Is Your Garage Door Acting Up? Don’t Ignore It!

Your garage door system is a heavily used component of your home. When it isn’t working properly, it can send your whole household into disarray. If your garage door system starts to act up, repairing it sooner rather than later will help you avoid unnecessary disruptions. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with a malfunctioning garage door system. 

Signs of a Problem

If you use your garage door many times throughout the day, it’s easy to notice when something has gone awry. Here are a few common symptoms of a garage door malfunction.

Not Opening or Closing

An obvious sign that your garage door isn't working properly is if it doesn't open or close. It could be that it takes several tries to open or close the door or that it won't cycle at all. In either case, it’s a problem that needs to be addressed promptly.

Running Slowly

It may not be noticeable at first, but another symptom of a malfunctioning garage door is a slow cycle time. If your door seems to be operating more slowly than usual, consider having your system inspected.

Not Completing a Cycle

This can be a really simple fix, but if your garage door isn’t finishing a cycle, something is obviously wrong! Address the problem quickly could save you money in the end.

Loud Noises While Operating

It’s a common misconception that your garage door should be loud when it operates. Other than the sound of the motor running, there should be little to no noise coming from your system. If your garage door is creaking, clanking, or screeching while operating, something is probably not right.

Potential Causes

If your garage door is acting strangely, it’s likely due to one of these common causes of garage door malfunctions. If your garage door needs repair, contact a garage door technician to ensure that the job is done right.

Misaligned Photo Eyes

The photo eyes are what tell your garage if something is in its path. They serve as a safety mechanism for the system as a whole. Often, when the photo eyes are causing a problem, they just need a simple adjustment.

Bent Tracks

If you’ve had a run-in with your garage door, the tracks may have suffered damage. The garage door moves on rollers along two tracks. If either of those tracks is bent, it can cause the door to move unevenly or not at all.

Broken Springs

If your springs are broken, then it's time to call a pro. Because of the extreme amount of tension in the springs, it is unsafe for anyone other than a trained professional to repair or replace them.

Loose Hardware

Sometimes, tuning up your garage door just requires a bit of tightening. The hardware that secures your tracks can become loose over time and may cause the system to operate loudly. This is a fairly easy fix.

Damaged Parts

Like a clock, your garage door system relies on many parts working together. If one of those parts is broken, then the whole system can—and ultimately will—fail. If you notice a broken garage door part, it’s important to have it replaced quickly, before further damage occurs.

Call a Pro

Above all else, it’s important to rely on your local garage door professionals. If your garage door system isn’t working properly, don’t ignore it! Call in a garage door technician and fix the problem before it disrupts your life.

If you need garage door support in the Cedar Rapids area, contact Doors by George. Our garage door technicians can identify the root of a problem and have your system fixed in no time. For more information about our garage door services, contact us or get a quote online!