We use our garages daily to get in and out of the house, so having a door that works properly is important. Plus, many of us store items in our garage, such as vehicles, lawn mowers, bikes, and more. A problem with your garage door can decrease home security or become a safety concern. Learn to recognize the signs your garage door needs to be repaired so you can prevent a mishap.
Signs You Need a Repair
Your garage door may give you various signs that something has gone array, including:
Failure to open
It’s louder
The door gets derailed
It’s off balance
Below, we’ll dive deeper into all these problems to help you best understand them and know when to call a professional for a repair.
The Door Won’t Open
When springs or hinges snap, the garage door may not be able to open at all. Look along the back and side rails of the door and search for signs of damage. If something does break, you’ll need to call an expert to get the pieces or door replaced.
The Opener Breaks
Your issue may not be with the door but instead the opener. For example, suppose the door has a delayed response anytime you hit the button on the opener but eventually opens without issue. In that case, there’s a good chance the problem is with the electric control panel. Try all your garage controllers, and if the issue persists with them, it’s time to call a professional for repair.
It’s Louder Than Normal
A loud garage door is often a sign that one of its components broke. This often occurs when a hinge or spring breaks; it results in a loud squeaking or grating sound. Keep in mind that older garage doors tend to be louder in general. Despite this, excessive creaks and squeaks are never normal.
The sound you hear often varies depending on the type of damage. For example, squeaking usually indicates that a hinge broke. Open the door and listen for the sound so you can best describe it to the repair company when booking your appointment. This gives the workers a better idea of what to expect from the job.
It Comes Off the Track
Sometimes, the rollers on the sides of your garage door can get misaligned and come off the metal track it runs along. You should never try repairing this issue on your own. Garage doors are extremely heavy, and trying to realign them yourself could worsen the damage. Instead, call an expert, as they have the knowledge and tools to correct this problem.
Hire a Pro
Steel City Garage Doors offers garage door repair in Pittsburgh. We offer 24/7 service so that you can call us in any emergency. Your garage is an integral part of your home, and we believe all homeowners should have it repaired as soon as they spot the issue.
It Appears Unbalanced
When a garage door gets out of balance, it often looks like it’s lower on one side, which causes a few problems. First, garage doors get unbalanced because the springs aren’t working properly; the springs and hinges should hold the door evenly. Ignoring this problem could lead to other issues with the door, especially if a cable breaks. Additionally, since the door does not close all the way, animals and insects have an easier time getting into your garage and making it their home.
When a garage door is unbalanced, it is louder than usual when you use it or fails to work completely. Like the other issues, this isn’t one to try and fix yourself as you could worsen the problem or get injured.
Why Do Garage Doors Break?
Everything wears out over time, so your door may fail to work correctly once it reaches the end of its lifespan. If you use your garage every day, those springs and cables may wear out, resulting in strange sounds when you try opening the door.
Additionally, if you don’t take proper care of your garage door, it may break down faster than it should. Experts recommend lubricating the hinges and springs quarterly. Additionally, you should regularly check the track and make sure nothing is stuck in it that could damage the door.
Unfortunately, damage to the door isn’t always something you can prevent. If a vehicle rams into it, components could break, and you may need to replace the entire thing. Some damage is irreversible.
Find a Reputable Repair Company
As you search for a business to repair your garage door, take time to find a reputable company. Higher quality businesses will have the skill level required for a proper repair. You can find a great company by:
Asking for recommendations
Reading company reviews
Getting various estimates
With these tips, you can find the best repair service in your area.
Ask for Recommendations
Talk with friends and family to see why they are using them for garage repairs. This can help you find a quality company and get a first-hand experience of the service. And you can always trust the opinion of family and friends.
Read Company Reviews
If you can’t get any recommendations, the next step is to hop online and find garage door repair companies near you. Read through the reviews for each of these businesses and jot down the pros and cons. For example, you may find one company is expensive but offers excellent customer service and repairs.
Get Various Estimates
Once you decide on a handful of companies with the best reviews, contact them to get an estimate on the price. This gives you some experience with the company and can help you decide who to choose.
Pro Tip
Before having an expert come out for an estimate, find out the typical price for the repair you need. As you research this information, make sure you specify your area as prices could vary from city to city.
Contact Steel City Garage Doors
Steel City Garage Doors is a family-owned garage door company in Pittsburgh, PA, and we always prioritize our customers. Whether you need advice on caring for your door or want one of our experts to inspect it, you can count on us! Keep your garage door in great shape so it always functions properly.
Signs Your Garage Door Needs To Be Repaired
