What are the Most Common Garage Door Repairs. Common Garage Door Problems

Common Garage Door Problems Complete A Clear Guide:

Torsion Spring Repair or Replacement

Problem: Torsion springs are the most critical components. They balance the weight of the door, making it easy to open and close.

Warning Signs: The door won't open or is too heavy to open manually. A loud, sudden noise (like a "bang") is heard.

Root Cause: Normal wear and tear from cyclical stress. These springs have a limited lifespan (generally between 10,000 and 15,000 open/close cycles).

Safety Note: Spring repair is extremely dangerous due to the high tension involved. It should always be performed by a professional technician.

2. Replacing Broken or Worn Wire Cables

Problem: Wire cables wrap around drums and help raise and lower the door safely and evenly.

Warning Signs: A cable is visibly frayed, tangled, or broken. The gate appears twisted or uneven when moving. Common Garage Door Problems Complete

Root Cause: Corrosion, wear, or failure of a torsion spring, which puts extra tension on the cables.

3. Replace Damaged or Worn Wheels (Bearings)

Problem: The nylon or metal wheels (or bearings) roll on the side rails of the gate.

Warning Signs: The gate makes a constant squeaking or grinding noise when moving. The gate sticks or moves with difficulty.

Root Cause: Lack of lubrication, normal wear, or dirt buildup on the rails.

4. Repair or Replacement of Safety Sensors

Problem: Photoelectric sensors are located near the floor, on both sides of the door. They create an invisible beam of light. If the beam is interrupted, the door will not close or will reverse immediately.

Warning Signs: The door does not close or closes only a few inches before reversing. The sensor light flickers or is not lit.

Root Cause: Misalignment (struck or moved), lens obstruction (dirt, cobwebs), or electrical failure.

5. Adjusting the Gate Motor's Travel Limits

Problem: The "open" and "close" limits on the motor (open/close force limits) tell the operator how far the gate should travel and with what force.

Warning Signs: The gate doesn't fully reach the floor and then reverses. The gate closes completely but then reopens. The gate stops halfway when opening.

Root Cause: Adjustments can become out of calibration over time due to temperature changes or general wear.