Garage door opener can be incredibly convenient, but they’re also mechanical devices that are prone to developing issues over time. If your garage door opener has started acting up, don’t stress – stay calm. There are a few things you can try at home first before calling in an expert for repairs in Virginia Beach. In this article, I’ll go over 5 frequent problems people encounter with their garage door openers and how to potentially fix them on your own.
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Replace the Batteries
One of the simplest fixes is checking and replacing the batteries in your garage door opener’s remote control. As the batteries get older, they lose power and the remote may stop working reliably. Try replacing the batteries and see if that solves the problem. Make sure to use new alkaline batteries for best performance.
With some basic troubleshooting, many garage door issues can be solved without a service call. But if the problem persists after checking these common fixes, it’s a good idea to contact a local garage door company for a full system inspection. Companies like Integrity Garage Door Repair Virginia Beach provide honest garage door opener repair at affordable prices. Don’t put off needed maintenance – catching small problems early helps avoid more serious and expensive damage down the road. With a little TLC, your garage door opener can last for many years of reliable operation.
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Check the Photo Eyes
Photo eyes are the safety sensors located near the bottom of the garage door. They emit and receive a light beam to detect objects in the door’s path. If the photo eyes are misaligned or dirty, the garage door may not close fully or the opener may not run at all. Clean the photo eyes with a soft cloth and make sure they are positioned correctly facing each other from both sides of the door track.
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Tighten or Replace Loose Hardware
Over time, vibration from opening and closing the garage door can cause nuts, bolts, and screws to loosen. Pay attention to any rattling or wobbling noises the door may make – these could indicate loose hardware. Tighten any loose screws or bolts you find, especially around the door springs, tracks, and opener mounting points. Replace hardware if it is damaged or rusted through.
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Check the Door Balance
If the garage door is difficult to open or close by hand, it may be out of balance due to wear and tear on the springs. Springs that have lost tension can cause the opener to strain and malfunction. Consider calling a pro for garage door opener repair to inspect and adjust the springs if needed. A small adjustment could restore smooth operation.
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Examine the Opener
If the troubleshooting steps related to the door didn’t fix the problem, shift your focus to the opener unit next. Start with something simple – make sure the power cord is fully inserted into the wall outlet. An unsecured or loose cord could cause intermittent or failed operation. Also make sure the opener isn’t overloaded on its electrical circuit.
Make sure the travel module and drive gears are clean and free of obstructions. Also inspect the belt that connects to the garage door – a cracked or slipping belt requires replacement. Reprogram the travel limits if needed.
With some basic troubleshooting, many garage door issues can be solved without a service call. But if the problem persists after checking these common fixes, it’s a good idea to contact a local garage door company for a full system inspection. Companies like Integrity Garage Door Repair Virginia Beach provide honest garage door opener repair at affordable prices. Don’t put off needed maintenance – catching small problems early helps avoid more serious and expensive damage down the road. With a little TLC, your garage door opener can last for many years of reliable operation.
