Garage doors are an integral part of everyday life, but once they begin malfunctioning, your schedule is also interrupted. Be it a creaky door, a jammed mechanism, or a full-on broken system, you might think of repairing it yourself. But is DIY always a good choice when repairing a garage door?
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Typical Garage Door Problems
Before deciding whether you can repair the door yourself, you need to determine the problem. Here are some typical issues:
- The door won’t open or close properly: If your door is jammed or only partially moves, something may be wrong with the springs, opener, or cables.
- Unusual sounds: Grinding, scraping, or squealing sounds usually indicate worn-out rollers, insufficient lubrication, or misaligned parts.
- The door won’t remain in place: When the door opens but refuses to remain halfway, it might be a problem with the spring balance.
- Dangling cables or springs: These elements endure a significant amount of tension and are at risk of breaking after years of use. In case this occurs, it’s best to repair them as soon as possible.
Is DIY Garage Door Repair Good?
Some homeowners see it fit to repair their garage doors on their own for the sake of saving money or simply to speed up the process. This practice, however, can be perilous for many reasons:
- Safety issues: Garage door springs are highly tensioned and should not be handled by someone without training. Improper handling can cause serious injury.
- Specialized knowledge required: Garage door systems are complicated, and the problem may need to be diagnosed with more than a general understanding of how they function.
- Special tools: Most repairs involve specialized tools that may not be in the possession of the average homeowner.
- Long-term issues: A temporary repair could fail to address the root cause, resulting in future issues and costly repairs.
When to Call a Professional?
If you have a broken spring, a faulty opener, or a situation where you need to work on heavy parts, it’s generally best to call a professional. Professionals can efficiently diagnose the issue and provide a solution that makes your door safe and reliable.
Professional repair facilities also offer:
- Safe removal of high-tension components such as springs
- Extensive inspections to identify potential issues before they get worse
- Parts and service warranties
This article was written by a professional at 1 Stop Garage Doors. 1 Stop Garage Doors proudly serves homeowners and businesses with top-quality garage door installations and repairs. We install premium doors and openers from trusted brands, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction. Our expert team provides cost-effective solutions, arriving with fully stocked trucks to handle repairs on the spot, including torsion spring replacements, drum and roller fixes, and general maintenance to keep your garage door functioning smoothly.
Any information, content, and materials on this website are solely designed for general informational purposes and do not, and are not meant to, constitute legal advice.