Common Garage Door Problems You Might Encounter in Lakewood

Table of Contents

• Why Garage Doors Experience Common Problems
• Broken Springs: The Silent Culprit
• Opener Issues: When the Motor Just Won’t Start
• Off-Track Doors: When Things Go Wrong
• Damaged Panels: More Than Just Aesthetic Issues
• Worn-Out Cables: The Unsung Heroes of Garage Doors
• Noisy Doors: What’s All the Fuss About?
• Safety Sensor Problems: Protecting You and Your Family
• How to Prevent These Common Problems
• When to Call a Professional
• Contact Select Garage Doors for Expert Repair Services

Garage doors aren’t just a convenience—they’re a key part of your daily life. Whether it’s a busy morning and you’re rushing to get your car out, or you need quick access to your storage space, a malfunctioning garage door can throw off your entire routine.

But don’t panic! Understanding the common garage door problems and knowing how to handle them can save you time, money, and frustration.

Select Garage Doors will break down the most frequent garage door issues, how to spot them, and how they can be fixed. And while some problems are easy enough for you to fix on your own, others are best left to the pros. Let’s dive in!

Why Garage Doors Experience Common Problems

It’s not just you—garage doors face wear and tear like any other piece of machinery. Over time, components such as springs, cables, and motors can start showing their age, especially if your door is used every day.

On top of that, weather conditions like extreme temperatures or heavy snow can accelerate the process, especially in areas like Lakewood, where climate shifts are quite frequent.

The good news? By being aware of common garage door problems, you can spot the signs early and avoid bigger issues down the road. Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems that can pop up.

1. Broken Springs: The Silent Culprit

Broken springs are one of the top reasons your garage door might suddenly refuse to open. These springs are the unsung heroes of the operation, providing the tension needed to raise and lower the door. So when they break, it’s like pulling the heart out of your garage door system.

Signs of Broken Springs

• Your garage door won’t open or moves sluggishly.
• You spot visible gaps in the spring or notice it’s twisted.
• The door makes a loud noise when it operates.

Avoid using the door if you suspect a broken spring. For safety reasons, replacing springs is a job best left to professionals—these springs hold a lot of tension, and handling them improperly can cause injury or further damage.

2. Opener Issues: When the Motor Just Won’t Start

A malfunctioning garage door opener can be extremely frustrating. The opener motor should make your life easier, but when it stops working properly, you’re left with a garage door that’s as useful as a paperweight.

Common Opener Problems

• The door won’t respond when you press the remote.
• The motor runs, but the door doesn’t move.
• The remote fails to work, or you notice the sensor light flashing.

In most cases, opener problems stem from issues with the motor, sensors, or even a misaligned remote. Fixing a faulty motor or a malfunctioning sensor may require a technician’s help. Thankfully, opener problems are usually easier and cheaper to fix than you think.

3. Off-Track Doors: When Things Go Wrong

Have you ever heard that unpleasant scraping sound when trying to open or close your garage door? Your garage door might be off track. This common issue happens when the door gets out of alignment, which can occur for many reasons, such as a malfunctioning part or general wear and tear.

Signs of an Off-Track Door

• The door stops moving, and you hear that awful scraping sound.
• You notice the door is misaligned or looks like it’s hanging awkwardly on one side.
• The door won’t close properly and gets stuck halfway.

If your door is off track, don’t try to force it open or closed. It’s best to call a professional who can realign the door and ensure that no damage occurs to other components, like the motor or springs.

4. Damaged Panels: More Than Just Aesthetic Issues

While a minor cosmetic flaw such as a dented panel may not seem significant at first, it can lead to significant problems in the future.

A cracked or damaged panel could interfere with the way your door functions, even if it doesn’t seem like much at first.

Why Damaged Panels Matter

• Aesthetic damage may not look good, especially if you’re trying to maintain curb appeal.
• Damaged panels disrupt the door’s operation, causing it to misalign.
• If the door can’t close properly, it compromises your security.

In most cases, damaged panels can either be repaired or replaced, so you won’t need a whole new door. Sometimes all you need is a simple replacement of a few panels.

5. Worn-Out Cables: The Unsung Heroes of Garage Doors

Cables are critical to your garage door’s smooth operation. Over time, these cables can wear out, snap, or fray. They’re essential for maintaining balance and ensuring the door stays aligned.

Signs of Worn-Out Cables

• Visible fraying or broken cables.
• The door opens or closes unevenly.
• The door moves slowly or gets stuck midway.

Since replacing cables involves high-tension work, it’s always best to call a pro for this job. You’ll need someone who understands how to restore balance and get your door back to smooth operation.

6. Noisy Doors: What’s All the Fuss About?

A noisy garage door might seem like a minor inconvenience, but those strange grinding, squeaking, or rattling sounds could indicate a deeper issue. Don’t ignore the noises, as they may indicate underlying wear and tear.

Common Noises and What They Mean

• Grinding often signals a problem with the motor or insufficient lubrication.
• Squeaking typically points to dry rollers or hinges.
• Rattling might suggest loose bolts or a misaligned track.

Many of these issues can be solved with lubrication and minor adjustments. However, if the noise persists, it may be time to replace worn-out parts to keep things running quietly and smoothly.

7. Safety Sensor Problems: Protecting You and Your Family

Safety sensors are there to protect you and your family from harm. They stop the garage door from closing when something is in the way, like a car or a pet. But what happens when the sensors don’t work? It can be both frustrating and dangerous.

Signs of Sensor Problems

• The door won’t close, and the sensor light flashes.
• The sensors don’t detect obstructions.
• You notice misalignment or dirt on the sensors.

The good news is that sensor problems are usually easy to fix. A quick cleaning or alignment often does the trick. But if the sensors are completely broken, you may need to replace them for continued safety.

How to Prevent These Common Problems

No one wants their garage door to break down unexpectedly. Fortunately, regular maintenance can prevent common issues and prolong the lifespan of your garage door.

Routine Maintenance Tips

• Lubricate moving parts like rollers, hinges, and tracks.
• Inspect springs for any signs of wear.
• Clean the sensors and ensure they’re aligned properly.
• Tighten bolts and replace frayed cables.

Taking these simple steps can prevent costly repairs and help your garage door run smoothly for years to come.

When to Call a Professional

Some garage door issues are easy to address on your own, but many are best left to the experts. If you run into a broken spring, misaligned door, or malfunctioning opener, don’t try to handle it yourself.

Garage doors are complex systems, and working on them without the proper knowledge or tools can lead to injury or further damage.

A professional technician can handle repairs safely, diagnose hidden issues, and prevent major problems down the line.

Contact Select Garage Doors for Expert Repair Services

Are you currently facing a garage door issue? Select Garage Doors in Lakewood is here to help! Our team offers fast, reliable, and affordable garage door repairs for both homeowners and businesses. Whether you need emergency repairs, a new installation, or routine maintenance, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t wait for a small issue to turn into a major problem. Call us now or schedule a service online. Let us take the stress out of your garage door issues.