Garage door repair is something all homeowners have to deal with at some point in time. Understanding the common problems you may face can make it easier to explain the issue to the technician when he or she arrives. It can also help you understand what the service technician is doing to fix the problem.
1. You Push the Button, but It Does not Close
Modern garage door openers have built-in sensors that feel the resistance on the hatch. If there is a broken spring or hinge, then mechanics will not try to pull the chain. In some instances, the opener is the problem. Only a qualified technician can diagnose the issue.
2. You Can Hear the Opener Running, but Nothing Happens
Openers wear out over time, and the gears are usually the first thing to go. If these gears are stripped, they cannot move the chain, which raises and lowers the hatch. In some cases, you can replace the gears. In others, you have no choice but to replace the entire system.
3. You Have a Kick Out Door and Want It Repaired
You may find some technicians who are willing to fix your one-piece door, better known as a kick out. However, as these are outdated systems, they are unsafe. While yours may seem to be in decent working condition, you should have it replaced with a newer, safer model.
4. The Hatch Opens Stiffly and Makes Noise
Noisy garage doors are a common problem. Your garage door repair technician will first replace the rollers in order to solve the problem. Most companies use plastic rollers that wear out. When having them replaced, you should ask for low-resistance rollers. This model works smoother and is lower maintenance than traditional options. They are worth the additional cost.
5. You Have an Old Opener and Want It Replaced
If your opener is not working properly, you may wonder if it has to be replaced. Your garage door repair technician will be able to look at your equipment and make a determination about whether they have the parts needed to fix the problem without replacing the entire unit. However, in the interest of safety, if your old system does not have a safety beam, you need to exchange it for a newer system.
6. The Rollers Are Out of the Track and It’s Pulling the Door
This is actually a very common garage door repair issue. There are several different reasons why this could happen. Your rollers could be so worn out that they work their way out of the track. Sometimes the track itself has been bent or is obstructed by something within the room. Other times, the large springs at the top are broken and cause the panels to pull off track.
One of the most overlooked causes is when you’ve accidentally hit a panel with your vehicle. The damage may look insignificant. However, if left unrepaired, over time it will pull the panel off track. Thankfully, the solution is relatively easy to fix, and it can be repaired.