You likely depend on your garage door to open and close at the press of a button. It allows you to conveniently enter your home after a long day at work or running errands. However, there are times when it may malfunction, subsequently requiring a professional to repair your garage door.

Here are three of the most common reasons for garage door repair.

Broken Springs

One of the most common reasons to repair your garage door – this one requiring urgency – is a broken spring. The springs, torsion or extension, provide tension to prevent straining the opener’s motor. They essentially do all the heavy lifting each time you activate the door to either open or close. Most springs are rated for 10,000 cycles, with one cycle depleted with FULL operation of the door.

Once the springs have reached their lifespan, usually between seven and fourteen years, they may break. The life expectancy varies depending on use. Broken garage door springs render the door completely non-operational and must be replaced, ideally in pairs, by a professional. Their tension makes the springs incredibly dangerous! You may want to consider investing in professionally installed high-cycle springs for double the number of cycles.

Noisy Garage Door

Typically, the culprit for noise is a chain-drive garage door opener. As their name suggests, these openers use a metal chain that moves the trolley back and forth, effectively opening and closing the door. You ultimately sacrifice noise for affordability when selecting a chain-drive. Consider replacing the opener with a belt- or screw-drive that allows you to operate and monitor the door using a smart device.

Other reasons for a noisy garage door include loose hardware, worn rollers, and inadequate lubrication. You should tighten all nuts and bolts and lubricate all moving parts as part of a semi-annual maintenance plan. A repair professional can also complete these tasks for you. If the rollers have worn out, they will need to be professionally replaced with ball-bearing, ultra-quiet nylon rollers.

Non-functioning Photoelectric Sensors

Another common reason for a malfunctioning door, especially if it will not open, is non-functioning photoelectric sensors. Also known as photo-eyes, these sensors are installed two to a door about six inches above the ground, connected by an infrared beam. They are designed to either prevent the door from opening or immediately reverse direction should an obstruction occur.

Troubleshooting non-functioning photoelectric sensors includes ensuring they are correctly aligned and cleaned. Remember, they must connect via an invisible beam, and misalignment or debris can prevent this. Should this safety mechanism still not work, it is best to contact a repair professional to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs to the photoelectric sensors.

Schedule an Appointment Today

APEX Garage Door & Repair is a locally owned and operated service company with a team of experienced technicians available to repair your garage door or opener. Our company specializes in replacing broken garage door springs and many additional services.

APEX Garage Door & Repair services residential and commercial clients throughout the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. To schedule an installation, maintenance, repair, or another service appointment, please contact us today at (480) 460-1199.

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