Slow Moving Garage Doors? Here’s How to Speed Things Up!
Are you struggling slow moving garage doors? It can be frustrating, especially when you have a busy schedule and need to get out of the house quickly. A slow garage door could indicate an underlying problem that needs to be fixed. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to fix the issue and have your garage door working like new again.
At Straight Up Garage Doors, a Garage Door Installation and Service Company serving central Florida, we have compiled a comprehensive guide on how to fix a garage door that opens slowly. Keep reading for our expert advice.
Section 1: Clean the Tracks
One of the most common reasons why a garage door opens slowly is a buildup of dirt or debris on the tracks. Over time, the tracks can accumulate dirt, which can cause the rollers to jam, making it harder for the garage door to open and close. Begin by cleaning the tracks with a soft cloth or brush, ensuring you remove all debris that may be preventing the rollers from moving seamlessly.
Section 2. Lubricate the Rollers and Hinges
Another common cause of a slow garage door is insufficient lubrication of the rollers and hinges. Friction slows down the movement of the garage door, making it harder for the opener to lift the door. Proper lubrication with garage door lubricant spray will minimize friction and ensure smooth movement. Avoid using WD-40 or other petroleum-based lubricants, as they attract dirt and won’t last as long.
Section 3: Check the Opener
A poorly functioning opener could also be contributing to a slow-moving door. Your opener may need an upgrade or replacement if outdated. Consult one of our installation experts at Straight Up Garage Doors to determine if your opener is outdated and what a recommend professional repair or replacement is.
Section 4: Check the Springs
Most garage doors are equipped with either extension or torsion springs to counterbalance their weight. Over time, garage door springs can become loose, wear out, or break, making it more difficult to lift the garage door. One of our garage door specialists can check the condition of the springs and make any necessary adjustments or replacements.
Section 5: Inspect the Cables
The cables are a crucial component of your garage door’s operation, so it’s essential to inspect them regularly. If the cables are loose or frayed, this could be the source of the problem. A frayed cable could snap, causing severe damage or even harm to those nearby. It’s advisable to contact a garage door repair professional like Straight Up Garage Doors to inspect and replace if necessary.
Section 6: Test the Balance of your Slow Moving Garage Doors
Garage doors ought to have proper balance to function effectively; if the door is unbalanced, this could cause strain on the opener, making it harder for the door to open and close smoothly. Close your garage door and pull the release handle to disengage the opener. You can then manually lift the door halfway open. If it moves smoothly without resistance, the door is balanced. If it’s unbalanced, you need professional assistance as you risk injury by lifting a heavy garage door.
Section 7: Ensure the Sensor is Unobstructed
Garage door sensors detect objects in the doorway and prevent the door from closing on them. A dirty or obstructed sensor can cause the door to reverse direction, making it react slowly. Ensure your sensors are clean and sufficiently aligned, and nothing is obstructing the beam.
Section 8: Check Your Remote
If your garage door remote is not working, it could create a delay in opening and closing the door. First, check the batteries of your remote to ensure that they are fresh. If the issue persists, you may need to consider replacing the opener or possibly changing the frequency.
Section 9: Call in a Professional for your Slow Moving Garage Doors
If you have tried all the above and your garage door is still opening slowly or not at all, it’s time to bring in the professionals. Straight Up Garage Doors, a Garage Door Installation and Service Company serving central Florida, offers expert garage door repair services, including full installation, repairs, and maintenance. Don’t wait on a slow garage door. An expert is just a phone call away.
In conclusion, fixing a garage door that opens slowly requires a bit of detective work. You need to investigate the cause of the problem before taking corrective action. Remember, a garage door is a complex mechanism that needs proper care and attention to function efficiently. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection from an expert at straight up doors could save you big bucks on a major garage door repair. Give us a call today.
