Learn which DIY garage door repairs are safe to handle and when you should contact MTGD Garage Doors, Screens & Blinds for professional garage door repair services.
Garage doors are a vital part of most homes. They offer security, protect your vehicle, and provide easy access to your house. Like all mechanical systems, garage doors can develop problems over time. Some homeowners are tempted to handle garage door repairs themselves, but it’s important to know which tasks you can safely manage and which should always be left to professionals.
In this blog, we’ll explain the basic DIY garage door repairs you can attempt, what you should never try on your own, and when it’s time to call a trusted garage door expert.
What Can Go Wrong With Your Garage Door?
Garage doors are used multiple times every day. With regular use, wear and tear are inevitable. From strange noises to doors getting stuck, many small issues can pop up over time. Not all of these problems require expensive fixes or immediate professional help. However, knowing the difference between a simple issue and a dangerous one is key to keeping your garage door working safely.
DIY Garage Door Repairs You Can Safely Handle
Lubricating Garage Door Parts
One of the easiest ways to maintain your garage door is by lubricating its moving parts. If your door is making squeaky noises or not opening smoothly, applying a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and tracks can help.
Why It’s Safe:
This task doesn’t involve heavy parts or dangerous springs. You just need a good lubricant and a cloth to wipe away dirt before applying it.
Tightening Loose Hardware
Garage doors move up and down frequently, which can loosen bolts, nuts, and screws over time. Checking and tightening these parts with basic tools can keep your garage door in good shape.
Why It’s Safe:
As long as you stick to tightening simple, visible hardware and avoid tensioned parts like springs or cables, this is an easy DIY fix.
Cleaning Garage Door Tracks
Dirty tracks can prevent your garage door from moving smoothly. Dust, leaves, and debris often get stuck in the tracks. Cleaning them with a damp cloth can help the door operate properly.
Why It’s Safe:
There’s no heavy lifting or risky work involved. Just make sure to clean without bending the tracks or using sharp tools that might damage them.
Replacing Remote Batteries
If your garage door won’t open with the remote, it might simply be a dead battery. Replacing the remote batteries is a quick fix you can easily do at home.
Why It’s Safe:
You’re working with a handheld remote, not the actual door system. This fix is completely safe and requires no special tools.
Testing Garage Door Balance (Visual Only)
You can perform a simple balance test by pulling the release handle and manually lifting the door halfway. If it stays in place, the balance is good. If it falls or rises quickly, the door is out of balance.
Why It’s Safe:
You should only test this visually. Never try to adjust the springs or cables yourself if the door seems unbalanced. This is a professional task.
Garage Door Repairs You Should Never Try on Your Own
Fixing or Replacing Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are under very high tension. Trying to repair or replace them without the right tools and training can lead to serious injury.
Why Leave It to Professionals:
Broken springs can cause the garage door to fall suddenly. Professional technicians have the skills and equipment to handle this safely.
Repairing or Replacing Garage Door Cables
Cables help lift the heavy garage door. If a cable snaps or gets tangled, do not attempt to fix it yourself.
Why Leave It to Professionals:
Cables are tightly wound and can whip dangerously if mishandled. Professionals understand how to safely relieve tension and replace them.
Realigning Bent Tracks
If your garage door tracks are bent or out of place, it may stop the door from opening or closing correctly. Never try to force them back into shape yourself.
Why Leave It to Professionals:
Incorrectly adjusting tracks can make the problem worse or even cause the door to jam or collapse. An expert can correctly align the tracks and ensure smooth operation.
Repairing Garage Door Opener Motors
If the motor in your garage door opener is not working, diagnosing or fixing it can be tricky.
Why Leave It to Professionals:
Garage door opener systems involve electrical wiring and sensitive components. Professional garage door repair technicians can safely handle these issues without causing more damage.
Replacing Entire Garage Doors
Sometimes a garage door is too damaged to repair and needs full replacement. This is never a DIY job.
Why Leave It to Professionals:
Garage doors are heavy and awkward to install without the right equipment and training. Incorrect installation can lead to injuries or future operational problems.
When to Call a Professional Garage Door Repair Company
If you hear loud banging sounds, see broken springs, or notice the garage door is moving unevenly, it’s time to call a professional. Even if the door seems to be working but you notice a slight delay, unusual noises, or jerky movements, early professional help can prevent bigger issues.
At MTGD Garage Doors, Screens & Blinds, we specialize in safe, reliable, and fast garage door repair services. We can quickly inspect, diagnose, and fix any problem to keep your garage door operating smoothly.
Conclusion
Some garage door repairs are simple enough for homeowners to handle with basic tools and a little caution. However, when it comes to springs, cables, motors, and full replacements, it’s always best to call a professional. Knowing your limits can keep you safe and ensure your garage door stays in excellent condition.
If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to contact MTGD Garage Doors, Screens & Blinds for expert garage door repair services.
FAQs About Garage Door Repair
Can I fix a noisy garage door myself?
Yes, you can often fix a noisy garage door by lubricating the moving parts with a silicone-based spray. However, if the noise continues, it’s best to call a professional for a full inspection.
How do I know if my garage door springs are broken?
If your garage door is hard to open, feels heavy, or makes loud snapping sounds, the springs might be broken. Avoid using the door and call a garage door repair expert immediately.
Is it safe to replace garage door cables myself?
No, replacing garage door cables can be very dangerous due to the high tension involved. This is always a professional job.
How often should I schedule garage door maintenance?
It’s recommended to have your garage door professionally inspected and maintained at least once a year to keep it working safely and smoothly.
Can I install a new garage door myself?
Garage door installation is not a DIY project. The doors are heavy and complex to set up properly. Professional installation is always safer and ensures correct operation.