No home these days is complete without a garage.
A secure place for your car(s), the home’s largest storage space, a place to carry out science experiments, and whatnot.
However, a garage would essentially be useless if the garage door gets damaged. Not to mention, it would become a gateway for intruders and stray animals.
There are many things that can damage a garage door.
Natural Disasters
Perhaps the most obvious of these things is damage due to natural disasters. Catastrophes such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and earthquake can not only damage the garage door, but also the entire house.
These are obviously beyond anyone’s control. However, there’s no use worrying about natural disasters since they don’t occur very frequently and damage due to them if often protected by home insurance plans.
There are many causes of damage that can be prevented, though.
Preventable Causes of Garage Door Damage
Infrequent Garage Door Inspections
A professional garage door specialist should conduct inspection at least once or twice yearly. There are many problems that may arise with your garage door including:
- Broken hinges or cables
- Off-track door
- Worn out gears and pulleys
- Malfunctioning electrical circuitry
- Damaged motors and springs
- Damaged garage door panels
Experts can inspect the door and carry out repairs before the door stops functioning altogether.
Dents
You might think a dent here and there in your garage door isn’t a cause of concern. However, dents and cracks in steel or aluminum garage doors expose the material to moisture which can lead to rusting. Rusting will completely destroy a door with time.
Make markings around the garage door to prevent your car from bumping into it. Make sure toys, heavy electrical machinery and cycles stay away from the door. Never stand in the way when someone is operating the garage door.
Garage Track Issues
If dirt, stones, chewing gum or dead insects start accumulating in your garage door’s track, it can damage the door eventually. The track keeps the door aligned during opening and closing. To prevent the track from becoming dysfunctional, clean it regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner to keep it clean and a lubricant to ensure smooth functioning. A well-lubricated garage track will prolong the life of your garage door, too.
Foundation Problems
Cracks in the foundation of the house or garage can insidiously destroy the garage door. Cracks cause the foundation to shift which then puts pressure on garage door cables, springs and hinges, damaging them.
If there is a significant foundation shift, it can also cause the garage door to bend or break completely. To prevent this problem, hire a professional contractor to lay out the foundations of your home. Make sure the soil is settled properly and there is ample gravel spread beneath the foundation before construction.
Summary:
A functioning garage door is essential for the safety of your home. Many things can damage garage doors such as natural disasters, bents due to cars, garage track issues and brittle foundation. Always remember to get garage door inspections regularly to prevent long-term issues.
