Don't Get Stuck in the Winter: How to Spot a Garage Door About to Fail
6 Signs Your Garage Door is About to Break Down
Call us 24/7Between the heavy storms, freezing temperatures, and periodic power outages, Western New York knows winter. Cold days, heavy storms, brutal winds; they’re just around the corner.
But you’re not the only one feeling the cold temperatures; your garage is too. Not only do the cold temperatures cause the metal parts to contract, but salt can build up and affect the rollers and tracks, potentially leading to problems raising and lowering the door.
The last thing you want is your garage door failing on the coldest day of the year, leaving you and your car stuck outside while the snow blows around.
Before the snow piles up, here’s how to tell if your garage door is warning you of trouble.
6 Warning Signs Your Garage Door Might Be About to Fail
Unusual Noises
Grinding, squeaking, or popping sounds indicate worn parts or lack of lubrication.
Slow or Jerky Movement
Delay in opening or closing or uneven movement could point to motor or track issues.
Sagging or Uneven Panels
Indicates tension spring or cable imbalance.
Door Won’t Stay Open
A dangerous sign of weak or failing springs.
Inconsistent Sensor Operation
Safety sensors, blocked, misaligned or failing, can be common in cold-weather.
Keypad or Remote Is Unresponsive
Could be battery issues, faulty wiring, or opener failure.
What to Do Now
Once you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, it’s important that you act before your door fully breaks when you least want it.
But what should you do?
What you do will depend on what problems you’re having with your garage door. Generally, you should:
- Lubricate moving parts with cold-weather garage door lubricant.
- Inspect weatherstripping to keep out drafts and moisture.
- Check balance and alignment by disconnecting the opener and manually testing movement.
- Clean sensors and tracks regularly to prevent buildup.
When to Call a Professional
Some problems are too big to take on yourself. You’ll want to call a professional if you hear a loud bang – that indicates spring failure. If the door comes of its tracks or the opener isn’t working despite regular maintenance, you should give us a call.
Schedule a Winter Tune-Up with Hamburg Overhead Door
Skip the stress of a mid-winter garage door repair with a preventative maintenance appointment. Schedule a garage door inspection or tune-up before winter hits. With help from Hamburg Overhead Door, you can avoid costly repairs and a major headache.
Beat the Buffalo Winter Before It Beats Your Garage Door
Peace of mind starts with a reliable garage door. If you know what to look for and invest in regular maintenance, you can stop a costly breakdown in the middle of the winter. Don’t wait for the first snowstorm to find out the troubles brewing.
Start with some routine maintenance or call Hamburg Overhead Door for a maintenance visit.
