Is your garage door no longer opening as smoothly as it once did? This inconvenience can be more than just a minor annoyance, as a malfunctioning garage door may indicate deeper issues that need to be addressed. Understanding the potential reasons behind this problem could save you time and money while restoring your garage door to optimal function. In this blog post, we’ll explore several common reasons your garage door might not be operating correctly and what you can do to address them.
1. Lack of Lubrication
One possible reason for a garage door not opening smoothly could be a lack of lubrication. Garage doors have numerous moving parts, and over time, these components can become worn and require lubrication to function properly. Without adequate lubrication, metal parts can grind against each other, creating friction and hindering smooth movement. Applying a suitable lubricant to the tracks, rollers, and hinges may restore smoothness to your garage door’s operation.
2. Sensor Misalignment
Sensor misalignment is another common cause of a garage door’s erratic behavior. Most modern garage doors use sensors to detect obstacles and prevent accidents. If these sensors become misaligned, they may falsely signal an obstruction, stopping the door from closing or opening smoothly.
3. Old Age
While garage door openers are generally reliable, with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years according to The Spruce, they can occasionally develop issues that affect door operation. If your garage door opener is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might struggle to lift the door evenly, resulting in a jerky or incomplete operation. Consider assessing the age and condition of your garage door opener. If it has been operational for over a decade, it might be time to invest in a new, more efficient model to restore the door’s functionality.
A garage door opener that doesn’t operate smoothly can often be traced back to straightforward issues such as lack of lubrication, sensor misalignment, or an aging opener. By diagnosing these potential problems and addressing them promptly, you can ensure that your garage door continues to operate efficiently and safely. Always remember to perform regular maintenance checks to prevent problems from developing and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-functioning garage door system. To receive garage door opener repairs, call Kelleher Doors Inc.