Last Updated on December 5, 2024 by teamobn
When it comes to garage door repair and maintenance, many homeowners are tempted to try their hand at DIY fixes. While there are some tasks that a handy homeowner can easily manage, there are certain situations where calling in a professional garage door technician probably makes more sense.
Garage door maintenance is another of the many tasks we should do around our homes to maintain efficiency and hence, our home’s value. But at what point do minor issues become major and where is the line between your skillset and that of a garage door professional? Below we’ve listed the repairs and maintenance most homeowners can manage as well as the types of issues where you should consider calling in a garage door technician.
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Simple DIY Garage Door Repairs and Maintenance
If you stop to think about your garage door, you’ll realize that it’s a relatively complex item. Even a ‘simple’ roller door has tracks, locks, and a spring mechanism to reduce the energy needed to open and close it. Here are some easy – but important, things you can do to maintain your garage door in top condition:
- Tighten loose bolts: The bolts that hold the door to the wall can come loose over time. Tightening the nuts and bolts is a simple fix that doesn’t require many tools either.
- Lubricate moving parts: Lubricating the moving parts of the door is vital to keep it running smoothly and extend its life. Simply spray a silicone-based lubricant on the rollers and hinges to keep it in the best shape. The advantage of silicone spray over oil-based lubricants is that silicone spray prevents dust and grime buildup.
- Replace weather seals: The weather seals and stripping around the bottom and sides of your garage door can wear out over time. You can replace them yourself to keep warm air in and cold air out.
- Clean the tracks: Dust, dirt, and debris can make your door increasingly difficult to move up and down. Cleaning the tracks (wiping them down with a damp cloth or vacuuming the area) will help your door move smoothly.
- Realign the tracks: Another DIY fix to your door making weird noises or not running smoothly is to realign the tracks. When these tracks aren’t aligned properly, it will be harder to move the door. To fix it, loosen the screws that hold the tracks in place and tap those tracks back into position with a rubber mallet. Make sure your tracks are both level and vertical before screwing them back down.
- Replace rollers: If your door is grinding or squeaking, the rollers are probably worn out. Replacing them is a simple fix if you’re comfortable with DIY projects. Just make sure to buy the correct type of rollers (nylon or metal) and only replace one set at a time. This will prevent putting unnecessary stress on your garage door system.
These are all simple yet important DIY homeowner fixes, but as we get into more complicated repairs, consider whether it might be time to call in a professional with proven experience. It’s also vital to realize when a garage door is beyond repair and when it’s time to replace it.
Why You Should Call a Professional
While DIY maintenance is definitely possible, some repairs require expertise. Garage doors are heavy and have complex mechanisms that can be hazardous if not handled correctly.
Garage Door Mechanics
Modern garage doors are complex systems that vary depending on the type, whether they’re folding, tilting, or rolling. These systems have high-tension springs, motors, and intricate electronic sensors, all of which require a level of expertise to handle. For example:
- Tilt doors: These doors have torsion springs under tension. A faulty spring can be very dangerous if not repaired properly.
- Roller doors: These doors can be extremely heavy, and lifting or lowering them improperly can result in injury or further damage.
The springs are a major component and hold a lot of energy. Trying to fix or replace them without the right tools or experience can have serious consequences. For instance, the springs on tilt doors are under serious tension, and DIYers who aren’t prepared for the forces can make things worse.
If a tilt-style door is not opening smoothly and evenly on both sides, repairs are necessary. Misaligned or broken spring will make the door unbalanced and put more stress on other parts. Professionals have the right tools and take safety measures to fix it properly.
Advanced Diagnostics and Technical Knowledge
Automatic garage doors have very specific functions and parts that require special tools to diagnose and repair. DIYers don’t have access to diagnostic equipment, so it can be difficult for them to troubleshoot issues like misaligned sensors, faulty circuit boards, or malfunctioning motors.
Professionals have the tools to see what the untrained eye can’t, and make sure the issue is fixed before it gets out of hand. Coupled with these tools, their expertise can help them manage complex repairs with ease.
Similarly, fixing misaligned sensors usually falls outside the skill set of an average DIYer. However, these sensors are quite common in automated doors. If the sensors are misaligned, the door will malfunction, which can be a security risk. Timely intervention by an expert can prevent things from going sideways.
Using Professional Services for Long-Term Savings
If your garage door isn’t working correctly, your home could be way less energy efficient. The summer heat and the warmth from your furnace in winter can just sneak out through those gaps in your garage door. A tech will be able to inspect the insulation and seals on the garage door to make sure everything is working properly. This of course keeps the house comfortable and, perhaps even more importantly, prevents excessive energy bills.
For long-term savings, have your garage door serviced by an expert since this will avoid the big repair bills later. You could end up saving thousands by getting a minor issue fixed now instead of handling it when it goes out of hand. It’s always better and cheaper to maintain your garage door than to get a new one.
Another situation to opt for professional garage door services is when there’s an emergency requirement for repair. Your garage door is one of the biggest contributors to your house’s security, and when it breaks down, your home could be left exposed to burglars. A professional will have the right tools to fix your door quickly.
Endnote
While you can do basic garage door maintenance and repairs yourself, you need to know when to call in a pro. Complex issues should always be handled by a professional, especially those with high-tension springs, electrical components, or heavy doors. This is for everyone’s safety and to prevent further damage to your garage door system.
