Roller doors are designed to last, but like any moving part, they experience wear and tear over time. If you’ve noticed your roller door making strange noises, moving unevenly, or refusing to open properly, it may be showing signs of age.

In this article, we’ll look at common problems that affect older roller doors and what can be done to fix them.

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Suburban garage door

Noisy Operation

Grinding, squeaking, or rattling sounds usually mean components need lubrication or have become worn out. Older roller doors often suffer from:

  • Dry or rusted tracks
  • Worn bearings in the roller drum
  • Loose fittings or panels

Applying a silicone-based lubricant and tightening any visible screws may help, but persistent noise often means a technician is needed.

Misalignment or Sticking

Roller doors should move smoothly. If yours feels jerky, sticks halfway, or refuses to open fully, it could be:

  • Misaligned tracks
  • Bent guide rails
  • Obstructions or debris in the path

In some cases, adjusting the tension or realigning the drum can resolve the issue.

Deteriorated Seals

Weather seals on older roller doors can become brittle, cracked, or completely fall off. This allows water, dust, and insects into your garage, and can also reduce insulation.

Replacing the bottom seal is a quick way to improve energy efficiency and protection.

Book professional servicing for roller doors

Motor or Opener Failure

Automated roller doors rely on electric motors that eventually fail. You might notice:

  • Delayed response to remote commands
  • Unusual humming or buzzing
  • Motor overheating

Depending on the age and brand, repairing or replacing the motor is often more cost effective than replacing the entire door.

Understanding garage motor life expectancy

Final Tip

Don’t ignore the signs. If your roller door is showing signs of age, early repairs can save you from full replacement costs. Contact us today for expert roller door maintenance.