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Two Common Issues With Garage Doors And How To Repair Them

8 December 2020

Sara Walters

Does your garage door make unusual noises when you open and close it? Has it gotten harder to slide the door up and down? It is stuck in place? If you are dealing with any of these issues, it most likely means the garage door has malfunctioned and needs to be repaired. This troubleshooting guide lists a few of the most common garage door issues and how to fix them.

Door Is Stuck in Place

When the door refuses to move at all, there are a few things that could be causing the issue.

Blockage

Garage doors are attached to rails on each side. The door slides through the rails on wheels. If there is something blocking the rail, the door will not move smoothly through it. Use a ladder and inspect the rails on each side. Remove any debris that has gathered in the rails and try using the door again.

Damage

If you do not see anything blocking the rails, then it is probably damage to the rails that is causing the problem. Inspect the rails for signs of damage. Excess weight on the door or rails can cause the metal rails to bend, which will make it impossible for the wheels to slide through them.

Door Is Hard to Slide

For some malfunctions, the door will open and close but it may be difficult to get it to slide up or down. Check the following things to see if it is causing the problem.

Dirt

As mentioned before, garage doors rely on the rails to close and open. Dirt and debris can collect inside the rails, which makes it hard for the wheels to roll. You can solve the issue by cleaning the rails using warm water and a cloth. Run the damp cloth through each of the rails to thoroughly remove all the dirt. The door should move along the rails without sticking.

Wheels

Loose or broken wheels will prohibit the garage door from sliding along the rails. Check the wheels for damage and determine which ones need to be repaired. Loose wheels can be reattached using a drill or screwdriver. Broken wheels will need to be completely replaced.

Conclusion

The issues listed above are typically caused by normal wear and tear on a garage door and not damage due to force, weather, etc. Regular maintenance can extend the lifetime of your garage door. To learn more about caring for garage doors, contact a company like Edgemont Garage Door Service.

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