Garage door stopped working? Relax. The reason may be simpler than you think. In fact, you may be able to fix it yourself. While some garage door repairs like broken torsion springs and panel replacement are best left to the professionals, there are a few common overhead door problems that are a quick, safe DIY repairs.
Later, we’ll talk about the times you should just call in a pro instead of fixing it yourself. But first, here are our best tips for 3 at-home garage door repairs:
The Garage Door Opener’s Transmitter Batteries are Dead
There’s nothing more frustrating than spending hours trying to figure out why your garage door opener won’t work only to have it dawn on you to check the remote batteries and find that they’re dead. Don’t feel stupid. Sometimes the culprit behind a broken garage door is as simple as dead batteries; it’s sort of the best-case scenario.
Another common oops! with a garage door opener that isn’t working is that the power source for the opener’s motor unit has become unplugged, or the circuit tripped and needs reset. So before you get stressed because no matter how many times you hit the opener button nothing happens, check the power sources.
The Garage Door’s Track has Become Misaligned
If your garage door is out of alignment, it could be serious and require the help of a professional. However, much of the time, depending on how out of alignment the door is, you may be able to fix it yourself. Are there gaps between the rollers and the rails, or are there bends in the rails? Are there any issues with the springs, or are we talking about a simple track realignment?
The issue with a door that’s out of balance or off-track is that it will cause a cascade effect of wear and tear on all the other garage door’s parts, the opener, and the door itself. The weight of the door only makes it worse overtime, which cause repair costs for your garage door to pile up.
If you catch a misaligned door early, you may be able to work the track back into place. If not, call a professional like SACS GARAGE DOOR REPAIR for 24/7 service.
Your Overhead Door’s Photo Eyes are Out of Alignment or Obstructed
This is another super-simple issue that can cause a garage door to act erratic, failing to lower and open correctly. There are photo eyes located on either side of the bottom of your garage door’s frame that point at each other. An invisible beam transmits between the two eyes, and if blocked by an object, this prevents the door from closing. It’s a safety measure to prevent the door lowering on kids or pets, as well as to protect the door from lowering onto an object that can damage it.
Sometimes an eye will be moved out of alignment, preventing the door from working. Simply move the eye back into position. The eye may also require cleaning. You may be able to solve this garage door service problem with a rag and a bucket of soapy water. Occasionally, sun interference can cause photo eyes to think there’s an obstruction. If this is the case, just switch each eye to the opposite side of the door so the transmitter eye is shaded.
Garage Door Repairs that are Better Left to the Professionals
While you can find YouTube videos on most of these please-don’t-do-it-yourself garage door repairs, just because you can do something doesn’t necessarily mean you should.
- Torsion and extension spring replacement
- Cable and pulley replacement
- Broken garage door panel and/or door replacement
There are dangers associated with these types of repairs, but there are also other things to consider. A garage door needs to be hung precisely, and the cables and springs need to be set correctly for your door to function properly, last a long time, and make the garage door opener’s job easier so it can also have a longer lifespan.
One last note, another factor in deciding whether to do a garage door repair yourself or have a professional door install and service company do it for you is part warranties. Often, especially in cases of overhead door openers, installation, service and repairs by anyone who isn’t certified in that brand of garage door will void any warranties.
Staring down the face of a garage door repair but aren’t sure if you should fix it yourself or not? Give us a call; we’re always happy to give advice or come out for a service visit.