Fall Leaves, Bent Tracks, and the Garage Door That’s Just Tired of Life
Between the abundance of leaves, dirt, and fluctuating temperatures, the garage door can start to show signs of wear.
As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves begin to fall, many homeowners find themselves in the midst of the yearly ritual of yard clean-up. While raking up the leaves and preparing the garden for the colder months are top priorities, there’s one thing that often is overlooked—the garage door. Fall brings with it a whole new set of challenges for this trusty home fixture. Between the abundance of leaves, dirt, and fluctuating temperatures, the garage door can start to show signs of wear. If the garage door is struggling to rise and fall smoothly, it’s likely a sign that it’s had enough of the seasonal demands. So, what’s really going on behind the scenes when the garage door starts to act up during the fall?
The Fall Foliage Frenzy
As beautiful as autumn is, it brings a whole new set of debris problems. Falling leaves can quickly pile up, and as they blow around, they become caught in the most unexpected places. The tracks of the garage door are one of those places. Items such as leaves and twigs can become stuck in the tracks, causing the door to become stuck or not operate as smoothly as it should. Even the slightest obstruction can throw off the entire system, making the once smooth and effortless operation of the garage door feel more like a Herculean task.
When leaves become caught in the tracks, they create extra friction. This friction can cause the door to move more slowly or, worse, stop moving altogether. As someone tries to open or close the door, it may become unaligned or refuse to budge, especially if the debris blocks the rollers that guide the door along the tracks. If this happens over and over, it can lead to further issues with the door’s performance, making it feel as though it’s just too tired to keep going.
Bent Tracks: Not Just an Autumn Issue
As if leaves weren’t enough to deal with, autumn also brings its own set of physical challenges for the garage door. The cooling temperatures combined with the pressure of constant movement can lead to metal components—particularly the tracks—becoming bent or misaligned. It doesn’t take much for a small bump or jolt to shift the tracks slightly out of alignment, and once this happens, the door may struggle to move smoothly. A bent track can cause the door to become stuck, or even worse, it can cause the entire system to seize up entirely.
Bent tracks are an issue that often becomes more noticeable in the fall, especially when the door is exposed to fluctuating temperatures. The metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, and in the fall, when the weather goes from hot to cold, the stress on the door’s components can start to take its toll. This wear on the tracks can lead to some serious headaches for homeowners if it’s not addressed quickly.
The Struggles of Older Garage Doors
Fall is also a time when the wear on older garage doors starts to become much more apparent. If someone has a garage door that has been around for a while, the cooler fall temperatures may make it feel as though it’s just too tired to do its job. The motors, springs, and rollers inside older systems become worn down over time, and the added stress of fall elements can push them past their limits.
If the garage door is old or hasn’t been serviced in a while, the chances of it starting to show signs of fatigue increase. It may start making strange noises, struggle to close all the way, or fail to open without multiple attempts. When a garage door is at the end of its lifespan, the fall season seems to speed up the process. The best way to avoid a garage door that’s “tired of life” is by keeping up with regular maintenance, which can help prolong its functionality for several more years.
How to Keep A Garage Door in Check During Fall
While it may seem like the garage door is ready to retire, a little bit of regular upkeep can keep it working properly through the fall months. First, start by cleaning out the tracks regularly. Use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt, debris, and those pesky leaves that keep piling up. A thorough cleaning of the tracks, rollers, and hinges can help the door move smoothly and prevent any unnecessary strain on the system.
Next, check for any misalignment or damage to the tracks. If someone spots any bent areas or anything that looks out of place, it’s worth contacting a professional to assess the situation. Bent tracks should be addressed immediately to prevent further issues that could cause more costly repairs down the road. A small adjustment made early can save a big headache later on.
Don’t forget the weatherstripping along the bottom of the door. Over time, the seals can wear down, allowing drafts, debris, and even rain to make their way into the garage. Replace the weatherstripping to keep the garage insulated and protected from the elements.
Also, be sure to inspect the springs, cables, and opener motor regularly. These are the vital components that keep the door functioning smoothly. If any parts are looking worn, it’s best to replace them before they break down completely.
When to Call the Experts
While some issues with a garage door can be handled with a little DIY effort, others require the expertise of a professional. If the garage door is still giving trouble after cleaning the tracks, aligning the components, and checking the weatherstripping, it might be time to call in a technician. Problems with the springs, opener motor, or more serious track damage require professional knowledge and tools.
The right expert can diagnose issues quickly and safely, bringing the garage door back on track in no time. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen, especially when cold weather is right around the corner. A quick repair can save anyone from dealing with a complete breakdown in the middle of winter.
Keep A Garage Door in Tip-Top Shape
Fall is a season of change, but that doesn’t mean the garage door needs to change for the worse. With a little regular maintenance, anyone can help a garage door glide smoothly through the fall months, free from bent tracks and the endless barrage of leaves. By staying on top of repairs, anyone can keep their garage door working like it’s meant to, so no one is left struggling to open it in the middle of a chilly autumn afternoon. Don’t let a garage door become too tired—it still has plenty of life left in it.
