Common Garage Door Issues and Solutions.

Despite their seeming simplicity, garage doors comprise numerous moving parts that can present issues over time. Whether it’s a conspicuous gap at the bottom of your garage door or an unwelcome, loud operation, understanding the root cause is the first step in finding the right solution. In this section, we delve into some common problems Burnaby residents face and provide practical tips to rectify them.

How to Rectify a Gap at the Bottom of Your Garage Door

Addressing the cause of gaps at the bottom of your garage door is crucial. This issue may arise due to several factors:

• Door Warping: Warping can occur over time, especially with oversize or wooden garage doors. This is when the door takes a ‘smiling’ shape, with both ends raised and the center lower. In most cases, replacing the astragal (bottom seal) can fix this issue. However, be mindful that if the new bottom seal is longer, the door might need to be moved back to prevent binding against the frame.
• Shifted House or Garage: Aging buildings can shift over time, which could affect the garage door’s alignment. A larger rubber seal and door adjustments will likely solve this problem.
• Sunken Concrete Slab: If the concrete slab of your garage has sunk, it might cause a gap under the door. Similar to a shifted garage, this issue can often be addressed with a new, larger rubber seal and some door adjustments.
• Worn-Out Bottom Seal: Simply replacing a worn-out bottom seal could eliminate the gap.

 Top 5 Reasons for a Noisy Garage Door and Their Solutions

Dealing with a noisy garage door can be frustrating, especially when it’s loud enough to disturb the entire neighbourhood. Here are the top five reasons why your garage door might be causing a ruckus and how to fix them:

1. Metal Rollers: Predominantly found on older wooden doors, the metal-on-metal contact of these rollers can create significant noise. Newer metal or aluminum garage doors often use quieter alternatives.
2. Worn-Out Rollers: A garage door sounding like an oncoming train is often due to worn-out bearings in the rollers. If your rollers are wobbly or have excessive movement when the door is closed, it’s time for a replacement. We recommend changing all rollers simultaneously to avoid multiple service calls and extra labour charges.
3. Lack of Lubrication: Garage doors, essentially moving walls, has many components with bearings and bushings that require regular lubrication. Keep your hinges, rollers, and springs well-lubricated every 3-4 months for smoother operation.
4. Chain Garage Door Opener: If your door remains noisy despite all efforts, the loose chain of your garage door opener might be the culprit.
5. Worn-Out Bearing Plates: Visually inspect the torsion tube, especially the end-bearing plates next to the cable drums. If you notice wear and tear on these plates or the drums, it could indicate binding and may require replacement.