Common causes of garage door damage

Do you know, an average garage door opens and closes over 1500 times a year? A garage door is the most important yet often neglected part of our home. It plays a crucial role in securing your home and your belongings, but they also add to the overall look and feel of your property. 

Unfortunately, just like any other part of your home, garage doors are prone to damage and wear and tear over time. 

Today, we’ll discuss the common cause of garage door damage so that you can have the right maintenance and repair in time. 

Common causes of garage door damage

1. Weather damage

High winds can cause the door to move off its track or even bend the panels, while heavy rain and snow can cause rust and corrosion on metal doors. 

Extreme heat can cause the door panels to expand and warp, while extreme cold can cause the door to become stiff and difficult to operate. 

2. Accident

An accidental collision like if you hit garage door with car, can cause physical damage. It can also affect the door’s alignment, which can cause it to operate improperly or even become stuck. 

3. Broken Springs 

Garage door springs are under a lot of tension and can break over time. This can cause damage garage door and its components, or even injury to anyone nearby. 

It\’s important to have them inspected and replaced regularly by a professional technician.

4. Broken Cables

Cables that are worn or improperly tensioned can break and cause damage to the door and its components. They should be inspected and replaced by a professional technician if necessary.

5. Bent Track

A bent garage door panel or misaligned track can cause the door to become misaligned, making it difficult or impossible to open or close. This can cause damage to the door and its component over time. 

6. Worn Rollers 

The garage door rollers are here to make your door slide smoothly on the track. If your rollers are damaged or worn, then your door may not open easily. 

It can cause the door to become misaligned or make it difficult to operate. So if experience the garage door not opening or closing easily, you should inspect the door with a professional and replace it if needed. 

7. Worn Hardware

The hardware of the garage door can be worn out easily as you use it on regular basis. It can make the garage door difficult to operate. That’s why you need to check the hardware and tighten everything that’s needed. 

8. Electric Issues

If you have an electric garage door, then it’s quite obvious to experience electrical issues. You can check the battery of your remote. A dead battery might cause of your door not to work. 

The photo eye can also cause the door not to work properly. It is mainly used to ensure the garage door doesn’t close on any person or object. 

9. Faulty sensor

The safety sensors on your garage door opener can become dirty or misaligned over time, leading to issues such as the door failing to close or opening unexpectedly. 

You should inspect and adjust by a professional technician if necessary.

10. Misaligned Track

A misaligned track is a common cause of garage door damage. This occurs when the tracks that guide the rollers along the door are not properly aligned, causing the door to become uneven and possibly jam or become stuck. 

11. Lack of maintenance

Regular maintenance of your garage door can help prevent damage. This includes lubricating moving parts, tightening loose bolts and screws, and checking for signs of wear and tear. 

Can A Damaged Garage Door Be Repaired?

A damaged garage door can often be repaired depending on the severity of the damage. Some common issues that can be repaired include broken springs, damaged panels, malfunctioning motors, and misaligned tracks. 

It is important to have a professional assess the damage and provide a recommended course of action to ensure the repair is done safely and effectively. 

In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the garage door rather than attempt to repair it.

Garage Door Damage Repair Cost

The cost of repairing a damaged garage door can depend on the types of damage and repair you need. 

The material and the type of door panel are also a factor. But on average, the cost can range from $100 to $200 for minor repairs such as fixing a sensor or replacing a spring. 

If you need more extensive damage such as replacing panels or the entire door, the cost can range from $500 to $2500 or more. 

You should also consider the cost of repair may vary depending on the location and the availability of repair services in your area.

Does Home Insurance Cover Garage Door Damage?

Home insurance policies generally cover garage door damage if it’s caused by a covered event, such as a storm, fire, vandalism, or theft. 

But, if the damage is due to wear and tear or neglect, it may not be covered. It’s better to review your policy and speak with your insurance agent to understand the specific coverage for your garage door. 

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing garage door damage, it’s time to get in touch with the professionals for an inspection. If there is significant damage to the structure of the door or the operating system, it may need to be replaced to ensure safety and functionality. 

It is recommended to consult with a professional garage door repair company to properly assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.

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