Garage Door Repair: When To DIY & When To Call A Professional
Whether your garage door is making strange noises or won’t open, your first instinct may be to grab your toolbox and attempt the repairs yourself. After all, DIYing can save you money, and nothing beats the satisfaction of a successful home repair. However, some garage door repairs can be dangerous and are best left to licensed technicians. Below, we help you determine which repairs require professional expertise and which are safe to try at home.
Safe DIY Garage Door Troubleshooting
If you are an experienced DIYer or know your way around the toolbox, completing some minor repairs on your garage door can prolong its service life. Some of the garage door repairs that are worth DIYing include:
Squeaky Garage Door
A squeaky garage door can point to several issues, such as worn-out rollers or metal parts that need greasing. Lubricating your door can prevent metal components from rubbing against each other, reducing friction and slowing wear.
To fix this garage door issue, use a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant. Apply lubricant to your rollers, hinges, and bearings for a smoother and quieter operation.
Blocked or Misaligned Sensor
If you are struggling to close your garage door, the culprit may be obstructed sensors. When the garage’s photo eyes are blocked or misaligned, it can disrupt the signal, preventing the door from closing.
Check for and remove any physical objects that could be in the sensors’ line of sight, such as a trash can or bicycles. If the issue persists, clean the lenses to ensure that no dust or cobwebs obstruct the photo eyes.
Loose Hardware
The nuts and bolts on your door may loosen over time. If left unrepaired, loose garage door hardware may accelerate wear and cause further damage.
For this DIY garage door repair, grab a wrench or screwdriver, depending on the type of screws used on the door. Inspect your hinges, rollers and bearings, and tighten any loose components.
Signs You Need Professional Garage Door Services
Any repairs that go beyond minor garage door maintenance require attention from a licensed technician. Some garage components are heavy and under high tension, requiring expert assistance to avoid potential injuries. Contact a professional if you are experiencing any of the following issues.
Broken Springs
Garage door springs operate under immense pressure, as they are primarily responsible for lifting the heavy garage doors. If you hear a loud bang or notice a lopsided door, there is likely an issue with the springs.
Spring issues require emergency garage door repair. Stop using the door immediately and call a technician to handle garage door spring replacement.
Track Issues
When your door comes off its tracks, it indicates a larger issue with the door system. It can point to a broken cable or roller. Before forcing the door back into place, contact a garage door repair service near you. Repair technicians can accurately diagnose the problem and realign your garage door for proper operation.
Malfunctioning Opener
If you have checked the remote batteries and ensured your power is not cut off, but your garage door still won’t open, it may be time to call a professional. A malfunctioning opener often points to a motor issue, which involves complex electrical systems that require a trained technician to repair safely.
Your Trusted Columbus Garage Door Repair Company
While some garage door repairs can be handled on your own, others require professional assistance. At Deluxe Door Systems, we have been restoring functionality to both residential and commercial garage doors for over 30 years. With our extensive range of garage door repair services in Columbus, we can assist you with urgent repair issues.
Call us at 614-840-0207 to book a service.
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