Ever had one of those moments where your garage door makes a weird noise, moves sluggishly, or worse, refuses to open when you’re already running late?
Not exactly the best start to your day.
But here’s the thing: your garage door doesn’t just decide to stop working out of nowhere. It usually drops a few (sometimes very loud) hints before completely giving up.
And if you know what you’re looking for, you can catch these issues early and save a bucketload of time, frustration, and a whole lot of cash by avoiding costly fixes down the line.
So, if your garage door sounds more like a dying cat than a roller door, now might be the perfect time to check for warning signs before it leaves you stranded out in the cold.
Your noisy garage door is screaming out for help
Ever press the remote and hear your door make enough noise to wake the neighbours? That’s a glaring sign something’s off.
Instead of gliding smoothly, does it squeak like a cartoon hinge or rattle and bang like it’s about to fall apart? These sounds can come from:
- Dry rollers or hinges in desperate need of lubrication (and no, WD-40 won’t cut it – grab a garage-friendly product).
- Loose bolts, bent tracks, or slack in the chain drive.
If your garage door is making weird noises, don’t ignore it! A bit of TLC now can save you a big headache later.
Slow, jerky, or unresponsive? Time for a check-up
Just like your husband after a few beers, your garage door openers will struggle to perform from time to time (zing!).
If your roller is sluggish, jerky, or delayed in responding to your remote, there could be a serious problem under the hood.
Try checking out themotor or opener for a build-up of dust, faulty wiring or just plain old worn-out gears.
If all checks out, your garage door remote might be the culprit. If your garage door isn’t jumping into action after a single button press, try the tried and tested method of changing the batteries.
Pro Tip: Try disconnecting the opener and lifting the door manually. If it’s heavy or unbalanced, you might have a spring or cable issue on your hands.
Crooked or stuck? Your garage door could be off-balance
If your garage door tilts to one side like a one-legged pirate, it may be unbalanced. This is often caused by:
- Worn Springs or Cables: The springs and cables bear the weight of your garage door, and when they wear out, the door becomes unstable. This not only puts extra strain on the opener but can also be a serious safety hazard.
- Misaligned Tracks or Rollers: The metal tracks guiding your garage door should remain straight and clear of obstructions. If you notice wobbly movement, your tracks may be bent or your rollers worn out.
Ignoring balance issues can result in a door that gets stuck – or worse, one that suddenly crashes down.
Thieves love a stuck garage door
Is a garage door failure having your roller stopping short of the ground, leaving a gap an adventurous rat—or worse, a burglar—might exploit?
According to Queensland police, some sticky-fingered suburbians are using half-open garage doors to make their way into homes, helping themselves to everything from your TV to your favourite toolset.
“There’s a unique method of entry getting around of late whereby offenders are forcing open the garage door and gaining direct entry to peoples’ homes,” the force warned back in 2024.
“For those of us who have a garage which is attached to the house, the garage door provides direct access to the home and yet the only thing securing this door is the electric motor that opens and closes it.”
The most common culprits for a faulty garage door are broken springs or snapped cables, both of which are essential for lifting and lowering the door safely.
Misaligned or grimy sensors can also be responsible for stopping the door in its tracks, assuming you haven’t left the wheelie bin underneath the roller (we’ve all been there).
Rust, frayed cables, and visible garage door damage are a dead giveaway
Sometimes, the signs of a failing garage door are obvious. Regularly inspect the physical components of your garage door, paying close attention to:
- Rusty Springs and Cables: Rust can weaken metal parts, making them prone to snapping. If you notice rust developing, it’s best to replace these components before they fail.
- Frayed or Worn Cables: Cables play a vital role in lifting your garage door. If they’re looking frayed or worn, replacing them now is far cheaper than dealing with a snapped cable and potential door damage later.
As a general rule of thumb: If it looks busted, it probably is.
Catching the signs early means big savings later
Many homeowners put off fixing a failing garage door, thinking the problem isn’t urgent. But small issues can snowball quickly into a costly repair job if you’re not careful – sometimes even resulting in a full replacement (which can run up to $8000!!)
But the cost isn’t the only upside to giving your garage door a bit of TLC. Catching these problems early means your garage door can stay running smoother for longer while helping protect your home and family from security risks and safety hazards.
So, if your garage door is acting up, don’t wait until it’s too late!
FAQs
How often should I have my garage door serviced?
It’s best to get your garage door professionally inspected at least once a year. If you use it multiple times a day, consider a check-up every six months to stay ahead of potential issues.
How long does a garage door typically last?
Most garage doors last between 15-30 years, but parts like springs and cables may need replacement every 7–10 years. Regular maintenance will help extend your door’s lifespan.
What simple maintenance can I do myself?
- Lubricate moving parts like rollers, hinges, and tracks every few months.
- Check and tighten loose bolts and screws.
- Test door balance by lifting it halfway and letting go—if it moves, the springs may need adjusting.
Does the weather affect garage door performance?
Yes! Cold weather can cause metal components to contract, leading to alignment issues, while heat and humidity can cause expansion or rust. Regular lubrication and inspections can help prevent weather-related problems.
When to call in the pros for a damaged garage door
While some basic garage door fixes (like lubricating rollers and tightening loose bolts) can be done yourself, major repairs should always be left to the pros.
At IM Garage Door Repairs, we offer a whole range of services that keep your garage door operating smoothly and safely all throughout the year, including:
- Diagnosing and fixing motor, track, and cable issues.
- Replacing worn-out springs, rollers, and weather seals.
- Ensure your garage door is properly balanced and functioning safely.
If you are noticing any of the warning signs above, don’t wait until your garage door stops working completely. Book a professional garage door inspection today and keep your home secure, safe, and hassle-free.