Your garage door is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home. Not only does it keep your car safe and sound, but it also protects your home from weather and pests. So when something goes wrong with it, you need to take action right away. Here are some unmistakable signs that you need garage door repair.

1. It Is Making Loud Noises

Your garage door can make all kinds of different sounds when you operate it, but if it's making very loud noises every time you try to close or open it, your problem isn't simply a matter of convenience. Rather, there is something wrong with the mechanics of the door itself. Loud screeching and grinding coming from the opening and closing of the door is often an indication that there is something wrong with either your springs or your rollers. If you've tried lubricating the tracks without any luck, it's probably time for professional garage door repair.

2. It Isn't Opening All the Way

If your garage door only opens partway, there is a problem with its travel. This may have to do with the spring mechanism or the track itself. Either way, you should have a professional look at it as soon as possible. If the issue isn't corrected immediately, you risk causing further damage.

3. It Has Frozen in Place

Garage doors usually remain open or closed without any trouble. However, if it gets stuck and fails to move in either direction, you need professional assistance. The reason for this is that there is a significant amount of tension on the door when it's closing, so if something goes wrong with the opening mechanics, the force can be strong enough to make further movement impossible. The door may continue to move slightly even after it gets stuck, but you should still call a repair professional.

4. It Is No Longer Remote-Controlled

If the remote control for your garage door opener stops working and there's nothing wrong with the battery, then it is time for garage door repair. The most likely cause for this is that the receiver has gone bad.

5. The Spring Is Broken

According to Raynor, garage door torsion springs usually last 9-10 years (or approximately 13,500 to 15,000 open and close activations in an average home). If your garage door is giving you problems and one of the springs appears to be broken, it is time for garage door repair.

Your garage door needs your attention in any of these situations. Just because it has worked fine in the past doesn't mean that you should let these problems slide. Instead, have a professional come out to take a look at your door and ensure that everything is working properly.