Six Signs Your Garage Door May Be Failing

 Posted on January 15, 2025 in Garage Doors

Like most things, garage doors can work slowly or noisily or may simply stop working altogether. Since you, like many homeowners, probably rely on your garage door to keep your vehicle from being out in adverse weather and/or to protect your tools and other items you store in the garage, it is necessary that your garage door work smoothly and consistently. Your garage door may also protect your home from intruders. As important as your garage door is, keeping it in tip-top shape is crucial.

Below you will learn about the signs that will tell you that your garage door is on its last leg. When you choose a licensed Downer’s Grove, IL garage-building and repair expert from Blue Sky Builders, Inc., not only will your garage door work perfectly, but we can also help you replace old garage windows and update your steel entry door system. We have a superior work ethic along with exemplary experience in every area of garage-building, repair, and re-inventing your garage space. Below, you will learn about the signs that your garage door is on its last leg.

How Do You Know Your Garage Door Is Failing?

The following are seven issues associated with a garage door’s operation. These issues can potentially be hazardous for a DIY project, so speaking to a professional is always a good idea.

The Garage Door is Off Its Track

A garage door that has slipped its track can be dangerous and always requires a professional. The door could suddenly become dislodged from the frame, causing it to fall. This could injure a person standing below the door or damage a vehicle. The alignment may be the problem, or the rollers or cables could be damaged or broken.

The Garage Door Fails to Open or Close

A garage door that will not open or close may signal a serious problem that requires an experienced professional with the right tools to resolve. The reverser sensitivity may need adjustment, the overhead door may be off its track, the torsion or extension springs may be broken, the cables may have loosened or snapped, or the limit settings may be incorrect.

The Garage Door Frequently Stalls

A garage door is a complex system of tracks, pulleys, sensors, and springs. If your garage door is stalling on a regular basis, it may have a broken hinge, a misaligned door, or snapped tension springs or cables. It could also need lubrication and an adjustment of the speed settings.

The Garage Door Does Not Completely Close

If your garage door leaves several inches open when it closes, the distance setting could be off, causing it to stop short. Misaligned safety sensors at the bottom of the door could be the culprit, or the cables, tracks, or springs could be damaged. In any case, a garage door that does not close puts you at risk of thieves, extreme temperatures, or moisture getting inside.

The Garage Door is Opening and Closing on Its Own

Unless you have a ghost living in your house, the overhead garage door unit circuit board may be the culprit. Radio interference and spent batteries in the remote control may also be the cause of a garage door that seems to have a mind of its own.

You Hear Grinding or Squeaking Noises When the Garage Door Opens and Closes

If the garage door is older, the springs, cables, bearings, or rollers may be to blame for the noises it makes when it opens and closes. When you begin to hear these noises, you can bet it is only a matter of time before a more serious garage door failure occurs.

Speak to a DuPage County, IL Garage Repair Company

If your garage door shows signs of age or you are experiencing any of the above issues, our Downers Grove, IL garage-building and repair experts can help. Choosing Blue Sky Builders, Inc. allows you to discuss your options during your free, on-site consultation. Our company was founded in 1979 and is currently in its 45th year of service. Call us at 630-852-8485 today to discuss your garage door issues.