If your automatic garage door isn’t working properly, you may need to contact an expert for a diagnosis. Garage door repair companies send a technician to inspect the door and opening system to determine the cause of the problem. Here is more information about the services repair experts offer and the issues they help address:
Problems With the Door
Garage doors use rollers that travel along tracks to guide the door as it opens and closes. A damaged door panel interferes with this movement. A severely dented panel can bind against the track and prevent the door from opening or closing fully. A bent or damaged track obstructs the rollers and stops the door from moving smoothly. Hinges connect the door panels and allow them to bend as the door moves; lubricating the hinges and rollers with an appropriate lubricant helps reduce friction and wear.
Most sectional garage doors use a spring-and-cable system to counterbalance the door’s weight, while rollers and tracks guide its movement. If the door becomes misaligned or a roller comes out of the track, the door may jam or move unevenly. A damaged panel requires repair or replacement if it interferes with the door’s operation. If a roller, hinge, cable, or other component is damaged, it must be repaired or replaced as needed. Because springs and cables are under high tension, a qualified garage door repair technician should handle repairs involving these components.
Problems With the Motion System
An electric motor drives the garage door’s opening and closing mechanism, and the motor is typically mounted on the ceiling or wall beside the door. Modern systems often include a remote control and keypad for operating the door. Some systems also integrate with smart-home platforms, allowing you to operate the door through a smartphone app.
If the motor or its electrical supply fails, the door stops operating automatically. A mechanical or electrical fault sometimes leaves it partially open. Safety sensors help prevent the garage door from closing on people, vehicles, or objects. They detect obstructions in the door’s path, and the opener reverses or stops the door when the sensors detect an obstruction or lose their proper alignment. If the sensors malfunction, the opener typically prevents normal automatic closing. A qualified technician should inspect the sensors, wiring, and alignment before repairing or replacing faulty components.
Contact a qualified garage door technician to restore automatic operation. They verify that the motor, wiring, and drive mechanism are inspected to identify the cause of the failure. The technician will repair or replace defective components, or replace the entire opener if the damage warrants it.
Problems With Other Components
Garage door components wear out over time and require repair or replacement. When a key mechanical part fails, the door may not open or close properly, even if the motor still works. Common components that require maintenance or replacement include:
- Cables: Made of steel, these cables work with the spring system to help lift and lower the door. Over time, cables fray, corrode, or break, creating a safety hazard that requires prompt repair.
- Struts: These reinforcement bars strengthen garage door panels and help prevent bending or warping, especially on wide doors.
- Seals: Weatherstripping along the sides and top of the door, along with the bottom seal, helps keep wind, moisture, and debris out of the garage. When these seals crack or become deformed, replacing them helps reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency.
Seek Professional Garage Door Repair
If you’re having issues with your garage door, call a professional repair company to diagnose and repair the issue. They have the tools to repair the door and other mechanical components. Contact the professionals to schedule an appointment or to learn more about caring for your garage door system.