Garage Door Repairs: When to DIY and When to Call a Professional
A. Signs That You Need to Call a Professional
1. Lack of Knowledge – If you are not completely comfortable with the repair process for your garage door, it is best to leave such work to a professional. Repairing a garage door requires a certain level of knowledge, skill, and experience. Attempting to repair your garage door without knowledge of the specific parts and procedures may lead to a more complex problem, or may even cause injury.
2. Safety Issues – If you encounter any signs of a potential safety issue while attempting a repair, then it is best to cease work and contact a professional right away. Examples of safety issues include any issue that involves the electrical components or recent damage to the door or its parts.
3. Complex Repairs – Certain types of garage door repairs are simply too complex for DIY repair. If you are dealing with an issue that requires a professional technician to accurately diagnose and rectify, then you should contact a professional in order to get the job done correctly.
B. DIY Garage Door Repairs Tips
1. Inspect the Track – One of the more common issues that people encounter with their garage door is an obstruction in the track. To address this issue, start by taking a look at the track itself. See if there are any screws that may have become loose or any dirt or debris that may be causing the obstruction. If the issue persists, contact a professional.
2. Clean the Door and Track – Over time, dirt, debris, and other materials can become lodged within the track or on the door itself, which can cause the door to malfunction or become stuck. To avoid this issue, one should inspect the door and track on a regular basis and clean away any materials that may have become lodged in the track. This can be done with a soft cloth or a brush.
3. Test the Balance – If your garage door seems to be off balance, it may need to be adjusted. To determine if this is the issue, disconnect the automatic opener and manually open and close the door. If the door does not move easily, then it may need to be adjusted. This process requires a certain level of knowledge and skill, so it is best to leave such work to a professional.
C. DIY Garage Door Repairs and Maintenance
1. Inspect the Door – Inspecting the door on a regular basis is important for preventing problems in the future. Start by checking the door for signs of rust, rot, or other damage. If any of these issues are present, contact a professional immediately.
2. Clean the Door – Taking an occasional damp sponge to the exterior of your garage door can help to keep it looking new and can help to prevent any issues that may arise due to dirt or debris sticking to the surface of the door.
3. Lubricate Moving Parts – It is important to regularly lubricate the moving parts of your garage door, such as the hinges and the tracks. This will help to ensure that the door moves smoothly and will help to prevent any issues that may arise due to lack of lubrication.
D. FAQs
1. How often should I inspect my garage door?
Answer: It is recommended that you inspect your garage door on a regular basis, especially before the winter begins, to make sure it is in good working order.
2. How do I know when it’s time to call a professional?
Answer: If you encounter any signs of a potential safety issue while attempting a repair, then it is best to cease work and contact a professional right away. Examples of safety issues include any issue that involves the electrical components or recent damage to the door or its parts.
3. What lubricants should I use to lubricate the moving parts of my garage door?
Answer: It is best to use a light lubricant such as silicone or a lubricating spray specifically designed for garage doors.
4. What should I do if my garage door doesn’t open or close?
Answer: If your garage door does not open or close, it could be due to an issue with the tracks or the motor. If this is the case, it is best to contact a professional right away in order to ensure that the issue is fixed properly.
5. How often should I clean my garage door?
Answer: It is recommended that you take an occasional damp sponge to the exterior of your garage door at least once per month in order to keep it looking new and to prevent any issues that may arise due to dirt or debris sticking to the surface of the door.
6. Is it possible to adjust a garage door myself?
Answer: Adjusting a garage door requires a certain level of knowledge and skill, so it is best to leave such work to a professional.
7. What type of maintenance do garage door openers need?
Answer: Garage door openers should be inspected and serviced on a regular basis, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This includes lubricating the moving parts, inspecting the safety sensors, and testing the balance of the door.
8. How can I tell if my garage door opener needs to be repaired or replaced?
Answer: If your garage door opener is not working properly, it may be due to a number of factors, such as a lack of power, a malfunctioning motor, or a broken chain. If you are unsure of the cause, it is best to contact a professional to help diagnose the issue.
9. What type of preventative maintenance can I do to ensure my garage door opener lasts longer?
Answer: Preventative maintenance for your garage door opener includes regularly servicing the opener, lubricating the moving parts, and inspecting the safety sensors. Additionally, it is important to inspect the door and track on a regular basis and clean away any materials that may have become lodged in the track.
10. How much does it cost to replace a garage door opener?
Answer: The cost of replacing a garage door opener can vary depending on the type of opener and the specific model. On average, you can expect to pay between $150 and $350 for a new garage door opener.
Before embarking on garage door repairs, it is important to consider whether to DIY or to call a professional. If you decide to upgrade your garage door, then you should check out our blog on Upgrading Your Garage Door: Factors to Consider to get an understanding of the factors you should consider.
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For more information on how to improve the aesthetic of your home, read our blog The Role of Garage Doors in Enhancing Curb AppealThe Role of Garage Doors in Enhancing Curb Appeal for helpful tips.
