Most garage doors can take a lot of use and keep going strong with a bit of basic upkeep. Until they don’t.
But when someone tells us their garage door in Reno, NV, has failed out of nowhere, we have to ask: Are you sure about that?
It’s easy to chalk it up to bad luck, but the truth is, garage doors rarely break without warning. Usually, they’ve been giving you signals for weeks or even months. If you can recognize these garage door signs early, you can take care of minor issues before they turn into big, expensive problems.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common signs of garage door damage and when you should call for professional repairs.
Table Of Content
Why It’s Important to Catch Garage Door Warning Signs Early7 Common Signs You Need Professional Garage Door Repairs
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Major Garage Door Repairs
Call a Professional Before It’s Too Late
Why It’s Important to Catch Garage Door Warning Signs Early
They say prevention is better than the cure, and when it comes to your garage door, that couldn’t be truer. Catching garage door warning signs early can help you:
1) Protect Your Home
Your garage door is one of your home’s biggest entry points. Ignoring a door that won’t latch or leaves a gap can make your home an easy target for break-ins. In fact, according to The Zebra, 9% of burglars use the garage door as their entry point.
2) Save Money
Garage door issues are like a domino effect. What starts as a small problem—like a misaligned track or a weird noise—can quickly lead to bigger, costlier damage. A loose spring can snap, a strained motor can burn out, and suddenly, you’re looking at a bill you weren’t ready for. By fixing these issues while they’re still minor, you can keep your repair expenses low.
3) Decide Between Repairs and Replacement
Not every problem means you need a brand-new door. Sometimes a simple repair is all it takes.
However, if your door is showing signs of serious wear—like cracked panels, bent tracks, or constant garage door malfunctions—it may be time to consider a replacement. A professional can inspect your garage door and help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation.
Schedule a Garage Door Inspection Now
7 Common Signs You Need Professional Garage Door Repairs
Your garage door may look fine, but that doesn’t mean everything’s working as it should. Let’s go over seven common signs that it might be time to call a garage door repair expert:
1) Unusual Noises During Operation
Garage doors aren’t exactly whisper-quiet, but there’s a difference between normal operating sounds and loud, disruptive noises. If your door starts groaning, squeaking, or grinding more than usual, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
- Grinding noises are often caused by metal parts rubbing together without proper lubrication. It can also mean your tracks are misaligned.
- Squealing or screeching is typically a sign of dry rollers, hinges, or garage door springs. Lubrication may fix it, but worn-out parts might need replacing.
- Loud banging or thudding could point to a broken spring. When a torsion spring snaps, it releases a lot of energy with a loud bang.
A garage door pro will inspect, lubricate, and replace any damaged parts before they snowball into something more problematic.
Learn more about common door repair issues and how they cause strange sounds.
2) Door Moves Slowly or Jerks
Your garage door should move smoothly—up, down, and right back into place. But when it slows down, jerks, or gets stuck halfway, you have a problem.
A garage door may struggle to move due to:
- Worn-out rollers
- Misaligned tracks
- Motor problems
A professional technician can diagnose the cause and make any necessary adjustments or replacements. Don’t risk the door coming off its tracks completely—that can damage both the door and your car.
3) Door Won’t Open or Close Properly
Nothing’s more frustrating than a garage door that won’t do what it’s supposed to—open and close on command.
Now, this doesn’t always mean you’re dealing with an emergency, but it can still be a big security risk, especially if your garage connects to your home.
Sometimes, the fix is simple. Cleaning the sensors or resetting the limit might get things back on track. But if the garage door opener problem doesn’t go away, you may need to call an expert to recalibrate the system.
4) Sagging or Uneven Garage Door
Your garage door should close and sit evenly against the ground. If you notice it is drooping on one side, leaving a gap underneath, or looking crooked, you’re dealing with a sagging or uneven door.
Generally, a garage door can sag due to weakened springs, damaged cables, or warped door panels. Besides looking off, it also strains the opener. Professionals can reinforce the door or suggest a panel replacement if necessary.
5) Visible Damage to Door Panels and Hardware
You don’t always need professional intervention to know something is wrong with your garage door. Visible damage—like cracks, warping, dents, or loose hardware—should also tell you it’s time for repairs.
Damaged panels can lead to misalignment, while dents may indicate weakened material that could eventually break. A professional inspection can help determine whether you need repairs or a complete door replacement.
6) Unresponsive Garage Door Opener
Pressed your garage door remote or wall switch, and nothing happens? You may be dealing with a garage door malfunction caused by:
- Dead batteries
- Power problems
- Signal interference
- Wiring issues
- Faulty logic board
Before you panic, try some basic troubleshooting. But if your door still won’t budge, call a garage door repair Reno, NV, technician immediately.
7) Frequent Reversals or Sensor Problems
If your garage door starts reversing unexpectedly or refuses to close all the way, the safety sensors may be acting up.
Safety sensors are designed to keep your door from closing on people, pets, or objects. Located near the bottom of the door tracks, they send a beam across the door’s path. If something interrupts that beam, the door automatically reverses. Usually, this happens due to misalignment, dirt, wiring problems, or damage.
A malfunctioning sensor means your door may not stop when it needs to, putting your family and property at risk. If basic cleaning and realignment don’t resolve things, call a professional.
Learn When You Need Professional Help
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Major Garage Door Repairs
Behind every garage door is a complex system of springs, cables, tracks, and motors working together. When something goes wrong, it can be tempting to try a DIY fix.
Let us tell you why that’s a bad idea:
1) Safety Comes First
Garage doors are heavy, and their springs are under extreme tension. Trying to fix a broken spring or reattach a snapped cable can lead to serious injury if you don’t know what you’re doing. Even professionals use specialized tools and follow strict safety protocols.
2) Avoid Further Damage
Misaligned tracks, faulty wiring, or improperly adjusted sensors can make your door unsafe or damage other parts. A professional will know how to fix it without causing new problems.
3) Protect Your Warranty
Most garage door manufacturers offer warranties, but they’re often voided if you attempt repairs yourself. A licensed technician can fix your door without risking your warranty coverage.
If you own a local business, see what to consider for commercial garage door repair or replacement. Also, check out these top five common commercial garage door repair issues if you manage business doors.
Call a Garage Door Pro Today
Call a Professional Before It’s Too Late
Your garage door does more than just protect your car. It’s an essential part of your home’s security, insulation, and curb appeal. If you’re noticing any of the signs above, don’t wait until it breaks down completely.
At Thompson Garage Doors, our team of experienced technicians is ready to diagnose and fix any garage door problem quickly, safely, and correctly the first time. Contact us today for fast, reliable garage door repair in Reno.