Garage doors function as a mechanical gateway for a space to park your vehicle or even store household items. Most garage doors are sturdy and can survive exposure to elements or rough operation. However, such factors might damage your door and limit its operation. Read on to learn about seven signs that show your garage door is faulty or damaged.

1. Slow Operation

A garage door can sustain damage over time. This damage can cause it to operate slowly. One of the reasons for slow operation is that the tracks that the door runs on may be bent or warped.

Also, the springs that help balance the door may be worn out or broken, which will also cause the door to move more slowly. Finally, the motor that powers the door may be overworked or defective, causing it to run slower than expected.

2. Impartial Activation

Impartial activation happens when the door opens and closes halfway or leaves significant gaps between the door and floor. If your garage door shows signs of impartial activation, it is likely due to damage to the door itself.

The most common cause of this damage is a broken spring or cable. A broken spring can cause the door to become unbalanced, which can cause it to open and close on its own. A broken cable can also cause the door to become stuck in one position.

3. Strange Noises

The type of noise your door makes can suggest possible issues with its components. A squeaking sound highlights a lubrication problem. Grinding noises might indicate that the door has worn out rollers. If the door rattles, it could result from loose components. Grating noises suggest issues with the torsion spring. If you hear a loud bang, it could indicate a problem with one of the components, usually the springs.

4. Dysfunctional Operator Switch

A dysfunctional operator switch indicates that the mechanism that opens and closes the door does not work correctly. This issue results from a broken or disconnected motor, damaged sensors, or a problem with the electrical system.

5. Off-Track Operation

Off-track operation indicates that the door no longer moves along its intended path. The issue can result from loose hardware, damaged tracks, or an imbalance in the door. The door may have come loose from the tracks due to a lack of lubrication, improper installation, or wear and tear.

Damage to the tracks results from objects in the path of the door, incorrect installation, or rust and corrosion. Finally, an imbalance in the door originates from a problem with the springs or cables that support the door.

6. Unwanted Operation

The garage door might open and close itself without any input from the user. This unwanted operation can happen when the garage door opener is unbalanced. An unbalanced door can cause the opener to work harder than necessary, which may cause the door to open or close by itself.

The garage door may also have broken or damaged springs. Damaged springs do not provide enough support to the door, which can cause the door to open or close by itself. Finally, dirt, debris, or other material may block the garage door’s sensors. Blocked sensors will cause the door to continue moving until it hits any obstruction along its path, like your vehicle.

7. Sagging Door Panels

If an object hits the door, the force of the impact can cause the door panels to bend or warp. This force can damage the panel’s support system, which causes them to sag over time. Additionally, improper or inadequate maintenance will wear down the tracks and rollers, which causes the door to sag when opening and closing.

A damaged garage door will need repair, refurbishment, or a new installation to solve any of these issues. You should speak with a qualified garage door technician to ensure these repairs or installations do not cause any problems. Reach out to us at Plano Overhead Garage Door for these services.

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