. Here are some of the most frequent problems and their solutions, providing a helpful reference when something goes wrong with a garage door.
Broken Garage Door Spring
Garage door springs handle most of the heavy lifting. Like any mechanical component, they have a lifespan, and once they reach the end of it, they break. Technicians repair garage door springs daily, and experienced professionals can often complete the job in under 30 minutes.
While it’s possible to buy a replacement spring and attempt the repair, specific tools are required, and it can be a dangerous task without experience. Calling a professional is the safest and quickest way to get a garage door functioning again.
Unbalanced Garage Door
A garage door may still operate but not quite as expected—it might be too noisy, too slow, or close on its own. If nothing appears visibly damaged but performance is off, the door may be unbalanced. One way to check is to observe the bottom of the door as it opens; if it’s not parallel to the ground, it’s unbalanced.
An unbalanced door puts extra strain on springs and cables, increasing the risk of sudden failure. A professional technician should handle the issue to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards. Anyone who has witnessed a spring or cable snap knows how sudden and loud it can be. Trained professionals can correct the balance and ensure everything is working properly.
Malfunctioning Opener
Most people don’t think much about a garage door opener—until it stops working. Over time, an opener can wear out, stop functioning, or become outdated. Some may prefer to upgrade to a modern model with Wi-Fi capability for smartphone control.
Hiring a professional ensures installation is done correctly and includes the removal and disposal of the old opener. A new opener can typically be installed in a single afternoon.
Broken or Worn Rollers
When a roller breaks, it can be a frustrating problem. Rollers are small components, but the garage door won’t function smoothly without them. Replacing rollers is a simple fix, and Teflon-coated rollers are recommended for the best performance and quiet operation.
While this is a repair that can be done independently, hiring a professional saves time and ensures the door is balanced before the job is complete.
Simple Troubleshooting Issues
Sometimes, the problem isn’t mechanical but rather a simple oversight. Before calling for repairs, check for the following common issues:
The opener is unplugged.
Something is blocking the sensors.
The car remote or wall remote needs new batteries.
The manual lock is engaged.
Checking these basic issues can save time and frustration.
Understanding these common problems makes it easier to identify garage door issues when they arise. While professionals are often recommended for repairs due to the time and effort they save, some people prefer to handle fixes on their own. Knowing what to look for can make the process much smoother.
Pinnacle Garage Door and Repair provides new garage door installation, custom garage door design, garage door replacement, repairs, openers, track repair, cable repair, spring replacement, and garage door maintenance throughout the Phoenix metro area and Maricopa County. Emergency service is available.
