10 Signs Your Garage Door Needs Repair

Your garage door is the largest moving system in your home, and whether you use it once or several times a day, it plays a major role in your home’s safety and convenience. Because of this, you should pay attention when it starts showing early warning signs. This detailed guide explains exactly what to look for, why these issues happen, and when to call a professional.

1. Your Garage Door Makes Loud or Grinding Noises

Although garage doors naturally make sound, loud grinding, squeaking, rattling, or banging noises almost always indicate a problem.
Common causes include:

• Dry rollers
• Loose hardware
• Bent tracks
• Worn hinges
• Damaged opener motor

Left unfixed, these issues may lead to a full system collapse. Therefore, addressing noises early saves money and prevents dangerous situations.

2. The Door Moves Slower Than Normal

A slow-moving garage door is usually caused by:

• A failing opener
• Weak springs
• Dry rollers
• Motor strain

Because a sluggish door is often the first sign of a major breakdown, you should schedule a service call as soon as you notice the slowdown.

3. Your Garage Door Feels Heavy

If the door suddenly feels heavier when lifting manually, the springs are likely failing. Springs carry 90% of the door’s weight, and when they weaken, the opener struggles – and eventually burns out.

Since broken springs are extremely dangerous, you should never attempt DIY repair. Always call a trained technician.

4. The Remote or Keypad Isn’t Working

Before assuming the opener is dead, check for:

• Sensor misalignment
• Dead remote batteries
• Wiring issues
• Incorrect opener settings

If the problem continues, your opener may need repair or replacement. Because Florida humidity affects electronics faster, regular inspections are recommended.

5. The Door Opens Crooked or Jerky

When the door operates unevenly, tracks or cables are usually to blame. A crooked door puts stress on the opener and increases the risk of the door falling off the track. Therefore, stop using the door immediately and schedule a repair.

6. Light or Air Comes Through the Bottom Seal

This often means the weather stripping is cracked, flattened, or missing. In South Florida, this can lead to:

• Humidity entering your garage
• Pests entering
• Mold and moisture damage
• Higher energy bills

Replacing a bottom seal is a low – cost fix that makes a big difference.

7. Rust on Springs or Hardware

Moisture in South Florida makes rust one of the most common issues. Rust weakens critical parts like:

• Springs
• Cables
• Hinges
• Rollers
• Tracks

If you notice rust early, lubrication can help. However, if the rust is advanced, replacement is necessary.

8. Weak or Struggling Opener Motor

If your opener sounds like it’s straining, it may be near the end of its lifespan. Older motors often fail without warning. Upgrading to a smart Wi-Fi opener improves security, convenience, and reliability.

9. Your Energy Bills Are Increasing

If your garage feels extremely hot or cold, your door isn’t insulating properly. Insulated and hurricane-rated doors are ideal for Florida because they reduce energy loss, noise, and moisture.

10. The Door Stops Midway or Reverses

This is one of the most alarming signs and may indicate:

• Sensor failure
• Broken springs
• Opener malfunction
• Travel limit miscalibration
• Overheating

If your door stops unexpectedly, stop using it immediately to avoid damage or injury.