5 Most Common Garage Door Problems

Garage doors are an essential part of many homes across the UK, providing security and convenience. However, like any mechanical system, they can encounter problems over time. This comprehensive guide will help you identify and potentially resolve some of the most frequent garage door repairs issues – saving you time and money.

1. Noisy Operation

One of the most common complaints about garage doors is excessive noise during operation. This can be particularly annoying, especially if your garage is attached to your home or you have neighbours nearby. The noise can be caused by several factors:

      • Loose hardware: Over time, nuts and bolts can become loose due to the door’s regular movement.

      • Worn rollers: Old or damaged rollers can create a lot of noise as they move along the tracks.

      • Lack of lubrication: Moving parts that aren’t properly lubricated can cause squeaking and grinding noises.

    Quick fix: Start by tightening all nuts and bolts on the door and track. This simple step can often eliminate much of the noise. Next, inspect the rollers. If they’re worn or damaged, consider replacing them with nylon rollers, which tend to operate more quietly than metal ones. Finally, apply a silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts, including the rollers, hinges, and springs. Avoid using WD-40 or grease, as these can attract dirt and grime over time.

    2. Door Won’t Open or Close Completely

    If your garage door stops before fully opening or closing, it not only affects the door’s functionality but can also compromise your home’s security. This issue could be due to:

        • Misaligned safety sensors: These sensors, located near the bottom of the door on either side, prevent the door from closing if there’s an obstruction.

        • Obstructed tracks: Debris or damage in the tracks can prevent the door from moving smoothly.

        • Improperly set limit switches: These switches tell the door’s motor when to stop opening or closing.

      DIY solution: First, check the safety sensors. Ensure they’re clean and properly aligned with each other. A blinking light on the sensor usually indicates misalignment. Next, inspect the tracks for any obvious obstructions or damage. Clean the tracks with a damp cloth and straighten any bent sections if possible. Lastly, consult your garage door manual to learn how to adjust the limit switches. This usually involves turning a screw on the motor unit to change the distance the door travels.

      3. Broken Springs

      Garage door springs are crucial components that counterbalance the door’s weight, making it easy to open and close. However, they’re under high tension and can break over time. Signs of a broken spring include:

          • A loud bang when the door is in operation

          • The door feeling much heavier than usual when trying to lift it manually

          • Crooked or uneven door movement

        Caution: Spring replacement is extremely dangerous and should only be performed by professionals. The high tension in these springs can cause serious injury if not handled correctly.If you suspect a broken spring, it’s best to stop using the door immediately and call a professional garage door repair service. Attempting to use the door with a broken spring can cause further damage to the door and its components.

        4. Unresponsive Remote Control

        Few things are more frustrating than a garage door that won’t respond to its remote control. If you’re experiencing this issue, consider these potential causes:

            • Dead batteries in the remote

            • Misaligned photo-eye sensors

            • Faulty remote or receiver

            • Antenna on the motor unit is damaged or obstructed

          Simple fix: Start by replacing the batteries in the remote. If that doesn’t work, check the photo-eye sensors as described earlier. You might also try reprogramming the remote – consult your manual for instructions specific to your model. This might save you time and money on an garage door repairs engineer’s call out fee. If none of these solutions work, the issue might be with the remote itself or the receiver in the motor unit. In this case, you may need to replace the remote or call a professional to inspect the motor unit.

          5. Frozen Garage Door

          While not as common in some parts of the UK, garage doors can occasionally freeze to the ground during particularly cold snaps. This is often due to a small amount of water seeping under the door and freezing. To address this:

              • Apply salt or de-icing products around the door’s perimeter to melt the ice and prevent refreezing.

              • Once the door is free, clear away any water to prevent the problem from recurring.

            Prevention tip: Apply weather stripping to the bottom of the door to create a better seal. This not only prevents freezing but also helps keep out drafts, insects, and small animals.

            When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Repairs

            While many garage door repair issues can be resolved with DIY methods, others require expert attention. It’s important to know your limits and recognise when a problem is beyond your skill level. Contact a professional garage door repairs service if you encounter:

                • Broken springs or cables: As mentioned earlier, these repairs can be extremely dangerous for non-professionals.

                • Significant structural damage: If the door or its frame is badly damaged, it may need to be replaced entirely.

                • Electrical or motor problems: Issues with the garage door opener’s motor or wiring should be handled by an expert.

                • Any repair you’re not comfortable performing yourself: If you’re unsure about any aspect of the repair, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and call a professional.

              Regular maintenance can prevent many common garage door problems. Consider scheduling annual inspections with a local garage door service to catch potential issues before they become major problems. By addressing issues promptly and knowing when to seek professional help, you can ensure your garage door operates safely and efficiently for years to come.

              Garage Door Repairs Norwich?

              At J Brady Garage doors we have countless years of experience dealing with every garage door repair issue imaginable. If you need advice or are looking to hire a garage door repairs professional, reach out to us today.