Your garage door is one of the hardest-working systems in your home, opening and closing hundreds of times each year. Because it’s used so frequently, wear and tear is inevitable. Spotting common issues early can prevent sudden breakdowns, costly repairs, or even safety hazards. Today, we at AAA Action Garage Doors would like to share the most frequent garage door problems homeowners face and how to recognize them before they turn into major headaches.
Noisy Garage Door Operation
If your garage door suddenly starts rattling, grinding, squeaking, or popping, don’t ignore it. Noise is often one of the first signs something is wrong. Common causes include lack of lubrication, loose hardware, worn rollers, or misaligned tracks. Listen for changes in sound and take note if the noise gets louder over time. Routine lubrication and tightening screws and bolts often helps, but persistent sounds may require professional attention to avoid further damage.
Slow or Jerky Garage Door Movement
A garage door that used to glide smoothly but now moves slowly or hesitates may be experiencing worn rollers, damaged tracks, or failing springs. Jerky movement may also indicate alignment issues. If your door struggles to open or close, don’t force it, this can stress the opener and additional components. Addressing sluggish or uneven movement early can prevent complete system failure.
Unbalanced Garage Door
If your garage door feels heavier than usual when opening manually or sags on one side, the spring system may be failing. An unbalanced door makes your opener work harder and could eventually cause the opener motor to burn out. Test balance by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, call a technician, spring repair is dangerous and best left to professionals.
Garage Door Remote or Keypad Issues
When your remote or keypad stops working, many homeowners first think something is broken. Often, it’s as simple as low batteries, signal interference, or a device needing reprogramming. But if power sources are fine and the problem persists, the opener’s internal components may be failing. Watch for inconsistent response times or delayed activation, these are early signs your opener system may need maintenance or replacement.
Garage Door Won’t Fully Close or Reopen Unexpectedly
If your garage door stops before closing or reverses unexpectedly, your safety sensors may be dirty, misaligned, or blocked. This is one of the most common and easily fixable issues. Regularly wipe the lenses and check the alignment. If sensors are clean and aligned but the problem persists, your opener may need recalibration or component repairs.
Broken Garage Springs or Cables
Springs and cables do the heavy lifting, and when they weaken or snap, the door may slam shut or refuse to open. You might notice loose cables, gaps in your springs, or a loud bang from the garage. These failures are dangerous, never attempt to repair them yourself. Early warning signs include uneven lifting or visible wear on springs and cables.
Garage Door Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Early detection is key to maintaining a safe, smooth, and long-lasting garage door system. Regular inspections, lubrication, and professional tune-ups can keep your door operating reliably for years. If you notice any unusual sounds, movements, or performance issues, addressing them right away can help avoid expensive repairs, and ensure your garage door remains safe for your family. Call AAA Action Garage Doors when you need garage door services in the Greater Las Vegas, NV Valley.
