How to Repair Garage Door - Everything You Need To Know

Garage doors are very crucial for the security and functionality of your garage. They protect your vehicles and other personal belongings and also provide easy access to your garage. However, garage doors can also develop issues or damage over time. You should know how to repair a garage door and which repair methods can save your time and money without compromising your home security.

In this blog post, you will learn all the common garage door problems and when to repair or replace them. We will provide a step-by-step guide for basic repairs and how you can hire professional service to make things easier for you.

Common Garage Door Problems

Before moving into repairs, it’s important to identify the common issues that can arise with garage doors. Garage doors are essential for the functionality and security of your home, but like any mechanical system, they can develop issues, and a few of the most common problems are given below:

1. Opening or Closing issues:

This is one of the most common door problems that most homeowners face. The door mostly doesn't open or close and it can be due to various reasons like issues with remote, power supply blockage, malfunctioning of motor, or any damaged or misaligned sensors.

To resolve this issue on your own, you need to check the power supply to the garage door opener. Make sure the supply is plugged in properly and that the outlet is working. Sometimes, a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse can stop the functioning of the opener. If the power supply is working perfectly then check the remote control. If still the door won’t open or close then the issue is probably in the battery or sensors. Normally a dead battery is the cause of this issue but sensors can also get damaged and don’t respond perfectly to the given commands.

2. Broken Springs:

Normally, the garage door springs are under massive tension that results in their breaking. If the spring gets broken, it will prevent the door from opening properly. If you notice that your door is making unusual sounds or looking uneven then take some immediate action as this happens due to a broken spring.

This is a significant issue and without professional knowledge, don’t try to fix it yourself. Even  as a DIY enthusiast you should hire any professional for this work because fixing a broken spring can be a dangerous process especially for a non-field person. .

3. Noisy Operation:

If your garage door is making loud noises you will get frustrated. These unusual noises might indicate problems with rollers or tracks. The most common cause of this frustrating sound is the lack of lubrication. The moving parts of your garage doors get dry with time and result in the poor functioning of the door.

You should regularly lubricate the rollers, hinges, and tracks to avoid major repairs that can cost a lot of money. Also check loose screws, damaged rollers, or worn springs because all of these can contribute to noisy operation. Replacing these components mostly resolves the issue.

4. Misalignment Issues

Misalignment is also a very common garage door problem. If you observe your door is uneven or any signs of misalignment take some action to prevent the complete replacement of the door. The common misalignment signs include gaps between the door and the floor or the garage door getting stuck partway.

Inspect the tracks on both sides of the garage door to make sure they are aligned properly. If you notice that the tracks are bent, gently tap them back into place. Don’y forget to check the rollers for wear and lubrication because giving a little lubricant can improve their overall movement. However, if the rollers are completely damaged then you have to replace them.

5. Door Opens or Closes on Its Own

If your garage door is opening or closing on its own then it is a very alarming sign. This strange behavior of your door can be due to different reasons that you can determine by yourself. First of all, check the remote control because this is usually the main cause of this problem. A malfunctioning remote with stuck buttons possibly leads to the unusual and unexpected behavior of the garage door.

If you have knowledge of wires or electricity then check the wiring in the garage door opener. Mostly faulty wiring causes this kind of problem. However, it is recommended to hire a professional for wiring-related work because it can be dangerous for an ordinary man to repair electricity. Finally, check the sensitivity settings of your garage door opener. Adjust it according to the manufacturer's instructions and it may resolve the whole problem.

Repair vs. Replace: What Should You Choose

If your door has any major issues then before attempting any repairs, make sure to check the total cost. The reason is sometimes the cost of replacement of the door is more economical than its repair cost. You must consider the following factors before you repair the garage door:

• Age of the Door: If your garage door is more than 15 to 20 years old, it will have a lot of issues. So, in such cases replacement is more cost-effective.
• Extent of Damage: You can repair minor issues, but if your door has extensive damages then you should consider replacing it rather than repairing.
• Cost of Repairs: If the repair cost of your door exceeds 50% of the replacement cost, it is much better to invest in a new garage door.

DIY Garage Door Repair

Many garage door repairs can be done by homeowners but you have to use the right tools and some knowledge. If you are a DIY enthusiast then here are some common repairs you can handle:

1. Tightening Loose Hardware

The screws and bolts are important components that hold your garage door. However, they can loosen with time and you can easily tighten them. For this, you should check all the screws and bolts on the door and use a wrench to tighten all the loose parts.

Tools Needed:

• Socket wrench
• Screwdriver

2. Replacing Rollers

If your garage door is working erratically and creating unusual noises, worn rollers could be the cause. You can replace these rollers on your own. First, disconnect the garage door opener and lift the door manually. Then remove the brackets of the roller and remove the old rollers. Now insert the new rollers and securely reattach the brackets.

Tools Needed:

• New rollers
• Pliers
• Safety goggles

3. Realigning the Tracks

Misalignments of the tracks is a very common problem and it prevents your garage door from opening or closing correctly. You fix this issue by inspecting all the horizontal and vertical tracks with a level. If you observe any misalignment then using a rubber mallet gently tap it back into its original position. Don’t forget to tighten the brackets to ensure the tracks stay aligned.

Tools Needed:

• Level
• Rubber mallet
• Wrench

4. Lubricating Moving Parts

If you regularly lubricate the moving parts of your garage door, you can reduce friction and noise. This will also prolong the life of your garage door and save it from major repairs. You can use any good-quality garage door lubricant and spray it on the rollers, hinges, and tracks. Try to wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent dirt accumulation on the door.

Tools Needed:

• Garage door lubricants like lithium grease

Safety First

Safety should be your first priority while working on your garage door. Never start the work without safety measurements because you are not a professional. Not ensuring proper safety could be very dangerous for you so, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Disconnect Power:

The most basic step before starting any kind of repair work that is particularly related to electricity is to disconnect the power. Unplug the garage door opener because it will avoid accidental activation. You can check the wires and repair them with peace of mind.

Wear Protective Gears:

Different types of protective gears are available in the market for repair work. All the professionals wear these gears and if you are doing this on your own, make sure to be equipped properly. Use safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from debris and sharp edges.

Be Cautious with Springs:

As we mentioned earlier, garage door springs are under immense tension and you must hire some professional service to complete this risky procedure. However, if you still have the urge to do it on your own then be cautious it can cause serious injury if mishandled.

When to Call a Professional to Repair Garage Door

Some basic and minor repairs can be done independently. However, in case of any major issues with your garage door, consulting a professional can be very beneficial. At Billy.com you can easily avail professional service to complete the complicated tasks. The professionals have experience of solving such problems and can save your door from major damage.

These Professionals have the skills to repair the damaged components and enhance the functionality, giving you the feeling that there was never a problem with your garage door. Here are some conditions in which you must hire a professional to repair garage doors.

• Electrical Issues: If there is any electrical problem with the door opener, you must hire an electrician to avoid any unwanted accident.
• Complex Repairs: For complex tasks like replacing springs or other major components, addressing any expert would be much better.
• Extensive Damage: If your garage door is damaged badly, a professional assessment will provide you with the best available suggestions and options.

Conclusion

Repairing your garage door can feel a bit daunting and stressful. However, if you have the right knowledge and tools then all the issues can be done easily. You can do some basic repairs to save your money but mostly hiring a professional service is more suitable and recommended. An expert will not only provide quality service but will also give you mental peace and save your time.

If you do regular maintenance and repairs, you can extend the lifespan of your garage door. A good functioning garage door is very necessary for the safety and security of your house. Hence,  don’t hesitate to contact Billy.com to hire a professional for resolving your complex garage door issues and secure your house.

FAQs related to Repair Garage Door

Should I repair or replace my garage door?

Choosing whether you want to repair or replace your garage door depends upon several factors like the age of the door, the damages, and comparing the cost of repair to the cost of replacement.

Is it safe to repair a garage door yourself?

If you have never done any repair work before then it can be dangerous for you. You must have some knowledge of the work and do just basic repairs like tightening the screws and replacing the rollers.

What is the common problem of a garage door?

The most common problem of a garage door is the issues during its opening or closing. Sometimes it won’t open or close and sometimes it don;t close all the way. This problem could be due to some technical problem that can be resolved by a professional. 

Is it cheaper to repair or replace the garage door?

If the garage door has some extensive damages and requires a lot of repair then it is more economical to replace the door than repairing it.

How many years does a garage door last?

The lifespan of a garage door can vary as it depends on the condition of it. However, most garage doors last from 15 to 20 years. The lifespan can increase if you do regular maintenance and repair.

Should I hire a professional to repair garage door?

For complex repairs, you should hire a professional service to resolve all the issues in your garage door and enhance its functionality.

Can I hire a Professional through Billy.com?

Yes, Billy.com can help you hire an expert professional service that can repair your garage door and make its functioning more smoother and proper.