A garage door that’s working properly blends into the background of our daily routines, but when something starts going wrong, it can quickly become a big inconvenience—or even a safety hazard.
Whether you’re in Abbotsford, Surrey, Langley, or elsewhere in the Lower Mainland, our chilly, wet winters add extra stress on garage doors, making it even more important to catch small issues early.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 signs that your garage door might need repair. By spotting these signs early, you can avoid costly emergency repairs and keep your garage door running smoothly year-round.
1. Strange, New Noises
If your garage door starts making strange noises, it’s trying to tell you something! A healthy garage door should move quietly and smoothly, with only a gentle hum from the opener.
- Squeaking or Grinding: This could mean the rollers or hinges need lubrication.
- Banging or Clanking: These loud sounds often point to loose hardware or a problem with the spring system.
Any new noise is worth investigating, as it usually signals that something is out of alignment or needs attention.
2. Slower or Hesitant Operation
If your garage door seems to be working in slow motion, it may be due to wear and tear on the opener or tension issues with the springs.
- Test the Speed: If your door is noticeably slower than usual, it could be a sign that the opener is struggling or that the springs are weakening.
A slow garage door can also indicate motor issues that will worsen over time, so don’t ignore this one!
3. Door Won’t Open or Close All the Way
A door that doesn’t open or close fully could be due to sensor issues, track misalignment, or obstructions in the pathway.
- Stops Partway: If it stops midway, it might be a sensor issue or a sign that the opener is struggling with the weight.
- Doesn’t Reach the Ground: This may indicate that the limit settings on the opener need adjustment.
If your door isn’t fully opening or closing, it leaves your home less secure and could damage the door or opener over time.
4. Door Feels Heavier than Usual
Garage doors are surprisingly heavy, but the springs counterbalance the weight to make it feel light when you lift it manually. If the door feels unusually heavy, it’s a sure sign that the springs are wearing out.
- Lift the Door Manually: Disconnect the opener and try lifting the door. If it’s heavy or drops back down, your springs may need repair or replacement.
Springs carry a lot of tension, so it’s safest to call a professional to handle this repair.
5. The Door Is Off-Balance
An off-balance door is often a result of uneven tension in the springs. If left unaddressed, it can lead to major damage and even cause the door to come off the track.
- Test the Balance: Disconnect the opener, lift the door halfway, and let go. It should stay in place. If it slams shut or flies open, it’s unbalanced.
Fixing an unbalanced door is essential for both safety and smooth operation. Contact a pro to correct it.
6. Broken or Frayed Cables
Cables are critical to your garage door’s operation, working with the springs to lift the door’s weight safely. Over time, cables can become frayed, rusted, or even snap.
- Check for Visible Damage: Look for signs of fraying, rust, or slack in the cables. Any of these could mean they’re close to breaking.
If you notice damage, call a technician immediately. A snapped cable can be dangerous and cause sudden door failure.
7. The Door Shakes or Jerks as It Moves
A jerky, shaky door indicates something is wrong with the rollers, tracks, or alignment. The door should glide smoothly along the tracks without any wobbling.
- Watch the Movement: If your door shakes or seems to “jump” during operation, it could be due to worn-out rollers or a misaligned track.
A shaky door puts strain on the opener and other parts, so fixing this issue promptly can prevent additional repairs down the road.
8. Sagging Door Sections
Over time, the individual panels of your garage door can start to sag or warp, particularly in older wooden doors or those exposed to high moisture (a common issue here in the Lower Mainland).
- Check for Sagging: If you notice the door doesn’t sit evenly or if panels are starting to warp, it could mean it’s time for repairs or replacement parts.
Sagging doors can compromise both security and functionality, so addressing this early is key.
9. Increased Energy Bills
If your garage is attached to your home, a poorly functioning garage door can impact your heating bill. Damaged weather stripping, gaps, and a lack of insulation can let in cold air.
- Inspect the Weather Stripping: If it’s cracked, worn, or missing, cold air could be entering your garage, causing heating costs to rise.
- Look for Light Around the Edges: Light seeping through the edges or bottom of your door can mean that it’s not properly sealed.
Replacing worn weather stripping and improving insulation can help keep the cold out and save you on energy bills.
10. Remote or Opener Problems
If you’re repeatedly clicking the remote or noticing erratic behavior from your opener, there may be an issue with the opener or the remote itself.
- Test the Remote and Wall Switch: If one works and the other doesn’t, you might need to replace the remote battery or troubleshoot the opener.
- Inconsistent Operation: If the opener starts, stops, or reverses for no reason, it could indicate a mechanical or electrical issue.
A reliable opener is crucial for convenience and security, so don’t wait to fix opener problems.
Need help to understand those signs?
Spotting these signs early can save you from a garage door emergency later on. Whether you’re noticing strange noises, a sluggish opener, or any other issue, acting promptly keeps your door operating safely and avoids costly repairs down the line. If you’re seeing any of these warning signs and aren’t sure what to do, we’re here to help!
For garage door repair, maintenance, or an inspection in Abbotsford, Surrey, Langley, Chilliwack, and across the Lower Mainland, call Garage Door Pros at 778-767-3711. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can keep your garage door in top shape all year round!
