In most modern homes, the garage door can represent as much as 40 to 50 percent of the front of a house. The door is also one of the first things people see when they pass a home. For those who live in a house built 20 or 30 years ago, there is a good chance the home still has the original garage door. Regardless of the age, there are a few signs that will signal a homeowner that it’s time to service their garage door.

Noise

Garage doors do make noise. There are a lot of parts and a motor involved in opening and closing garage doors. Excessive noise usually indicates a problem. The rollers could be worn, some hardware may be loose, or there may be an issue with the motor itself. If the door makes more noise than normal, it is likely in need of repair.

Failure to Open or Close

Homeowners often take the garage door for granted. It is expected to open and close at the press of a button. Sometimes, doors fail to operate and if they don’t work it is a sure sign that the garage door needs some repair. Often, the fix is easy. There may be something blocking a sensor or an obstruction that prevents a door from closing.

Off the Tracks

Garage doors have rollers that fit into tracks that help to raise and lower the door. If a door is visibly off the tracks, it will not open or close properly. Doors that have escaped their tracks are a common problem with older garage doors. If your garage door has come away from its tracks, then it’s a problem that will most likely require the services of a professional since certain parts and equipment may be needed.

Response Time

In today’s world of instant gratification, the garage door that doesn’t open or close immediately is not only frustrating it can also be a sign that something is wrong. When the button is pressed on a garage door remote control, the door should begin to open or close within a second or two. The door should open and close smoothly without any delay. If there is a delay, there may be something wrong with the garage door or the opener.

Each of these issues indicates that a garage door may need repair. If it makes more sense to replace a garage door, the costs can be somewhat scary. When you absolutely must replace a garage door and find yourself without the funds, consider a car title loan from Embassy Loans. If you own a vehicle that is paid off, you can use it as collateral for a short-term loan that you can use to pay for your new garage door. Car title loans are easy to obtain, not based on a person’s credit, and borrowers can get access to their money in just a few days.