While modern garage doors are designed to last for decades, they must stand up to an astounding amount of wear and tear over the years. That is why you need to keep an eye out for any signs that your garage door might need to be repaired or replaced entirely.

Shaking or Rattling

After being used for a long period of time, a garage door could begin to shake and rattle whenever it is opened and closed. That movement is caused by a wide variety of issues ranging from bent tracks to loose bolts. If you have recently noticed any rattling whenever you use the garage door, then you need to contact a garage door installation team.

Slow to Open or Close

There are a few different reasons why your garage door might be opening or closing slower than it used to. As long as you keep the system properly maintained and lubricated, it should move at the same speed for years. A sudden change to the speed of the door is sometimes caused by a burnt-out or dying motor.

Unusual Noises

Every garage door is going to make some noises, but those sounds shouldn’t be deafening. Unusual noises are typically caused by loose tracks that need to be tightened. Unfortunately, a loose track can damage the motor and pulley system over time, and that is why this issue should never be ignored.

Sagging

A sagging garage door is a very common problem that many homeowners have to deal with over the years. For minor sagging, all you will need to do is tighten all of the brackets and bolts. If the sagging is severe, then you will most likely need to call in an expert to have the entire pulley system replaced.

Rust or Other Visible Damage

Surface rust is fairly easy to get rid of as long as you catch it early on, but the entire door will most likely need to be replaced if the rust has penetrated deep into the metal. In addition to weakening the structural integrity of the door, rust spots will also allow pests to get into your garage. Rusty garage doors are particularly common in areas where there is quite a bit of rain or snow.

Fixing or replacing your garage door on your own might seem like a good way to save some money, but that project is incredibly complex and dangerous. Garage door maintenance and repairs should always be left to professional contractors who are fully certified, licensed, and insured.