Common Problems with Sectional Garage Doors and How to Fix Them
Sectional garage doors are a popular choice for many homeowners because of their sleek appearance, space-saving design, and enhanced security features. However, like any mechanical system, they can experience issues over time. Addressing these problems promptly is key to ensuring the longevity and smooth operation of your garage door.
In this blog, we'll explore some of the most common problems with sectional garage doors and provide practical solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix them.
1. Garage Door Not Opening or Closing Properly
One of the most frustrating issues homeowners face with sectional garage doors is when they don't open or close fully. This problem can arise from several causes, including:
Obstructed Tracks: Dirt, debris, or even small objects can block the tracks, preventing smooth operation.
Broken Springs: Garage door springs play a vital role in lifting and lowering the door. If a spring is broken, the door may not move at all.
Misaligned Tracks: The door needs to follow perfectly aligned tracks to function. Even a slight misalignment can cause the door to stick or move unevenly.
Solution:
Check for any visible obstructions in the tracks and remove them.
If the springs are broken, you'll need to contact a professional to replace them, as handling springs can be dangerous.
For misaligned tracks, try tightening the bolts holding the tracks in place, but avoid adjusting them too much. If the problem persists, it's best to call in an expert.
2. Noisy Garage Door
If your garage door makes loud, grinding, or squeaking noises, it could be due to a lack of lubrication or worn-out parts.
Worn Rollers: Rollers help the garage door glide along the tracks. Over time, they can wear out, especially if they're made of metal.
Loose Hardware: The nuts, bolts, and screws holding your door components together can loosen over time, causing rattling sounds.
Lack of Lubrication: Moving parts like rollers, hinges, and tracks require proper lubrication to operate quietly and smoothly.
Solution:
Regularly lubricate the rollers, tracks, and hinges using a high-quality garage door lubricant.
Inspect and tighten any loose hardware with a wrench.
If the rollers are worn, consider replacing them with quieter nylon rollers, which are durable and less noisy than metal ones.
3. Garage Door Remote Not Working
Having your garage door remote suddenly stop working can be inconvenient, especially when you're in a hurry. Several things could cause this issue:
Dead Batteries: This is often the most common reason.
Signal Interference: Devices like Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, or other electronics can interfere with your garage door opener's signal.
Remote Needs Reprogramming: If the remote is not syncing with the opener, it may need to be reprogrammed.
Solution:
Start by replacing the batteries in the remote.
If the batteries are fine, try moving any potential signal-interfering devices away from the garage.
Refer to your garage door opener's manual to reprogram the remote if needed. If this still doesn't work, it may be time to replace the remote.
4. Sagging Garage Door
A sagging sectional garage door is a common issue, especially with older doors. This can occur when the door becomes imbalanced, causing one side to droop more than the other.
Worn Out Springs: Over time, the springs may lose tension, leading to an uneven door.
Damaged Panels: If any of the panels on your sectional garage door are damaged, they can cause the door to sag or operate unevenly.
Solution:
Inspect the springs and determine if they need adjusting or replacing. This is a job for professionals due to the tension in the springs.
If you find damaged panels, it's best to get them replaced as soon as possible. Repairing or replacing individual panels can save you from having to invest in a new door altogether.
5. Garage Door Reversing Before Hitting the Floor
If your garage door starts to close but then reverses before it touches the ground, it could be a sign that the safety sensors are malfunctioning. Modern garage doors are equipped with sensors that detect obstacles, ensuring the door doesn't close on people or objects.
Misaligned Sensors: The sensors on either side of the door must be aligned to function properly. If they're misaligned, the door will reverse.
Dirty Sensors: Dust and dirt on the sensor lenses can prevent them from detecting obstacles accurately.
Solution:
Check the alignment of your garage door sensors and adjust them until they're perfectly in line.
Clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris. If the problem persists, the sensors may need to be replaced.
6. Garage Door Moving Unevenly
An unevenly moving garage door not only looks off but also poses a safety risk. This problem is typically caused by:
Broken Springs: As previously mentioned, springs play a significant role in lifting and balancing your door. A broken spring can result in uneven movement.
Damaged Cables: The cables on either side of the door can wear out or snap, causing the door to lift unevenly.
Solution:
If a spring is broken, you must hire a professional to replace it safely.
Inspect the cables for any signs of wear, fraying, or snapping. Replacing damaged cables can restore the even movement of the door.
7. Garage Door Won't Lock Properly
Garage door locks provide extra security, but when they stop functioning, your home may be more vulnerable to intruders.
Misaligned Lock Bar: If the locking mechanism is not properly aligned with the holes on the door track, it won't engage.
Damaged Lock Mechanism: Over time, wear and tear can damage the lock, preventing it from working smoothly.
Solution:
Realign the lock bar by loosening the screws on the brackets holding it in place, adjusting the position, and retightening.
If the lock itself is damaged, replacing it with a new one will ensure your door remains secure.
8. Broken or Bent Panels
Over time, your garage door's panels may become damaged, either from accidents or exposure to harsh weather conditions. A broken or bent panel not only affects the appearance of your garage door but can also interfere with its operation.
Accidental Damage: Cars, bicycles, or even kids' toys can sometimes cause dents or breaks in the panels.
Weather Exposure: Continuous exposure to rain, sun, and wind can weaken the panels, making them more prone to damage.
Solution:
For minor dents, you can try hammering them out gently. However, for more significant damage, you'll likely need to replace the affected panels.
If your door is old and you're facing repeated panel damage, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire door.
Maintaining Your Sectional Garage Door
Regular maintenance is essential to avoid the most common issues with your sectional garage door. Here are some tips:
Lubricate Moving Parts: Keep rollers, hinges, and tracks well-lubricated to ensure smooth operation.
Inspect for Wear and Tear: Regularly check your springs, cables, and rollers for signs of wear.
Test Safety Features: Periodically test the safety sensors and automatic reverse function to make sure they're working correctly.
Keep Tracks Clean: Clear dirt and debris from the tracks to prevent obstructions.
Conclusion
Sectional garage doors are a reliable, stylish choice for homes, but like any piece of machinery, they can encounter problems over time. Fortunately, many of these issues can be fixed with the right knowledge and tools. For more complex problems, it's always a good idea to consult professionals to ensure your garage door is operating safely and efficiently.
At Elite Garage Repairs, we specialise in garage door repairs, installations, and servicing. Whether you need help fixing a broken spring, replacing damaged panels, or getting your door back in perfect working order, we offer affordable, professional services in Brisbane. From roller doors to double garage doors, find the right solution for your needs today!
For expert help and reliable service, contact us to keep your garage door in top shape.
