Your brand-new garage door is a shining sentinel guarding your home and a symbol of security. But even after professional Pompano Beach garage door installation, this mechanical entrance can encounter a few bumps in the road.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how to test common garage door issues that arise after installation and identify when it’s time to call a professional for help.
Look Out for These Six Common Garage Door Problems
Misalignment and Balance Issues
An unbalanced door can cause unnecessary strain on the opener and result in premature wear and tear. Here's how to troubleshoot misalignment and balance issues:
- Visual Inspection: Begin by standing inside your garage with the door closed. Take a close look at the door's position within the frame. Are the gaps between the door and the frame consistent on both sides? If you notice differences, there might be an issue.
- Test the Balance: To check the balance of your garage door, disconnect the opener by pulling the release cord. Carefully lift the door by hand until you reach a semi-open position. A well-balanced door should remain in place at the position you leave it. If it falls or rises, it's a clear sign of imbalance.
- Adjusting the Balance: If you detect a lack of balance, please consult a professional garage door technician. Adjusting the balance of a garage door involves dealing with the springs, which can be dangerous if mishandled. A qualified technician will have the necessary tools and expertise to get the job done without any accidents.
Noisy Garage Door
A noisy garage door can be quite bothersome, especially if your garage is next to living spaces like kitchens or living rooms. Fortunately, this problem often has a simple solution:
- Lubrication: The source of most garage door noise is friction between moving parts. To put an end to the problem, use a garage door lubricant to grease the rollers, hinges, and springs. Be sure to choose a silicone-based lubricant designed for garage doors. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dirt and grime over time.
- Regular Maintenance: Please incorporate lubrication a part of your regular garage door maintenance routine. According to professionals, you should lubricate garage door components at least twice a year to keep your door running without a hitch.
Remote Control and Keypad Problems
Issues with the remote control or keypad of your garage door can be frustrating but are usually easy to troubleshoot:
- Check the Batteries: The most common problem with remote controls and keypads is dead or weak batteries. Begin by replacing the batteries in your remote control or keypad, and then test them again.
- Reprogramming: If changing the batteries doesn't resolve the issue, you may need to reprogram the remote control or keypad. Follow the instructions provided in your opener's manual to reprogram it.
- Resetting Codes: In some cases, you may find that the garage door opener's codes need to be reset to match the remote control or keypad. Refer to your opener's manual for guidance on this process.
Sensor Malfunctions
Garage door sensors serve as a primary line of defense to prevent accidents and injuries. They are designed to detect any obstructions, such as people, pets, or objects, in the path of a closing garage door.
If they're not working correctly, your door may close at the wrong time and hurt someone in the process. Here's how to troubleshoot sensor issues:
- Visual Inspection: Start by inspecting the sensors located near the bottom of the garage door on each side. Check if they are aligned and free from obstructions such as leaves, debris, or spider webs.
- Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or a small brush to clean the sensor lenses. Dust and dirt can disrupt their function and cause communication problems between the sensors.
- Realigning Sensors: If you notice that the sensors are misaligned, gently adjust them until they face each other. Most sensors have indicator lights that will help you determine when they are aligned.
Weather Stripping and Seal Problems
Weather stripping and seals provide a barrier against external elements, including harsh weather conditions, pests, and moisture. They help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the garage, keep out unwanted pests, and prevent water from seeping in during rain or snow.
Over time, they may present issues if you don’t maintain them:
- Inspect Weather Stripping: Begin by checking the condition of the weather stripping along the bottom of your garage door. If it's cracked, worn, or damaged, it's time for replacement.
- Replacement: To replace the weather stripping, start by removing the old material. Clean the area thoroughly, and then install the new weather stripping, making sure it forms a tight seal when the door is closed.
Spring and Cable Issues
The springs and cables are responsible for lifting and lowering your heavy door. They bear the weight of the door, making it possible to open and close it with ease.
If the springs or cables malfunction or break, the door can become unbalanced, stuck, or even fall, posing a serious safety risk to anyone near the door.
- Broken Springs: If you suspect a broken spring, please don’t attempt to replace it yourself, as you risk serious injury or accidents. Garage door springs are under high tension and can suddenly snap, causing harm or damage. Therefore, they should only be handled by a professional garage door technician.
- Frayed Cables: If you see frayed or damaged cables, refrain from using the garage door and contact a technician for immediate repair. Attempting to operate the door with damaged cables can lead to accidents and further damage to the door.
Five Regular Maintenance Tips
We've covered various troubleshooting steps for common garage door issues, but what's even better than fixing problems is preventing them in the first place. Here's what you can do to keep your garage door in tip-top shape:
- Visual Inspections: Make it a habit to inspect your garage door and its components regularly. Look for signs of wear and tear, rust, or damage. If you notice any issues, address them as soon as you can to prevent further problems.
- Lubrication: As we discussed earlier, lubricating moving parts reduces noises and prevents premature wear. Apply garage door lubricant to rollers, hinges, springs, and other moving components according to your manufacturer's recommendations.
- Tighten Hardware: Over time, screws, nuts, and bolts can become loose due to vibrations. Periodically check and tighten the hardware to ensure everything remains secure.
- Test Safety Features: Test the safety features of your garage door, such as the auto-reverse mechanism. Place an object, like a roll of paper towels, in the path of the closing door. It should reverse direction upon contact. If it doesn't, seek professional assistance to repair or replace the safety sensors.
- Keep Tracks Clean: Ensure the tracks on which your garage door rollers move are clean and free from debris.
Need Repairs After Pompano Beach Garage Door Installation?
If you’re ready to keep your garage door trouble-free, contact Florida Garage Door Company. We can handle expert installation, maintenance, repairs, and more. Call our experts today!
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