Over time, wear and tear can take a toll on your garage door’s functionality and demand repairs. When this happens, you might find yourself wanting to roll up your sleeves and attempt to fix it yourself, potentially saving money in the process.
However, while the idea of saving money by tackling garage door repairs yourself might seem appealing, it can quickly turn into a costly and even dangerous endeavor if not approached carefully. Don’t get us wrong – you can handle certain garage door repairs, especially for minor issues and routine maintenance tasks. However, it’s important to recognize the limitations of your knowledge, skills, and tools. Knowing when it’s safe to attempt a DIY repair and when to call a professional technician is crucial for your safety and the longevity of your garage door system.
Let’s go over some of the most common DIY garage door mistakes and tips on achieving a smoother and safer repair process.
DIY Garage Door Repair Mistakes
Disregarding Safety Precautions
When it comes to tackling garage door repairs, prioritizing safety precautions is crucial. Garage doors are heavy and under significant tension, so neglecting them can lead to severe accidents and injuries. For instance, failing to disconnect the power to the garage door opener can lead to accidental door movement during repairs. Not wearing appropriate protective gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, leaves you vulnerable to injuries from falling debris and pinched fingers. Additionally, not adequately securing the door in its open or closed position can result in the door unexpectedly crashing down.
To minimize these risks, always disconnect the power to the garage door opener before starting repairs to ensure the door won’t accidentally move. Before you begin repairing your door, equip yourself with safety gear, including safety glasses, gloves, and, if necessary, ear protection. Also, make sure you properly secure the garage door to prevent unwanted movement while you work.
Lack of Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance tasks help ensure smooth and trouble-free operation. Not keeping up with them is a common mistake that can lead to premature wear and tear on your garage door, resulting in costly repairs down the line.
To prevent this, create a maintenance schedule based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. This typically includes tasks like lubricating moving parts (rollers, hinges, springs) every six months or as specified, tightening hardware (nuts, bolts, screws) regularly to keep the door secure, and inspecting and cleaning the tracks to remove debris that can hinder door movement. Consistent maintenance can catch and address minor issues before they escalate.
Not Using the Right Tools
Using the wrong or subpar tools can make a garage door repair more challenging, less effective, and potentially damaging. Garage doors require specific tools for safe and efficient repairs.
We recommend consulting your garage door’s user manual to identify the recommended tools for your specific model and investing in high-quality tools designed for garage door repairs. Quality tools not only make the job easier but also reduce the likelihood of causing unintended damage to the door or its components.
Tinkering With Torsion Springs
Attempting to adjust or replace torsion springs without the proper knowledge and tools is one of the most dangerous DIY garage door mistakes. Torsion springs are under extreme tension and can cause severe injuries or damage if mishandled.
You should always hire a professional garage door service like Blue Chip Garage Doors for any issues related to torsion springs. Our experienced technicians have the necessary training, tools, and safety equipment to handle spring-related tasks safely and efficiently.
Incorrectly Adjusting Tracks
Misaligned tracks can lead to uneven door movement and further issues if not addressed correctly. Attempting to adjust tracks without the necessary knowledge can exacerbate the problem.
If you suspect track misalignment, consult a professional technician. They will safely assess the situation, make precise adjustments, and ensure the tracks are correctly aligned for smooth door operation.
Ignoring Manufacturer Guidelines
Disregarding the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations can result in additional problems and may void warranties.
Before embarking on a DIY garage door task, always read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for maintenance and repairs. These instructions are tailored to your specific garage door model and designed to keep your door in optimal condition.
When Can You DIY a Garage Door Repair?
Routine Lubrication
Regularly lubricating moving parts like rollers, hinges, and springs can help maintain smooth door operation. Refer to your garage door’s user manual for recommended lubrication intervals and use the appropriate lubricant.
Tightening Hardware
Over time, nuts, bolts, and screws on your garage door and opener can become loose. Regularly inspect and tighten these hardware components to keep the door secure.
Sensor Cleaning
Moreover, dust and dirt can accumulate on the safety sensors located near the garage door’s tracks, affecting their performance. Cleaning the sensor lenses with a soft, dry cloth can resolve this issue.
Track Cleaning and Alignment Checks
Inspect and clean the tracks regularly to remove debris or buildup that may impede the door’s movement. Use a cloth or brush to clear away dirt and obstructions.
Also, periodically check the alignment of your garage door tracks to ensure they are parallel and properly secured. Minor adjustments can be made if needed, but it’s best to call a professional for major alignment issues.
Programming Remote Controls
Adding or reprogramming remote controls for your garage door opener is typically a straightforward process. Follow your opener’s user manual for instructions on adding new remotes.
Weatherstripping Replacement
If the weatherstripping at the bottom of your garage door is damaged or worn out, you can replace it as a DIY project. It helps improve energy efficiency and keeps out dust and pests.
Opener Chain or Belt Tensioning
Adjusting the tension of the opener’s chain or belt to maintain proper tension is a relatively simple task. Refer to your opener’s manual for guidance.
Limit Switch Adjustment
If your garage door does not open or close fully, you can adjust the open and close limit switches following your opener’s manual. This task involves minor adjustments to control the door’s travel distance.
When To Call a Garage Technician
Torsion Spring Repairs
Torsion springs are under extreme tension and can be extremely dangerous to work with. Attempting to adjust or replace them without the proper training, tools, and safety precautions can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. Always call a professional technician for torsion spring-related issues.
Replacing Extension Springs
Extension springs, like torsion springs, are under tension and can cause injury if mishandled. Replacing extension springs should be left to trained professionals who have experience with these components.
Motor and Opener Repairs
Garage door opener motors are complex electrical components. If your opener is malfunctioning, making unusual noises, or not responding, it’s best to call a technician who can troubleshoot and repair or replace the opener safely.
Safety Sensor Issues
The safety sensors on your garage door are critical for preventing accidents. If they are misaligned or malfunctioning, it’s essential to call a professional technician to properly diagnose and fix the issue while ensuring the door remains safe for use.
Tracks and Rollers Replacement
Repairing or replacing damaged tracks or rollers can be challenging and requires specific tools and expertise. Trained garage technicians can handle these tasks efficiently and safely.
Cable Repairs
Garage door cables are under tension and can cause harm if not handled correctly. If you suspect a problem with your cables, it’s best to leave the repair to an expert who can assess and address the issue safely.
Electrical Issues
Any electrical problems with the garage door opener or wiring should be handled by a professional electrician or garage door technician. Working with electricity without the proper knowledge and safety precautions can be dangerous.
Major Door Adjustments
If your garage door is significantly misaligned, not opening or closing evenly, or seems off its tracks, professional technicians can best address these issues. Attempting to make major adjustments on your own can lead to further damage and safety hazards.
As useful as garage door repair tips may be, homeowners often underestimate the complexity of garage door systems. These systems involve many interconnected components, and seemingly simple repairs can become intricate tasks. Any repair that seems beyond your level of expertise or involves components you’re unfamiliar with should be left to professionals. Acknowledging your limitations is crucial for your safety and your garage door’s integrity. At Blue Chip Garage Doors, we offer 24/7 emergency garage door services–don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team whenever you encounter an issue that goes beyond your comfort zone.
