A garage door opens and closes at least 1500 times in a single year. They are undoubtedly one of the essential parts of your home in Stockton. They not only make your homes and vehicles safe but also increase curb appeal. Though we use them every day, sometimes we can go for years without changing or repairing them unless something major happens. With regular cleaning and maintenance at least once a year, a garage door’s lifespan can be increased up to several decades.
How Long do Garage Doors Last?
Garage doors last for several decades with proper care before they start showing signs of problems. There are several factors on which the life expectancy of a garage door depends upon
- Quality of construction- If the installer of your garage door has done an excellent job, then your door should not show any problems. If the material used in the construction of the door is cheap, or if it was installed incorrectly, then it won’t last a long time. Therefore, it is crucial to consult trustworthy professionals in Stockton to install a garage door in your home.
- Regular inspection- The garage door must be frequently inspected, and annual preventive maintenance is scheduled with your local garage company. A professional will inspect your garage door for any issues during this appointment and replace any parts that need replacing. This process can prolong the life of the whole system significantly.
- Climatic conditions- Extreme weather conditions often accelerate the wear and tear of the garage door. For instance, wooden doors may not be suitable for areas with high humidity or heavy rains. When installing a garage door, consider your local climatic conditions throughout the year before choosing the material.
Signs Your Garage Door Needs Repair
Different types of garage doors show different problems. However, some problems are common across all types. Below are some of the common signs that indicate damage to your garage door that needs immediate fixing.
Problems While Opening and Closing
One of the more apparent signs of garage door problems is that the garage door does not open or close properly. If the door is manually operated, it may show issues with alignment or movement. With remote operated or automatic garage door openers, the problem could also lie with the control panel or the connection between the door and the control panel. It is not advisable to try and fix these issues yourself as they can be very risky. Take help from companies that offer garage door repair in Stockton to ensure that the work is done correctly.
Sagging Garage Doors
Sagging happens when the garage door becomes unbalanced. It is recommended to check and test the garage door balance at least once a year. This involves disconnecting the opener and manually operating the door. A common way to test the balance of your garage is to open it halfway and leave it there. If it continues to rise or fall, there must be something wrong with the tension spring or other door components.
Noisy Operation
Garage doors usually make a little noise while operating. However, if the noise is unbearable, it is a telltale sign that your garage door needs repair. The type of sound may indicate the kind of problem it’s facing. For instance, a grating or rumbling sound indicates that the torsion springs malfunction. Popping sounds, however, show that certain sections are not aligned properly. If your garage door makes any sounds other than the usual, it is a sign that it requires some form of repair.
The Door is Off the Tracks
Garage doors are made to sit on a track while installed. The tracks are placed on either side of the door, and sometimes it may come off the track. This usually happens when there is damage to the garage door. It is better to get a professional to inspect the problem and replace critical parts of the door if necessary to ensure that it operates smoothly. If the rollers and tracks are not properly cleaned, it could cause friction between the track and the garage door due to the debris build-up. This could cause friction on the garage door track and result in noisy functioning. It eventually leads to track misalignment.
High Energy Bills
Though this is not a direct sign of garage door damage, sometimes high energy bills indicate problems with the garage door. Older versions or faulty systems may consume a high amount of energy in order to function correctly. This eventually raises the energy costs unnecessarily. You may consider swapping the old door for a new one or making necessary changes to the existing model to improve your home’s energy efficiency. New models, by default, are made energy efficient. By upgrading your door, you will eventually save a lot of money on energy bills.
A garage door is a significant investment, and you would expect it to operate efficiently for years to come. To avoid any issues, it is better to schedule regular maintenance with your local garage company at least around the time winter begins each year.