Garage Door Repair Tips That You Can Follow to Avoid Minor Fixes

Repairing a garage door isn’t always the easiest of tasks, but there are many small repairs and quick fixes that are often overlooked that will save you a fortune on calling out a professional repairman. Here are some basic tips and guidelines to help you assess and fix common garage door function problems.

1. Safety

This is the first and most important consideration when undertaking garage door repair. Even experts make mistakes, so you can never be too cautious. Garage doors weight hundreds of pounds, operate under extreme tension, and can often fly open unexpectedly.

It’s important to keep the area you’re working on clear of debris and other objects that you can trip over or that can block your path if you need to move quickly.

Children, pets, and anyone not needed during the repair process should also keep a clear distance to avoid accidentally getting hurt. Always make sure you are not only using tools properly, but you are using the right tools for the job.

2. Simple Solutions

Before you decide you need to take apart the entire garage door; repairs are often simple, small things people overlook. Check for obvious problems first, such as loose bolts and springs, twisted parts, and foreign objects caught in or blocking machinery. Sometimes the repair is as simple as freeing a kite string that has wrapped around a garage door arm.

Check the wear and tear on the parts as well. Sometimes rust, worn out pulleys, or frayed electrical cords simply need to be replaced. It doesn’t always have to be complex.

3. Spring Replacement

Doors that are difficult to open or feel heavier than normal may need to have the springs replaced. Heavy use of a garage door will wear the springs out more quickly. Always replace both the springs at the same time to ensure an even lift and to prevent potential damage.

There are two main different kinds of springs-torsion and side-mounted. Replacing them can be dangerous, so use caution and enlist in the help of an expert if necessary.

4. Check Your Warranty

If it is fairly new before you decide to do-it-yourself, check your warranty carefully. You may be covered for part or all of the necessary repairs required. Most garage doors come with at least a one to two year warranty that covers many minor repairs that come from regular use.

5. Electric Issues

The most common one for electric models is replacing your remote batteries or the code that is used to open the door. If you’re still having difficulties opening, you’ll want to inspect the motor for damage. Replacing this yourself is fairly inexpensive and straightforward and can keep it running smoothly for years to come.