More than 7.5 million criminal incidents occurred in the US in 2020. That’s the most recent data from the FBI, published in December 2021. It also reported that 60.5% of the crimes were against properties.
If your garage door malfunctions, your home can become part of such scary statistics.
For instance, if your garage door won’t open all the way, it might not close completely, either. Criminals can then take advantage of that.
But don’t worry; there are garage door troubleshooting steps you can take. Keep reading, as we’ll tell you about them below.
Clean the Sensors
Under federal regulations, all garage door operators must have photoelectronic and edge sensors. That’s been the case since 1993, with the law aiming to reduce the risk of garage door injuries. The sensors, after all, ensure that the door reverses as soon as they detect an obstruction.
Since you operate your garage door at least twice a day, its sensors will develop wear and tear over the years. Scratches, dents, or even dust and debris build-up can make them malfunction. That can result in the door failing to open or close completely.
Thus, the sensors are the first things to check if your door has opening/closing problems. If there’s a lot of filth on them, you can use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe away the build-up. You can also moisten it with some water to remove stubborn dirt.
If you see too many scratches on the sensors, it might be best to replace them.
Look at the Lift Cables
Garage door cables help lift the garage door by supporting its weight. So, when a cable breaks, frays, or snaps, the side it supports may not open or close all the way. As a result, your garage door may become misaligned.
Please avoid operating the door if you notice any of those symptoms. Even if other cables are still supporting it, the loss of support from the damaged one can make them snap.
Instead, call a provider of garage door repair services as soon as possible.
Pay Attention to Garage Door Noises
If your garage door doesn’t open as it should and makes a lot of noise, you may have a problem with its rollers.
Garage door rollers are rod-and-wheel systems connecting the door to the tracks. If they work correctly, they should contribute to the swift and smooth operation of the door. By contrast, stuck rollers can lead to your door not opening or closing as it should.
Applying a lubricant can help free stuck rollers and make them operate quietly again.
However, if you hear your garage door making a firecracker-like noise, avoid going near it. Such a loud sound often indicates a broken spring. Please call a garage door repair service right away, as broken springs can cause the door to collapse.
Do These If Your Garage Door Won’t Open All the Way
As you can see, there are several things you can do if your garage door won’t open all the way. Start by cleaning its sensors and lubricating its rollers. However, if your problem is because of a broken cable or spring, call a repair service instead.
Either way, don’t delay fixing your malfunctioning garage door. Otherwise, it can put your family’s safety and security at risk.
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