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Like any other aspect of a home, garage doors need routine maintenance and will encounter issues that require more serious fixes. But how do you know the difference between a minor issue and needing emergency repairs? Here, we’re breaking down the most common garage door problems that require the help of trained garage door experts. 

You have a broken cable or spring

Broken cables and springs are a fairly common problem with garage doors, as they can break after a lot of wear and tear. But if this happens to your garage door, you should call for emergency garage door repair as soon as possible. That’s because your cables and springs help lower and raise your garage. If they’re broken, they can’t stop your garage door from slamming shut on something or someone, causing severe damage, injury, or death. Another critical thing to note: If you suspect you have a broken cable or spring, do not attempt to open your door manually.

Your emergency reversal system isn’t working

All garage doors are required to have safety sensors — and have been since 1993. Each sensor has a photo-eye, which creates an invisible line across the bottom of your garage that detects when something is in the way. That’s when your emergency reversal system gets to work by reversing the direction of your garage door to prevent it from closing all the way.

More often than not, your garage door will reverse course because your photo-eyes detect dirt or debris, or they’re misaligned. When that happens, it’s usually a quick fix to get your system working again. However, if you still can’t seem to diagnose the problem, it’s time to call in an expert right away to inspect your sensors and system more closely.

Your garage door is unbalanced

An unbalanced garage door should also be considered a dangerous and time-sensitive issue. First, it can put unnecessary strain on other components that can lead to even more problems. Second, an unbalanced door can close unexpectedly, which we know increases the risk of severe and deadly injuries. The easiest way to check whether your door is balanced is to open it halfway manually. If it doesn’t stay in place, it’s likely your springs are unbalanced, and you need to call an emergency repair person.

Your rollers are cracked

Rollers make sure your garage door, well, rolls up and down smoothly. Over time, though, they can become cracked or chipped from general wear and tear. If you notice this during your preventative maintenance check, ask local garage door technicians to inspect and, if necessary, replace them.

Your door has a broken panel

The truth is, accidents happen. And accidents often lead to broken garage door panels. Whether it’s caused by a vehicle, strong winds, a basketball, or something else, you’ll definitely want to get ahold of your local repair experts. That’s because a broken panel will likely prevent you from opening your garage door at all until it’s fixed. Remember: Don’t attempt to open a busted garage door yourself, as it can end up causing a lot more damage than just a broken panel.

You’re not sure what the problem is

However, if you still can’t diagnose the problem, call an emergency service to repair your garage door. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and a trained technician will be able to help navigate any garage door issue you encounter.

Need emergency garage door repair in Denver?

For Denver-area garage doors, rely on the expert technicians at American Garage Door. With a 24-hour emergency service line, you can count on us to inspect, diagnose, and repair your garage door as soon as possible. Learn more about all of our repair services, then request an estimate to fix your garage door today!