A garage door might not be the first thing that appeals to you about a house, but it can make or break the security of your home. If your garage isn’t protected, then thieves have a way inside your property. They might even steal your vehicle – or worse. So while we like to say that a good garage door reflects better curb appeal for your home; we appreciate that it is as much about safety as it is about looks.
A problem-free garage door is achieved through proper maintenance. So in order to up your home security game and protect your family for longer, what should you be doing to maintain your garage door?
The 5 Biggest Red Flags that your Garage Door Needs Help
Help might mean a service from a leading garage door service provider in Caldwell – or wherever else you live. Alternatively, it might just need some small maintenance treatments that you can do yourself.
1 – Creaking and Squeaking
Does your garage door sound like metal-on-metal when you open it? If it screeches or judders, this could be a warning sign that it needs help. Our first thoughts in this case would be to apply lubrication to the joints. You should check along the tracks for your doors for any dirt and debris. In general, you should do this once in a while anyway, to prevent future problems.
2 – There is a Delay
If you click the button to open your door and nothing happens for a few seconds, there might be a problem. Before you go calling the repair technicians, however, try changing the batteries in the device if this applies to you. This should be your first point to check should the door suddenly stop opening or closing, too.
3 – Rocking and Rolling
Does your garage door make a rattling noise while it opens and closes? Is it putting pressure against its own tracks as it rolls from side to side? This is a sign that you either need a full scale, technician-approved inspection – or a new garage door altogether. Unusual noises and motions are only going to go against the intended durability of the garage doors and, if you don’t get this seen to, you will find they eventually break completely.
4 – Tracks Shifting
The tracks your garage door runs back and forth (or up and down) on will move a little, over time. The owner’s manual for your garage doors will contain all of the information you need to keep the tracks straightened. However, if you find you are having to tighten the tracks, or realign them, more than once every few months, then you should get the technician in to inspect them.
5 – Temperamental Garage Doors
Is there nothing specific you can put your finger on? Some people find that a garage door will become temperamental at the end of their life cycle. They might perform inconsistently, sometimes not even responding at all. They might display all of the above warning signs at different intervals, with no regularity at all. This is a sign that age is having an effect on them. Get a repair person in to look over them or consider replacing them altogether.