Garage doors are one of the most-used features in any home. Whether you are heading out to work or coming back after a long day, your garage door works hard to keep you safe, secure, and on schedule. But like any mechanical system, garage doors can and do fail often at the worst possible time. Understanding the common causes of garage door failure and how to prevent them can help you avoid inconvenient breakdowns, costly repairs, or even safety hazards. AAA Action Garage Doors will cover the most frequent culprits and share expert tips to keep your garage door operating smoothly year-round.
Broken Garage Door Springs
Torsion and extension springs are responsible for lifting the heavy weight of your garage door. Over time, they wear out due to frequent use and metal fatigue. Common causes of broken springs include:
• Normal wear and tear
• Rust and corrosion
• Lack of maintenance or lubrication
To prevent or extend the life of your springs you will need to schedule annual inspections. Lubricate springs regularly with silicone-based spray or replace both springs at once when one breaks to ensure even tension. Never attempt to replace garage door springs yourself as they are under high tension and extremely dangerous. Always hire a professional.
Worn or Misaligned Garage Door Rollers & Tracks
Rollers help your door glide smoothly along the tracks. If they become worn, dirty, or dislodged, your garage door may stick, make grinding noises, or come off track. Roll and track problems can occur due to:
• Dirt, debris, or rust buildup in the tracks
• Rollers wearing out over time
• Accidental impact or poor alignment
To help prevent track and roller problems you will need to clean and inspect tracks and rollers every 6 months. Keep tracks free of debris and obstructions. Replace worn or cracked rollers promptly and avoid bumping or hitting the garage door with vehicles or tools.
Faulty Garage Door Opener
The opener is the heart of your garage door system. If it malfunctions, your door may not respond to the remote, wall switch, or safety sensors. Some of the common causes of a faulty door opener are caused by:
• Worn-out motor gears
• Stripped drive belts or chains
• Electrical issues or power surges
• Faulty logic board or sensors
Preventing opener problems, you will want to test opener functionality monthly and replace opener batteries annually. Add a surge-protector to your garage door opener and have the opener serviced if it’s older than 10 to 15 years.
Lack of Routine Garage Door Maintenance
Skipping garage door maintenance is like skipping oil changes for your car, it may not seem urgent until something breaks down. Some of the dangers of neglecting your garage door maintenance include:
• Parts wear out unnoticed
• Small issues become bigger over time
• Dirt and grime degrade moving components
It is essential to perform a basic inspection every 3 to 6 months, schedule a professional tune-up annually and keep a maintenance checklist and log of repairs.
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
Garage door failures are frustrating but most are preventable with a little proactive care. By understanding the common causes of breakdowns and investing in regular inspections and maintenance, you can keep your garage door working safely and reliably for years to come. Need help with an inspection, repair, or upgrade? Contact AAA Action Garage Doors today!
