Some garage door repairs can be straightforward and manageable, allowing you to handle them yourself. These simpler tasks often require minimal technical skill and can save you both time and money. However, it’s crucial to understand which repairs fall into this category and which should be deferred to the expertise of a professional. For instance, more complex issues such as replacing torsion springs or adjusting cables involve significant risks and require specialized knowledge and tools.
Among the repairs that are generally safe and easy to tackle on your own are noise adjustments and correcting misaligned tracks. A noisy garage door might just need some lubrication on its rollers, hinges, and tracks. A silicone-based lubricant or garage door specific oil can usually quiet down most of the operational noise. On the other hand, misaligned tracks can cause your door to operate unevenly or get stuck. This could take a little bit longer.
Before you get started, for anything beyond basic maintenance or minor adjustments, such as electrical issues, replacing major components like springs, or extensive structural repairs, it’s wise to contact a professional garage door repair service. These experts can ensure that more significant repairs are done safely and effectively. This simple step prevents any potential injuries or further damage to your garage door system.
Quieting a Noisy Garage Door
If your garage door works fine but is loud, several easy remedies can help you reduce the rattle and ensure smoother movement. No major overhead door repairs are required here. One of the simplest and most effective steps is to periodically tighten all the bolts and nuts on the door’s assembly. Using a wrench, make sure everything is snug—this not only reduces noise but also enhances the overall operation and longevity of your door. It’s a good maintenance practice to check and tighten these fixtures a couple of times each year.
Another impactful approach to quieting your garage door is to consider replacing the rollers, particularly if you’re still using the traditional metal types. Metal rollers can be noisy and cause vibrations throughout the operation of the door. Switching to nylon rollers can be a great solution. While nylon rollers may come at a higher price point, they operate much more quietly and can provide a smoother ride for your door. This upgrade not only keeps it quieter but also decreases wear and tear on other components of the garage door system, such as the tracks and hinges.
Additionally, applying a silicone-based lubricant or a special garage door grease to the rollers, tracks, and hinges can further diminish noise and facilitate smoother and more efficient door movements. Remember to clean the tracks before applying lubricant to remove any dirt or debris that could cause friction or noise.
Tracks Out of Alignment
A misaligned garage door track is not just an inconvenience; it can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly. The fix for this issue can be straightforward, but it is important to stop using the garage door immediately when misalignment is noticed. Continuing to use the door under these conditions can make the problem much worse. It can turn a small fix for your garage door into a major repair. You’ll end up with severe damage to both the door and the track.
To correct a misaligned track, start by loosening the screws that anchor the track to the garage’s frame. This allows some flexibility to adjust or reposition the track. Carefully move it back into the correct alignment with the edge of the door. Using a level during this process is essential to ensure that the track is perfectly straight. Misalignment can cause uneven movement and stress on the door mechanisms, so precision here is key.
Once the track is realigned, tighten the screws back into place to ensure the track stays in the correct position during operation. If during your assessment you discover that the track is not just misaligned but also bent, you might be able to rectify minor bends yourself. Using a rubber mallet, gently tap the bent areas of the track back into shape. Be cautious with this approach to avoid further damage.
If the damage to the track is extensive or if after attempting these adjustments the door still does not operate smoothly, it may be necessary to call in a professional. A garage door technician can provide a more comprehensive repair or replace parts of the track system if needed. Handling such repairs promptly and correctly can prevent more severe issues down the line, ensuring your garage door continues to function reliably and safely.
Replace Your Remote-Control Opener Battery
Replacing remote batteries is one of the simplest and most common DIY repairs/fixes for overhead garage door issues. When your garage door remote control or keypad stops responding, it’s often due to depleted batteries. To perform this straightforward task just replace the remote’s batteries with fresh ones of the correct type. After inserting the new batteries, test the remote or keypad to ensure it’s functioning correctly. This easy DIY fix can save you the inconvenience of a malfunctioning garage door. Keep spare batteries on hand to replace them when needed.
Inspecting Your Garage Door
It’s a good idea to have your garage door inspected at least once a year by a garage door repair professional. They can spot any potential issues early before they become full blown repair emergencies.
But it’s also a good idea to inspect your own door periodically. Notice how the door moves. Does it move slower than usual? Is it louder than usual? You might be able to fix these problems by oiling the hinges, wheels and all moving parts.
You should also inspect your garage door springs for any potential repair issue. Are they slack, brittle, or wearing out? If you spot any issue of concern, contact a garage door repair professional for a more thorough inspection.