You probably don’t give your garage door a lot of thought from day to day, at least until something goes wrong. But when you consider how many times a week the opener mechanism operates, it’s inevitable that it’ll break down at some point. Fast Freddy’s Car Wash doesn’t want you to be surprised by a sudden and inconvenient failure, watch out for these three signs which point to potential trouble.
Incomplete Closing
If your garage door fails to completely shut, there are several possible causes. The simplest is that the sensors aren’t working properly, maybe because they’re blocked by dust, grime, or cobwebs. If cleaning the sensors doesn’t make any difference, it could be that the mechanism’s springs or cabling are stretched or weakened, and fixing them will probably need expert attention.
Slow Opening or Closing
If your door opens or closes a lot more slowly than it used to, then the springs could be losing their tension. Tightening them back up is a job for a professional, as even slackened springs contain a lot of pent-up energy and can be extremely dangerous. And while the engineer is checking the tension, they can see if replacement springs might be a better long-term solution.
Sudden Increase in Noise
Older mechanism were noticeably noisy, sending out clunking and whirring sounds whenever they were activated. Modern designs should be almost silent, so if your garage door is suddenly noisier than usual, something’s probably amiss. Maybe the mechanism is overdue an oiling, but an inspection will reveal if any of the parts are becoming worn.
However, mechanical faults aren’t the only reason it may be wise to replace your garage door mechanism. If your installation is more than ten years old, upgrading to a more modern design offers several strong benefits.
Newer Technology
Modern mechanisms include plenty of new technology, such as secure keypad opening, in case you lose your radio key fob. Most good models also now have a battery backup feature, so you’re not locked in or out of your garage if there’s a power failure.
Improved Safety
Compared to older designs, today’s models offer vastly improved safety. They feature more sensitive sensors, which completely avoid trapping unwary people or pets, and will automatically go into safety reverse mode when even a small obstruction is detected.
Faster, Quieter Operation
More recent mechanisms operate much faster and quieter than the lumbering, clattering models which were once the norm. If your garage door leaves your neighborhood in no doubt that you’re opening it, then maybe it’s time for a change.
Increased Security
Newer designs have much higher levels of security, helping to prevent an intruder using your garage as an easy route into your home. Old-style mechanisms were opened with a fixed radio code which could be frequency-scanned and stolen. In contrast, today’s models operate using a constantly changing code which can’t be easily faked.
Modern mechanisms can also handle stronger, heavier doors with ease, adding a final extra element of security.
If you suspect your garage door mechanism is developing a fault or becoming outdated, Fast Freddy’s Car wash recommends that you arrange an inspection by an expert. They’ll not only be able to carry out any repairs in safety, but they can also recommend any upgrades or improvements which will keep your door working well for years to come.
