Garage Door Maintenance For First-Time Homeowners

Posted on: 11 February 2021

While many people consider a garage door a critical component in a home, most do not give it the care and attention it deserves. Due to repeated use, garage doors are susceptible to more wear and tear than other doors. The other factors that may contribute to garage door breakdowns are their bulkiness and complex mechanical operations. These are the reasons why you should pay attention to your garage doors. 

You ought to ensure prompt garage door repair and regular maintenance to keep your garage doors in good working order. For that reason, it is essential to understand some of the critical signs indicating that repairs and maintenance are due. Below are three indicators that your garage doors need to be checked by a professional. 

1. They Respond Too Slowly

When your garage door starts to move sluggishly when you press the opener, it might be time to call a garage door maintenance and repair specialist. The delay might be due to a problem with the opener itself or a fault on other mechanical components, such as the hinges, pulleys, sensors and springs. The tension springs may have snapped or the door might be off the tracks. The professional will determine the cause of the delayed response and find a suitable solution. 

2. They Seem to Be Out of Balance

A sagging or uneven garage door is a sign that the tension springs are critically worn out. Tension springs provide the energy required to move the doors up. When the springs on either side of the door wear down, you will notice sagging on the affected side. If unchecked, the weakened spring can snap off and cause a sudden collapse of the doors. 

A falling garage door is a safety hazard, as it can cause severe injuries or even fatalities due to its bulky weight. You should have broken tension springs replaced immediately by a garage door professional. 

3. They Consume Too Much Energy 

Sometimes, it can be hard to point a finger at what could be causing a spike in your energy bills. Many things can lead to unusual energy consumption, including a problematic air conditioner or a faulty electrical system. If one of these issues is not the cause, then your garage door might be the culprit. 

First, check the age of the door. If it is too old, it might be time to replace it with a new, more energy-efficient one. That is because old garage doors tend to consume more energy when operating. If the door is not due for a replacement, you then need to call in a professional for garage door maintenance to have the parts adjusted, cleaned, and lubricated. When that happens, the garage door will work more efficiently, thus consuming less energy. 

When you notice these warning signs, you should contact a seasoned and competent garage door maintenance and repair expert right away. By doing so, you will save your garage doors from critical damage that would require extensive and costly repairs.