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Garage doors are essential features of our homes, providing both protection and accessibility. Over time, however, the mechanical systems that operate a garage door can wear down and cause malfunctions. While more complex problems should generally be left to the professionals, many common issues have simple DIY solutions. By having a grasp on these repairs, homeowners are not only saving themselves money but are also better equipped to effectively maintain their garage doors.
Know Your Garage Door
Before attempting any repairs, it is important to understand the basics of your garage door. The average system consists of several components including springs, tracks, rollers, hinges, and the opener mechanism. Knowing the role of each of these parts will make it simpler to troubleshoot potential issues.
Safety First
Working on garage door repairs should always be undertaken with safety as the top priority. These systems operate under a great deal of tension and improperly releasing that tension can result in serious injury. Before starting any such repairs, ensure the door is securely closed and disconnected from the opener. Doing so will also prevent any accidental activation during your work.
In addition, wear protective gear like safety glasses and gloves to help minimize the risk of injury from any debris that might be present. Suppose you’re unsure about any aspect of the repair process. In that case, it’s always wise to seek guidance from a professional service to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. If you’re not sure where to find a reliable service, you can search garage door repair near me in Google to find reputable professionals in your area.
Most DIY Garage Door Repairs
Lubrication: Lubricating your moving parts can make them last longer and reduce the number of repairs in the future. Dirt and debris accumulate on your rollers, hinges, and tracks over time, which increases friction and shortens the lifespan of these parts. To help reduce friction and promote smoother operation, apply a silicone-based lubricant to these parts. Also, be sure to clean the surfaces before adding any lubricant to ensure maximum effectiveness overall.
Tighten Hardware: Over time, the vibrating and moving of garage door parts can cause your hardware to come loose. Regularly checking and tightening these components can keep them from coming completely loose and causing further damage. A simple wrench or screwdriver is all that’s required to do the job here.
Adjust Spring Tension: Garage door springs are there to counterbalance the weight of the door and make it easier to open and close. Unfortunately, these springs can wear over time and lose tension. If you find your garage door to be sluggish, or there’s a portion of your frame that’s sagging, then be sure to adjust the tension accordingly. This is a delicate project that requires great care and precision, refer to the manual or contact a professional if you’re unsure about how to proceed.
Replace Weather Stripping: Weather stripping adds a tight seal around your garage door frame and keeps out any drafts, moisture, and pests. As it ages, it breaks down and becomes less effective. Fortunately, it’s a pretty easy fix overall. Simply open your garage door and pull out the old weather strip, inserting a new piece that’s been made to the proper length.
By becoming familiar with the basic components of your garage door, you can address numerous issues from minor wear and tear to more complex mechanical and electrical problems. Most importantly, you should also understand that though it can often be safe to make some repairs yourself, a licensed professional should always handle certain issues. Be on the lookout for some of the following problems:
Broken springs: Replacing garage door springs can be incredibly dangerous – always rely on a qualified professional to do the job for you.
Misaligned tracks: Misaligned tracks cause the door to jam, making it unsafe to operate.
Motor malfunctions: A motor replacement is best done by professionals, seeing as more often than not it’s indicative of a more complex mechanical or electrical issue that needs a thorough inspection.
Structural damage: If the tracks or door panels are massively damaged, a trained eye will be needed to ensure any necessary repairs are carried out properly – and that more extensive damage is prevented.
While DIY repairs are an excellent way to save some money while maintaining a critical part of your home, remember that not all repairs can or should be done by the homeowner. If in doubt, always call in a professional. If you prefer to hire outside help from the get-go but don’t know where to look, reach out to your local AAA branch for suggestions for repair service near you.
