On average, the garage door is opened and closed 1,500 times a year. The problem with this is that it is often one of the last things homeowners think about when it comes to home maintenance, or for that matter, home improvement. That is, of course, until the door won’t open or close, someone crashes into it, or the garage door springs break. In situations such as these, professional garage door repair is needed to ensure the door operates safely, securely and efficiently.

It Won’t Open or Close

If the door has been operating reliably up until now, check the batteries in the transmitters and if the problem persists, the photoelectric sensors on both sides. The door’s sensors must be properly aligned for the door to open or close. Required on all openers since 1993, this system functions to automatically, and immediately stop the door from closing when the electric beam between the sensors is broken by someone or something. If the door still won’t open or close, contact a professional for garage repair.

Someone Collided with the Door

Because the garage door may be one of your home’s most prominent, not to mention heaviest elements, it’s best to call an expert to assess damage caused by someone backing or driving into the garage door. If one or two sections are damaged, replacing the panels may be possible, but if the damage is more severe than this then a new garage door may be your best bet. A professional service technician will discuss all available options with you at time of appointment.

It Won’t Operate Smoothly

The tracks are usually one of the first things you should check if the garage door shakes or jerks during operation. They could be misaligned, bent, damaged or just dirty. If the track is damaged, you can try straightening it using a soft mallet, or contact a professional. Dirty tracks can be wiped out with a damp cloth. Other causes for a jerky garage door such as faulty rollers or a problem with the garage door opener are best serviced by a local garage door repair professional.

The Garage Door is Noisy

Opener drive-type, metal rollers, and hinges are all associated with a noisy garage door. Noise from these components doesn’t usually indicate a problem. Before calling a professional service technician, try lubricating the springs, hinges and pulleys. Use a product specifically developed for garage doors (not WD-40!) Other measures to consider include having a belt-drive garage door opener and 13-ball precision bearing nylon rollers professionally installed. The door should be serviced if noise persists.

The Springs are Broken

There are two types of garage door springs: torsion and extension that work to counterbalance the entire weight of the door when it opens and closes. Standard springs, rated for 10,000-cycles should give you a lifespan of approximately seven years. This is based on four operations a day. Obviously, the more the door is used, the sooner this crucial component will break. It is also possible for them to break for other reasons such as rust, damage, and extreme temperature changes.

Once torsion or extension springs break, the door cannot operate safely, and should not be used until garage door repair has been made. Complete replacement is the only repair option available for broken garage door springs. It is often recommended that both springs be replaced during the same visit as they were likely installed at the same time and are therefore, on the same life cycle. Many local garage door repair professionals provide same day or emergency spring replacement.