Whether your garage door springs have gone loose or the door won’t open properly anymore, garage doors need periodic maintenance and occasional repairs. Instead of paying a mechanic, try doing some basic garage door troubleshooting and repairs yourself. With a little know-how and some basic tools, you can save money and get your garage door working smoothly again. Here are some DIY tips for common garage door issues.
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Garage Door Won’t Open
One of the most common problems is a garage door that refuses to budge. First, check that the power source (electric garage door opener or manual door mechanism) is receiving power. Make sure the photo eyes safety sensors are aligned and free of any obstructions. Spin the automatic door opener shaft to see if there is any binding. Also inspect tracks, rollers, and hinges for wear and proper alignment that could cause binding. A call to Garage Door Repair in Chesapeake may be needed for major track or spring repairs.
Loose or Broken Springs
The torsion springs that help lift your garage door are under high tension and prone to snapping with age. Watch for signs like misalignment, uneven movement, or squeaking during operation. Do not attempt to adjust or replace springs yourself, as they can cause serious injury. Call a pro for spring repair or replacement before the springs fail completely.
Stuck Or Misaligned Rollers
Rollers ensure smooth travel along the tracks but sometimes come off the tracks or bind up. Clean and lubricate (white lithium grease) all rollers and tracks. Replace any rollers that are cracked or flat on the wheels. Also check that rollers are evenly spaced and aligned properly in the tracks. Bent tracks will cause binding and need to be hammered straight or replaced.
Damaged Or Worn Cables
Steel lift cables help transmit the power of the springs or motor to raise and lower your door. Watch for signs of wear like fraying or broken strands of steel wire in the cables. Cables that break can damage other components or even cause injury. Replace cables that show any wear before failure occurs. Proper cable tension is also important for smooth operation.
Inoperative Door Lock
An automatic lock on your garage door secures the door from forced entry. Check the lock mechanism for loose connections or obstructions. Also inspect striker plate and lock engagement points for wear or misalignment. Lightly lubricate moving lock parts or replace if parts are corroded or damaged. Consider an additional lock for extra security if the built-in lock is faulty.
Bent Or Twisted Tracks
Over time, the metal track that guides the rollers can become dented, bent or out of alignment from impacts. Hammer or bend tracks back into proper position if the damage is minor. For severe issues, entire sections may need replacement for smooth and safe door operation. Keep tracks and mounting brackets securely fastened to avoid twisting issues.
With some basic tools and know-how, you can troubleshoot many common garage door problems. Don’t hesitate to call a pro for major repairs like spring replacement. Performing regular maintenance keeps your garage door running safely for many trouble-free years.
Author Name is an avid home blogger, with the goal of helping his readers find inspiration and ideas for their next project. He writes about everything from small design projects to large renovations. His goal is to help people transform their homes into something that reflects who they are.
