Look Out for These 5 Garage Door Problems

Your garage door is the largest entryway on your home and it's important that you keep it well maintained so it works properly. There are many common garage door problems that homeowners either don't notice or completely ignore.



Garages often get neglected and are used only to store items in so people tend to not care too much about the functionality of their garage door. However, if your garage door isn't in good shape, it creates a safety hazard for you and your family. You'll also be losing out on a lot of energy efficiency. We'll go over some of the most common garage door problems and how you can solve them or prevent them from happening in the first place.

Your Garage Door Does Nothing

When your garage door neither opens nor closes, it's completely useless. This often occurs because you left your door unattended for too long or it's just past its prime. Another common reason for your garage door to stop working altogether is if you have the wrong type for the climate you live in. For example, wood garage doors can easily rot and warp in areas that experience a lot of precipitation. Perhaps the biggest reason why people's garage doors stop opening and closing is because their garage door opener is broken. Oftentimes, once this happens, homeowners simply neglect their garage door problem and things get worse. In such a case, there's no reason for you to not get the problem fixed. Garage door openers are available in many different styles with almost endless options so there's something for everyone. If your garage door doesn't open or close because of something other than a broken opener, you need to hire a professional to repair or replace your door. Garage doors that can't open or close limit your ability to use your garage to its full potential.

Sticking Garage Door Problems

Chances are you've probably experienced a sticking garage door at some point. It's one of the most common and annoying garage door problems that can happen. Often, homeowners will decide to just not use their garage door because it's such a chore to open and close it. However, this is usually a problem with an easy fix. One of the main causes for a sticking garage door is dirty tracks. The clear and easy solution to this is to simply clean out the tracks on your garage door along with the parts involved with its operation. If your tracks are clean and your garage door is still sticking, then the problem might lie within the actual rollers and hinges. Try adding some lubricant, such as WD-40, to loosen things up to get them moving smoothly along the tracks. If it's still not operating smoothly you might need to replace the rollers or your garage door might be unaligned.

Your Garage Door is Drafty

You keep some of your most valuable belongings in the garage from vehicles to lawn care equipment. Keeping them safe and protected from the elements is crucial and is the main purpose that garages serve for many homeowners. If your garage door is letting in outside air, that puts everything inside at risk of being damaged, especially during the Chicago winters. Plus, for those that spend more time in their garages, whether it's for completing projects or hanging out with friends, a drafty door makes your garage very uncomfortable. Also, if you have a heating or cooling source in your garage, you'll end up having to rely on it more with a drafty door which raises your energy bills. If you experience drafty garage door problems, it could be because of the weatherstripping and bottom seal. If replacing those doesn't do the trick, it might be time to replace that drafty garage door. In such a case, it's important to find a reputable garage door company that can give you the best product for your home.

Loud Garage Door Problems

A very common garage door problem is when your door is loud and obnoxious when opening or closing. This can stem from a few different causes. Your tracks could be dirty, causing your door to make noises going up and down. The rollers, springs and hinges might be old, rusty and need replacing or lubricating. Another reason why your garage door is loud can stem from an old or improperly working garage door opener.

Your Garage Door Slams Shut

One of the most dangerous garage door problems is when it closes down too fast and slams to the ground. If anyone were to get caught underneath it while it's rushing down, it can cause serious injury. Most of the time, this problem is caused by bad springs and can be easily fixed. However, if your garage door has been this way for a while, you should consider replacing it to avoid any injuries. Safety should be a number one priority for homeowners and your garage door is no exception.

Garage Door Problems Should Always be Taken Care Of

If your garage door is experiencing any of the mentioned problems, it's important to get everything taken care of as soon as possible. You don't want these problems to get out of hand. Your garage can be used for many different things from parties to spare bedrooms, but with an improperly working garage door, you're limited in what you can do with your garage. If you find that your whole garage is in bad shape when you're checking the garage door, you can count on Danley's to build you a new garage with a high quality garage door that'll last for many years to come. Your new garage is just a few clicks away. Get a free quote.