Homeowners in St. Louis should perform regular inspections of their garage door to make sure it’s still safe and functional. Aging or damaged garage doors can be unattractive and downright dangerous, and they can even lead to increased energy costs inside your home. When you’re examining your garage door, look for these warning signs that it’s time for a replacement or Garage Door Repair in St. Louis, MO.
Strained or Delayed Movement
Your garage door should open and close smoothly and without delay when you operate your garage door opener. If you notice slow response time, your door sticks or its movement seems strained in any way, you may need to call a professional. Your door opener could be malfunctioning, your cables could be worn or your rollers could need lubrication or replacement.
Heating or Cooling Issues
Old or damaged garage doors will let the outside air leak into your home, especially if they’re not insulated. You may notice your energy bills are rising, or the rooms adjacent to the garage may be warmer or cooler than the rest of the house. If you notice these energy issues in your home and your roofing and windows aren’t to blame, it’s probably time for Garage Door Repair in St. Louis, MO.
Signs of Rot
If you have a wooden garage door, it’s essential that you examine it periodically for signs of rot. Wood is highly susceptible to rot from water damage and pests like termites. Look for dark spots, mold and mildew, and crumbling or soft wood. To test whether or not the wood’s still in good shape, simply push into in with a pencil or screwdriver. If you can insert the object easily or wood crumbles away, it’s probably time to repair or replace your garage door.
Unusual Noises
Most garage doors make some sort of noise as they’re operated, but strange sounds like banging, creaking or screeching can indicate a problem. If your door is making unusual noises, there could be an issue with the springs, cables or garage door opener. A professional garage door installer can determine what’s wrong and perform the necessary repairs.
Examine your garage door every few months to make sure it’s secure, functional and safe. If you notice one of these problems, contact the experts at The Birdsong Company in St. Louis, MO for a professional evaluation.