Your garage door is more than just a means of entry, it’s an essential part of your home’s security, curb appeal, and daily functionality. In Citrus Heights, where we experience a wide range of temperatures, seasonal moisture, and dust, garage doors take on a significant amount of wear and tear. Many homeowners overlook common garage door mistakes that can lead to expensive Garage Door Repair, unnecessary garage door installation, or even garage door replacement.

To help you avoid these costly issues, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most common garage door mistakes that Citrus Heights homeowners should be aware of and avoid.

1. Neglecting Regular Maintenance

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is neglecting regular garage door maintenance. Without routine inspections, small issues can go unnoticed until they become major problems.

Why it’s important:
Garage doors should be inspected at least once a year, with attention paid to the springs, rollers, tracks, and opener. Neglecting this maintenance leads to faster wear and increases the likelihood of needing Garage Door Repair.

2. Using the Door as a Primary Entrance

Many Citrus Heights residents use their garage door as the primary entrance to their home. While this may be convenient, it places extra stress on the door, opener, and tracks. Overuse can cause:

• Worn-out springs
  
  

• Malfunctioning openers
  
  

• Premature breakdowns
  
  

Solution:
Consider using your front door for daily access to reduce wear on the garage door. If you must use it frequently, regular garage door maintenance is essential to keep everything in working order.

3. Ignoring Noises or Strange Movements

Strange noises like squeaks, grinding, or even thumping are often dismissed by homeowners. However, these sounds are usually indicators of problems with components such as:

• Worn rollers
  
  

• Misaligned tracks
  
  

• Broken springs
  
  

Why it matters:
Ignoring these sounds can lead to more significant issues, often requiring Garage Door Repair or even complete replacement of parts. It’s best to address strange noises promptly.

4. Not Lubricating Moving Parts

Over time, friction can cause the moving parts of your garage door to wear down. If you fail to lubricate parts like the rollers, tracks, and springs, you’ll notice increased noise and reduced performance.

Why it’s important:
Lubricating moving components regularly helps prevent friction, reduces wear, and ensures the door operates smoothly. This is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to avoid needing garage door installation or repairs.

5. Overloading the Door with Weight

Adding too much weight to your garage door whether from storage, equipment, or improper use, puts undue stress on the springs and opener.

Signs to watch for:

• Slow door movement
  
  

• Uneven lifting
  
  

• Broken or stretched springs
  
  

What you can do:
Ensure that your garage door opener is rated for the weight of the door. If you’re unsure, have a professional assess whether an upgrade is needed to prevent potential damage.

6. Failing to Maintain Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is a critical component that helps keep your garage insulated, dry, and pest-free. Over time, it can become brittle and cracked due to weather exposure.

Why it’s important:
Damaged weatherstripping leads to:

• Increased heating and cooling costs
  
  

• A damp or drafty garage
  
  

• Potential pest infestations
  
  

Solution:
Check weatherstripping regularly and replace it if necessary. This simple fix can prevent issues with insulation and reduce the likelihood of needing Garage Door Replacement.

7. Not Checking the Safety Features

Modern garage doors come with built-in safety features, like sensors that detect objects in the door’s path. Many homeowners fail to regularly test these safety mechanisms.

Why it matters:
Failing to check safety sensors and reverse mechanisms could lead to accidents. Ensure that your garage door’s safety features are functioning properly, especially if you have small children or pets.

8. Attempting DIY Repairs Without the Proper Tools or Knowledge

It’s tempting to fix a broken garage door yourself, especially with countless “how-to” guides available online. However, improper repairs can make the problem worse and even cause injury.

Risks of DIY repairs:

• Incorrect tension on springs
  
  

• Misaligned tracks
  
  

• Damage to the opener motor
  
  

Recommendation:
If you’re unsure of how to make the repair, it’s best to consult a professional. For complex issues, Garage Door Repair should always be left to the experts to avoid safety hazards.

9. Forgetting to Clean the Tracks

Over time, dirt, debris, and dust can accumulate in the tracks of your garage door. This buildup can cause the door to move unevenly, create jerky movements, or even derail the door.

Why cleaning tracks is important:
Keeping the tracks clean ensures that the door moves smoothly and reduces the risk of malfunction. Regularly inspect and clean the tracks to avoid needing costly Garage Door Repair.

10. Not Replacing Old, Worn Springs on Time

Garage door springs are one of the most essential components of the system, as they carry most of the weight. Over time, springs wear out, losing their ability to support the door’s movement.

Warning signs of worn springs:

• The door feels heavier than usual
  
  

• The door opens slowly or unevenly
  
  

• Loud snapping sounds when opening/closing
  
  

Solution:
If you notice any of these signs, replace the springs promptly. Delaying this can lead to more damage and could necessitate a complete garage door replacement.

Conclusion

Garage doors are vital to the daily functioning and security of your home. Unfortunately, many Citrus Heights homeowners overlook the small things that can lead to big problems. From poor maintenance to improper use, each of the mistakes listed above contributes to wear and tear that can require Garage Door Repair, garage door installation, or garage door replacement sooner than expected.

By staying vigilant, performing regular maintenance, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can avoid the need for expensive repairs and ensure your garage door continues to operate smoothly for years to come.

NAP (Name, Address, Phone)

Kings Garage Door Repair & Installation
Address: 6428 Sol Way, Citrus Heights, CA 95621, United States
Phone: +1 (916) 806-8397