A garage door is crucial for maintaining the security and convenience of your home. However, like any mechanical system, it’s prone to wear and tear, which can result in various types of garage door damage over time.
Whether it’s caused by weather conditions, general wear, or accidental impact, a damaged garage door can disrupt your daily routine and even pose a safety risk.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes of garage door damage, practical fixes for each issue, and how to decide between a DIY repair or calling a professional. Plus, we’ll share simple preventive tips that ensure residential garage doors stay in top condition and continue to operate safely and efficiently.
7 Common Causes of Garage Door Damage (With Fixes)
Here’s a look at some frequent garage door problems you might encounter and how to fix them. Knowing these can help extend your garage door lifespan, avoid costly repairs, and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
1. Spring failures
Springs are vital to your garage door’s operation, counterbalancing the door’s weight to allow easy movement. Eventually, these springs can wear or snap, leading to a damaged or broken garage door. When this happens, the door may become impossible to open.
Fix: Because these springs are under high tension, they can be dangerous when replacing yourself. Always contact a professional to handle spring replacement, ensuring safe and efficient repairs.
Prevention: To avoid premature spring failure, ensure regular inspections and lubrication. A well-maintained spring will last longer and reduce the chance of sudden failure. If you hear squeaking or see visible damage, consider replacing them before they break.
2. A malfunctioning garage door opener
If your garage door opener stops functioning properly, it may be caused by electrical problems, worn parts, or a deteriorating motor. Problems with the opener can often lead to a garage door damage repair if not addressed quickly.
Fix: Inspect the power supply and ensure the remote control is working. If the opener still malfunctions, a professional can diagnose and repair any issues with the motor, gears, or electrical connections.
Prevention: Perform regular checks to ensure the opener is working correctly. Clean any dust or debris from the motor and moving parts. Replace the batteries in the remote as needed and keep the opener well-maintained with professional service every couple of years.
3. Roller wear and tear
Rollers are responsible for allowing your garage door to move smoothly along the tracks. Over time, these rollers can become worn or damaged, leading to loud, jerky movements.
Fix: Regular inspection and replacement of worn or damaged rollers on your door are necessary. Professional technicians can ensure the new rollers are installed properly for smooth operation.
Prevention: Keep the rollers clean and lubricated to prevent the buildup of dirt and rust. Inspect them for damage every few months to avoid sudden failures and the need for urgent garage door repair services.
4. Track misalignment and damage
Your garage door tracks help guide the door’s movement. When these tracks become misaligned or damaged, the door may get stuck, make grinding noises, or not move smoothly. Tracks can be especially prone to garage door damage, such as rust, if left untreated in moist environments.
Fix: Have a professional adjust the tracks or replace any damaged sections. Addressing this issue early on prevents further damage and ensures safe operation.
Prevention: Keep the tracks clean by wiping away dirt and debris regularly. Lubricating the tracks can also help reduce wear. Avoid bumping into the tracks with vehicles or other objects to prevent misalignment.
5. Damaged or broken cables
Garage door cables are critical for lifting and lowering the door. If a cable snaps or frays, it may cause the door to become unbalanced or fail to open or close. This issue often ties into garage door spring damage and could lead to further complications.
Fix: Cables are another component that’s under high tension and should only be replaced by a professional. Replacing damaged cables ensures the door operates safely and avoids further damage to the system.
Prevention: Inspect cables regularly for fraying or visible wear. If they appear damaged, replace them immediately to prevent the risk of the door failing. Routine professional maintenance can help spot cable wear before it becomes a problem.
6. Sensor alignment problems
Garage doors are fitted with safety sensors designed to detect objects in the door’s path. When these sensors become misaligned or blocked, they may prevent the door from closing completely, causing unnecessary reversals or partial closures. These can also lead to issues like wind damage to garage doors.
Fix: Cleaning the sensors and realigning them can often resolve this issue. If the sensors remain unresponsive, a technician will need to realign or replace them.
Prevention: Keep your sensors clean regularly by removing any dust and debris. Check their alignment periodically, especially after cleaning the garage or if the door isn’t operating as expected. Properly aligned sensors ensure the door works safely every time.
7. Deteriorating weather seals
Weather seals help protect your garage from the outside elements, such as rain, snow, and dust. Over time, these seals can crack or become brittle, which allows outside air and moisture to enter your garage, potentially causing issues like hail damage to your garage door.
Fix: Replacing worn-out weather seals is an easy fix that will keep your garage door functioning properly. A new seal will prevent drafts and moisture from entering, preserving the door’s integrity.
Prevention: Always inspect the weather seals for cracks or wear and replace them as needed. Applying a silicone-based sealant to prevent drying and cracking will help maintain their effectiveness and keep your garage protected from the elements.
Quality Care for Your Garage Door, Every Time
Proper maintenance and timely repairs are crucial for keeping your garage door in optimal condition. Consistently checking your garage door for signs of wear and proactively addressing issues can ensure smooth operation and longevity, saving you from bigger headaches down the road.
When it’s time for more complex repairs or even a complete garage door replacement, Mountain State Garage Doors is the trusted name for garage door services. Need a simple fix? A major repair? Or are you considering a new garage system? Our experienced team is ready to help with your garage door installation in Salt Lake City.
Contact us today for garage door services that you can depend on to keep your home secure and functional!
a decade of experience in residential and commercial garage door solutions. His
approach and commitment to excellence are reflected in his articles on garage door care
for both home and commercial properties. Jeremey’s expert insights offer valuable
guidance for maintaining and enhancing garage door systems, benefiting both
homeowners and businesses.
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