A garage door relies on a system of tracks, springs, rollers, and cables all working together to keep it running smoothly. It is one of the largest and heaviest moving objects in the house that functions multiple times a day, and some issues like a garage door opening slowly due to wear and tear are inevitable.
There are times when homeowners feel that the garage door is taking longer than usual to open. It indicates that something is wrong and that the garage door needs some TLC. A garage door slow to open is extremely frustrating and inconvenient, especially with demanding schedules and busy lifestyles.
Several factors can make the garage door less responsive. While some are simple and easy to fix by the garage owner, others may require assistance from a fast and affordable garage door service company.
What Is Meant by a Garage Door Opening Slowly?
Residential garage doors operate slower than their commercial counterparts. An average residential garage door is designed to move around 7 inches per second and takes anywhere between 12-15 seconds to fully open or close. A garage door that takes 20 seconds or more to complete its cycle needs professional inspection and service.
Why Is My Garage Door Opening Slowly?
Let’s look at some of the possible reasons for a garage door slow to open:
Improper Lubrication
A lack of lubrication is a common reason for a slow-moving garage door. It makes the parts work harder, slowing down the opening and closing. Regularly lubricating all the moving parts is a crucial part of preventative garage door maintenance.
It facilitates smooth, quick, quiet, and uniform movement. To fix the garage door opener, apply a bit of penetrating oil to the tracks, brackets, and hinges.
Similarly, worn-down pulleys, lost tension in the torsion springs, or any blockage on the door tracks also slow down the process.
Old Garage Door
A garage door with aging mechanical components struggles to move effectively. Worn-out rollers, bent tracks, and old cables and torsion springs hamper its smooth functioning. Call a technician for inspection and consider upgrading specific parts. If the garage door is nearing the end of its lifecycle or demands frequent repair, replace it entirely with a newer and more efficient system.
Issues with the automatic garage door opener also make it difficult for the door to move up and down effortlessly. Replace the garage door opener with a new one with higher horsepower for a faster opening and closing cycle.
Wrong Control Settings
Some garage door models come with speed setting controls, which can be programmed to slow down the garage door for safety reasons. Check the speed settings and controls to ensure they are not the culprit.
Garage door repair and maintenance are best handled by experts. Call a professional after examining the potential causes mentioned above. Technicians from a garage door service company can inspect all the system components to fix the issue of Chamberlain garage doors opening slowly. One of the best ways to avoid unexpected, expensive repairs is to invest in preventative garage door maintenance by professionals.
How Professionals Fix Garage Door Openers
When the garage door opener is faulty, professionals have the expertise and tools to fix it safely and properly. Here’s how experts repair a garage door opening slowly:
- Diagnosing the Problem – Professionals inspect the system, checking the power, wiring, sensors, and the opener for issues.
- Checking the Gear and Motor – They examine the gears and motor for wear and repair or replace them if necessary.
- Testing and Adjusting the Springs and Tracks – The technician ensures springs are balanced and tracks are aligned for smooth operation.
- Reprogramming or Replacing the Opener – If needed, they reset the opener like a Liftmaster garage door opener speed adjustment or replace it with a more efficient model.
- Testing the System – After repairs, for instance, a Genie garage door opens slowly, and the system is thoroughly tested to ensure smooth, quiet, and safe operation.
Keep Your Garage Door Running Smoothly
If your garage door is opening slowly, identifying and addressing the issue early can prevent bigger problems down the road. Regular maintenance and professional checks are essential to keep your garage door working properly. Trusting a reliable garage door service ensures your door stays in top condition for years to come.
Call Quick Response Garage Door Service at (623) 624-9043 (Phoenix).