10 Signs Your Garage Door Needs Immediate Repair

Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs—Your Garage Door Might Be Asking for Help

Let’s face it—your garage door probably isn’t something you think about every day. But when something goes wrong? It becomes all you can think about. Whether you’re racing to work or trying to get the kids to school, the last thing you need is a garage door that won’t cooperate.

At Heavenly Garage Doors & Gates, we’ve seen it all—from mysterious creaks to full-on breakdowns. So, how do you know when it's time to stop ignoring that weird noise and call in the pros? Here are 10 clear signs your garage door needs immediate attention.

1. It Won’t Open or Close Completely

This one’s obvious—but critical. If your door only opens halfway or refuses to close all the way, something’s definitely wrong. It could be anything from a misaligned track to a worn-out opener. Either way, don’t force it—call for help.

2. You Hear Loud or Strange Noises

A little hum is normal. Grinding, banging, or screeching? Not so much. If your garage door is suddenly louder than usual, it could mean your springs, rollers, or other components are wearing out.

3. It’s Moving Slower Than Usual

If your door used to glide open but now takes its sweet time, it might be struggling. Slow movement often signals problems with the motor, tracks, or tension springs—and it tends to get worse quickly.

4. It’s Off the Tracks

If your garage door looks crooked or lopsided, it might be off its tracks. This can be dangerous and should be fixed ASAP. Don’t try to realign it yourself—this is definitely a job for the pros.

5. The Remote or Wall Switch Isn’t Working

If the opener doesn’t respond—or only works some of the time—it’s more than just annoying. It could mean an electrical issue, a faulty connection, or a worn-out motor.

6. The Door Feels Heavier Than Normal

When you lift your garage door manually (say, during a power outage), it should feel fairly balanced. If it suddenly feels like you’re lifting a truck, your springs might be broken. That’s a big safety hazard.

7. There Are Visible Gaps or Cracks

Weather takes a toll, and over time, your door can start to warp, crack, or split—especially if it’s made of wood. These gaps not only affect performance, but they also invite pests and compromise insulation.

8. It Jerks or Shakes While Moving

Smooth is the goal. If your door jerks, jumps, or shudders, it’s likely dealing with uneven tension or worn-out rollers. Left unchecked, this can cause major wear and tear.

9. The Safety Sensors Aren’t Responding

Modern garage doors have sensors that detect movement and stop the door from closing on objects or people. If yours isn’t stopping when it should, it’s a serious safety issue—and needs immediate repair.

10. You’ve Noticed a Spike in Your Energy Bills

If your garage is connected to your home, a poorly functioning or unsealed door can let in drafts and raise your heating or cooling costs. Cracks, poor insulation, or worn weather stripping are often to blame.

Don’t Wait for a Total Breakdown

Your garage door is one of the hardest-working systems in your home—and one of the heaviest. Ignoring small issues can lead to bigger, more expensive problems (and even safety risks) down the line.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait. Give us a call at Heavenly Garage Doors & Gates, and we’ll get things running smoothly again—quickly, safely, and professionally.

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Why Nashville’s Summer Heat Is Tough on Your Garage Door (And What You Can Do About It)

June 6, 2025

Here in Nashville, we all know summer means hot, sticky days and humid nights . You probably get your air conditioner tuned up and stock up on sweet tea—but have you ever thought about what the summer heat is doing to your garage door? If not, you’re not alone. Most homeowners don't realize how much the Tennessee heat can mess with garage doors until something goes wrong. Here’s a quick breakdown of why the heat can cause trouble—and a few easy tips to help you stay ahead of it. Metal Parts Expand (and Then Shrink) When it gets crazy hot outside, the metal parts of your garage door—like the tracks, springs, and panels—start to expand. Then when it cools off at night, they contract. That constant swelling and shrinking can lead to: Tracks getting slightly off Springs wearing out faster Doors that don’t open or close as smoothly as they should Over time, it’s not just annoying—it can lead to some pretty costly repairs if left unchecked. Your Garage Door Opener Can Overheat Your garage door opener works hard year-round, but summer heat is especially rough on it. All that extra warmth can overheat the motor or even damage the tiny circuit boards inside. Humidity (which Nashville has plenty of) doesn’t help either—it can speed up corrosion, causing little problems to grow into big ones fast. Weather Seals Take a Beating Those rubber strips at the bottom and sides of your garage door? They’re your first line of defense against heat, pests, and rain. But in the summer, they dry out, crack, and lose their flexibility. Once that happens, hot air—and bugs!—can sneak into your garage, making it hotter and less secure. Sun Damage Is Real If you have a wooden or painted garage door, you’ll want to keep a close eye on it. Nashville’s sun can cause: Wood to warp or swell Paint to fade or peel Materials to just look... tired A faded, beat-up garage door doesn't just look bad—it also won’t last as long. It Can Drive Up Your Energy Bills If your garage door isn’t sealed or insulated properly, it’s like leaving a giant window open during a heatwave. The heat sneaks in, your garage gets toasty, and your home’s air conditioner has to work overtime. Hello, higher energy bills. Quick Tips to Protect Your Garage Door This Summer Get a tune-up — A quick maintenance check can catch small problems before they turn into big ones. Upgrade to an insulated door — Keeps the heat out and your energy bills down. Replace old weather stripping — It’s cheap and makes a huge difference. Use UV-protective paint — A simple coat can keep your door looking fresh. Consider a smart opener — Some models can alert you if something starts to go wrong. Let Heavenly Garage Doors Help At Heavenly Garage Doors, we live and work right here in Nashville—so we know exactly what summer does to garage doors. Whether you need a quick fix, a full upgrade, or just some advice, we’re happy to help you beat the heat. Give us a call today to schedule your summer checkup. Your garage door (and your wallet) will thank you!

Do I Really Need to Maintain My Garage

May 2, 2025

Protect Your Investment, Your Safety, and Your Peace of Mind Let’s be honest—most of us don’t give our garage door much thought. It’s just there, doing its thing day in and day out. Whether you're heading out to work, coming home from errands, or storing that extra fridge in the garage, your door is always working behind the scenes. But here’s the deal: just like your car or your HVAC system, your garage door needs some regular love and care to stay in great shape. At Heavenly Garage Doors, we’ve seen it all—and we can tell you with confidence: yes, you really do need to maintain your garage door. Here’s why: 1. You’ll Avoid Surprise Repairs Ever had your garage door stop working out of nowhere? It's no fun. Little issues like worn cables or slightly off-track rollers can snowball into major (and expensive) repairs. Regular maintenance helps catch those small problems before they turn into big ones. 2. It Lasts Longer—Plain and Simple A well-maintained garage door can last 15 to 30 years. Without care? Not so much. A few simple steps—like lubricating moving parts and tightening loose hardware—can seriously extend your door’s lifespan. 3. It Keeps Your Family Safe Garage doors are heavy, and when parts fail (like springs or cables), they can pose serious safety risks. Routine check-ups help make sure everything’s running smoothly and safely—especially those all-important safety sensors. 4. No More Annoying Noises Squeaks, clunks, and grinding sounds aren’t just irritating—they're your door asking for help. A bit of maintenance can make it quiet again, so you’re not waking the whole neighborhood every time you come or go. 5. Your Home Looks Better Let’s face it: your garage door is a big part of your home’s exterior. A well-maintained door opens smoothly, looks polished, and gives your home a great first impression. Nobody wants a door that creaks and sags. What’s Included in Our Maintenance Service? When you book a service with us at Heavenly Garage Doors, here’s what we typically take care of: Full inspection of springs, rollers, cables, hinges—everything that moves Lubrication of key parts Tightening bolts and screws Testing your door's balance and opener performance Checking safety features like auto-reverse sensors Honest recommendations if anything needs fixing Whether you need a one-time tune-up or want a regular maintenance plan, we’ve got options to fit your needs and schedule. Is It Time for a Check-Up? If it’s been over a year (or if you honestly can’t remember the last time your door was serviced), it’s probably time. Even if things seem fine, a quick maintenance visit can save you stress—and money—down the road. Call us or book online today . Your garage door (and your future self) will thank you.