When you get home at the end of the day, the last thing you want to deal with is garage door problems. It should be a reliable means of entry and a security feature, but it’s not uncommon for garage doors to malfunction.

Whether your door opens manually or with an automatic opener, you will experience one of these common problems at some point or another. Here are the top five garage door problems that homeowners often face.

1. Garage door remote is not working

Does the opener refuse to respond when you press the button on your remote? A transmission issue often causes this. It could mean that the opener’s battery is dead or that there is a more serious problem with the circuit board. It’s always worth testing different repair methods before replacing the entire unit.

Here are a few ways to repair a broken garage door remote:

• Change the batteries in your remote
• Check for any obstructions or interference near the opener
• Wipe down and clean your remote
• Try reprogramming your opener
• Unplug your automatic opener and plug it back in after 10 seconds

If none of this works, then there could be an issue with the control board on the opener itself. That likely means you need to replace the opener.

2. Garage door is sticking while opening or closing

A garage door should be able to open and close smoothly. If it’s getting stuck in certain places, something is definitely wrong.

Garage doors can stick for a variety of reasons:

• Dirt and debris on the tracks
• Broken or worn-out roller bearings
• Tight springs
• Misaligned track components
• A broken torsion spring

Before panicking about the cost of repairing garage door issues, try using a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt and grime from the inside of the track. 

If that doesn’t solve the issue, then it’s a sign you may need professional garage door repair services.

3. Loud noises when opening and closing the garage door

When you’re operating your garage door, grinding, squealing, and other noises aren’t normal. These jarring sounds usually indicate that parts are worn-out and must be replaced.

The most common culprits of loud garage door noises include:

• Dry rollers
• Misaligned tracks
• Bad pulleys
• Loosened bolts or nuts
• Worn-out hinges and brackets
• Broken springs

To figure out what’s causing the noise, take a look at the garage door components and inspect them for any signs of wear and tear. Try lubricating the tracks with lubricant oil and see if that helps.

If you do see damaged parts or continue to hear the same noises, then it’s a sign you need to repair or replace those components.

4. Garage door is out of balance

Balance in life is important…and so is balancing for your garage door. An unbalanced garage door can eventually lead to major repair costs. 

Here are the signs that your garage door is out of balance:

• The door falls quickly when you lift it manually
• The opener jerks and stops mid-way through opening
• The opener hums but does not respond
• The garage door doesn’t open all the way
• It takes more effort to open and close the door manually than it usually does

If you notice any of these signs, the torsion springs could be a problem. Torsion springs use tension to provide the perfect equilibrium for the smooth operation of your garage doors. But it’s time for repair or replacement if they can’t counterbalance the door’s weight.

Unless you’re experienced with repairing garage doors, it’s always a good idea to have a professional repair or replace your torsion springs. Doing this alone can be dangerous because of the high tension on these springs.

5. Broken garage door cables

You don’t want your garage door to fall unexpectedly, so let’s talk about what you can do to help prevent this from happening.

Your garage door is supported by cables secured to brackets on the bottom of each side. Working with your springs, these two cables help lift and reduce the weight of your garage door to make it move effortlessly. The torsion spring won’t be able to counterbalance the door’s weight without these cables properly in place.

So a broken or loose cable is a definite repair issue. If you notice frayed, loose, or broken cables, it’s best to have them replaced by a qualified professional.

Expert garage door repair services from Lee Company

Keeping an eye out for signs of trouble with your garage door can help prevent major issues down the road — plus save you time and money in costly repairs!

If any of these common problems affect your garage door’s performance, reach out to Lee Company immediately. With proper care and maintenance, we’ll help you avoid coming home to a broken garage door! Contact us today and get back to enjoying the convenience of a garage door that works as it should.