Common Reasons Why Garage Doors Get Damaged and How to Fix Them

Introduction

A garage doors is more than just an entryway it’s a shield that protects your vehicles and adds convenience to your daily routine. However, since it operates multiple times a day, it’s prone to wear and tear over time. From broken springs to sensor issues, there are several reasons your garage door may get damaged.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common garage door problems homeowners face and provide simple, practical ways to fix or prevent them. Whether you prefer a quick DIY garage door fix or professional help, this guide covers it all.

Lack of Regular Maintenance

Just like any other home equipment, your garage door needs regular maintenance to stay in perfect shape. Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect this until problems appear leading to costly repairs later. Routine maintenance helps keep all components working smoothly and extends the door’s lifespan.

Here’s what usually happens when maintenance is ignored:

• Dust and dirt build up, causing friction between parts.
• Hinges and rollers lose lubrication, creating noisy movement.
• Loose bolts or nuts lead to imbalance or uneven closing.

Quick Maintenance Tips:

• Lubricate all moving parts every 3–4 months using a silicone-based spray.
• Tighten bolts and screws to prevent unnecessary vibrations.
• Check the door’s balance if it doesn’t stay midway when lifted manually, it needs adjustment.
• Schedule professional garage door maintenance once a year for a thorough inspection.

Broken Garage Door Springs

The springs play a crucial role in lifting and lowering the garage door. When they break, your door becomes heavy and hard to move. Trying to operate it in this condition can cause more damage — or even injury.

Signs You Have a Broken Spring:

• The garage door won’t open, or opens only a few inches.
• You hear a loud snapping or banging sound.
• The cables appear loose or out of place.

How to Fix It:

• Never try to replace the spring yourself it’s under high tension and can be dangerous.
• Always call a professional garage door repair service for safe replacement.
• Replace both springs at the same time to maintain balance and even tension.

Garage Door Opener Problems

The opener is the “engine” that powers your garage door. Over time, openers can develop both mechanical and electrical problems. These issues may range from unresponsive remotes to strange sounds or the door reversing unexpectedly.

Common Opener Issues:The remote or wall switch doesn’t work.

• The door reverses before fully closing.
• The opener light blinks but the door doesn’t move.
• Grinding or humming noises come from the motor.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Replace the remote’s batteries.
• Check the power supply and reset the opener.
• Clean the photo-eye sensors and realign them.
• If the problem continues, call a garage door opener repair specialist.

Misaligned or Damaged Tracks

The tracks guide your garage door up and down. If they become bent, loose, or misaligned, the door may move unevenly or get stuck halfway. This problem is quite common, especially in older or frequently used garage doors.

Symptoms of Track Misalignment:

• The door makes scraping noises during operation.
• It looks uneven or jerks while opening.
• The rollers often jump out of the track.

Fixing Misaligned Tracks:

• Tighten any loose brackets or bolts along the track.
• Use a rubber mallet to gently tap bent areas back into position.
• Clean the tracks regularly to remove dirt and debris.
• If tracks are severely damaged, contact a garage door service professional for replacement.

Worn-Out Rollers and Hinges

Rollers and hinges are responsible for smooth movement every time you open or close the door. Over the years, these parts can rust, wear out, or lose lubrication, leading to jerky movements and unpleasant noises.

Signs of Worn Rollers or Hinges:

• The door shakes or rattles while moving.
• You notice rust or visible wear.
• Squeaky or grinding sounds occur during operation.

How to Maintain and Fix:

• Apply silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts.
• Replace any roller that’s cracked or not spinning freely.
• Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they attract dirt and dust.
• Have a technician inspect the hinges yearly to ensure they’re properly aligned.

Garage Door Not Closing Properly

One of the most frustrating problems homeowners face is when the garage door won’t close fully. This issue usually stems from sensor or alignment problems but it can also be caused by something as simple as an obstruction.

Possible Causes:

• The photo-eye sensors are dirty or misaligned.
• There’s something blocking the door’s path.
• The opener’s travel limits are incorrectly set.
• Wiring or control board issues are affecting signals.

Quick Fixes:

• Wipe the sensors with a soft, dry clot
• Make sure both sensors are aligned at the same height.
• Check for any object blocking the sensors.
• Adjust the opener’s settings as per the manual.

If none of these fixes work, it’s best to schedule a garage door troubleshooting appointment to identify the root cause.

Noisy Garage Door

A noisy garage door might not seem serious at first, but it’s often a sign of worn or loose parts. The noise could come from metal friction, loose hardware, or even an unbalanced door.

Common Causes of Garage Door Noise:

• Lack of lubrication on metal parts.
• Loose nuts, bolts, or rollers.
• Worn-out hinges or springs.
• Rust buildup in the tracks.

How to Quiet a Noisy Garage Door:

• Tighten all hardware and brackets.
• Lubricate rollers, hinges, and tracks regularly.
• Replace rusted or bent components.
• Balance the door to reduce strain on the opener.

By keeping your garage door well-maintained, you can eliminate noise and improve its performance.

DIY Garage Doors Fix vs. Professional Repair

It’s tempting to handle garage door problems yourself, especially for small issues like cleaning sensors or lubricating rollers. However, not all repairs are safe for DIY enthusiasts. Knowing when to call an expert is key to preventing accidents or damage.

When DIY Works:

• Cleaning and lubricating parts.
• Tightening bolts or nuts.
• Realigning sensors.

When to Call a Professional:

• Broken springs or cables.
• Opener motor malfunctions.
• Track or panel replacement.
• Complex electrical issues.

Pro Tip:
Choosing a professional garage door service ensures safety, proper diagnosis, and long-term reliability.

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Prevention is always better than repair. A little attention every few months can help you avoid most common garage door issues and keep your system running smoothly.

Your Simple Maintenance Checklist:

• Lubricate moving parts quarterly.
• Inspect rollers and hinges for wear.
• Check door balance and alignment monthly.
• Clean tracks to prevent obstruction.
• Test the safety reversal system regularly.

Taking these small steps can save you hundreds in repairs and extend your garage door’s lifespan.

When to Call a Professional Garage Door Service

Sometimes, the damage goes beyond a simple fix. If your garage door shows signs of major malfunction, don’t take chances call a professional.

Call for Help If You Notice:

• The door won’t open or close completely.
• Loud grinding, banging, or squealing noises.
• The door feels heavy or uneven.
• The opener light blinks but nothing happens.

A professional technician can inspect all mechanical and electrical parts to provide a safe, lasting solution. This not only ensures your family’s safety but also keeps your door running efficiently year-round.

Conclusion

A properly functioning garage door keeps your home secure, improves curb appeal, and makes everyday life easier. Understanding why garage doors get damaged and how to fix these problems can help you stay ahead of costly breakdowns.

Whether it’s broken springs, misaligned tracks, or garage door opener problems, timely repair and preventive care make all the difference.

If your garage door shows signs of trouble, don’t delay contact a professional garage door repair service near you for quick, reliable, and long-lasting results. Regular maintenance today means fewer problems tomorrow.