Some garage door repairs are fairly simple and you can do them yourself. Others such as replacing springs or adjusting cables will require the expertise of a professional. Two easy repairs you can do on your garage door are noise adjustment and misaligned tracks.
Quieting a Noisy Garage Door
If you have a loud garage door that is opening and closing properly, there are several simple fixes you can try to quiet down the rattle. Start by tightening down all the bolts and nuts with a wrench. This really is something you should do a couple of times a year. It will help your door open smoother and last longer.
You might also try replacing the rollers, especially if you’ve got the old-fashioned metal kind. Nylon rollers will cost a little more, but are much quieter.
Tracks Out of Alignment
A misaligned garage door track can be a serious issue. It’s often a pretty simple fix, providing you stop using the door as soon as it happens. If you continue to use the door, you can cause serious damage both to the door and the track. That’s when this job gets expensive.
You may be able to realign the track yourself by loosening the screws that hold down the track and moving it back into position on the door. Use a level to ensure it’s perfectly straight. Once it’s back in place tighten the screws.
If the track is bent, you may be able to use a rubber mallet to gently tap it back into place.
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.