The humble garage door hinge may not be the first thing you think about when you think about home maintenance. However, these small but mighty components play a pivotal role in the smooth operation of your garage door. When they're functioning well, you barely even notice they're there. But when they start to fail, things can get interesting—and not in a good way.
This blog post will shine a spotlight on these often-overlooked heroes of the garage door system to highlight a few key signs that your garage door hinges might be compromised.
Noisy Door Movements
Typically, hinges function silently or with a minimal amount of noise if the door is operating smoothly. However, if you begin to hear grinding, squeaking, or unusual noises when opening or closing the door, this could mean that the hinges are worn out or damaged.
These noises are often the result of metal rubbing against metal, which should not occur in a well-maintained hinge. In most cases, the issue can be resolved with a simple lubrication of the hinges. Lubrication helps prevent friction and reduce noise, restoring your door to its quiet operation.
However, if the noise persists even after lubrication, it could indicate a loose or misaligned hinge. Misalignment occurs when the hinge is not properly attached to the garage door or frame, causing it to rub against other parts and create noise. This could occur due to improper installation or gradual wear on the hinge.
In some cases, the hinges may be beyond repair and require replacement. This is especially true for older hinges that have been subject to years of use and exposure to the elements.
Replacing hinges usually involves removing the old ones and screwing in new ones, making it a relatively quick and easy fix. But if the door is particularly heavy or has multiple hinges, part of the door may need to be removed to access the hinges, making it a more complex and time-consuming repair.
Stuck or Jammed Door
As mentioned earlier, hinges are fundamental to the proper movement of your garage door, allowing it to open and close smoothly along its track. When these hinges wear out or dislodge from their original position, they can hinder the door's movement, causing it to get stuck or jammed. This often occurs when hinges are bent or warped due to excessive force or damage.
Over time, the constant friction can cause the door to stick in its tracks, preventing it from fully opening or closing. This can be a serious inconvenience, preventing access to your garage and potentially leaving your property vulnerable.
If the door gets stuck in the open position, it can expose your garage's contents to theft or damage from weather elements. And if the door is stuck closed, you could be locked out of your own garage, which beats the whole purpose of having one.
Additionally, a jammed door could also signify a more serious issue, such as a warped or bent garage door. This could result from prolonged strain on the hinges due to the weight of the door itself.
When hinges are unable to distribute the door's weight evenly, certain sections of the door may become burdened with excessive stress, leading to warping or bending. This door deformation can cause it to jam in its tracks, making opening and closing the door a challenge.
In some severe cases, the door may become entirely immovable, especially if the hinges have broken or detached from the frame. This requires immediate attention from a professional garage door technician, who can reattach or replace the hinges and other sections of the door if necessary.
Our experienced technicians at Edgemont Garage Doors are well-versed in identifying and resolving various hinge-related issues. Whether it's a simple lubrication or a full hinge replacement, we have the knowledge and tools to get your garage door back on track. Contact us today if you're experiencing any of the above signs or suspect your garage door hinges may be compromised.
