Have you found yourself stuck in the garage because the door won’t close all the way? Or are you just tired of wrestling with it every time you need to leave? Fear not, as the issue is usually something simple that you can fix yourself without needing to call in the professionals. Let’s take a look at some common reasons why your garage door may be acting up and refusing to shut properly.
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Loose, Bent or Broken Parts
One of the main culprits is worn or damaged hardware. Over time and with regular use, hinges, rollers, and other moving metal parts can become loose, bent, or break completely. Pay close attention to these areas and tighten or replace anything that looks questionable. You may also find parts are out of alignment which is preventing a smooth operation. Some gentle bending may be needed to get everything sitting correctly again.
Problems with the Opener
If the door works manually but not with the opener, then the issue lies there. Check for loose wires or blocks preventing the motor from functioning properly. The motor itself may be going bad and need replacing. Make sure there are no obstructions in the path as the door goes up that could be tripping any safety sensors. The opener may also need reprogramming if buttons are no longer responding.
Issues with the Door Balance
As garage doors are heavy, they rely on tension from metal springs to help lift them. Over time, these springs can weaken and lose their ability to properly counterbalance the weight of the door. You may notice it getting harder to manually lift the door or that it comes crashing down too quickly. Replacing worn out springs is a relatively straightforward repair most homeowners can tackle. No one wants to get smashed by an unbalanced door!
Sagging or Obstructed Tracks
The tracks that guide the door panels need to be clean, clear of debris, and sitting level for smooth operation. Garage Door Repair in Mechanicsville can help get tracks back into ideal condition if they are sagging or damaged. Make sure the space under and around the tracks is unobstructed so the door has room to travel freely without catching on anything.
Worn Cables or Pulleys
Like springs, the steel cables that raise and lower the door panels undergo a lot of stress over time. Kinks, twists or breaks in the cables are common as they age and can prevent the door from fully opening or closing. Pulleys should also spin freely without grinding noises. Replacing cables is another basic DIY project for most homes.
With a bit of patience and basic tools, many garage door issues can be resolved without outside help. Take a close look for obvious signs of damage or wear, and address them one at a time. In most cases, a few simple adjustments or replacement of low-cost parts is all that’s needed. Let me know if you have any other garage door questions!
Richard Wright is a blogger with a passion for technology who has been writing about the latest in the world of gadgets and gizmos. They are an avid reader of Science-Fiction novels and love to spend time with their wife and kids.
