Are you in need of a garage fix? If you’re like most people, you use your garage as the primary entrance to your home. This means your door opens and closes more often than any other exterior door to your home. The average garage door opens and closes at least 1500 times each year.
With so much use, it’s only natural that your door will need a little TLC occasionally. But how can you tell if it’s time to schedule a garage door repair appointment?
Here are a few key signs you’ll need to watch for each year to determine if you need a garage door fix:
1. The Door Opens and Closes Slower Than Normal
You rely on your garage door to open and close quickly. It’s what makes using it as your main entrance so convenient. You can get inside fast and don’t have to worry about ensuring your home is secure when you leave for work.
When your garage door is in good shape, it takes just a few seconds for your garage door to open or close. But if it’s damaged, it can seem like you’re waiting minutes for your garage door to move.
If you leave your home before you know the door has closed completely, you risk leaving your home vulnerable to break-ins.
Pay attention to the way your door moves. If it’s slowing down, schedule an appointment with your garage door repair service as soon as possible. There’s likely an issue with the garage door opener, and the only way to make sure it gets fixed correctly is to let your technician take a look.
2. You Hear Strange Noises When the Motor Turns On
Even the quietest garage door motors make noise when they turn on. However, after using your door for a few weeks, you’ll know what noises are normal and which cause concern.
If you start hearing excessive grinding, clanking, or whining sounds, call your repair technician immediately, as you need a garage fix.
There may be an issue with the motor or damage to the springs, and the sooner you get it fixed, the better off you’ll be.
Remember, fixing minor problems is always easier and cheaper than waiting for your door to break completely.
3. The Garage Door Sags as It Moves
Your garage door should move evenly along the track when it is in good condition. The base of the door should stay parallel to the ground when it’s opening or closing.
If the door starts to sag or you notice one side of the door hanging lower than the other as it moves, you need to schedule a repair appointment. You are allowing the door to sag or dip strains the rest of the system.
The more strain the system is under and the harder it is to move your door, the more damage it will experience.
Your technician will be able to repair the damage quickly and keep you from needing a more expensive emergency garage door repair service in the future.
4. The Garage Door Shakes When the Motor Starts Up
No matter how well you maintain your door and its components, it will constantly vibrate a bit when you open or close it. When your system is in good condition, it should open smoothly with minimum vibrations.
However, if you have underlying problems with the springs, rollers, or screws holding the system, the door can shake and vibrate more.
The longer this happens, the more likely your door will develop expensive issues that may cause the system to break entirely.
Call your repair technician immediately if you notice shaking or vibrations that seem more robust than usual.
5. It’s Not Moving at All
Nothing is worse than a broken garage door, but it can and will happen if you don’t stay on top of your routine maintenance appointments with so much use.
If you have to move the door manually, don’t put off scheduling a repair. Instead, call your technician as soon as you can.
The sooner they can inspect your door, the easier it will be for your repair expert to identify the problem and make the necessary improvements. At Gateway Door and Contracting, we are available 24 hours a day in an emergency.
6. Your Energy Bill Keeps Going up for No Reason
The average homeowner spends about $104 on electricity each month. However, if your garage’s electronics get damaged, you may notice an increase in your electricity bill each month.
Please look at your bills for the last few months and see where they stand. If your energy use is consistent or can easily explain increases, your door is likely in good shape.
However, it’s worth getting your door inspected if you have unexplained spikes or your bills keep going up.
Your repair expert will be able to inspect the wiring and connections in your system to make sure everything is working correctly.
If they notice any issues with the electronics, they can recommend the best course of action a garage fix.
Once it’s repaired, your electric bill will stabilize, and you won’t have to worry about unexpectedly high monthly costs.
Don’t Put off Garage Door Repair Appointments.
Taking care of your garage door means staying on top of even minor garage door repair issues and fixing them as soon as possible.
Watch for these telltale signs that your door is having trouble.
If you notice even one or feel your garage door isn’t working as it should, don’t wait. Schedule a repair appointment as soon as you can.
The sooner you do, the quicker you can use your door like usual. We are also available 24/7 for any garage emergency you may have.
Either way, we’ll ensure your system is in good shape, whether you need a straightforward garage fix, a basic tune-up, or an entirely new system installed.
