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Posted on: 19 June 2025

Top 5 Signs Your Garage Door Needs Repair or Replacement

Advice,

Top 5 Signs Your Garage Door Needs Repair or Replacement

Is your garage door trying to tell you something?

If your garage door is groaning, sticking or simply not looking its best anymore, it might be time to give it a little attention. Whether you’ve got a manual Up & Over door or a fully automated system, wear and tear is inevitable - especially after years of daily use.

At Auto Doors & Gates, we’ve been installing and repairing garage doors across Norwich and Norfolk for over 35 years and these are the top five signs we tell customers to watch out for.

1. It’s Becoming a Struggle to Open or Close

Let’s face it - your garage door shouldn’t feel like a gym workout. If it’s getting heavier to lift or slow to respond to the remote, something’s likely out of alignment.

For manual doors, this could mean tired springs or a worn-out mechanism. For electric doors, it might be an issue with the motor, tracking, or even the remote signal. Either way, don’t wait too long - forcing it can lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems.

2. Strange Noises Have Become the Norm

All garage doors make some noise, but if your door’s gone from a quiet hum to a grinding, screeching or banging soundtrack, it’s time to investigate.

Noises often point to loose components, dry rollers, or failing springs. These can usually be repaired - but the longer it’s left, the more damage it can do.

3. There’s Visible Damage or Sagging

Dents, rust patches, warping, or sagging panels aren’t just cosmetic issues. They can affect the balance of the door and how safely it operates - especially with manual doors that need to be properly counterbalanced.

In some cases, a simple panel replacement will do the trick. But if your door’s been through a lot over the years, it might be more cost-effective to replace it entirely.

4. The Door Doesn’t Seal Properly Anymore

If you’re noticing drafts, damp patches or even pests getting into your garage, your door’s seal could be failing.

A worn or misaligned door can let in wind and water, leading to problems with insulation, security, and storage conditions. A quick repair might fix it - but if the door frame has shifted or the panel itself is damaged, replacement might be the best route.

5. It’s Just… Outdated

Sometimes, a garage door is still functioning, but it no longer suits your home. Maybe it’s loud, awkward to use, or looks tired compared to a modern front door or driveway.

Upgrading to a new manual or automatic Up & Over door not only improves kerb appeal, but can also add value to your home and improve security.

Not Sure What You Need? Let’s Take a Look.

If you’re seeing any of these signs - or just have a gut feeling something isn’t quite right - it’s always worth getting a second opinion. At Auto Doors & Gates, we offer free surveys and quotes across Norwich and Norfolk.

We’ll assess your current door, let you know if a repair or replacement is best, and give honest advice with no pressure.

  • Call us on 01603 787069
  • Email sales@autodoorsandgates.co.uk
  • Pop into our Norwich showroom

Let’s get your garage door sorted - before it becomes a bigger job than it needs to be.