If you experience a draft, more noise than usual, or an influx of water or pests in your garage, it may be time to repair the door. On average, we open and close our garage doors between three and five times per day. This equates to 1500 times per year. As you’d expect, this can lead to some much-needed maintenance.
Thankfully, there are many tips and tricks available when it comes to repairing your trusty garage door. Some can be carried out by you. Others will need a specialist.
In this handy guide, we list several signs to keep an eye out for, all of which may suggest your garage door needs some much-needed TLC. Read on to discover more.
1. You’re Experiencing a Draft
Whether you house your utility room in your garage, a gym, or a home office, if you experience a draft when in there, it may indicate a gap in your garage door. This is a sign of wear and tear.
Thankfully, it is often something that can be fixed without needing to invest in an entirely new panel or door. This fix can involve replacing the weather-stripping, increasing the depth of the weather seal, adjusting your garage door opener, or adding a threshold seal to your garage floor.
Some of these tasks involve DIY; others will require the assistance of a garage door repair Orange County specialist.
2. Bugs and Pests are Entering Your Garage
From small rodents to insects, the last thing you want invading your garage is pests. This is especially the case if you use this area as an extension of your home. When there are gaps in your garage door, these pests can squeeze their way in, causing damage to any items stored in your garage. If your garage is attached to your home, they may gain entrance to your interior spaces.
3. Excess Noise
If your garage space has become the victim of excess noise, it’s likely not closing flush. This can be down to many factors, from general wear and tear to more serious issues, such as broken springs, dead batteries, or misaligned sensors.
Similarly, if your garage door is emitting unusual noises, such as a change in tone, rhythm, or volume, it’s time to investigate. There are various reasons your garage door may be making these noises. Some include faulty opening mechanisms, rusty hinges, or uneven tension.
4. Uneven or Sagging Garage Doors
After a great deal of use, your garage door can lose tension and balance. This causes it to become uneven and sag.
In addition to allowing the elements and pests inside, this issue can result in your garage door ceasing function. This is crucial when investing in a new garage door. Residential garages and overhead doors account for over half of all global market sales, which means you’ll be spoilt for choice when picking a new model.
5. Break-Ins
If the victim of a recent break-in, this could be down to your garage door requiring maintenance. Furthermore, if it doesn’t close the flush, the lock is broken or the sensors are blocked, you’re making it easy for criminals to access your home.
That said, if you store items such as expensive gym kits, cars, and garden equipment, always ensure your garage door is secure.
6. Worn-out or broken Components
If you notice broken weather-stripping, cracked rollers, loose screws, bolts, or wires, these are all tell-tale signs your garage door requires some much-needed love and care. When these issues are left unattended, they can lead to a domino effect. The result? Your garage door stops functioning.
7. An Increase in Utility Bills
If your utility bills have suddenly risen, yet you haven’t been doing anything out of the ordinary at home, this could pinpoint a gap in your garage door.
This means your door is worn and letting unwanted cold air in, which will affect the temperature in your home, resulting in higher power bills. So, if unsure, invest in the help of a certified inspector. They will be able to help you determine whether your garage door is causing the spike in your bills and, if so, the remedy. Replacing your garage door could save you money in the long run.
The Bottom Line
Whether you use your garage as a point of entry or as an extension of your interior space, when the door stops functioning, it can cause havoc. In addition to making it challenging to leave and return home seamlessly, it can invite unwanted pests, moisture, and noise into this space. A gap in your garage door can also cause a surge in your energy bills!
This is when regular maintenance is a must! Knowing what signs to look out for when monitoring your garage door is a surefire way to pinpoint the root of the problem. In most cases, you can administer a quick fix. Leave it too long, however, and you may have to invest in an entirely new garage door.
