How Do You Know When Your Garage Door Opener Is Going Bad?
After years of frequent use, your garage door system will begin to show signs of wear and tear. However, how do you know if the system is going bad or if there is another issue? Here are a few telltale signs that your garage door opener is failing:
- Your garage door opens slowly – or doesn’t open at all
- You hear strange noises, including grinding, whining, rattling, clanking, squeaking, and screeching. Each of these noises is caused by a different problem with the opener system. For example, worn rollers will often make a distinct squeaking sound. You might hear a grinding or buzzing noise if the problem is the springs.
- The garage door opener has suddenly become unreliable. When garage door openers begin to fail, they might work perfectly one day and fail entirely the next.
How Long Do Garage Door Openers Last?
The average lifespan of most garage door openers is between 10 to 15 years. However, with proper care, including regular maintenance by a garage door professional and appropriate lubrication of moving parts, older garage door openers can last for over 20 years!
Common Reasons Why My Garage Door Opener Would Fail
You have enjoyed the convenience of your garage door opener for decades, but it isn’t working as well as it once did. There are a handful of issues that could be causing the garage door opener to stop working properly or fail completely, including:
Damaged or Blocked Photoelectric Sensors
One of the most basic safety features found on older and newer model garage door openers is two sensors located at floor level on either side of the garage door. The purpose of these sensors is to stop the garage door in its tracks if it senses any movement. For example, if your child runs under the door, the door opener will not operate.
If there is any damage to the sensors, if they are misaligned or even dirty, the opener will not work correctly.
The Tracks Are Out of Alignment
Overhead garage doors move along two tracks. If there is any damage to the tracks, if the tracks are out of alignment, or if the metal tracks become very rusty, the garage door will not open or shut when you push the button on the remote or wall switch.
A Faulty Garage Door Remote
Your remote transmitter is a lifesaver, but it isn’t working properly anymore. You can troubleshoot your remote to determine if it is faulty or if there is a more significant issue with your door opener.
Start with checking the batteries. If the batteries are in good shape, and you press the remote multiple times, and nothing happens, make sure you are standing within 10 to 20 feet of the garage. If you replaced the batteries and are close to the garage, but the remote still doesn’t open and close the door, call Ben’s Garage Door & Gates Supply team!
Damaged Garage Door Motor
Your garage door’s lifespan is again between 10 to 15 years. However, through repeated use, it is not uncommon for the garage door motor to fail early. If this is the case, the team at Ben’s Garage Door can service your opener and determine if the culprit is a faulty or broken door motor.
Should I Repair or Completely Replace My Garage Door Opener?
Your existing garage door opener isn’t working correctly, and you aren’t sure if it is time to upgrade to a brand new garage door opener or if a repair is the better option. Here are a few instances when it is better to replace your garage door opener, rather than opt for a repair:
- The garage door opener is older.
- You have not performed routine maintenance on the opener system.
- The repair costs are very high
Conversely, if the garage door opener is newer and still under warranty, it is typically best to hire a professional maintenance team to fix the issue.
Reasons to Upgrade Your Garage Door Opener?
Newer model garage door openers come equipped with some fantastic features that make them more user-friendly, secure, and even attractive to potential homebuyers. Here are a handful of the many reasons why you should have a new garage door opener installed by the pros at Ben’s Garage Door & Gate Supply:
Increased Security and Increased Safety
In addition to having the ability to control your garage door opener with your smartphone through Wifi technology, there are several other fantastic security and safety features found on almost every new opener, including rolling code technology, battery backup, and an automatic reversal system.
You Are Selling Your Home
A replacement garage door, complete with a new, state-of-the-art garage door opener, will definitely make your house stand out from the competition. The team at Ben’s Garage Door can help you determine the best take of replacement garage doors and opener systems for your needs and budget.
Quieter Operation
Think back to the last time your garage door opened. Do you remember a distinctive screeching or grinding noise? Many older model garage doors feature screw drive or chain drive openers, which can be very loud. A newer, belt-driven opener is an excellent option because it is easy to maintain and far quieter.
Contact the Amazing Professionals at Ben’s Garage Door & Gate Supply
Ready to upgrade your garage door or garage door opener? Call the pros at Ben’s Garage Door & Gate Supply. Our amazing team of professionals can help you determine if it is better to repair old garage door openers or if a replacement is warranted.
A Completely Family Owned and Operated Business With Years of Experience Serving Our Wonderful Customers
With over ten years of experience serving our amazing customers throughout California, Ben’s Garage Door & Gate Supply can do much more than replace your garage door opener. Our team can also help you find the right garage door that will completely transform your home’s exterior.
From replacing springs to repairing your front gate, the team at Ben’s Garage can handle it all!
Reviews for Ben’s Garage Door & Gate Supply
All My Garage Door’s Glass was Broken in Anaheim, CA
“I suffered a break-in, and the glass on my front door and garage door was completely busted. I was really struggling with finding a garage door company I could trust. I contacted Ben’s Garage Door, and they came out and discussed my options. I decided that for security reasons, I would replace my existing garage door with a newer, safer model. I was very happy with the service.” – Susan B
I Had a Power Outage, and My Van Nuys Garage Door Stopped Working
“After a major storm, there was a huge outage in my neighborhood, and my garage door stopped working. I knew my door had a lot of life left in it, so I contacted Ben’s Garage Door. I had worked with other garage door companies in the past, but none were as professional and fair as Ben’s Garage Door.” – Mindy X
I Really Needed a Garage Door Tune-Up
“I have an older model chain-driven garage door opener that was in desperate need of maintenance. I know the prices of maintenance can vary depending on the company, but the team at Ben’s Garage Door was very transparent with their pricing. The tech did a great job. If you have an issue with your garage door, do yourself a favor and contact Ben’s Garage Door.” – Roberta S
