If you are a do-it-yourself type of homeowner, then you most likely prefer to take care of all home-related issues on your own, including problems with your garage door. While this can save you money and can actually be an enjoyable pastime, it is important to note that some garage door problems are much more serious than others. For example, a garage door that starts to malfunction and shake upon opening might be an intriguing problem that you would like to solve, but it could actually be dangerous for you to try to find the source of the problem on your own. In some cases it is best to hire a professional garage repairman to service your garage in order to keep yourself and your family safe. So how can you tell if a problem with your garage door is serious? Here are a few clues to watch for.
Screeching
Garage doors squeak and screech all the time due to a simple lack of lubricant in the moving parts. However, in some cases screeching is due to a more serious issue and is indicative of a worn-out part that needs to be urgently replaced. If your garage door continues to screech like a witch in water even after applying a lubricant to the runners, springs, and all other moving parts, then it is time to hire a professional who can properly diagnose and repair the problem.
Jerking and Shaking
If your garage door starts to shake and jerk violently when it opens or closes, then you should immediately cease using it and hire a garage door repair company to carefully inspect it. There are some garage door problems that an amateur shouldn’t try to repair on their own, and this is one of them.
Fraying Cables
Fraying cables may not cause auditory symptoms, so it is important for homeowners to inspect their garage door cables often. If they show any sign of fraying, stop using your garage door immediately until you have had the cables replaced by a professional. The last thing you want to do is wait for the cables to break and potentially cause the garage door to fall down on a family member or pet.
Faulty Opener
What homeowner hasn’t experienced problems with their garage door opener at some point during their home ownership? Garage door openers tend to run low on batteries at the most inconvenient times, but thankfully the problem is typically resolved as soon as a fresh set of batteries are inserted. However, in some cases garage door openers cease to work even after old batteries are replaced. While this may not be a particularly dangerous situation, it can be inconvenient and annoying, and is best resolved by seeking professional assistance.
If you have any doubts about whether your garage door problem is major or minor, call Carroll Garage Doors and we will be happy to come diagnose the issue.
