Are you having Garage Door troubles? Here’s what to do

After it opens and shuts thousands of times as the years go by, your garage door is bound to need some close attention at some point. There are numerous reasons for garage door problems. Here are some of the most likely possibilities and solutions.

Simple Problems

Check the transmitter batteries. Maybe they just need replacing, and the garage door will work now.

Does the garage door opener run for a few seconds, but then turn off? If your garage door still won’t move, the door motor is repeatedly attempting yet failing to lift the door. Inspect the springs. If that isn’t the issue, check the track for any obstacles. If neither of these is the culprit, then see if your garage door is the type that has a built-in lock, because it could be engaging by accident. This commonly occurs with older garage doors.

Does your garage door go all the way down, yet open again? The open-and-close limit settings of your garage door opener are probably on the blink. Read the operating manual for how to set the open-and-close limits. These settings tell the garage door opener how far the garage door should move before it completely shuts. If the settings are too high, the door will touch the ground before the opener assumes it ought to, presuming that the door is hitting something in its path. It will automatically reverse, to stop from smashing it.

Does your garage door opener run, but the garage door won’t move? If there’s a power failure, your garage door opener has a disconnect switch, which permits you to open or close your garage door by hand. This switch is attached to a rope or knob, which can accidentally come unhooked. Open or close the door manually all the way, and then securely reattach the hook. Then, with the transmitter, try again to open or close the garage door, and it should work now.

Does the garage door not close at all? Your garage door has a photo eye on each side, and between them is an invisible beam, which, when broken, prevents the door from closing. See whether these sensors are misaligned or grimy.

Does your garage door shut and open at random? If the garage door is opening or closing by itself, that’s unsafe as well as a nuisance. The solution may be that all you have to do is check the transmitter. Be sure it’s not stuck under an object that may be pushing the control mechanism inadvertently. For instance, the transmitter might be beneath some item you forgot inside your car, or somewhere else close by. Examine the transmitter’s frequency, too. It’s possible your neighbor has the exact same frequency as yours.

Prevent Future Problems

Every two years, clean your garage door to prolong its life. Wash it on both sides with a sponge using mild dish soap and water. Rinse it well. Don’t forget the garage door opener sensor eyes; clean them off with a dry, fresh cloth. Keep the perimeter around the sensors free of dirt and cobwebs. If your garage door is made of steel, apply car wax for cold-weather protection. If you have a wooden garage door, if you see peeling or chipping, apply a new coat of paint.

Schedule an annual inspection with a dependable local garage door repair company. Springs, pulleys, cables, and wires need additional attention from an expert garage door technician.

Each month, thoroughly examine the components of your garage door system. Replace any worn parts. Tighten any loose bolts. If you hear any strange noises when you open or close the door, don’t ignore it.

Establish a garage door maintenance schedule. It’s wise to keep your garage door in tiptop shape to make it last longer. If your garage doubles as a game room, office, or shop, then all the more reason to keep it particularly well-maintained.

Lubricate the garage door hinges, springs, and rollers, with just a light coating - each year before winter comes. Without lubrication, the springs will ultimately rust, and the coils will bind. Use a top brand, so it won’t dry out.

Garage door maintenance actually takes minimal effort, but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll spend a lot less on any repairs that do come up, and you won’t have to replace it for a good long time.