How to Fix My Garage Door
A. Common Garage Door Problems
1. Door Won’t Open or Close – This happens when the metal tracks, rollers, pulleys, and springs that support the door are messed up, the motor isn’t working, there’s an obstruction blocking the door, or the door’s switch is damaged.
2. Door Moves Slower Than Usual – This usually happens when the motor or chain drive are too weak, when the garage door needs to be lubricated, or when a part of the track needs to be repaired or adjusted.
3. Door Makes Loud Grinding Noise – This happens when the motor or chain drive are too weak, when the garage door needs to be lubricated, or when a part of the track needs to be repaired or adjusted.
4. Door Has Unusual Vibration – This issue is caused by a damaged garage door track, a misaligned garage door, or by a clogged roller or low-grade wheel.
5. Door Opens and Closes Unevenly – This happens when the metal tracks, rollers, pulleys, and springs that support the door are messed up, the motor isn’t working, there’s an obstruction blocking the door, or the door’s switch is damaged.
B. DIY Garage Door Fixes
1. Replacing a Broken Rollers or Wheels – To do this, you will need to remove the damaged wheel and replace it with a new one. It’s important to make sure the new wheel is the same size and weight as the old one.
2. Adjusting a Misaligned Track – If the track is slightly off, you can adjust it by using a plumb bob and a level. First, you will need to mark the track at the point of adjustment, then make sure the track is level and plumb.
3. Tightening the Springs – The springs can become loose over time due to wear and tear, and this can cause the door to move slower or make a grinding noise. To fix this, you will need to tighten the springs using a wrench.
4. Replacing a Damaged Opener Switch – The opener switch is an important component in a garage door system, and if it’s not working properly, the door won’t open or close. To replace the switch, you will need to unscrew the old one and install a new one.
5. Lubricating the Moving Parts – If the door is making a loud grinding noise, it may be because the moving parts are not properly lubricated. To fix this, you will need to use a lubricating spray or oil and apply it to the tracks, rollers, and pulleys.
C. Call a Professional
1. When to Call a Professional – If you have tried the DIY fixes but the issue still persists, it may be time to call a professional. A professional can diagnose the issue and provide a more permanent solution.
2. Cost of Professional Repair – Professional repair can vary in cost depending on the issue. It’s best to get an estimate from a professional before starting the repair process.
3. Finding a Professional – When looking for a professional, it’s important to make sure they are licensed and insured. You can check reviews online and ask for references from people you know in order to ensure you are getting quality service.
D. Preventive Maintenance
1. Regularly Check for Obstructions – It’s important to regularly check for any obstructions that may be preventing the door from opening or closing properly. This can include leaves, twigs, and other debris that may have made their way into the tracks.
2. Clean the Tracks – The tracks should be regularly cleaned with a damp cloth or brush in order to prevent dirt and grime from building up and causing the door to move slower or make a grinding noise.
3. Lubricate the Moving Parts – It’s important to regularly lubricate the moving parts in order to ensure the door opens and closes properly. Use a lubricating spray or oil and apply it to the tracks, rollers, and pulleys.
4. Check the Balance – Over time, the balance of the door can become off, which can cause the door to move slower than usual. To check the balance, open the door halfway and let go. If the door stays in place, the balance is good; if the door moves up or down, it needs to be balanced.
5. Test the Door – It’s important to regularly test the door by opening and closing it several times. This will help you identify any issues before they become worse.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my garage door needs to be repaired?
– If the door won’t open or close, moves slower than usual, makes a loud grinding noise, has unusual vibration, or opens and closes unevenly, it may need to be repaired.
2. What are some DIY garage door fixes?
– Replacing a broken rollers or wheels, adjusting a misaligned track, tightening the springs, replacing a damaged opener switch, and lubricating the moving parts are some DIY fixes for a garage door.
3. When should I call a professional?
– If you have tried the DIY fixes but the issue still persists, it may be time to call a professional. A professional can diagnose the issue and provide a more permanent solution.
4. How much does it cost to call a professional?
– Professional repair can vary in cost depending on the issue. It’s best to get an estimate from a professional before starting the repair process.
5. What should I look for when finding a professional?
– When looking for a professional, it’s important to make sure they are licensed and insured. You can check reviews online and ask for references from people you know in order to ensure you are getting quality service.
6. How can I prevent garage door issues?
– Regularly check for obstructions, clean the tracks, lubricate the moving parts, check the balance, and test the door regularly in order to prevent garage door issues.
7. What should I use to lubricate the moving parts?
– Use a lubricating spray or oil to lubricate the moving parts.
8. How do I adjust a misaligned track?
– To adjust a misaligned track, mark the track at the point of adjustment, then make sure the track is level and plumb.
9. When should I replace a damaged wheel?
– You should replace a damaged wheel when it is too worn or damaged to be repaired.
10. How do I know if my door’s balance is good?
– To check the balance, open the door halfway and let go. If the door stays in place, the balance is good; if the door moves up or down, it needs to be balanced.
