If your home has a garage, the chances are high that you use this feature every day to store your vehicle when it is not in use. Because the garage can function as a storage center for the house and protect your car, it's an essential feature to maintain. However, there may come a time when you run into problems with your overhead garage doors.

1. Faulty Opener Switch, Fob, or Keypad

One of the most common problems people run into with an overhead garage door is a faulty opener switch, fob, or keypad. In general, a faulty garage door opener may be caused by dead batteries, worn-out wiring, or a miscommunication between radio wave signals for key fobs. Fortunately, it's easy to fix faulty opener switches, fobs, and keypads.

For this type of repair, a technician will examine batteries and other settings for any of your garage opener methods. It may require a general reset for keypads or fobs, or your opener may need to be replaced. Overall, this is usually a low-cost repair that most people will need at some point.

2. Noisy Garage Door

A noisy garage door is another common complaint. A noisy garage door can occur for several reasons, but the most common cause is a motor that continues to run even after the garage has been closed. Sometimes, a noisy garage door may also occur when the cables or pulleys for the garage door are uneven, which causes the metal panels to make excessive noise when the garage is opened or closed.

To fix a noisy garage door, a technician will assess your motor, panels, and cable systems to identify the cause of excessive noise. Your garage door motor may need to be replaced.

3. Frozen Garage Door

A frozen garage door may happen occasionally because the opener switch for the garage door has received mixed signals, such as the user pressing the button too many times and confusing the motor. However, if you continue to run into frozen garage door problems or you can no longer open or close your garage door, this can be a major concern.

A frozen garage door can happen because the motor for the garage door continues to overheat, which causes the motor to automatically stall as a safety feature. However, a frozen garage door may also be caused by a faulty cable or pulley system.

4. Damaged or Old Springs

Damaged or old springs on your garage door can also be a problem. When the springs are damaged, this can cause your motor to work much harder to open and close the garage door, which will then lead to other problems.

Depending on the specific design of your overhead garage doors, your garage may rely on a cable and pulley system, springs, or some other assistive device that connects the door to the garage door motor.

5. Broken Garage Panel or Glass

Broken garage door panels or broken glass are another major concern for homeowners. Garage door panels can be damaged in a variety of ways, such as blunt force from a vehicle or other high impact. Similarly, broken glass on a garage door can be a safety hazard.

It's easy to repair a broken garage panel by replacing the material with metal, wood, fiberglass, or glass. Replacing broken garage panels may also allow you to update the design of your garage door so that it matches the exterior of your house better.

What Signs Indicate You Need Garage Door Repair?

There are a few warning signs that you may need to have the garage door repaired. For example, if your garage door is very loud, frozen, or shakes when it opens or closes, this usually indicates that there is a problem with the garage door motor or the cable system that moves the garage door. It's important to call for a repair technician as soon as you notice issues with your garage door, as this will ensure the safety and security of your home.

How Often Should Garage Doors Have Maintenance?

If you use your garage doors frequently, then it's a good idea to schedule routine maintenance at least once a year. Daily use of a garage door, particularly if you have to use your garage multiple times a day, can wear down a motor much faster. The motor itself may need routine maintenance with oil replacement or parts to operate at full capacity. Regular maintenance ultimately prevents costly repairs down the line.

Some parts of your garage door are designed to last much longer than others. For example, the batteries on your opener switch may only last for six to 12 months, depending on the frequency of use. On the other hand, your cable system is usually designed to last for at least eight to 10 years. The longevity of your garage door motor will depend on how much stress is placed on the spring or pulley system.

Can You Prevent Garage Door Problems?

The best way to prevent garage door problems is to schedule routine maintenance. During routine maintenance, a repair technician will assess the various parts of your garage doors to identify any trouble areas. From there, a technician will tighten bolts and screws on the garage doors, adjust the tension for the cable system, replace springs, replace the oil in the garage door motor, or lubricate areas of the doors that may cause squeaking or excessive noise.

Most people use their garage multiple times a day, so it should come as no surprise that this is one area of your house that may need routine maintenance. In general, you should schedule maintenance for your garage doors at the first sign of excessive noise, or at least as frequently as once a year. To learn more about repair businesses, visit ServiceBox today.

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