Common Issues Found During Garage Door Inspections and How to Fix Them
Garage doors are an integral part of our homes, providing security and convenience. However, like any other mechanical system, they can develop issues over time due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Regular garage door inspections can help identify these problems early on before they escalate into major repairs or replacements.
One common issue found during garage door inspections is a broken spring. The springs are responsible for lifting the heavy garage door and if one breaks, the door will not open properly. This problem is typically characterized by a loud bang when the break occurs or the door opening halfway then suddenly stopping. Fixing a broken spring involves replacing it with a new one – a task best left to professionals due to its complexity and potential safety risks.
Another common issue is worn-out weather stripping which seals explore the content gaps around your garage door keeping out rain, snow, dust, insects and maintains energy efficiency in your home. If you notice drafts coming from around your closed garage door or see visible damage to the weather stripping itself, it needs replacement. This is relatively easy to fix; simply remove the old strip and replace it with a new one that fits your specific model.
Misaligned tracks are also frequently identified during inspections. The metal track your garage door runs on must be aligned correctly for smooth operation. If there are bends in the rails or gaps between the rollers and rail this could cause serious operational issues including causing undue strain on various parts of your system leading to premature failure of components such as motors or springs. Realignment often requires loosening screws that hold up brackets that secure rails then carefully adjusting until alignment is correct.
Sensor malfunctions represent another prevalent issue during inspections – modern automatic doors rely on sensors for safe operation preventing them from closing when something obstructs their path; if these malfunction you might find yourself unable to close your doors automatically using remote control systems requiring manual intervention every time you need them closed/opened again which can be quite inconvenient especially in inclement weather. Fixing this usually involves either realigning sensors if they have been knocked out of place or replacing them altogether if they are faulty.
Lastly, a common problem is the garage door opener not working. This can be due to several issues such as dead remote batteries, misplaced safety eyes, or a malfunctioning motor. The solution could be as simple as changing the batteries in your remote or repositioning safety eyes; however, if it’s an issue with the motor then professional help may be needed.
In conclusion, regular inspections and maintenance of your garage door can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. While some fixes are relatively easy to do yourself like replacing weather stripping or changing remote batteries others like spring replacement or track alignment should ideally be left to professionals due to their complexity and potential risk involved.