Is your garage door acting up and making life difficult? Don't ignore signs of trouble -- faulty garage doors can present safety and security risks. Watch for these issues to know when it's time to call for professional garage door repair services.

1. It Struggles to Open or Close

Does it take serious effort to open or close your garage door? Do you have to pull it extra hard to get it to move along the track? Sticking or resistance when operating your door likely means parts need lubrication or realignment. However, it could also indicate more serious wear and tear. Don't force the door -- contact a professional for garage door repair to restore its smooth functioning.

2. It Squeals or Makes Grinding Noises

Loud, unpleasant squeaking or grinding noises when operating your garage door are giveaways something's wrong. It may sound like metal scraping or gears grinding. This racket usually means dry or damaged parts need to be replaced. Make garage door repair a priority to ensure smooth, quiet operation and prevent further wear.

3. It Has Visible Damage

Inspect your garage door closely for visible damage like dents, cracks, or rotting wood. Anything broken or warped could get worse over time and needs professional garage door repair right away. Damaged panels, tracks, rollers, cables, and other hardware should all be fixed promptly by an experienced professional before bigger problems develop.

4. It Shakes and Vibrates

Does your door shudder and shake excessively when you use it? This often means the tracks or rollers need adjustment or lubrication. It could also signal loose or broken hardware that may need to be replaced. Don't delay garage door repair for vibrating issues, especially since forceful shaking can worsen problems over time.

5. It Fails to Auto-Reverse

Automatic reverse is an important safety feature that stops the door if it detects objects underneath it. If your door fails this test, the sensors likely need adjustment by a garage door repair professional. Malfunctioning auto reverse mechanisms should be corrected quickly to ensure safety and prevent accidents or injuries.

According to Maximize Market Research, 2.5 million residential garage doors are sold every year. Listening to your garage door when it's in use and watching for changes from normal operation will clue you in on when a repair or replacement is needed. Any sticking, grinding, vibrations, visible damage, or problems opening and closing should be inspected right away. Call Alco Overhead Doors II LLC for garage door repair as soon as an issue arises.