Garage doors open and close with ease when everything is in working order. According to Remodeling Magazine, a new garage door provides a great return on investment (ROI) compared to other renovation projects. Garage door replacement can yield an ROI of up to 97.5% when selling your home. But even if you don't plan on selling your house or business, you need consistent garage door access. How do you know when it's time for garage door replacement? Watch for the following signs.

Door Doesn't Open

It might sound obvious, but one of the signs you need residential or commercial garage door repair is when the door won't open. When you push the button or pull on the chain, the mechanism fails to engage. This could be caused by loose doors, broken parts, or issues with the torsion spring. Talk to an expert to discover the root cause and see if it can be remedied through garage door repair.

Door Doesn't Close

No matter how often you close your garage door, you should check it now and then to ensure it is functioning normally. Many doors are designed to be self-closing. The garage door can sometimes malfunction if there is too much wear and tear. In this case, it is wise to talk to a residential or commercial garage door repair expert to repair your door.

Strange Noises

If you hear a strange sound from the door, it could mean that the spring or a cable is damaged. Springs can wear out and need replacing, especially if they are starting to crack at the end. Cables can become damaged after years of use and you may need to replace them. Always contact a garage door professional when you hear strange noises from your door.

Pinned-Up Panels

If you find that your garage door panels are rising higher than usual when opening and closing, or the opener is malfunctioning, it may be because your springs and cables are bent or damaged. It is time for residential or commercial garage door repair if this situation frequently occurs. An expert can replace or tighten springs without much effort to work ideally once again.

Off-Center Panels

There are two possible explanations if your garage door panels are off-center when opening and closing. One is that the tracks are having problems. The other reason could be that the motor controlling the movement is not functioning correctly. Anyone who knows how to handle a screwdriver can address track problems. For repairs on a digital motor controller, you are better off calling an expert for help.

Sprocket Problems

You will likely need residential or commercial garage door repair if one or more sprockets bend out of shape. The sprockets that connect the chain to the door should be adequately aligned for smooth operation. Doing so will also help prevent damage from fraying cables or broken springs. Improper alignment of the sprockets will cause the garage door to shake whenever it opens or closes. It's better to immediately call your favorite garage service professional for help.

Warped Tracks

When your tracks warp and need replacement, don't hesitate to call for commercial garage door repair services immediately to avoid further damage. If you wait until they break down entirely, you'll have to spend more to replace the entire garage door system instead of just the tracks. The most common reason tracks may warp is that people place them on concrete floors that are not level with the ground. When this happens, the tracks cannot withstand the force the door exerts as it opens and closes.

Tilting Door

If your garage door tilts to one side when opening and closing, you need to call for residential or commercial garage door repair services as soon as possible. A tilt indicates that one of the springs or cables is either broken or severely stressed and about to snap. The sooner you fix this problem, the better it's for your safety and peace of mind.

Malfunctioning Safety Sensors

Most modern gates feature safety sensors that prevent accidents when the gate opens or closes suddenly. They operate by sending signals to the motor controller to stop operation. Moisture and accidents can damage sensors. Such damage causes the gates not to work appropriately. In some cases, these damages may even cause injuries. If you notice that your safety sensors are not working, it's best to have a professional check them as soon as possible.

Broken or Torn Hinges

If you have hinge problems with your gate, you need commercial garage door repair as soon as possible. The hinges are essential for the entrance to close smoothly without going off the tracks and sticking in place. When you fail to maintain the hinges well, they will become loose over time. Eventually, they snap into two pieces with a loud noise when you close or open the door.

Lubricating Issues

The lubrication system prevents the springs from rubbing and causing damage to the cables or other parts of the gate. When this vital system is not working correctly, problems may occur within the garage door or with any connected components. If your garage door lubrication system is not working correctly, it's time to call the professionals for help.

Broken Cables

Tightening cables and springs is one of the most popular activities people do on their own. If you don't do these tasks correctly, you can cause severe damage to your garage door. Breaking a cable can damage the tracks and other parts of the gate. When your cables snap, or the springs go off track, you need to call for professional help. Failing to work with experts may cost you more than you are trying to save by not hiring expert service.

Broken Springs

Springs are another essential part of garage door systems that experts need to handle. If one or more springs snap and break, you should replace them as soon as possible. Not replacing them can cause further damage to the gate and other components connected to the springs. There may also be safety issues with broken springs. In some cases, if they get tangled in the damaged equipment, they can cause injury to pets, family members, or workers.

Bent Cables

A bent cable can stretch out of shape and snap eventually. If you notice that your cables are bent and damaged, you should call an expert immediately to prevent the problem from worsening. A cable bent too much might snap and cause injuries or other issues on nearby objects or in the tracks. It's better to call for help as soon as possible to avoid potential damage caused by poor maintenance.

Hazardous Cracks

If you notice any cracks in your garage door system, it's best to call a commercial garage door repair service. These cracks are dangerous. They can cause potential damage to homes and other buildings around them. For this reason, you must repair them immediately. Please don't ignore the damage resulting from cracking garage doors. It will only multiply over time. The repairs could cost you much more than what you save by not fixing the cracks in the first place.

Garage doors can be a hassle when they start to break down. Hiring professionals to handle your residential or commercial garage door repair work is the best way to save time and money. It also offers the peace of mind that professionals in your community have the skills and expertise to keep your doors working at their best. For more details about garage door services, reach out to us today.