Garage doors are often used multiple times per day, which makes them especially prone to normal, everyday wear and tear. They are essential to our daily lives for both security and convenience, so it is important to recognize signs of wear and tear to help you maintain your door. This will allow your garage door to continue to operate efficiently. Let’s talk about some common signs of wear so that you can identify when something seems not quite right and can address it early!
- Operation has become more noisy.
If your garage door has begun to make some unusual noises, it can certainly indicate wear and tear. There will always be some level of noise when opening and closing, but if you notice that it seems different, then you may need to have it addressed. You may hear grinding, rattling, or squeaking that wasn’t there before. This noise may be solved by simply lubricating all moving parts; however, it could also mean that the hardware might need tightening or the rollers need replacing.
- Visual wear and tear.
A fast and simple visual inspection can in many cases alert you to any wear and tear occurring. Carefully go over the door and all parts while looking for any signs of damage. Check for rust, dents, cracking, and loose bolts. Also, be sure to check the bottom seal and weatherstripping, ensuring that your garage door has a tight seal around it.
- Opening and closing have become inconsistent.
If your door has started to not open and close correctly, it can definitely be a sign of wear and tear. Maybe the garage door isn’t opening every time; maybe it is stopping when it is only halfway or suddenly begins to reverse. If this happens, it is a definite indication that something isn’t right. It could possibly be a problem with the springs or the safety sensors. The springs are what counters the weight of the door, so if they are worn or have snapped, the door will be unable to lift. The sensors are a safety feature, and if they malfunction or are misaligned or dirty, the garage door will not open as it should.
- Misaligned or has come off the tracks.
Garage doors can become misaligned or even come off their tracks. Opening unevenly or slanting of the door is obviously not a good sign! This can happen due to wear and tear. Garage doors can even come off their tracks, which can be a dangerous situation since this could possibly cause the door to fall. This can happen due to broken cables, springs, or faulty tracks. Overtime tracks may become misaligned or can bend, leading the door to not operate correctly.
- Increase in energy bills.
Garage doors can have an impact on the temperature of adjacent living spaces within your home. If your garage door is properly sealed, it will be much more energy efficient. If you can feel drafts coming in around the door or notice temperature fluctuations, it can be due to weatherstripping and/or the bottom seal failing. Over time, they can become cracked or brittle, which can cause pieces to break away. There needs to be a tight seal to keep the cold drafts out of the garage.
- Repairs have become frequent.
If your garage door is getting up there in age and you have been frequently needing to repair it, your door is experiencing wear and tear. Needing repairs often is a sign of aging door components. In this case, it may be best to consider replacing your garage door, and it could be more cost-effective to do so.
You should, as a homeowner, be able to recognize the signs of normal wear and tear on your garage door. Regular maintenance and taking care of any arising issues promptly can extend its lifetime and ensure that your door is operating efficiently. Consult a professional if you notice any of the signs of wear and tear to ensure that you save money and a hassle in the long term!