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A very slow garage door complicates things. If you are running late at work or returning home from a long day, it is frustrating to have to wait for a slow garage door. It could also indicate there are issues that require repair.
Understanding why your garage door is slow will assist you to repair it before it becomes extremely costly. Various factors can contribute to a garage door being slow, including a lack of maintenance and complex mechanical factors.
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Issue with Garage Door Springs
Most lifting is accomplished by the garage door springs when you open or shut your door. The springs with the passage of time lose strength, so cannot support the weight of the door anymore. When the springs get weak, your garage door opener has to exert more force to get the door up, so it becomes slower.
Torsion springs are located above your garage door. They will last for seven to nine years if you use them consistently. The extension springs are located on the sides of the door and will have to be replaced earlier. If your garage door resists opening or grinds when it opens, worn springs are most likely the cause.
Problems Associated with the Garage Door Opener Motor
Your opener motor is the energy provider for your entire system, and being a machine, it will eventually experience issues with aging. The aged motor can find it challenging to get your door to open and shut on schedule. Additionally, opener motors require frequent oiling to keep them running efficiently.
Chain-drive openers will cease to operate if the chain dries out or becomes loose. Belt-drive openers will cease to operate if the belt becomes bent or not straight enough. Motor capacitors can become damaged as well, making the opener take longer to start up and unable to maintain a constant speed.
Issues on the Track
Your garage door runs along steel tracks. If the tracks become dirty, have debris on them, or are dented, your door will not function well. Small obstructions will cause it to open more slowly than it did before.
Non-aligned tracks will wear, so your opener will have to do more work. Shifting tracks may be slightly weather-sensitive, but dirt will make it more difficult to shift. Cleaning tracks regularly and checking for misalignment will prevent these issues from occurring.
Weather Issues
Temperature fluctuations matter to your garage door to function properly. Metal components contract in cold weather, and the thicker greases get more viscous, so are harder to apply. Your garage door travels slower in cold weather because thicker grease has more friction.
Garage doors made of wood absorb humidity, so they swell up and get jammed with the frame. Weather may not last for long, but it will reveal the need for maintenance for the season.
Solutions and Prevention
Maintaining your garage prevents numerous issues to slow it down. Grease your garage doors to keep the operating parts running smoothly every six months. Regularly clean the tracks and keep them straight. Check if your door is out of balance by unplugging the opener and lifting the door halfway by hand – it should remain stable by itself.
For more difficult issues with springs, motors, or electrical components, seek the assistance of garage door professionals. Book your garage door repair in Martin County for specialized skills and equipment to repair safely. Professional maintenance will identify potential issues before they cause the system to fail.
Keep Your Garage Door in Top Condition
Garage doors that operate slow often indicate they require maintenance rather than a major issue. By learning the leading reasons and keeping up with maintenance, you’ll be able to keep your garage door operating great for years to come. When the DIY solutions don’t help, seeking the advice of a professional ensures your door receives the proper check-up and fix it requires.
