How to repair a garage door

Garage doors are essential parts of our homes, providing us with a secure place to park our cars and store our belongings. However, like all mechanical devices, garage doors can eventually break down. When this happens, it’s important to know how to repair the door yourself or when to call a professional.

Common garage door problems

There are a number of common garage door problems that can occur, including:

  • The door won’t open or close. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a power outage, a broken spring, or a jammed roller.
  • The door is noisy. This can be caused by worn or damaged rollers, tracks, or springs.
  • The door is off balance. This can cause the door to open or close unevenly, and it can also put extra strain on the motor and other components.
  • The door is leaking. This can be caused by a damaged seal or a gap between the door and the frame.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems with your garage door, there are a few things you can do to try to repair it yourself. However, it’s important to note that some garage door repairs can be dangerous, and it’s always best to call a professional if you’re not comfortable doing the repair yourself.

Here are some tips for repairing common garage door problems:

If the door won’t open or close:

  1. Check the power to the garage door opener. If the power is out, the door won’t be able to open or close.
  2. Check the garage door opener for any loose connections. If there are any loose connections, tighten them and try opening or closing the door again.
  3. Check the garage door springs. If a spring is broken or damaged, the door won’t be able to open or close.
  4. Check the garage door rollers. If a roller is jammed or damaged, it can prevent the door from opening or closing properly.

If the door is noisy:

  1. Lubricate the garage door rollers and tracks.
  2. Check the garage door springs for any signs of wear or damage. If a spring is worn or damaged, it can make the door noisy.
  3. Check the garage door opener for any loose connections. If there are any loose connections, tighten them and see if the noise goes away.

If the door is off balance:

  1. Adjust the garage door springs.
  2. Check the garage door tracks for any bends or kinks. If a track is bent or kinked, it can cause the door to go off balance.
  3. Check the garage door opener for any loose connections. If there are any loose connections, tighten them and see if the door goes back into balance.

If the door is leaking:

  1. Inspect the garage door seal for any damage. If the seal is damaged, replace it.
  2. Check the gap between the garage door and the frame. If the gap is too large, seal it with caulk or weatherstripping.

When to call a professional

If you’ve tried to repair your garage door yourself and the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional garage door repair company. A professional garage door technician will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs quickly and safely.

Here are some signs that you should call a professional garage door repair company:

  • The garage door springs are broken or damaged.
  • The garage door tracks are bent or kinked.
  • The garage door opener is not working properly.
  • The garage door is off balance and you can’t adjust it yourself.
  • The garage door is leaking and you can’t seal the gap yourself.

Preventing garage door problems

There are a few things you can do to help prevent garage door problems from occurring:

  • Lubricate the garage door rollers and tracks regularly.
  • Inspect the garage door springs and tracks for any signs of wear or damage.
  • Tighten any loose connections on the garage door opener and other components.
  • Keep the garage door area clean and free of debris.

By following these tips, you can help keep your garage door in good working order and extend its lifespan.