If you take a stroll down most single-home neighborhoods then chances are that you will see many homes with garages. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 63% to 71% of homes in America have a garage. To take it a step further, it is estimated that only about a third of garages have cars parked in them. Needless to say, Americans depend on garages for desperately needed storage space. Of course, like many creature comforts, it can be frustrating when we have things go wrong with them. Below we will highlight some of the most common problems that homeowners encounter with garage doors.
Top 4 problems
- Door won’t close properly due to photo eye sensor misalignment: You may have noticed that garage doors have photo eye sensors located near the base of each track. The purpose of these sensors is to act as safety features to prevent the door from closing on people, pets, or any other object. Since these sensors need to be aligned with one another, they typically have an indicator light to let you know whether they are aligned correctly or not. Oftentimes, these sensors get accidentally bumped when storing items in the garage and this can lead to their misalignment. In addition, it is possible that the sensors may become blocked by dirt, dust, or grime. Realigning them and wiping them clean of any dirt should remedy this issue to allow your door to close properly again.
- Rollers and bearings: The first sign that you may have issues with your rollers or bearings is a squeaking noise when opening and closing your garage door. Fortunately, applying a silicone spray should take care of this issue. Depending on the age of your door, you may want a professional to replace your rollers and bearings though.
- Door does not completely close: It is possible that your door may suddenly stop closing completely. Assuming that the eye sensors (mentioned above) are aligned correctly, this is likely another issue. In this case, it is likely your door is out of balance or its track is bent or otherwise damaged. Should this happen, it is recommended that you contact a garage door professional to examine your door and make the necessary adjustments or repairs.
- Old or broken springs: Garage doors have torsion springs located towards the ceiling. These springs’ force essentially is what opens your garage door. Over time, these springs may go bad and need to be replaced. At times, you may hear a sound like a firecracker explosion when these springs fail. In this event, it is recommended that you contact a garage door specialist to install a new spring and properly lubricate the spring, track and rollers.
Summary
Home ownership certainly comes with some costs. With this said, the more knowledgeable and prepared you are to deal with certain issues, the better. As more Americans have begun to work from home, the garage has become an even more important feature of the home. In some cases, sections of garages or even entire garages have been transformed to a home office. Regardless of the application, a garage is certainly a welcomed aspect of any home.
Are you looking to buy or sell a home in the South Florida market? We can help! Contact the team at Live South Florida Realty, Inc. today! Would you like the power of the MLS right on your smartphone? Be sure to download the free Florida Home Search app today!
