Published 19th April 2023
Sectional garage doors have become increasingly popular among homeowners due to their space-saving design, improved security, and energy efficiency. However, like any mechanical system, they can experience various issues over time. In this article, we will explore the top 7 common faults with sectional garage doors, helping you identify certain issues like misaligned or damaged tracks.
One of the most common faults with sectional garage doors is misaligned or damaged tracks. The door’s rollers move along these tracks, and any misalignment or damage can cause the door to operate poorly or become stuck. To fix this issue, inspect the tracks for any visible damage or misalignment. If you find any bends or gaps, gently tap them back into place using a rubber mallet. If the tracks are severely damaged, consider contacting a professional to replace them.
Broken Springs
Sectional garage doors rely on torsion springs to lift and lower the door. Over time, these springs can wear out and eventually break. A broken spring can cause your garage door to become stuck or make it difficult to open or close. To fix this issue, you’ll need to replace the broken spring. Due to the high tension involved, this is a job best left to professionals.
Worn or Damaged Rollers
The rollers are responsible for the smooth movement of your sectional garage door along the tracks. Over time, they can become worn or damaged, causing the door to operate inefficiently. To fix this issue, inspect the rollers for visible damage or excessive wear. If necessary, replace the damaged rollers with new ones, and lubricate them regularly to ensure smooth operation.
If your sectional garage door is not responding to the remote control or wall switch, there could be an issue with the transmitter, receiver, or wiring. First, check if the batteries in the remote control need replacing. If that doesn’t solve the problem, inspect the wiring between the wall switch and the motor for any visible damage or loose connections. If you’re still experiencing issues, then you should definitely get in touch with us.
Door Not Sealing Properly
If your sectional garage door is not sealing properly, you may notice drafts or water seeping into your garage. This issue can be caused by damaged or worn weatherstripping or a misaligned door. If the door itself is misaligned, you may need to adjust the tracks or brackets to ensure the door closes evenly and creates a proper seal. Realigning a door can be difficult and therefore get in touch with us if this is the case.
Noisy Operation
Noisy operation is another common fault with sectional garage doors, often caused by loose hardware, worn rollers, or lack of lubrication. It could be the case that the bolts just need a quick tighten along the track which is a pretty easy task to do. Inspect the rollers for wear and replace them if necessary. Finally, lubricate the rollers, tracks, and hinges with a garage door-specific lubricant to ensure smooth and quiet operation. It might just be as easy as that.
Automatic Reversal Malfunction
Sectional garage doors are equipped with an automatic reversal feature, which is designed to prevent the door from closing on an object or person in its path. If this feature is malfunctioning, it could cause the door to reverse when there’s no obstruction or fail to reverse when there is. If this is the case, check and clean the safety sensors located near the bottom of the door tracks, in the first instance. If the problem persists, ensure that the sensors are properly aligned and functioning. If the sensors are in good condition and the issue remains, consider consulting a professional to inspect and repair the automatic reversal system.
Sectional garage doors are a popular choice for homeowners due to their many benefits, but they can develop common faults over time. By understanding these issues and knowing how to troubleshoot and fix them, you can ensure the smooth and efficient operation of your garage door. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts and checking for wear and damage, can help prevent many of these problems from arising in the first place.
Remember that regular maintenance and timely repairs can extend the life of your garage door and keep it operating at its best for years to come.
If you’re ever unsure about your ability to fix a problem with your sectional garage door, then give us a call on 01483 234123.
With over 30 years of experience fitting new and also repairing sectional garage doors we have seen it all. We have the necessary knowledge, tools, and experience to safely and effectively address any issues that may arise.
Thanks for reading and we look forward to hearing from you.