The question for most homeowners with regards to garage doors is when they should call for maintenance or repairs. Garage doors have to do a lot of heavy lifting day in and day out, and eventually this will take a toll. By being proactive and calling for service when needed, you can help keep your garage door operating safely for years to come. One of the most common signs that your garage door needs professional services is if it is taking longer than usual to open and close. Keep reading to learn more about the most common reasons your garage door is moving more slowly and what you can do to fix the problem.
The average amount of time it should take your garage door to open or close is between 12 and 15 seconds. Most garage doors these days can complete a full cycle within that time frame. If it’s taking 20 seconds or more for your door to open or close, it’s time to call a professional. One way to speed up a slow-opening garage door is by applying more lubricant. If your door is not properly lubricated, the door’s parts may have to work harder during the opening and closing cycles. The processes taking longer than usual can also be attributed to the continued use of your door. The pulleys may become worn and the springs may lose tension, resulting in a slower operation of the door.
One of the things you can do to try to fix a garage door that isn’t moving as quickly as it used to is to lubricate all the hinges, brackets, and tracks. Once everything is properly lubricated, see if the door moves any faster. Some garage door models available today have speed setting controls in place. If your door has these, check that they have not been adjusted to make the door move slower.
If neither the speed control setting nor lubrication is an issue, call the professionals. A garage door service technician can check all the springs and pulleys to determine if there is a more complicated problem that needs to be repaired.
It is not advised for a homeowner to attempt these more complex repair and maintenance tasks by themselves. The repair and maintenance of garage doors is a specialized field requiring a great deal of knowledge and expertise in order to be carried out effectively and safely. To keep your garage door in good working condition, it is important to schedule regular maintenance and repairs with a professional. They can provide the necessary services and repairs as needed, and help ensure your garage door continues to operate efficiently and safely. The best way to keep any door functioning properly is to stay informed about its condition.