If you cannot depend on your garage door to always open or close the way that it should, or it consistently squeaks while moving, the garage door may not be safe to use. Squeaky doors or undependable opening and closing of garage doors can result in damage to yourself, the vehicle and other people could occur. Fortunately, there are several common reasons that your garage door is malfunctioning, and it may be simpler than you think to solve the problem.
#1 Check And Clean The Rails
After disconnecting the garage door, remove any obvious blockages and wipe down any area that you can with a clean sponge to prevent any injuries. Do not turn it back on until you are ready to test the door and continue to disconnect it each time that you are working on it. The problem could be something minor like a twig stuck in the rails or a wad of chewing gum left behind.
#2 Examine The Metal Hinges And Rollers
One of the more common problems associated with garage doors that have difficulty fully opening or closing is often the metal hinges and rollers. The garage door and the opening mechanism it uses will typically receive a lot of dust, dirt and grime from outside. As it builds up, it can eventually cause the doors to not open or close without stopping. If removing blockages did not work, lubricating the metal parts often will.
Fortunately, the solution is fairly simple. Simply buy a silicone spray lubricant with an easy to use nozzle and remove both the hinge and the hinge pain. Use a liberal amount of the lubricant on both parts and put it back in its spot.
If it still squeaks or the door continues to be a problem, you can repeat the process without being stingy with the amount of lubricant you use. If repeated attempts are not giving you the results you need, it may be an alignment problem.
#3 Look For Alignment Issues
A final possibility is that the rails and garage door are no longer properly aligned. This repair process is a little more challenging and it is not unusual to need professional assistance to align the garage door.
You will first need to loosen the screws that attach the tracks to the frame of the garage door. Next, use a rubber mallet to move the disturbed railing and a level to verify that the railing is now straight. Tighten the screws once again to secure the unit and repeat the process on the other side of the door. If the problem continues after your best efforts, it is time to consult with a garage door service, like Alberta Action Door Services Ltd.
In conclusion, when your garage door fails to fully open or close without stopping, it is crucial to diagnose and repair the problem as soon as possible. Doing so is the best way to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to your vehicle.