My Automatic Garage Door Won't Close: Signs You Need a Replacement

We don’t think much about our garage door. We use it daily, but often we take it for granted.

When they break, we notice immediately. If our automatic garage door won’t close, then our belongings stored in the garage are exposed to theft and animals.

A broken door attracts attention; the kind of attention you don’t want. Your house will look to be in disrepair. If you plan to sell the home at some point, you’ll definitely want to get it fixed to improve curb appeal and maintain your home’s value.

So how do you know your automatic garage door isn’t working properly? And when is it time to get a new garage door? Keep reading to find out.

Outdated Door

If you bought an older home with an aging garage door, it’s going to be frustrating. These doors, if they are automatic, are often very slow to open and close.

Many people lose or break their garage door openers, meaning they have to get out of their car, go into the garage door, and open it from the inside. This is very annoying when you use it multiple times a day.

On top of that, old doors are not pretty. There’s a difference between vintage and old. Old doors are an eyesore. A modern garage door replacement will make your life a little bit easier and increase the curb appeal of your home.

Too Much Noise

Doors that are old or not working properly may be much louder than a new door will be. This can be problematic if someone has to leave for work early in the morning and the garage door wakes up those who are still sleeping.

Some noise may be solved with routine garage door repairs. However, left unattended, noises are the result of grinding, cracking, or straining. If you don’t repair this, it could destroy the door or frame, leading to a replacement.

Shaking and Rattling

If you notice the door shaking or rattling while it is opening, this is a sign that your door needs maintenance. A garage door should open and close smoothly.

Shaking could be due to a number of factors, such as loose bolts or parts, or bent tracks. Call a professional right away before the issue leads to bigger problems.

Sagging Door

If your old garage door is made out of wood, you may notice it start to sag. Because wood has a limited lifespan, much shorter than modern garage door materials, it will eventually rot and deteriorate.

Especially if you live in climates with extreme weather conditions, such as high humidity or lots of snow. An old, wooden door should be replaced as soon as possible.

However, even non-wood doors can sag. If you notice your modern door start to sag, call a professional to diagnose and repair it.

The door frame might only require minor adjustments. If there is excessive sagging present, you may need to have the pulley system completely replaced.

Bent Doors

Many older doors are bent at the bottom from a homeowner trying hard to lift the door by hand. A bent door will look terrible.

On top of that, it may create a gap allowing critters such as mice or rats into your garage. It could even be a signal to thieves to try lifting the garage door for themselves. A bent door might be able to be repaired easily by a professional.

Slow to Open

If your door and tracks are well-maintained and kept lubricated over the years, your door shouldn’t get slower over time. It should always function at a normal speed.

If you notice it getting a little slower, try greasing up the tracks to allow for easier movement. If the change in speed is sudden, this could be a sign that your motor is dying and needs replacing.

If the door seems to be working too hard to open or close, it might not be worth fixing and a replacement garage door may be in order.

Rust

If you live in a cold, wet climate with lots of snow and rain, your garage door will be more susceptible to rust over time. If caught early enough, rust can be dealt with easily.

However, if rust penetrates deep into the metal, your door will be compromised. The structural integrity of the door will be ruined. On top of that, it will be an eyesore.

Do your part to protect your door from rust each year. If your garage door has been overtaken, it’s time for a replacement.

My Detached Garage is Shifting

In many old, historic neighborhoods, garages are often detached from the home. Many of these garages are over 50 years old and very small.

It’s not uncommon for these small structures to eventually shift and lean, as they are weak and possibly deteriorating. This could cause the frame and door to be bent and skewed, limiting proper function.

Your first step would be to restore the structural integrity of the garage itself. Once repaired, you’ll need to replace the garage door system as well.

Excessive Repairs

If you find yourself calling a mechanic or garage door repairman often, there’s clearly a problem.

Excessive maintenance is going to cost more than replacing the door for one that won’t require repairs for many years. If you’ve made too many calls over the last couple of years, it’s time to consider a replacement.

Won’t Open or Close at All

And finally, if your garage door has breathed it’s last breath and won’t open or close at all, you know what to do. Life without a working garage door is simply unpleasant. Especially if the door is stuck open and your car and belongings are exposed.

What to Do When Your Automatic Garage Door Won’t Close

If your garage door won’t open or close, you need to call a professional quickly. Those in Little Rock can visit https://www.directserviceoverhead.com to speak with a professional. They will determine if your door can be repaired, or if a replacement is required.