Garage door openers are a fantastic addition to any home, and the technology attached to them is constantly advancing. However, as with all systems and devices, they can break or experience faults. Sometimes these may be things that you can fix yourself, and other times you will need to consult a professional.
At Garage Door Repair Man, we have over 30 years of experience in performing the repairs you need. Our quality of service is unmatched, and we are dedicated to providing the best customer experience, equipping you with the knowledge and maintenance needed to prevent the same problem happening twice.
We have created a guide to the 10 most common garage door opener problems which you may encounter as a home-owner, with insight into what may be causing them, how you can solve them and if you should be seeking professional help:
- Unusual Or Loud Noises
- Not Responding To Operator
- Won’t Open Or Close Completely
- Struggling To Move
- Moving Too Quickly
- Moving Too Slowly
- Affected By Weather
- Worn Out
Unusual Or Loud Noises
If you’re sitting at home wondering, ‘why is my garage door opener so noisy’ or ‘I think my garage door opener is making strange noises’, then this one’s for you. Excessive noise, or creaking and grinding sounds, may indicate that it needs routine maintenance, or some new parts.
Some possible causes include: worn rollers, worn hinges, a misaligned track, loose bolts and loose springs. The best course of action is to replace whichever part is causing the problem. This means that, unless you are completely confident in completing your own repairs, you should contact a garage door repair man.
Not Responding To Operator
Most styles of garage door opener, such as an electric garage door, are operated using a hand-held remote control or a wall switch. There are a few reasons why they could stop responding, such as proximity to the antenna or disruption of the power source.
Since there are a few possible causes, there are a few possible solutions which you can try yourself at home before contacting a professional, such as:
- Checking the outlet: make sure that the motor unit cord is properly plugged in.
- Reset the breaker: if lights and appliances aren’t working either, the circuit breaker or fuse may have tripped or burned out.
- Replace the battery: batteries run flat, and those inside your remote control or keypad are no exception.
- Reprogram the operator: sometimes electronics can lose their programming, so you may need to consult the instruction manual.
- Other possible solutions, such as replacing a burned-out motor, will require an engineer.
Won’t Open Or Close Completely
If your garage door opener won’t open completely, halting before it reaches the top, or if it won’t close completely, with a gap between the door and the floor, then it may pose a security or safety risk.
You may need to adjust your open-limit switch and close-limit switch. These switches are a safety measure present on all openers to minimise the risk of hitting people or damaging the door. It could be that you need to readjust or realign your safety sensors, or that something is blocking their sightpath and confusing the system. Worn or damaged rollers could need replacing or lubricating, or tracks could be shifted or bent.
Struggling To Move
Is your garage door opener sticking, or moving jerkily? It should be moving smoothly, which means that there is a bent track, broken component or some kind of obstruction. These are all problems that should be approached by a mechanic, however there are bits of routine maintenance which you can do in the future that will reduce the likelihood of it happening again soon.
The most accessible kind of maintenance, for people of all ages and ability, is applying lubrication and tightening the hardware. Using a white lithium grease on chains and screws, and a spray lubricant on overhead springs, will make operation seamless. Tightening brackets and bolts with a socket wrench will prevent components from loosening.
Moving Too Quickly
A garage door opener which moves too quickly can pose a serious danger to people, animals and vehicles who could be hit or caught underneath. This means that it is crucial to fix the problem before it causes injury or damage. The most likely cause is a snapped spring or cable, and so you will require a replacement. This should be done by a qualified engineer, to avoid creating a bigger problem or injuring yourself.
Moving Too Slowly
Although this isn’t as dangerous as moving too quickly, it can definitely be frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry. Plus, a garage door opener is an investment that should last for years, so you want it to be operating at optimal speed. The most common reason for slow movement is worn springs, as they are under constant pressure and friction. Once again, the safest solution is to contact a mechanic, as there is a risk of injury if you don’t know what you are doing.
Affected By Weather
Most garage door openers are capable of operating in all kinds of weather, working effectively in rain, snow and shine. However, depending on the make, model, age and settings of your system, it may fail to open in adverse conditions.
The first thing that you should check is the sensitivity of your motor. It may need adjusting, and so you should consult your owners manual on how to do so. The rollers may also need additional lubrication. If these don’t help, it’s probably time to call in an expert, who will need to see and test it to identify the problem.
Worn-Out
A well-maintained opener, which is treated carefully and receives regular preventative maintenance, can last for 15+ years. The individual components are under considerable stress, which means that neglect or rough treatment can decrease its lifespan. You may need to replace individual components, or even the whole system.
Purchasing a new garage door opener can be fun, because it is your opportunity to invest in exactly what you are looking for. You can find a system which can do what you want physically, while also looking the way you want. Some things to take into consideration are the cost, materials, style and installation and maintenance options.
How Can Garage Door Repair Man Help You?
A garage door opener is a worthwhile investment, with extensive benefits for you and your home. It improves your home’s appearance, increases its value and eases accessibility. However, you can encounter garage door opener problems, such as the ones in this post. Our list isn’t exhaustive, but it should give you a good idea of what to do and when to seek help.
At Garage Door Repair Man, we specialise in repairing, servicing and converting garage doors. We offer 24 hour care, 7 days a week, because we understand that problems arise when you least expect them, and when you least need them. Our team are experts in identifying the problem quickly and providing the best, most cost-effective solution for you and your home.
If your garage door opener is experiencing problems and you need a garage door repair service in Derby, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact us today by calling 0800 542 7978 or if it’s an emergency, please reach an emergency engineer directly on 07957 353 228. Repair and maintenance solutions are just a phone call away.
