How’s your garage door working these days? Does it open and close slower than it used to? Are your springs rusty, loose or brittle in places? Are the bolts loose? Are any panels missing? Sometimes it’s best to just bite the bullet when it comes to garage doors repair.
Tighten Any Loose Parts
There are some easy repairs on your garage door you can do yourself. Start by tightening all the bolts and screws. This is something you should do every few months or so. It can eliminate a lot of that noisy rattle so your door runs smoother. It also protects the parts of your garage door from wearing out prematurely.
Check Your Springs
It’s also a good idea to inspect your springs every few months or so. Look for any signs of rust, brittleness, or stretching. If you notice problems, call a professional for an inspection. Do not try to fix the springs yourself.
Straighten the Tracks
Check your tracks to make sure they’re perfectly straight. Vertical tracks should be perfectly straight and about the same height on either side. To straighten them out, loose the bolts that hold it in place. (Don’t remove them!) Tap the tracks back into a straight position and tighten the bolts.
Replace The Door’s Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a crucial component of your garage door. Over time, weatherstripping can deteriorate or become damaged, compromising its effectiveness. You can’t effectively repair weatherstripping on an overhead garage door, you need tor replace it. To replace it, start by removing the old weatherstripping carefully. Clean the surface where the new weatherstripping will be applied, so that it adheres properly. Then, measure and cut the new weatherstripping to fit the dimensions of your garage door. Apply it snugly along the bottom edge of the door, making sure it forms a tight seal when the door is closed.
Check the Door Balance
A balanced garage door is essential for its smooth and efficient operation. When a garage door is properly balanced, it’s neither too heavy nor too light for the springs and opener to handle. To check the balance, close the door and disconnect it from the opener. Lift the door manually about halfway and let go. If it stays in place, it’s balanced; if it falls or rises, it needs adjustment. This is one of the overhead garage door repairs that should be left to professionals, but you can diagnose it yourself.
Replace the Garage Door Opener Battery
Many modern garage door openers are equipped with battery backup systems. These backup batteries need periodic replacement. To replace the battery, locate the battery compartment on the opener, typically at the back or on the side. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one of the same type and voltage.