Lately has the opener in your garage been a bit noisy? It might be prone to reversing without cause or put up some resistance before it will open. One can’t help but think an old opener is going to give out when you least want it to.
We get asked that sort of thing on a daily basis at Garage Headquarters. In our 50 plus years in the business we have come across every kind of opener trouble you can imagine, and have been doing so for Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts since 1973. For a quick answer, put us on the phone at (401) 381-5065 in Rhode Island or (781) 628-5261 in Massachusetts.
For the most part an opener will let you know it is on its way out before it ceases to function altogether; one only has to know what to look for. We have put together some of the more common indications below so you can put an end to a minor problem before it gets out of hand.
Unusual Noises When It Runs
You would expect a good opener to have a steady hum. If there is any screeching, grinding or rattling then something is not right. Beyond being a nuisance such noises are indicative of loose hardware, a motor on the fritz or gears that have seen better days.
Pay attention to:
- Grinding or scraping from stripped gears
- Rattling of bolts or brackets
- A motor under strain will screech or squeal
- Popping and banging at the start or stop of the door
- The motor is humming but the door does not budge
Have a technician inspect it if you hear any of these, rather than wait for total failure.
The Door Reverses or Will Not Close
There are safety sensors on modern openers to keep the door from closing on an object, pet or person. But they can be damaged, misaligned or simply dirty, in which case the door will reverse or not close.
Check first to see if the sensor path by the floor on either side of the door is obstructed. Clean the lenses and verify they are aimed at one another. Should the issue persist, the logic board or the sensors are in need of some work.
Slow or Inconsistent Response
Pressing the button ought to elicit an immediate response. If the door is uncooperative one day and fine the next, the opener is wearing out. It could be the remote, the wall control or the motor.
Look for any of the following:
- An undue amount of time between the press and movement
- The door will open halfway and no further
- The opener works at random
- Several attempts with the remote are required
- Sluggish movement compared to what you are used to
Vibration and Shaking
Hard vibration or shaking is a sign of a straining motor or components that are worn. Left to it the stress will do damage to the tracks, mounting hardware and the door. Do not put off dealing with a unit that is trembling.
The Opener Is Simply Old
Age can be warning enough in itself. While they are made to stand up to use for years, an opener will not last indefinitely. One that is 15 or 20 years of age is likely missing the safety features of a new model and parts may be difficult to source.
It is all too common for a homeowner to put off calling until the opener has completely quit, leaving the car inside or the door open through the night. Some forethought now will spare you the trouble.
Why Call the Pros
Given the tension involved with a garage door opener, certain repairs are not ones to tackle alone. Our technicians are trained to get to the root of the matter, be it the wiring, gears, sensors or motor, and make the fix properly.
No other company in New England has as many local certified technicians on staff as Garage Headquarters. We are licensed and insured and have the Google reviews of over 450 customers in the region to show for it. On top of a 100% satisfaction guarantee we will provide a free estimate so there are no surprises.
Should your opener be exhibiting any of the above, make the call to Garage Headquarters at (401) 381-5065 (Rhode Island) or (781) 628-5261 (Massachusetts) before it is too late. You can reach us Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm and Saturday 8am to 12pm.
