Your garage door is one of the hardest-working parts of your home. It protects your vehicle and belongings, provides security, and is often opened and closed multiple times every single day. Yet, despite being built to last, garage doors can experience wear and tear over time – and sometimes, damage can occur when you least expect it.
Understanding what causes garage door damage can help you spot problems early, prevent costly repairs, and keep your system working safely and smoothly all year round.
Here are seven of the most common causes of garage door damage, and how to avoid them.
Everyday Wear and Tear
Just like any mechanical system, garage doors are made up of parts that gradually wear out through regular use. Springs, cables, rollers and hinges all endure constant movement and tension every time the door opens and closes. Over months or years, this normal wear can lead to:
- Squeaking or grinding noises
- Jerky movement
- Uneven opening or closing
- Broken springs or cables
Eventually, these components can fail entirely, leaving your garage door stuck or unsafe to operate.
Our Top Tip: Regular servicing by a qualified garage door technician can catch signs of wear before they cause serious damage. Annual maintenance- cleaning, lubricating, and checking all moving parts – can significantly extend the life of your door.
Impact Damage
It happens more often than you might think: a car, bike or even a wheelie bin rolls into the door, leaving dents or bending the panels. Accidental impact is one of the leading causes of visible garage door damage
Even a small knock can:
- Misalign the tracks
- Bend panels, affecting how smoothly the door moves
- Damage the opener mechanism
Tip: If impact damage occurs, have it inspected promptly. Sometimes, a single damaged panel can be replaced rather than the entire door, saving time and money.
Misaligned or Damaged Tracks
The tracks on either side of your garage door are essential for guiding it smoothly up and down. If these tracks become bent, loose, or misaligned, the door may jam, shake, or even come off the track entirely.
Common causes of track problems include:
- Accidental impact or pressure on the tracks
- Debris buildup blocking the rollers
- Worn or loose mounting brackets
Trying to force a door that’s come off its tracks can cause further damage — or worse, result in injury.
Our Top Tip: Keep the tracks clean and clear of dirt, stones, and rust. If the door feels heavy, noisy, or moves unevenly, stop using it and call a professional to inspect the alignment.
Weather and Environmental Factors
Garage doors face constant exposure to the elements. Over time, rain, wind, frost, and heat can take their toll — especially if your door isn’t regularly maintained.
- Metal doors may rust or corrode, particularly around the hinges and bottom panels.
- Wooden doors can warp, crack, or rot due to moisture.
- Extreme temperatures can cause materials to expand or contract, leading to misalignment or broken seals.
Salt from nearby roads during winter can also speed up corrosion.
Our Top Tip: Clean your door periodically and check for signs of rust, flaking paint, or weather damage. Applying a protective sealant or wax coating can help prolong the finish.
Broken Springs
Garage door springs bear the full weight of the door every time it operates — often hundreds or even thousands of times a year. They’re under immense tension, and when they weaken or snap, they can cause serious problems.
A broken spring can make your door extremely heavy and difficult (or impossible) to lift. In some cases, it can even cause the door to slam shut unexpectedly.
Warning: Replacing springs is not a DIY job — they can be dangerous to handle without proper tools and training.
Our Top Tip: If you notice your door opening unevenly, moving slower than usual, or making loud banging noises, stop using it immediately and call a qualified technician to inspect the springs.
Faulty Garage Door Opener
A garage door opener might seem like a simple device, but it’s a complex piece of equipment involving sensors, remotes, and internal gears. If your opener starts malfunctioning, it can cause operational issues or even damage the door itself.
Common signs of opener trouble include:
- The door won’t open or close completely
- The motor runs, but the door doesn’t move
- The safety sensors fail to detect obstacles
Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a worn gear, a misaligned sensor, or a flat remote battery. In other cases, it may be time to upgrade your opener system entirely.
Our Top Tip: Keep sensors clean and free from cobwebs or dust. Test your safety reversal mechanism regularly to make sure it’s working correctly.
Lack of Regular Maintenance
Perhaps the most preventable cause of garage door damage is neglect. Many homeowners don’t think about maintenance until something goes wrong — but by then, it’s often more expensive to fix.
Without regular checks and lubrication, small issues like loose bolts or dry rollers can quickly develop into serious faults.
Our Top Tip: Schedule professional servicing at least once a year (ideally before winter). During a service, a technician will:
- Check the balance and tension of the springs
- Lubricate moving parts
- Tighten hardware
- Inspect cables, rollers, and tracks
- Test the door opener and safety features
A little attention now can save you a costly repair later.
Keep Your Garage Door in Great Shape
Your garage door is a key part of your home’s convenience, security, and appearance. By understanding these common causes of damage — and addressing issues early — you can keep your door operating safely and smoothly for years to come.
If you notice strange noises, uneven movement, or visible wear, don’t wait for it to get worse. Book a professional inspection or service to keep your door running at its best and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
At Garage Doors 4 You, we offer expert garage door maintenance, repairs, and replacements to help homeowners stay safe and secure all year round. Whether it’s a broken spring, damaged panel, or a door that just won’t budge — our experienced team is here to help.
