Performing Timely Garage Door Maintenance and Repairs

Owning a home can be stressful at times due to the different tasks needed to keep it clean, functional, and valuable. From washing the windows and mowing the lawn to cleaning the inside regularly, these tasks can easily become overwhelming. Unfortunately, one key part of maintenance that many homeowners forego is garage door repair. While shocking to learn, an estimated 20,000 visits to the emergency each year occur to a faulty garage door. Proper maintenance is necessary for the door's function and your family's safety, but it is also important for protecting your home's curb appeal. Here are a few signs it is time to replace or update your garage door.

Door Struggles to Open and Close

One of the first and most common signs you will notice is that the door is struggling to open and close. This problem may stem from a few issues including a faulty spring or a mechanical problem with your automatic garage door opener. No matter what the cause, diagnosing and repairing the issue is essential for protecting your belongings and your family's safety.

To diagnose the problem, check the door track first. Even a small bent or warped area in the door track will prevent the door from opening or closing. Watch the wheels of the door move across the track system. Document the location of the track where your door stops. You may need to clean debris out from the track or have the entire track piece replaced if there is damage.

If your garage opener system seems to be the issue, try to open and close the door with both the remote and the wall button. If the wall button functions well, but the door struggles moving when using the remote, replace the batteries in your remote.

You should also check the sensors on your garage door opener system. Make sure there is nothing in front of the sensor, which will prevent the door from operating correctly.

If these issues do not restore your door back to a functional manner, consider contacting a technician to inspect your door, frame, and opener system.

Door Struggles to Stay Open

Another common sign that there is an issue with your garage door is if it struggles to remain open. Again, this can be dangerous if not repaired because the door may close spontaneously, placing your belongings and family members in danger.

In most cases, a door that will not remain open requires new springs. Over time, the springs on your door frame will weaken and wear down.

Inspect the springs located along the door of your garage. If they are rusty, corroded, or visibly worn in any way, have them replaced immediately.

Visible Rust and Corrosion

Curb appeal is one of the most important factors in your home's total value. Landscaping, the roof, exterior siding, driveway, and your windows play a large role in  your home's curb appeal. Also, your garage door is part of this first impression, since it is part of what others first see when they arrive at or drive by your house.

Environmental conditions, such as the sun's ultraviolet rays and hot or cold temperatures can all affect the paint and underlying material of your garage door. If the paint has faded or you are noticing visible signs of rust and even holes and worn areas that have corroded, it is time to replace your garage door.

This visible deterioration not only affects your curb appeal, but it can also lead to moisture and pests entering through the damaged door, increasing the risk of humidity, property damage, and dangerous pest infestations.

Without proper emphasis, your garage door can become a dangerous, annoying, and unappealing part of your home. If you are noticing one or more of the above signs, it is time to consider replacing your garage door. For more information, contact companies like Eudy Door Co.