Garage doors have a huge role to play in the functionality and security of any home. When they’re not working properly, they disrupt your daily routine, lead to costly repairs, and even compromise your home’s safety. Homeowners in Maryland, in particular, tend to face challenges posed by the area’s climate and garage usage. This article will discuss five common garage door issues, the impact of the challenges unique to Maryland, and how you can fix them. You might need professional help with that, so there are many garage door repair services in Maryland that can help you with these concerns.
Broken Springs
One of the most frequent garage door problems homeowners in Maryland face is broken springs. The springs are important components that support the door’s weight, so it’s easier to open and close. Maryland’s humidity and fluctuating temperatures cause a lot of wear and tear on the springs, so they get weaker over time and may eventually snap.
If your spring is having issues, there may be difficulty opening the garage door, loud noises during operation, and visible gaps in the springs. It’s important to avoid attempting to fix spring-related issues yourself, since they’re under an incredible amount of tension that makes them dangerous to mess with if you don’t have the proper expertise. As a result, you should always call a professional garage door repair service in Maryland to handle spring related issues.
Professional technicians know how to safely remove the damaged spring and replace it with a new one, so your door continues to work smoothly and safely.
Noisy Doors
Many Maryland homeowners also complain about noisy garage doors. The culprit for this issue is usually worn-out rollers, loose hardware, or a lack of lubrication. Maryland gets a lot of humidity in the summer, which causes metal components to rust and deteriorate, increasing friction and noise during operation.
If your garage door is making too much noise, you need to deal with it promptly, since it could indicate a more serious underlying problem. You can do this by lubricating the moving parts of the garage door, like the rollers, hinges, and tracks. Doing so on a regular basis makes your door last longer and reduces the need for larger repairs in the future.
That said, if there’s still a lot of noise after lubrication, or if you notice excessive wear on the parts, it’s probably time to call a professional garage door repair service in Maryland. A technician can inspect the door and replace any worn-out components, so your door works quietly and efficiently.
Misaligned Tracks
Garage door tracks guide the door as it opens and closes, so it moves smoothly. The tracks can get misaligned over time from regular use, accidental bumps from vehicles, or the extreme weather conditions found in Maryland. Freezing temperatures, for example, can cause metal components like the tracks to contract and become misaligned.
When the track is misaligned, the door can stuck, operate unevenly, or even come off the tracks completely. If you notice that your garage door isn’t closing properly or looks lopsided, it’s probably because the tracks are misaligned. You can fix slight misalignment issues yourself by tightening the bolts or gently realigning the track, but more severe misalignments require professional help.
For homeowners in need of professional garage door repair Maryland services, technicians can determine the extent of the misalignment and make the necessary adjustments to keep the door operating safely. Fixing a misaligned track as soon as possible prevents further damage to the door and its components.
Malfunctioning Opener
Another common issue Maryland homeowners face is a malfunctioning garage door opener. These problems can range from simple fixes, like replacing dead batteries, to more complex issues like electrical malfunctions or faulty wiring. The moisture and cold temperatures characteristic of Maryland’s climate can also mess with the opener’s electrical components.
Signs of a malfunctioning opener include the door not responding to the remote or wall switch, erratic movement, or a complete lack of operation. It’s always a good idea to check the batteries in the remote or other power sources first, before calling in the professionals.
If these basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, it’s time to contact a professional for emergency garage door repair in Maryland. A technician can diagnose the problem, be it a faulty circuit board, damaged wiring, or worn-out gears, and recommend an affordable garage door repair solution. In some cases, the opener may need to be replaced entirely.
Weather-Related Issues
Maryland’s climate can take a toll on garage doors. The humid summers, freezing winters, and coastal salt air in areas like Annapolis can lead to rust, water damage, or freezing mechanisms. Weather-related damage is a common issue, especially for older garage doors or ones that weren’t properly maintained.
You might notice that your garage door becomes harder to open in the winter months or that the metal parts are starting to rust. This is why you need to perform regular Maryland garage door maintenance, like cleaning the tracks, lubricating the moving parts, and applying a weather sealant.
If there’s severe weather damage, you should contact a professional garage door repair service in Maryland. They can inspect the door for structural issues and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s a repair or replacement.
Ensuring Your Garage Door’s Longevity
Keeping your garage door fully functional keeps your home safe and convenient. As a Maryland homeowner, you face unique challenges posed by the climate and usage patterns, but you can extend the life of your garage door and avoid costly emergency repairs with regular maintenance.
If you’re experiencing any of the common garage door issues discussed in this article, like broken springs, noisy doors, misaligned tracks, or weather-related problems, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Maryland garage door repair services can provide you with the expertise and tools needed to fix these problems safely and efficiently. When you take care of these issues early, you’ll save yourself time, money, and stress in the long run.
For affordable garage door repair services in Maryland, contact a local professional who can assess your door’s condition and recommend the best solutions to keep it running smoothly.