top garage door issues-troubleshooting guide

Garage doors, the often overlooked, protectors of our homes, operate tirelessly for us day in and day out. However, like any mechanical system, they do encounter issues from time to time. In this article, we’ll review some of the most common troubleshooting issues with garage doors and offer insights into how to address them – if and when the time comes.
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What are Some of the Most Common Issues?
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​Read more below!

1. Door Won’t Fully Open or Close

Why is this happening?
This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, but many times the root problem is actually the garage door opener itself. Among the issues here are:

•  A malfunctioning remote (the device with 1-3 buttons that is normally clipped on a vehicle’s sun visor).

          o Solution – Replace the battery and try to open the door with the remote. If this does not work, the remote or the radio signal receiver in the opener itself might be defective. Contact a professional garage door service company if this does not resolve the issue.

• A disrupted power source (the opener is not getting electricity).

        o Solution – Ensure that the electrical outlet the garage door opener is plugged into is getting power. Try plugging another device into the outlet and observe whether it is getting power. If the electrical outlet is supplying power, there could be damage to or a part failure in the opener’s internal electrical components. If electricity is flowing, contact a garage door service company to assess the situation.

• A disconnected trolley – this is the device that connects the garage door to the opener’s chain or belt drive and is responsible for pulling the door up and pushing the door down. This could happen if there is a broken part or if the trolley was disengaged manually due to someone pulling the emergency release cord and it wasn’t properly reengaged.

      o Solution – Inspect this area to determine if it looks like something has been damaged or broken. Also, make sure the emergency cord has not been pulled to disengage the trolley. If the cord was pulled down to disengage the trolley, simply pull the cord up and parallel to the rail (the long metal part the chain or belt runs along) to reset the trolley connection. To re-engage the trolley, you will likely need to run the garage door opener one up and down cycle. Check your owner’s manual if there is any confusion on how to do this. If damage appears to be present, contact a professional garage door service company to inspect the parts and recommend a solution.

What else?

Other common issues include broken torsion springs or broken cables.

Because the torsion springs take most of the weight of a garage door, a broken spring can make it difficult or nearly impossible for the garage door opener to lift the door. Inspect the area above the garage door inside to look for a broken torsion spring. If you see a broken spring, call a professional garage door service company to request a replacement.

The steel cables on a garage door connect the torsion system, which handles most of the weight of the door, to the door itself. If these cables are broken or if they’ve become unseated from the drum they wind around, this can cause the door to malfunction and make it virtually impossible to lift. Check on the sides of the garage door inside by the track and see if one or both cables are broken or appear tangled. If they are broken or tangled, call a professional garage door service company for assistance. This is a potentially dangerous situation.

The final potential issue we’ll cover here relates to cold weather. In freezing temperatures, a garage door can actually become frozen to the ground in the right conditions. If this happens, and you attempt to open the door, this can cause damage to the door or the opener or both. Wait until you can melt the ice, inspect the door to be sure it is free, and try to open it again.

2. Noisy, Wobbly, or Sagging Door
Garage doors can become noisy due to worn-out rollers, loose hardware, or inadequate lubrication. Inspect the door for signs of broken or worn-out parts and lubricate the hinges, rollers, and springs. If you see broken, worn, or damaged parts, contact a professional garage door service company for help.

If your garage door shakes or wobbles when going up and down, look for a damaged track or broken rollers. Also look for broken, loose, or bent hinges. If you see any of these issues, get a professional to inspect the door and make recommendations on repair or replacement.

If your door is uneven or sags when in the up position, your door might be experiencing the beginning phases of structural failure. This can be caused by wear and tear over time, damage from something hitting the door, or water infiltration inside one or more sections causing the door to fill with water and become extremely heavy. If any of these issues are present, reach out to a garage door service company to assess the situation and to make recommendations for solving the issues.

3. Perimeter Weather Seal Damage
Over time, weather seal around the perimeter of the door (also known as stopmold) can become damaged or worn, leading to energy inefficiency and potential water infiltration.
     o Solution – Inspect weather stripping regularly and replace damaged portions as soon as you can to help keep the elements at bay. Generally speaking, this is a relatively inexpensive and effective method of ensuring your garage is as weather proof as possible all year long. If you have a color other than white or if you just need some help, contact a garage door dealer to get the best match and result for your particular needs.


4. Bottom Rubber Wear and Tear
Although related to the above topic, this is not the same product as the perimeter weather seal that protects the top and sides of the garage door opening. This type of weather seal refers to the black (or sometimes gray) rubbery seal at the bottom of your garage door. This seal is often referred to as an “astragal” or bottom rubber. This innertube like rubber seal offers protection from water and dust infiltration where the garage door makes contact with the garage floor. The weight of the door pushing down on this seal, creates a tight barrier when properly installed and functioning. Over time, this seal can be negatively impacted by dry rot, rodent damage, and other forces. When this happens, the garage door will lose its ability to keep water, bugs, and dust and debris out.

     o Solution – Keep an eye on this bottom seal, which is an easily forgotten out-of-sight, out-of-mind protector. If you notice dry rotting, torn portions, or other damage, consider replacing this soon. If this weather seal is ignored for too long, it can become very dry and hard and essentially lock itself in place and making it very difficult to remove and replace. If this happens, the entire aluminum retainer (the track that holds the seal) might need to be replaced as well, which is a costly repair. If you need help with this repair or replacement, contact a reputable garage door service company for assistance.

Conclusion
A smoothly functioning garage door is a testament to the convenience it brings to our daily lives. By being aware of the common issues discussed in this article and taking proactive steps towards maintenance, you can ensure that your garage door continues to operate seamlessly for many years to come. Regular inspections, lubrication, and addressing issues promptly can go a long way toward extending the longevity and efficiency of your garage door system. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional for a thorough assessment and resolution of any persistent problems.


At Best Door & Window, we pride ourselves in helping homeowners get the most out of their garage doors and we are here to help should you need us.