Troubleshooting Common Problems With Side-Sliding Sectional Garage Doors

If you want a garage door that adds a bit of visual interest to your garage, a side-sliding sectional garage door is easily a popular choice. With sections that casually fold away to reveal the interior of your garage, these doors definitely offer a certain 'wow' factor. However, there is nothing appealing about a side-sliding sectional garage door that moves only halfway and gets stuck or screeches and squeals as it opens. If you are having problems with your side-sliding garage door, it is a good idea to get to know the simple causes that could be at play and what you should do to rectify the situation.

Problem: The door refuses to open completely.

Cause and Solution: This problem with side-sliding sectional doors could point to a few different things. One, the rollers at the base or top of the door may not have enough free space to move smoothly when opening, which can be rectified with minor track adjustments. Two, if your door has any section in a bind because it will not bend at the hinges, it will prevent the door from fully opening. A slight amount of rust, lack of lubrication, or even damage to the hinges themselves can be the cause of this issue.

Problem: The door screeches and squeals as it slides open.

Cause and Solution: In most cases, noisy side-sliding garage doors usually just means that the tracks need lubrication. The screeching you are experiencing is coming from the rollers trying to scrape across the metal base of the track. Add a good shot of thick lubricant, such as white lithium grease, which will not wear away quickly. While you're at it, go ahead and lubricate other moving parts that could be causing all the racket, such as the shafts and bearings of the rollers and the hinge pins of each section.

Problem: The door rattles during motion.

Cause and Solution: If the door is rattling and knocking when it is in motion, it is a good sign that you have some loose hardware to contend with. Part of properly maintaining a side-sliding sectional garage door is taking the time to tighten bolts, fasteners, and other hardware regularly. These components are known to work their way loose and cause the sections to shimmy back and forth during motion. Go ahead and tighten up all of the hardware, including that at the top that hold the track in place, and you should see a smoother opening action. To find out more, speak with a business like Garage Doors Of Naples Inc.


Share