Maintaining a functional garage door is crucial for both convenience and security in any home. However, when issues arise, deciding whether to tackle repairs yourself or call a professional can be challenging.
Homeowners can handle minor repairs on their own. However, experts recommend hiring a professional for more complicated issues that require specific skills. In this blog post, we’ll discuss common garage door issues, when it’s appropriate to attempt a DIY repair, and when calling a professional is the wisest choice.
Common Garage Door Issues
Garage doors are complex systems composed of various mechanical and electrical components. Over time, these parts can wear out or become damaged, leading to malfunctions. Some of the most common issues include:
- Broken Springs: Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to replace without proper training and tools.
- Misaligned Tracks: Tracks that are bent or misaligned can prevent smooth operation of the door.
- Faulty Garage Door Opener: Problems with the opener may include electrical issues, motor problems, or sensor misalignment.
- Noisy Operation: Grinding, squeaking, or banging noises can indicate issues with rollers, tracks, or other moving parts needing lubrication or replacement.
- Damaged Panels: Physical damage to door panels may affect both function and aesthetics.
DIY Repairs
For handy homeowners with some mechanical aptitude, certain garage door repairs can be safely undertaken. Basic maintenance tasks include:
Lubrication: Regularly lubricating moving parts such as rollers, hinges, and tracks can prolong their lifespan and prevent noisy operation.
Replacing Weather Stripping: Damaged weather stripping can be replaced easily with basic tools.
Sensor Adjustment: If your garage door sensors are misaligned, adjusting them according to manufacturer instructions can resolve operational issues.
Routine Inspection: Conducting visual inspections for signs of wear and tear and addressing minor issues promptly can prevent larger problems.
When to Call a Professional:
When do I Call a Professional Garage Repair Company?
While DIY repairs can save money and time, certain garage door issues are best left to professionals:
Spring Replacement: Due to the high tension involved, replacing garage door springs should only be done by trained technicians to avoid serious injury.
Track Realignment: Tracks that are severely bent or misaligned require specialized tools and knowledge to ensure proper alignment without compromising door operation.
Electrical Problems: Issues with the garage door opener, such as wiring or motor problems, should be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified electrician or garage door technician.
Panel Replacement: Replacing damaged panels involves precise measurements and fitting to maintain structural integrity and appearance.
Complex Repairs: Any repair that involves intricate mechanisms or structural components of the garage door system should be handled by professionals to prevent further damage or safety risks.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional
Safety: Professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle repairs safely, particularly tasks involving heavy lifting or high tension components.
Quality Workmanship: Trained technicians can ensure repairs are done correctly the first time, reducing the likelihood of recurring issues.
Warranty Coverage: Many professional repairs come with warranties, providing peace of mind that the work is guaranteed.
Time and Convenience: Hiring a professional saves time and effort, allowing homeowners to focus on other priorities.
Buy Your Garage Parts From Express Garage Parts
While DIY garage door repairs can be rewarding and cost-effective for simple maintenance tasks, knowing when to call a professional is essential for ensuring safety and effective repair of more complex issues. To protect your home and wellbeing, it’s important to know your skills and the problem at hand before making a decision.
For major repairs such as springs, electrical parts, or structural issues, it is recommended to hire professionals. This will ensure that your garage door continues to function properly for an extended period of time. Hiring experts for these types of repairs is the best way to maintain the longevity of your garage door.
Don’t forget to do regular maintenance and fix problems quickly to avoid big repairs and make your garage door last longer. Whether DIY or professional, prioritize safety and thoroughness to keep your garage door operating smoothly and securely.
Our Queensland Warehouse can supply you all your parts.