Detecting Garage Door Issues and What to Do With Them
It is said that a garage door opens around 1,500 times annually in every home. Because garage doors are also heavy (and heavily used), the system that came with them could be damaged through normal wear and tear. Read on to detect garage door issues and what to do with them.
The Failing Opening and Closing
If the garage door won’t open or close, replace any dead batteries in the transmitter. You can be out of range if your transmitter isn’t working properly. The majority of transmitters have a range of 50 feet from the opener or four to five car lengths. The garage door transmitter is vulnerable to interference.
If the transmitter is fine, the problem could be the motor. While looking for impediments, inspect for damage and make repairs.
The Sudden Opening
If the door closes and opens suddenly (or immediately after), check the limit switch settings. The limit switch regulates the closing distance of the door. It closes and opens if the range is set too high. The safety function is activated when the opener detects an obstruction.
Limit switch models’ dials may differ. The limit switch is adjusted by turning the dial in small increments. Turn the handle to close the door. To find the switch, consult the owner’s manual for your garage door opener.
The Failed Shut-In
A faulty safety sensor is most likely to blame for an open but unclosed garage door. Photo eye sensors are installed on both sides of the door. When it is clogged, misaligned, or gusted, these obstruct its closure.
Examine the location of the photo-eye sensors. Measure the height of the sensor to look for flaws. If they are aligned, they should be the same distance from the floor. To remove dirt and dust from the surface without scratching it, use a microfiber cloth.
Test the door after cleaning and calibrating the sensors. A system error could be at blame if the door did not close properly.
The Running Motor and the Unopened Door
If the motor runs but it doesn’t open the garage door, it’s possible that the limit switch or the belt is broken. This is usually an installation issue that can be remedied by a quick adjustment to the switch.
Inspect the trolley if the engine continues to run. In another case, pull the emergency release rope toward the opener to revive the motor. If this still fails, the system may be flawed. Worn gears may prohibit the motor from engaging.
The Partial-Only Opening
The garage door may only partially open if the limit switch is not properly adjusted. If the limit switch is not properly set, the door opener may stop before fully opening. If adjusting the limit switch does not work, inspect the rollers. Rollers may need to be lubricated or replaced.
A warped metal track could also potentially be a problem. Doors must be properly aligned in order to open and close. It will otherwise open and close unevenly. As the heavy door travels along the fractured tracks, the situation will worsen.
As such, check the alignment and see if the door squeaks as it travels down distorted tracks. Then, unscrew the tracks and use a rubber mallet to straighten them. If the door still would not open, the damage may be irreversible.
The Strange Sounds
A loud garage door indicates a system failure. Bolts and nuts that vibrate indicate a lack of tension. High-pitched sounds are produced by squeaky hinges. Squeaking may occur if there is insufficient lubrication.
Door balancing issues cause thumping and rattling sounds. You may notice that the door opens and closes slowly or irregularly. If this is not done, the spring and cable assembly may be jeopardized.
Never ignore a loud banging noise. This could happen if your home’s torsion springs fail. After 10,000 cycles, springs are prone to failure. Remember, a broken spring could be hazardous and require rapid repairs.
Conclusion
If you encounter these garage door issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from a specialist. This could prevent you from experiencing catastrophic and costly damages. As such, with regular maintenance, you can avoid future issues and keep everybody safe.
Come to Garage Door Repair Plymouth for reliable and professional garage door repair services. Give us a call today to learn about our team and what we can offer you!
