4 Signs Your Garage Door Needs Work
From parking your car and lawn care equipment to storing holiday decorations, it is easy to see the value of the garage attached to your home. While you may clean out the interior periodically, your garage door will also require some maintenance over time. Not only is its opening and closing function an imperative part of the garage, but the door plays a large role in your home's overall curb appeal. With this guide, you will learn when and if your garage door needs an update.
Opening/Closing Difficulty
In many instances, springs on the door may have broken or the door has come off its track, preventing it from opening and closing completely.
This issue is not only annoying, but it could be dangerous. Perhaps surprising to learn, an estimated 30,000 injuries occur each year due to issues with a garage door. If your door is struggling to open and close, check the door's springs and track to ensure everything is in proper condition.
If your door is not operating correctly, be sure to have it repaired to reduce the risk of accidents.
Opener Is Outdated
Another reason your door may not be opening correctly is an outdated automatic opener. Most garages come equipped with an automatic garage door opener, which allows you to open and close the door with a quick push of a button. This button can be found on a remote that can be kept inside your car, but an opener button should also be installed on the wall inside your garage.
An outdated opener could be preventing the door from opening and closing in a smooth, effective manner. Also, automatic openers manufactured before 1993 are not equipped with reversing sensors. These sensors will stop the door's operation if an object or living thing comes in contact with the sensor. Be sure to replace an outdated garage door opener to ensure it opens and closes properly, but to also reduce the risk of an injury to your children or pets.
Loud Noise
Your garage door will make some noise as it is opening and closing. However, if you are able to hear the noise from a distance or your neighbors are complaining about the noise, consider inspecting the door system for signs of distress.
Thankfully, an excessively loud door is usually due to a simple issue. Inspect the door and components for any loose screws and bolts. Use your socket wrench to tighten each bolt.
Next, check the door's rollers and hinges for signs of damage. Over time, the rollers can wear down, causing your door to make a loud noise when opening and closing. In many cases, this will also cause the door to wobble and stick when opening and closing. Replace worn rollers with nylon rollers, which do not wear down as quickly as the traditional metal pieces.
Check the door's chain, as well. If the garage door opener's chain is loose, you may hear loud clapping noises during the opening and closing process. Tighten the chain or replace with a new, shorter chain to reduce the noise.
Lastly, lubricate all parts of the garage door system. Make sure the tracks, rollers, springs, and chains are sufficiently lubricated to reduce any metal to metal contact, which can reduce the door's operation while being noisy.
Door Is Outdated
If your door is rusty, dirty, or basically old and outdated, it may be time for a replacement. Installing a new, clean, and modern garage door will improve the look of your home, which can increase its overall value.
Consider replacing a boring white door with faux wood garage door for instant appeal. Or, install a white door with windows at the top for added décor. If your door is still in good condition, you can add decorative hardware and handles to the door to give it look inspired by antique carriage doors. Check out doors offered by sellers like Aladdin Doors of Raleigh to get an idea of all your options.
As a homeowner, you probably know how to improve the function and look of your house, but you may not realize the importance of your garage door. If you notice one or more of the above signs, it is most likely time to focus your home maintenance on the garage door or opener system.
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