When it comes to repairs around the house, many of us like to take the DIY route to save time, money, and avoid the trouble of scheduling a repairman. There are certain household repairs that most homeowners can handle on their own, and it is commendable to be able to take care of certain repairs as they arise. However, when it comes to DIY garage door repairs, there are certain things that should be left to professionals. 

Do These DIY Garage Door Repairs 

There are some quick and easy DIY garage door repairs that most homeowners would feel comfortable tackling without the assistance of a professional. If you are having any of these garage door issues, you can try your hand at the repair if you feel confident in your skills.

Loose Nuts and Bolts

At some point, you might notice a clattering noise when your garage door opens and closes. This problem might be easily solved by simply tightening loose hardware on the door. Changes in temperature inside and outside the garage can cause nuts and bolts to expand or contract, so throughout the year, you might find yourself needing to grab your tools and tighten things up a bit. If this doesn’t fix the problem, call a professional to diagnose the issue. 

Garage Door Lubrication

Another easy DIY repair is simply lubricating the garage door. This should be a regular maintenance chore on your list because there is constant friction between the moving parts of the door as you open and close the door day after day. You will know you need to lubricate the door when you start to hear that awful sound of metal scraping. If this chore goes ignored for too long, it can cause damage to the garage door. Pro tip: use lubricant made specifically for garage doors. 

Remote Batteries and Sensors

If your garage door won’t open or close, don’t panic. It could be as simple as replacing the batteries in the remote or cleaning the sensors. The small sensors located at the bottom of the garage door can get bumped out of alignment or be covered in dirt, causing them not to work properly. Gently wipe them off and make sure they are straight, then try opening or closing the garage door again. If these two things don’t fix the problem, it may be time to call a garage door repair company. 

Don’t Try These DIY Garage Door Repairs Yourself

If your garage door is malfunctioning or gets damaged, calling a skilled garage door repair professional is the way to go. There are many intricate parts that work together to keep your garage door balanced and in place as it opens and closes. With certain DIY garage door repairs, things can go sideways and end up causing more damage which will cost more money. 

Garage Door Tracks

The tracks on your garage door hold the very heavy door in place, and if they happen to be damaged, the door could come crashing down and injure someone or damaged items in your garage. If you have issues with your garage door tracks being jammed, bent, corroded, or the door has come off its tracks, beware. Don’t risk injury by trying to repair it yourself, and call a professional as soon as possible. 

Garage Door Springs

If you’re having trouble with your garage door springs and are considering a DIY repair, stop yourself before it’s too late. Spring repairs gone badly are a surefire way to ruin your garage door or worse…lose a finger! 

Garage Door Openers

When it comes to garage door openers, they contain small parts and can be challenging to repair. Rather than prying your opener apart and tinkering with the insides, leave it to a professional. They can fix your opener quickly and you won’t risk making the issue worse by poking around. 

Garage Door Rollers, Cables, and Drums

Each garage door part is under a high amount of tension and works together to keep the garage door from falling down. Without extensive knowledge about the construction of a garage door, attempting a DIY garage door repair can go very badly. So if there are issues with the rollers, cables, drums, or any other part of the garage door, leave it to a professional to diagnose and repair the issue. 

Garage Door Repair In Columbia, MO

If your garage door requires repair, call the professionals at G.P. Construction. We offer garage door service and garage door repair for all makes and models of existing garage doors and openers! Let us help you ensure the life of your garage door with maintenance and repair with a professional touch. Get a free estimate today!