Overlooking damage or malfunctions in your garage door can leave your garage door susceptible to failure. It can also put your garage at risk of break-in. If you're not familiar with the most common trouble signs from your garage, it's important that you understand what to watch for. Here are a few potential problems you should be on the lookout for.

Odd Noises

If the garage door is making unfamiliar sounds when it moves, that's a sign that there's something obstructing the track. When you move the door, the debris in the track is abrasive against the wheels, and it causes grinding and squealing types of sounds against the metal of the track. You can address problems like this by cleaning the track out with a lint-free rag and a degreaser product. Once you clean it out, apply a lubricant to the track and wheels so that everything moves freely. Open and close the door a couple of times to work the lubricant into the gears of the wheel as well as the crevices of the track.

Shaky, Wobbly Movement

If your garage door is shaking, wobbling or vibrating when you open and close it, it's a sure sign that the door isn't properly balanced. Check all of the springs to ensure that they are in good condition. Each spring on the door should match the opposing one on the other side of the door. If one seems stretched further than the other, adjust it so that they are even. If the spring won't adjust, it may need to be replaced.

Sticking In the Track

There are many things that can cause a garage door to stick, including a malfunctioning door opener or issues with the track. Start by checking the batteries in the garage door opener and the control unit. If the battery is weak, it can cause the door to stop partway. If it isn't the garage door opener, you'll need to examine the track.

Open the garage door as far as you can get it. Look for any potential obstructions in the track. If you find something that could be binding the wheels, eliminate it. Then, clean the track with a lint-free cloth and some degreaser. If there's nothing in the track, the issue may be due to expansion. If the weather has been particularly warm, consider lubricating the length of the track and the wheels to help the door roll more efficiently.

No Resistance on the Door

When you close a garage door, there should be some natural resistance in the track. If your garage door falls when you let go, that means your springs are starting to fail. Torsion springs sit on either side of the door, and they attach directly to the door itself. These are most frequently the culprit. In addition to the torsion springs, extension springs attach at the top of the track on either side of the door. The two types of springs work together to create resistance on the door so that it doesn't fall when closing. If any of the springs are damaged, worn or weakened, it can compromise that tension. You'll need to have the springs inspected by a technician and replaced if necessary.

Understanding the most common garage door issues is important, because it helps you spot trouble before it becomes serious. With the information here, you'll know what kinds of mechanical issues to look for. If you have any reason to suspect that your garage door springs need attention or there are other issues with the door that you cannot troubleshoot, call a local garage door installation technician for a complete inspection and any necessary repairs. Get in touch with a company like Overhead Door of Akron for more information.