Have you ever found yourself frustrated by a malfunctioning garage door?
Perhaps it’s refusing to open or close properly, making strange noises, or displaying visible signs of damage. Whatever the case may be, the next question most likely to pop on your mind is, “Can a damaged garage door be repaired?”
The short answer is yes, but the extent of the damage and the type of repairs needed will determine the feasibility. Luckily, the vast majority of garage door problems can be resolved through repair rather than resorting to a complete replacement.
Such a relief, indeed!
Before digging any further, let’s first find out the leading causes of the garage door damage:
6 Common Causes Of Garage Door Damage
There are a lot of things that can be the ultimate cause of your garage door damage. However, among several options, the below six ones have indeed topped every list.
They are as follows:
1. Spring Breakage
This is a common culprit when it comes to garage door malfunctions. You see, garage doors are equipped with heavy-duty springs that help counterbalance the weight of the door. Over time, these springs can wear out or weaken due to constant use and exposure to the elements.
When a spring breaks, it can wreak havoc on your garage door’s functionality. Suddenly, your once smooth-operating door may become a heavy burden that refuses to budge or gets stuck halfway. It’s like your door is on a stubborn strike!
So, if you find yourself struggling to open or close your garage door, spring breakage might be the sneaky troublemaker behind the scenes.
2. Cable Breakage
Garage door cables play a crucial role in the smooth movement of your door. They work in tandem with the springs to lift and lower the door safely.
However, just like springs, these cables can also succumb to wear and tear over time. Whether it’s due to fraying, rusting, or simply reaching the end of their lifespan, cable breakage can be a real headache.
When a cable snaps, it can throw your garage door off balance, leading to uneven movement or, worst-case scenario, a door that comes crashing down unexpectedly. Therefore, if you notice any signs of cable damage, like loose strands or a misaligned door, it’s best to address the issue promptly to avoid any unwanted surprises.
3. The Photo Eye
Now, here’s an interesting one: the photo eye. No, it’s not a gadget that takes selfies or captures Instagram-worthy shots. In fact, it’s a safety feature that plays a crucial role in preventing accidents.
The photo eye consists of two sensors placed on either side of the garage door, usually near the ground. These sensors emit an invisible beam of light that forms an “invisible fence.”
And when something interrupts this beam, like a person, a pet, or even a stray object, the garage door automatically stops closing and reverses its direction. This prevents the door from accidentally closing on someone or something, avoiding potential injuries or damage.
However, if the photo eye sensors get misaligned, dirty, or damaged, they may not function properly, and the garage door’s safety mechanism could be compromised. So, be sure to keep those sensors clean and check their alignment regularly to ensure your garage door keeps everyone safe.
4. Electrical Issues
Just like your favorite gadgets at home, garage doors rely on electricity to function properly. From the motor that powers the door to the control panels and safety features, there’s a whole electrical system working behind the scenes. But sometimes, electrical problems can arise.
Maybe there’s a faulty connection, a blown fuse, or a glitch in the control circuit. When these issues occur, your garage door might start acting up. It could suddenly stop in the middle of opening or closing, or it might refuse to budge altogether.
Dealing with electrical problems can be a bit trickier, so it’s best to leave the repairs to the experts who can safely diagnose and fix any electrical gremlins causing trouble.
5. Wear and tear
Wear and tear – a common foe that affects pretty much everything in life, including your garage door. Over time, constant use, exposure to the elements, and the passage of seasons can take a toll on your garage door’s components.
The hinges, rollers, tracks, and other moving parts can start to wear down, become loose, or accumulate rust. This can result in a noisy and shaky garage door that doesn’t work as smoothly as it used to.
Think of it as the door’s way of saying, “I have been through a lot, and I need a little TLC.” Regular maintenance, lubrication, and periodic inspections can help keep wear and tear in check and extend the life of your garage door.
6. Obstacles
Last but not least, your garage door needs a clear path to open and close safely.
Sometimes, though, objects in your garage can get in the way and cause damage. It could be a bicycle, a ladder, or a forgotten stack of boxes that decided to take up residence right under the door’s path.
When the door tries to close, it can collide with these objects, resulting in dents, scratches, or even more severe damage. So, keep your garage tidy and make sure to remove any potential obstacles that might block the door’s trajectory. Your garage door will thank you, and you’ll avoid unnecessary repairs.
How to Repair a Damaged Garage Door? [5 Common Repair Options]
Here is a list of the 6 most common repair options to follow:
Getting Your Garage Door Inspected
Let’s kick off the repair journey with a thorough inspection. When your garage door is damaged, the first step is to call in the experts for a professional assessment.
They will take a close look at all the components, from the springs and cables to the motor and tracks, to identify the root cause of the problem. Once they figure out what’s wrong, they will provide you with an expert diagnosis and recommend the appropriate repairs. So, don’t hesitant to call in the pros and let them work their magic!
Having the Garage Door Placed Back on Its Tracks
Sometimes, your garage door can go off track, much like a shopping cart that veers off course in the supermarket. It can happen due to accidental impacts, regular wear and tear, or even a misaligned roller. When this occurs, the door might get stuck, become crooked, or refuse to move at all.
The good news is that in many cases, garage door track repair is as simple as having the garage door placed back on its tracks. It’s like giving it a little nudge in the right direction. However, if you are having trouble. the best is to call in a professional technician to look into the matters. With a few adjustments and a little finesse, your garage door will be back to its smooth gliding self in no time.
Fixing a Stuck Garage Door
When your door gets stuck, it can be quite a hassle. You may find yourself trapped inside or outside, unable to move the door an inch. From sensor obstruction to wheel track obstruction or garage door opener – it can happen due to any reasons at any moment.
You can try closing the door manually, but one key point to note – never resort to force. Otherwise, instead of doing good, you will end of harming more!
In such cases, just call in an expert and they will be all the down to tackle this issue. And before you know it, your once stubborn door will be gliding up and down with ease.
Repairing a Damaged Garage Door Section
Whether it’s due to accidental damage, a collision, or wear and tear, a damaged section can compromise the overall functionality and aesthetics of your garage door.
But fear not, there’s a repair option for that!
A skilled technician can assess the extent of the damage and determine if the section needs to be repaired or replaced. Afterwards, they will carefully remove the damaged section and either fix it up or install a brand-new one.
Tending to a Garage Door That Makes a Loud Sound
Is your garage door making a racket that could rival a rock concert? That’s not a pleasant symphony to listen to! If your garage door is emitting loud, unpleasant noises, it’s a sign that something is amiss. The culprit could be worn-out rollers, dirt and debris, loose hardware, or insufficient lubrication.
Here, the first thing you can do is trying to clean the track and then coat it with the lubricant. If this trick doesn’t occur, it’s high time to call in the experts!
Final Words
When faced with a damaged garage door, don’t despair!
Repairing it is often a viable and cost-effective option. From misaligned tracks to malfunctioning openers and damaged panels, most issues can be expertly resolved, breathing new life into your garage door.
And in case of any issues, make sure to get in touch with the professionals. After all, they possess all kinds of knowledge and tools to diagnose and fix the problem accurately. Additionally, addressing repairs promptly can save you from potential future expenses.
Last but not the least, your garage door awaits a second chance to serve you reliably for several years to come!
