When Should You Replace Your Garage Door Motor?
When Should You Replace Your Garage Door Motor?
The garage motor is an important part as it controls the carriage and will open or close the door each time you push the remote button or enter your code on the keypad. If everything is working properly, the motor will turn on immediately after you have signaled the door to open or close and it should shut or open the door in several minutes. Like every other motor, the garage door opener is only able to last an extremely short lifespan and could have a variety of issues that can prevent it from operating correctly. That means there will come an occasion when you will need to get the garage door motor repaired, and here are some signs that could indicate that you require the replacement of your garage door motor.
Motor Makes Excessive Noise
Garage door motors will always emit a sound but it shouldn’t get too loud or produce strange sounds. If the garage door opener sounds incredibly loud, it is usually a sign it is starting to wear down and trying to open and close the door. Squealing, scraping and grinding sounds coming from the door opener are a sign that your motor is not working properly and needs to be replaced or repaired. If the motor of your garage door is louder than usual or has an unusual sound it is recommended to have it checked at the earliest opportunity.
Garage Door Opens and Closes Slowly
As the motor for your garage door gets older, it can begin to experience more difficulty opening and shutting the door. If it’s in great working order and functioning well the garage door should fully open and close in about 10 to 15 minutes. If you find that it begins taking more than 20-30 seconds for the garage door to either open or close, it’s an indication that your motor may be deteriorating and needs to be replaced.
Garage Door Won’t Shut or Open
Garage door motors are typically damaged over time, but some issues could cause them to cease to function completely. If your garage door stops working, shut or open then you must first check inside to ensure that the trolley remains linked to the motor and that none of the rollers have fallen off the tracks. It is also important to check the torsion springs as well as the cable lifts for obvious problems and ensure that nothing blocks the door. If everything appears like it should, but the door isn’t able to open or close it is recommended to inspect the motor. This issue could be related to an electrical issue in the outlet where the opener is connected to or the motor has burned out and requires to be replaced.
Garage Door Stalls When Opening or Closing
Garage door openers that are unable to open and close only a fraction of the way, before stopping is a typical problem. The reason for this is usually due to bent tracks or the rollers being damaged. If the tracks and rollers are in good condition and appear normal, it could mean an indication that your motor may not work properly and requires replacement. In any case, this is an issue that you’ll need an expert to look at as soon as possible since garage doors that get stuck can be very dangerous and can cause serious injuries.
Garage Door Opener Isn’t Always Responsive
The garage door motor must start immediately after you press the button on your remote or the keypad. If you discover that you have to press the button on your remote a few times before the motor starts responding to your touch, the first thing to take is to replace the batteries on the remote. If this does not resolve the problem or the motor doesn’t always respond to the button, you’ll be required to have the opener examined. Most of the time the issue is that the motor is experiencing electrical problems that require to be fixed or replaced.
Garage Door Opens and Closes on its Own
Garage doors that open and close on their own are an issue that needs to be addressed since it could let anyone gain entry when the door was opened even though you were away, or during the night when you’re asleep. The keys on the keypad, or remote may become stuck, causing the motor to close or open by itself. But, this issue more often indicates an issue in the circuit board of the motor that is causing the issue, like an unbalanced circuit. A short circuit may cause the motor to start which causes the door to close or open independently. If you ever discover that your garage door opens or closes by itself then you must get the motor replaced as soon as possible to ensure the safety of your family members and for your home’s security.
Garage Door Reverses and Reopens Following Closing
Another common issue is when a garage door shuts and the motor then reverses and then opens the door. This is typically due to a malfunction in the safety sensors that are designed to stop the doors from closing when there’s something that is in its way. The first step when you notice the issue is to ensure that both sensors are in alignment, after which clean and disinfect the lens of the sensors. Also, you should check that nothing is blocking the flow between the two sensors.
The safety sensors function by emitting a beam of light back and forth. If the sensors aren’t aligned correctly and the lens is dirty the light beam cannot pass between them. This can lead to the door not closing completely or reopening after it’s shut.
When the sensor is in good condition and aligned properly, but the issue persists it is usually a sign that the motor is suffering from mechanical issues or worn-out parts. If this is the case it is necessary to have the motor checked and replaced or repaired.
Garage Door Opener is Old and Outdated
A garage door motor should be capable of performing about 10,000 open and shut cycles before it wears out. This means that the door motor will last from 10 – 15 years at maximum, depending on how often you shut and open your garage door each day. If the motor you have is at least 10 years old, we’d advise replacing the motor as quickly as you can even if it’s operating properly.
Older garage door openers may not be very secure since the majority of them are equipped with the same access code, and that code doesn’t change. This means that thieves could gain access to your garage using a remote for an alternative door that uses the same opener model. Modern garage door openers employ an access code that can be changed every time. This type of opener will only be compatible with your remote. By replacing your old garage door opener you will also ensure that your garage door is working properly and also make your home safer.
If you require the motor of your garage door repaired or replaced, or if the garage door needs repairs, you can count on Precision Garage Door Service. We are experts in the installation of garage doors and repairs. We deal with residential and commercial garage doors for clients across Las Vegas, NV. To learn more about our services or set up an inspection for your garage door contact us now.