Garage doors are critical to the security and convenience of your home, but they can experience various issues over time. While some of these problems can be easily resolved with minor adjustments, others may require Garage Door company professional help. However, many homeowners make mistakes when dealing with garage door problems, which can lead to further complications. Here’s a look at common garage door mistakes that can make issues worse or even pose a safety risk.
1. Ignoring Regular Maintenance
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is neglecting regular garage door maintenance. Garage doors are used frequently, and without proper maintenance, they can become more prone to issues like misalignment, rusting, or worn-out parts. Ignoring maintenance may seem like a time-saver at first, but it can lead to more costly repairs down the road. Many problems, such as broken springs or worn-out rollers, could have been caught earlier with routine maintenance.
2. Attempting DIY Repairs on Complex Components
While some minor garage door issues, such as lubrication or cleaning, can be handled by homeowners, many people attempt to fix complex components themselves, such as garage door springs or cables. These parts are under extreme tension and can be dangerous to handle without the proper training and tools. Attempting DIY repairs without the necessary expertise often leads to further damage to the door or injury to the person doing the work. It’s a mistake that many homeowners make to save money, but it can end up costing much more in repairs or medical bills.
3. Forgetting to Check the Garage Door’s Safety Features
Many modern garage doors come with safety features, such as auto-reverse mechanisms and sensors designed to prevent the door from closing if something is in its path. One common mistake is forgetting to check and test these features regularly. If the sensors are misaligned or obstructed by dirt, the door might not reverse as expected when something blocks its path, creating a serious safety hazard, especially in homes with small children or pets.
4. Neglecting to Keep Tracks Clean and Aligned
Garage door tracks need to be clean and properly aligned for the door to operate smoothly. However, many homeowners neglect to regularly inspect and clean the tracks, allowing dirt, debris, and rust to accumulate. Misalignment is another common issue that arises over time, causing the door to become stuck or uneven. Failing to address this issue can lead to more severe problems, such as the door becoming derailed or even damaging other components, like rollers or the opener.
5. Overloading the Garage Door Opener
Overloading the garage door opener is a mistake that is often made by homeowners who do not understand the limits of their opener. Garage door openers are designed to handle the specific weight and size of the door. If the door is too heavy for the opener or if there’s an obstruction in the door’s path, it can strain the motor, leading to malfunctions or premature failure. Many people try to use a heavier door with an opener that isn’t suited for it, or they repeatedly try to open a door that’s obstructed, causing significant wear on the opener.
6. Failing to Address Noises Promptly
Another mistake is ignoring the noises that the garage door makes during operation. While some sounds are normal, such as a slight hum from the opener, loud squeaks, grinding noises, or bangs can be signs of serious problems. Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that noisy garage doors will “fix themselves” or simply ignore the sound. However, these noises often indicate issues like worn-out rollers, misaligned tracks, or broken springs. The longer you ignore these noises, the worse the problem can become.
