You pull up into your driveway, jamming to your favorite music, and as usual, you hit the remote to open the garage door. But, this time, it fails to budge. You try again, and nothing happens – not even a sound. Nada! Lo and behold, it hits you. You've been ignoring the little signs that your garage door needs repairs for too long now – and it seems like the chickens have come home to roost!
The saving grace is that you have your repair contractor's number on the speed dial. At Chicago Garage Door, we handle such emergency repairs. In Mount Prospect, we provide top-notch services for garage doors, ensuring they function as expected – so you don't have to worry about making another emergency call.
However, before you book an appointment with your preferred service provider or us, here are some tell-tale signs that your garage door needs some attention:
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Jerking
Typically, a garage door has some play when it opens and closes, but if you notice that it jerks or shudders as it moves up or down, it might need an inspection to rule out any possible malfunctioning.
Who knows, the shaking or shuddering could result from a malfunctioning opener, worn rollers, loose hinges, or even a misaligned track. Have your go-to service provider take a look and make the necessary repairs.
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Sluggish Operation
Is your garage door taking longer than usual to open and close? If so, it could be time for some TLC. The door should be responsive so that when you hit the remote, it does its thing right away. Probably, it needs some lubrication or an opener upgrade if it's sluggish. Meanwhile, here are potential reasons for a door's slow operation:
- Old age – It turns out that old age doesn't just affect living things. Well, over time, garage doors will show their age. Maybe yours has been around for eons, implying you may need to invest in a new one. Hence, you can look forward to smoother operations and better energy efficiency by upgrading to a newer model.
- Lubrication – If it's been a while since you lubricated your door, chances are it's due for some. Lubricate the rollers, hinges, and other moving components to see if it helps. Such a minor fix could restore your door to its best working condition.
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Noisy Operation
Your garage door shouldn't sound like a chainsaw on steroids! If it's making more noise than usual, there could be a few reasons. The opener may need some attention. Similarly, the noisy operation could result from more serious issues, such as broken springs or improperly aligned tracks. You know what they say if it walks like a duck… It's best to rope in a pro who can help you diagnose and fix the issue swiftly.
The noise isn't merely an annoyance – it's the door's way of saying, “Hey, you need to check on me!” An occasional squeaking sound is typical for a garage door, but if it starts making explosions, clanking, or any unusual sound, you could have a major issue on your hands.
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Failure to Open or Close
Remember our analogy at the beginning? If your garage door fails to open or close altogether, it's a sure sign it needs repairs. Some components may have weakened over time, resulting in the door's sudden failure.
A broken spring, motor unit issue, or even a misaligned track can quickly ruin your day. Whatever the cause, don't try to repair it. Instead, call your go-to service provider or the specialists at Chicago Garage Door – if you live in their service area.
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Higher Energy Bills
You'd be surprised how much an inefficient garage door can cost you. If your energy bills are unusually high, it could be a sign that the door needs a tune-up. An expert can check to see if the weather stripping, opener, and other components are in top condition. If any part is worn out, they can replace it with a more energy-efficient option.
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Imbalanced Door
What are the signs of an out-of-balance garage door? Sagging is one, and so is the door's uneven response to the opener. If your door is off-balance, it can damage the motor unit or even the track. Similarly, it can strain the opener, putting it at risk of malfunctioning or breaking down. What's more, it leads to uneven spring wear.
Mostly, garage door repairs don't have to be a headache. The next time yours needs attention, don't wait until it stops working. In short, be on the lookout for signs that it needs some care so you can extend its service life.
