Frustration over a garage door that is slow to open is a common complaint that our team at Affordable Garage Door Fix sees from Utah homeowners. However, there are quite a few things that could be causing the delay. In this post, our expert team members will explain some of the most common reasons why your garage door may be moving slowly and what you can do to get a fast opening garage door.
Reasons Why Your Garage Door Is Moving Slow
There are a few common reasons why your garage door is opening slow, including things from worn components to blocked sensors, incorrect settings to issues with lubrication, and in some cases, bent or broken tracks. Determining exactly what is causing the problem can be frustrating, but we’ll break down each of the causes and their fixes below.
Worn, Old Garage Door Components
If your garage door is moving at a snail’s pace, it could be a sign that your garage door and its systems have reached the end of their life span. While garage doors are built to last around 15-20 years, their longevity typically depends on the weather and care conditions they experience. If your garage door is nearing the 15-year mark, it might be time for a replacement. However, before you chalk it up to age and plan for a replacement, contact Affordable Garage Door Fix. Our team of experts can help determine if an aged garage door is the issue and will install a replacement if needed.
Poor Lubrication
If age isn’t the issue, poorly lubricated garage door tracks, hinges, wheels, and springs can cause your garage door to open slowly. Before applying any lubricant, make sure to give these areas a good cleaning with a dry rag to remove any debris. Once that’s done, follow this tutorial on How to Lubricate a Garage Door, written by our experts. Not only will proper garage door lubrication help to speed up the opening of your garage, but it also helps to prolong the life of your garage door!
Damaged Tracks
While lubricating your tracks, take a look at them and inspect for damage. Are there dents? Are the tracks even? If the tracks are uneven or dented, it could be causing your garage door to move slowly. In the case of bent or damaged tracks, it’s best to consult our team of garage door experts for an effective and safe replacement.
Incorrect Speed Settings
If you’ve just purchased a new garage door opener and have since noticed slowness, take a look at the settings on your opener. Typically, garage door openers are pre-set to the slowest speeds for safety. To reconfigure a faster setting, locate the screw or switch within the opener housing and make the necessary adjustments with a screwdriver or flip of a switch. With this simple tweak, your garage door will be opening faster in no time.
Blocked Sensors
To determine if misaligned or blocked sensors are causing your garage door to slow down, head over to a sensor (located near the bottom corners of your garage door) and look for a yellow light. If you see one, this means that your garage door sensors are blocked or out of alignment. Follow this tutorial from Affordable Garage Door Fix to resolve the issue!
Contact Affordable Garage Door Fix for Slow Opening Garage Doors
Still can’t determine the reason why your garage door is moving slow? Don’t worry, Affordable Garage Door Fix is here to help! Our experienced team can identify any issues with your garage door and provide the best service possible in order to get it functioning properly. With our help, you’ll be able to enjoy a faster opening garage door in no time. Contact Affordable Garage Door Fix for a quote and experience the convenience of a quick and efficient garage door.
