5 Common Ways Garage Doors Break

Your garage door works hard every day, protecting your vehicles, bikes, and belongings from the weather, and there’s no denying the convenience of an automatic opener. But, like any hardworking machine, garage doors experience wear and tear that can lead to frustrating breakdowns. At A1 Garage Door Repairs, we’ve seen it all! To help you troubleshoot and keep your garage door running smoothly, here are the top 5 most common garage door problems:
  1. Spring Struggles Garage door springs carry the load, balancing the door’s weight for smooth opening and closing. But over time, they wear out. Here’s what to watch for:
  • Uneven or jerky movement: Springs may be struggling to lift the door properly.
  • Loud noises: Grinding or banging sounds can indicate worn-out springs.
  • Heavy or unresponsive manual operation: A door that’s difficult to lift manually often has spring issues.
Safety Note: Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle. Always call a pro—like A1 Garage Door Repairs—for safe replacement.
  1. Sensor Issues Safety sensors keep your door from closing on people or objects. When they malfunction, it’s often due to:
  • Misalignment: Sensors can shift over time, causing the door to reverse unexpectedly.
  • Dust and debris: Dirt can block the sensors, stopping them from detecting objects properly.
  • Damage: Physical damage to sensors can make them stop working altogether.
  1. Track Troubles Your garage door slides up and down along tracks on either side, but problems arise when the tracks get:
  • Bent: Bumping into the door can bend tracks, causing uneven movement.
  • Loose: Screws can loosen over time, making tracks wobbly and disrupting the door’s movement.
  • Rusty: Exposure to weather can cause tracks to rust, hindering smooth operation.
  1. Opener Issues The opener is the “brain” of your garage door. Common problems include:
  • Remote control issues: Dead batteries or a faulty remote can leave your door unresponsive.
  • Electrical problems: Power issues, such as a tripped breaker or motor failure, can keep the door stuck.
  • Worn gears: Over time, opener gears can wear out, causing grinding noises or erratic door movement.
  1. Panel Damage Garage door panels can take a beating from:
  • Accidents: Dents, dings, and cracks often happen from a car bump or accidental impact.
  • Severe weather: Hail, strong winds, and flying debris can damage panels.
  • Normal wear and tear: Panels may become brittle over time, making them more prone to damage.
Don’t Let a Broken Garage Door Keep You Stuck! If you’re dealing with any of these issues, give A1 Garage Door Repairs a call. Our skilled technicians are ready to diagnose and fix the problem with services like:
  • Spring replacement (by a trained professional)
  • Sensor realignment and cleaning
  • Track repair and realignment
  • Opener repair and replacement
  • Panel repair and replacement
We’re here to keep your garage door working smoothly! Contact A1 Garage Door Repairs today for a free consultation and let us help you regain peace of mind.