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How to Check for Hidden Garage Door Damage?

A man opens his garage door to inspect it for subtle damage.

At Mark’s Garage Doors, we’ve seen a lot over the last 24 years serving Marin and Sonoma Counties. And one thing’s for sure, some of the worst garage door problems are the ones you can’t see right away. Just because your door goes up and down doesn’t mean everything’s fine under the surface.

This checklist is built for homeowners who want to get ahead of costly garage door repair in Novato by spotting hidden issues before they turn into big ones. Let’s walk through it.

✅ 1. Listen First: Strange Noises Can Signal Trouble

Start with your ears. Grinding, screeching, popping, or clanking are red flags. These sounds can point to:

  • Worn rollers
  • Misaligned tracks
  • Torsion spring stress
  • Loose chains or belts in openers


If it sounds different, it is different. A quiet door is a healthy door.

✅ 2. Check for Uneven Movement

Does your garage door shake or wobble when it moves? That might mean:

  • The door is off-track
  • The tension springs aren’t balanced
  • One side is working harder than the other


This kind of uneven motion doesn’t just wear your parts down faster, it can lead to full-on breakdowns if left alone.

✅ 3. Inspect the Weather Seal (Bottom Rubber Strip)

That little rubber strip along the bottom of your door does more than keep out leaves. It helps:


If it’s cracked, stiff, or missing sections, it’s time to replace it.

✅ 4. Look for Hairline Cracks in the Panels

You might not think much of a tiny crack, but we’ve seen small panel damage lead to:


Don’t wait until the crack spreads, panels can often be repaired or replaced before it gets expensive.

✅ 5. Examine the Tracks for Rust or Dents

Even slight dents or rust along the vertical or horizontal tracks can throw off alignment and wear out rollers fast. If you spot:

  • Rust flakes
  • Bends
  • Loose brackets


You’ll want to have those cleaned up or swapped out to keep the system running true.

✅ 6. Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature

This one’s for your safety. Place a small block (like a 2×4) under the door and try to close it. The door should reverse immediately. If it doesn’t:

  • Your sensors could be misaligned or dirty
  • The opener might need recalibration


This isn’t just a repair issue, it’s a legal and safety requirement in California.

✅ 7. Don’t Forget the Cables

Garage door lift cables wear out slowly, but when they snap, it’s sudden and dangerous. Look for:

  • Fraying
  • Rust near the bottom roller bracket
  • Cable slack when the door is closed


Cables are under high tension. If you see damage, call a pro! This isn’t a DIY job.

✅ 8. Monitor the Door’s Balance

Disconnect the opener and lift the door by hand halfway. If it:

  • Slams down: The springs are too weak
  • Shoots up: The springs are too strong
  • Won’t stay put: Springs are out of balance


Balanced springs reduce strain on the opener and keep the whole system running smoothly.

When to Call the Pros in Novato

Spot something from the checklist that seems off? That’s where we come in. At Mark’s Garage Doors, we’ve built a reputation for honest, no-fluff service. Whether it’s a full garage door repair in Novato or just a quick tune-up, we get the job done without upsells or surprises.

Reach Out to your Local Garage Pros

If you’re in Novato and your garage door’s acting even a little suspicious, don’t wait. Call Mark’s Garage Doors today at (415) 497-0459 or contact us online now! We’ll give it a once-over and let you know what’s really going on, with clear pricing, solid advice, and repairs built to last.

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