Garage doors are a great convenience, but when they don’t work properly, it can be a major headache. Fortunately, many garage door issues are easy to repair yourself and require only basic tools and supplies.
The most common garage door repairs include adjusting or replacing springs, fixing tracking problems, repairing the opener and remote control systems, lubricating parts and tightening loose screws. If any of these problems sound familiar, you may be able to tackle them yourself with a few simple steps.
Replacing Springs: Over time springs become worn out and need to be replaced in order for your door to lift up and close properly. Replacing springs is a delicate operation that requires specialized tools; if you’re not comfortable attempting this yourself, you should hire a professional.
Fixing Tracking Problems: If your door sticks when opening or closing, chances are you have tracking problems that can be easily fixed with some adjustments to the tracks and rollers. You’ll need a few basic tools such as a screwdriver and pliers to make these adjustments.
Repairing Opener and Remote Control Systems: A damaged remote control transmitter may need to be replaced or repairs may require resetting settings on the opener or replacing its circuit board. If you don’t feel comfortable attempting this yourself, it’s best to call in a professional for help.
Lubricating Parts: This involves spraying lubricants onto the moving parts of your garage door system like hinges, chains and rollers. This should be done every few months to keep the system running smoothly and prevent it from wearing down too quickly.
Replacing Worn Parts: Over time, parts such as springs and cables can become worn out or broken due to age or wear-and-tear. If you notice that these parts are starting to fray, they may need to be replaced in order to ensure the door remains safe and functioning properly. Replacing these parts is best left to a professional garage door repair technician.
Cleaning Tracks: Dirt, debris, leaves and other materials can accumulate on the tracks of your garage door over time. It’s important to regularly clean them off with a soft cloth dipped in warm soapy water in order to remove any build-up. This will help ensure that your garage door runs smoothly and without incident.
Lubricating the Moving Parts: Another important way to upkeep your garage door is by lubricating the moving parts such as hinges, rollers and pulleys. This helps prevent potential squeaking noises and can also help improve the overall operation of the door itself. It’s best to use a light oil or lubricant specifically made for garage doors when performing this task.
Adjustments: When working properly, your garage door should open and close with ease. If you notice it becoming more difficult over time, then adjustments may need to be made in order to get it back into optimal condition. Professionals are best equipped to make adjustments, so this is a situation where calling for help is recommended.
Replace the Springs: This can be an extremely dangerous endeavour, so it’s best to leave it up to a professional. It’s vital that the springs are replaced with ones made for your specific door and installed properly, which often requires two people.
Check Wiring and Circuit Boards: A garage door opener has complex wiring and circuit boards that may need repair or replacement from time to time. The most common issue is caused by power surges, but if you notice any strange behaviour in your opener then call in a professional to diagnose the problem and recommend solutions.
These are just some of the most common garage door repairs that may be needed! If you’re unsure what the issue is, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. They will have the tools and experience necessary to diagnose any problem and recommend the best course of action. It’s important to keep your garage doors maintained so they can continue operating smoothly for years to come. Regular maintenance can help prevent serious repairs down the road while also ensuring that everyone who uses it stays safe.
If you are not comfortable with attempting any of these repairs yourself, contact a local garage door repair company for assistance. The experienced technicians at these companies will have all the necessary tools and expertise to make sure your door runs properly once more.