A garage that doesn’t function properly is not only frustrating but can be a security risk. Whether you park in your garage, use it as additional storage, or as an extra access point to your home, having a functioning garage door should always be a priority. At Suburban Overhead Doors, our expert techs have seen it all – and can fix it all. While there are always outliers, there are common garage door problems that are easily diagnosed and fixable.

Common Garage Door Problems

Here are some of the most frequent garage door problems we encounter, along with tips for getting your door ‘back on track’ (sometimes, literally).

• Grinding. Strange noises during operation often point to a lubrication issue. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and tracks to quiet the symphony of squeaks and groans – if this doesn’t help, you may have a bigger problem.
• Opener. If your remote or keypad no longer controls the door, it could be a battery issue. Replace the batteries and see if that solves the problem. If not, the culprit might be a faulty sensor or a malfunctioning opener itself.
• Broken Springs. Broken torsion or extension springs can render your door inoperable and are dangerous to replace yourself – so if you see that this is the issue, please contact us right away.
• Misaligned or Blocked Photo Eye Sensors. Modern garage doors have safety sensors located near the ground on either side of the door. If these sensors become misaligned or blocked by debris, the door may not close properly, reversing immediately upon detecting an obstacle.
• Track Misalignment. The metal tracks on which the door runs can become misaligned or bent, causing the door to become stuck or operate unevenly. This can also create grinding noises during operation.
• Worn or Broken Rollers. Rollers allow the garage door to move smoothly along the tracks. Over time, rollers can wear out, break, or become misaligned, leading to jerky movements, increased noise, or a stuck door.
• Broken Cables. Garage door cables can fray or snap due to wear and tear or improper installation. Broken cables can cause the door to become unbalanced or fail to open.
• Sagging Door Sections. Over time, wooden garage doors can sag due to moisture and age. This can cause the door to become misaligned and not open or close smoothly.
• Weather Sealant Issues. The weather stripping at the bottom of the garage door can wear out, leading to drafts, water leaks, and pests entering the garage.
• Manual Locking Mechanism Issues. If the garage door’s manual locking mechanism is engaged, the door won’t open using the automatic opener. Ensuring the lock is disengaged can resolve this problem.

Preventing Garage Door Problems

This list may seem overwhelming, but most if not all of these problems can be prevented with regular inspection and maintenance. Our techs at Suburban Overhead Door provide garage door repair and maintenance. We also can respond to major issues within 24 hours! Even during the weekend. Don’t get overwhelmed – just get the right team on your side. For any garage door problems, or if you need an inspection to ensure nothing is going to break in the near future, contact us today.