Common Roller Door Problems in Perth and How to Fix Them

If you have found a roller door in Perth, you probably know how easy they are. They save space and keep their place safe. But, like anything mechanical, roller doors can stop working. Maybe it gets stuck, makes a strange noise, or just does not open when you need it. That can be a real pain. The good news is, once you figure out what’s wrong, most fixes are pretty simple. In this post, I’ll walk you through some common issues with garage doors and simple ways to sort them out. Whether your door’s brand new or a bit older, this guide will help keep it running smoothly and hassle-free.

Why Roller Doors Face Problems in Perth

Perth’s weather plays a big role in how roller doors perform. While the city enjoys a mostly dry and sunny climate, coastal suburbs face salty sea air that can speed up rust and corrosion on metal parts. During winter, moisture levels rise, which can further wear down springs, tracks, and hinges. Over time, these weather factors, combined with daily use, cause roller doors to struggle. By understanding how Perth’s unique climate affects your door, you can spot issues early and avoid costly repairs. Let’s look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

Broken or Worn-Out Springs

The Problem

Springs do the heavy lifting for roller doors. They manage the tension to open and close smoothly. In Perth, springs typically handle about 10,000 cycles before giving out. When they snap, the door feels like a ton of bricks. It’s a common issue for both home and business garage doors.

Why It Happens

Perth’s coastal air contains salt, especially near the ocean, which can speed up corrosion. In winter, occasional moisture adds to the problem. Over time, these conditions weaken the springs. Busy households or commercial spaces also increase the wear. For double doors, springs work as a pair—if one breaks, the other usually follows.

The Solution

Swapping out broken springs is essential for smooth operation. But springs are under serious tension, so DIY fixes can be dangerous. Trained technicians handle replacements safely. For double doors, it’s smart to replace both springs at once. This saves hassle later. Australian-made springs, built tough, last longer. Checking springs every six months spots trouble early.

Maintenance Tip

Give springs a quick spray with silicone lubricant once a year. It cuts friction and keeps things running longer.

Misaligned or Damaged Tracks

The Problem

Roller doors slide along tracks to open and close. If tracks get bent or misaligned, the door sticks or wobbles. Sometimes, it derails completely. This can mess up daily routines and risk further damage.

Why It Happens

Over time, exposure to Perth’s warm summers and cooler winter mornings can cause metal tracks to expand or contract slightly. In coastal or windy suburbs, dirt, sand, and leaves often clog the tracks. A bump from a car or lawn equipment can also knock them out of line. Regular use naturally adds to wear and tear.

The Solution

Start by checking tracks for gunk. A quick sweep with a brush clears dirt. For slight misalignment, a rubber mallet can nudge the tracks back in place. But if they’re badly bent, call in a pro. Technicians can fix or replace tracks properly, ensuring garage doors glide smoothly.

Maintenance Tip

Peek at tracks monthly for debris. A dab of silicone lubricant keeps them slick. Skip oil-based sprays—they attract dust.

Worn or Faulty Hinges

The Problem

Hinges link the panels in sectional roller doors. When they wear out, you get squeaks or jerky movement. If they break, the door can feel wobbly. This crops up often in older doors or ones used heavily.

Why It Happens

Though Perth has a mostly dry climate, coastal air and winter moisture can still rust hinges over time, especially in beachside suburbs. Without lubrication, friction grinds them down. Heavier doors, especially in shops, put extra strain on hinges.

The Solution

Swap out worn hinges to keep things steady. Professionals ensure the new hinges fit perfectly and are installed securely. Using sturdy, locally made hinges boosts longevity. For sectional garage doors, check all hinges during repairs to avoid uneven wear.

Maintenance Tip

Hit hinges with silicone spray every six months. It quiets squeaks and extends their life. Regular checks catch problems early.

Malfunctioning Remote Controls

The Problem

Remote controls make garage doors a breeze to use. When they stop working, it’s a pain, especially when you’re stuck outside. Dead batteries, signal issues, or broken remotes are often the culprits. It’s a hassle for Perth’s busy folks.

Why It Happens

City signals like Wi-Fi can mess with remotes. Batteries usually last a year or two. Dropping a remote or getting it wet can break it. Older remotes might not jibe with newer garage door motor replacement systems.

The Solution

First, pop in fresh batteries. If that fails, check for signal interference. Move routers or other gadgets away from the garage. If the remote’s still acting up, replace it with a compatible one. Providers like perthgaragedoors.au offer reliable remotes with free setup in nearby areas. Make sure the new remote syncs with your door’s system.

Maintenance Tip

Store remotes away from heat and moisture, especially during Perth’s summer highs. Test them monthly, and keep a backup handy just in case.

Faulty Safety Reverse Mechanism

The Problem Modern garage doors have safety sensors that stop the door if something’s in the way. If these sensors fail, the door might not reverse, which can be dangerous. This is especially important for families or busy commercial spaces.

Why It Happens Dust and dirt can block sensors, making them miss obstacles. If sensors aren’t aligned properly, they won’t work right. Perth’s coastal weather—like salty air and occasional moisture—can damage wiring or sensors over time. Older systems may not meet current Australian safety standards.

The Solution Gently wipe sensors clean with a soft cloth and check that they face each other directly. Using a laser pointer can help with alignment. If wiring or sensors are damaged, professional technicians can fix them. Regular safety checks ensure your garage door meets Australian safety requirements.

Maintenance Tip 

Test the safety reverse feature every month. Place a small object under the door and try to close it—the door should automatically reverse and open back up. If it doesn’t, call a professional immediately.

Noisy Operation

The Problem A loud garage door can be a real nuisance. Squeaks, grinds, or rattles might bother your neighbours or disrupt a quiet office. Noise usually means something’s wrong with the moving parts.

Why It Happens Without regular lubrication, springs, hinges, or rollers can grind against each other. Loose bolts or worn parts cause rattling sounds. Perth’s humid and salty coastal air speeds up rusting, making the problem worse.

The Solution Apply silicone lubricant to springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks. Tighten any loose bolts using a screwdriver. If the noise keeps coming back, worn rollers or hinges may need replacing. Use sturdy, Australian-made parts for better durability. A professional tune-up can restore smooth, quiet operation.

Maintenance Tip 

Lubricate moving parts twice a year and tighten bolts during routine checks to keep your garage door running quietly.

Rust and Corrosion

The Problem Rust is a major issue for steel roller doors in Perth. It weakens the door’s structure and spoils its appearance. Corrosion can also jam moving parts, making the door hard to operate.

Why It Happens Perth’s salty coastal air speeds up rust formation. Added humidity worsens the problem. Doors without good protective coatings are the most vulnerable.

The Solution Regularly wash the door with mild soap and water to remove salt buildup. Apply a rust-resistant primer or paint for extra protection. For light rust, gently sand the affected area and use a rust converter. Severely rusted panels may need replacement. Choosing doors with strong protective coatings—like those from Perth Garage Doors—provides better defense against corrosion.

Maintenance Tip 

Inspect your door for rust every three months. Clean and touch up paint as needed to keep your door looking and working its best.

Why Professional Help Matters

Tempted to fix your roller doors yourself? Think twice. High-tension springs and heavy panels can be dangerous. Skilled technicians have the right tools and expertise to handle repairs safely. They use quality, Australian-made parts to ensure lasting results. Regular servicing prevents small problems from becoming costly headaches. For Perth locals, relying on a trusted provider means less stress and better peace of mind.

Conclusion

Your roller door works hard every day, so it deserves a little TLC now and then. Staying on top of small repairs and regular checks can save you from bigger headaches later. If your door or motor starts acting up, don’t worry—experts are ready to help. For fast, reliable service, visit perthgaragedoors.au. We’re experienced in repairs, maintenance, and motor replacements. Don’t let a faulty door slow you down—contact Perth Garage Doors and get it fixed today.