Most homeowners don’t really know how their garage doors work—all they care about is that they do work. But what do you do when your garage door malfunctions? Who should you call if you need professional assistance? What can you do to avoid issues in the future? Here are a few helpful things to know:
An Easy Fix for a Common Garage Door Issue
If you find that your garage door won’t close, don’t panic—this is a common issue, and in most cases, it can be easily resolved. Every garage door has a pair of safety sensors (one on either side of the door) that are designed to stop the door from closing if something is in the way. In order for the door to close, the two sensors must be in alignment with each other.
If your garage door won’t close, there are a couple of things you can do. First, see if the safety sensors are properly aligned; if they aren’t, readjust them as needed. Second, see if anything is blocking transmission between the sensors. Even something as small as a spiderweb can cause an issue. Hopefully, these steps resolve the problem—if not, you’ll need to call for professional assistance.
Choosing a Qualified Garage Door Professional
There are a few things you should look at when choosing a garage door contractor. First, confirm that they’re properly licensed, bonded and insured. Second, seek out customer reviews to get a feel for the kind of service and overall experience you might expect from them. Finally, ask them about the quality of materials they use. It’s best to hire a contractor that uses high-quality materials for maximum longevity and durability.
Maintaining Your Garage Door Investment
To preserve the safety and functionality of your garage door, it’s highly recommended that you service it annually. Hire a trusted service professional to inspect your door, tune it up and make any needed adjustments. Independently, you can apply a silicone-based lubricant to your garage door’s moving parts and springs. These measures will help keep your garage door functioning properly for the long term.
