Garage doors rarely fail catastrophically. There are usually warning signs, so even an untrained eye can see that something is not right. But a homeowner who understands these signs can save themselves a trip to the emergency repair service. However, living in the desert has its complications, and those who live in Henderson have to deal with the extra burden of the local climate putting extra strain on their doors. This results in a list of common garage door problems. Henderson residents have to contend with something slightly different from the rest of the country. The problems and their solutions are as follows.
Uneven Movement
If the garage door moves unevenly or jerkily when opening or closing, it may indicate that the torsion balance is off. An off torsion balance will cause the door to move unevenly and jerkily. This is not something that should be attempted as a DIY project because a torsion spring holds an incredible amount of energy and has caused numerous injuries to would-be garage door repairers.
Inability to Fully Close
One of the most common garage door problems is the inability to close fully or to stop suddenly during closing. This is usually the result of an alignment issue with the photo-eye sensors located at the bottom of most garage doors. These sensors, when obstructed, will cause the door to stop closing or reopen if obstructed while closing. Usually, a simple cleaning of the sensor lenses solves the issue, but sometimes a more extensive inspection is required.
Slow Response
If the door opens sluggishly or the remote’s response is delayed, the opener motor may be failing. This is usually the result of the motor overheating after prolonged exposure to the desert sun for which Henderson is famed. Sometimes the problem is as simple as the remote batteries dying, so it is best to try the simplest fixes first before seeking out more involved solutions.
Off-Track Doors
One of the problems with garage doors is that they have a nasty habit of coming off of their tracks, usually as the result of an accident or prolonged use. A door that is off its track should not be opened until it has been reinstalled onto the track. Trying to open an off-track garage door will damage the track, panels, and possibly even the opener. It is also unwise to attempt this as a DIY project.
Worn Weatherstripping
While not as serious as some of the other issues on this list, torn or decaying weatherstripping is another common Henderson garage door. The weatherstripping on garage doors tends to deteriorate much faster than expected due to the extreme weather conditions in Henderson. While not vital to the door’s function, weatherstripping helps keep the elements out and unwanted animals in. The replacement cost for weatherstripping is minimal compared to the price of repairing the more serious garage door problems on this list. However, neglecting this simple repair can lead to higher temperatures inside your home and the accumulation of dust and other debris in an enclosed garage.
Malfunctioning Remotes
Sometimes the problem is not with the garage door itself but rather the remote control. Remotes can fail for a wide variety of reasons, from interference from other electronics to dead batteries or just general wear and tear. Most of these issues are easy to fix by either replacing the batteries or reprogramming the remote. However, it is not unheard of for a remote to fail, especially as technology advances and older programming struggles to keep up.
Timing Is Important, But Do Not Delay Critical Emergency Repairs
When it comes to garage door repairs, the timing is less important than the fact that they are completed. This is especially true for emergency services, as those are always due as soon as possible, regardless of the time or season. That being said, the most optimal time to schedule major maintenance or garage door replacement is during the off-season. This reduces strain on both the technician and the homeowner, who may find it more difficult to complete the work during periods of extreme heat.
Preventions
The problems listed above are garage door issues that can usually be prevented with a little regular maintenance, or are simply signs that something is wrong and should be looked into before becoming a more serious problem down the road. The best way to prevent most garage door problems is to maintain the door through regular track cleaning, lubrication, and a visual inspection every couple of months. This is especially true for those who live in Henderson, because doors in this area are under greater stress from the intense sun than in other parts of the country. As a rule of thumb, it is safer to choose the more frequently serviced option when choosing between a garage door maintenance plan and a repair plan.
While garage door malfunctions are rarely catastrophic, they are also rarely benign. A little bit of maintenance and knowledge of common garage door problems can keep a homeowner from incurring many expensive repair bills. If a Henderson resident is having any of the garage door issues mentioned above, contact Lift Tech Garage Door Professionals for all of their garage door repair and maintenance needs.
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