Digital Garage Doors

A garage door is one of the largest moving parts in a home. As with any mechanical system, garage doors will eventually need repairs or maintenance. Fortunately, many common garage door issues can be fixed with basic tools and skills. In this article, we’ll cover some do-it-yourself garage door repairs you can tackle on your own to save money. For major repairs or safety concerns, it’s always best to call a professional like Garage Door Services in Gainesville GA.

Broken Springs

The springs that help lift your garage door are under high tension and can snap with age. Replacing broken springs is one job best left to professionals due to safety concerns. However, you may be able to replace loose or misaligned springs yourself if you have experience working with springs. Always wear eye protection when working with garage door springs.

Loose or Bent Tracks

The tracks that guide your garage door up and down can become loose, bent, or misaligned over time due to weather or normal wear and tear. You can usually fix this yourself by tightening any loose bolts or screws and hammering bent sections back into proper alignment. Make sure tracks are level and tracks roll smoothly before reattaching your door.

Squeaky, Sticking, or Noisy Rollers/Bearings

Over time, the rollers and bearings that support your garage door’s weight can develop flat spots, collect debris, or wear out. This causes squeaking, sticking, or noisy operation. You can replace worn rollers and lubricate or replace bearings yourself using basic hand tools. Make sure rollers spin freely once complete.

Broken Cables

The steel cables that connect your garage door to the opener motor and help lift the door are under constant tension. Over time, especially in cold climates, cables can snap. You may be able to replace broken cables yourself if you have experience with this type of work. Otherwise, call a pro for cable replacement.

Loose Hardware

Over time, bolts, screws, and other hardware securing your garage door and opener can work loose due to vibration and movement. This causes noise and improper operation. Inspect all hardware regularly and tighten any loose fasteners yourself using basic tools. This is an easy fix that prevents bigger issues.

Realign Photo Eyes

The photo eyes are the safety sensors that stop and reverse your garage door if an object passes through the opening. Over time, these can get misaligned causing the door not to close fully or the safety feature to malfunction. Realigning photo eyes yourself just requires loosening a few screws and making sure the red light beam is unobstructed.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Prevent squeaks and reduce wear on all moving garage door parts like hinges, rollers, and tracks by lubricating them regularly. WD-40 or silicone spray are good general purpose lubricants for this. Spray moving parts and roll a few times to work lube deep inside. This simple maintenance extends part life.

Adjust or Replace Door Seals

Over time and with use, the weatherstripping seals around your garage door may compress or crack, allowing air and light leaks. You can replace seals yourself using adhesive-backed seal kits. For minor gaps, you may be able to adjust existing seals by repositioning mounting strips. Proper seals improve energy efficiency.

Program Opener Limit Settings

As garage doors age, the mechanical limit settings controlling travel distance can require adjustment. This ensures full open/close travel without impacting the door frame. Reprogramming limit settings yourself just takes a few button presses on your opener control panel. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions.

Replace Broken Door Panels

If high winds or other impacts damage individual garage door panels, you may be able to replace them yourself rather than the whole door. Matching panel styles are sold at home stores. Remove and replace damaged sections following manufacturer instructions for your door type and material.

While many routine garage door repairs are DIY-friendly, always exercise caution and call an expert for major structural issues, broken springs, or if you’re unsure how to fix a problem safely. With basic tools and know-how, homeowners can save money handling minor repairs and maintenance themselves to keep their garage door operating smoothly for years to come.