A garage door is heavy and carries a lot of tension, and trying to handle repairs without a comprehensive understanding of the mechanics can be dangerous. Moreover, it’s easy to misdiagnose problems, and fixing only the symptoms instead of the actual problem can lead to more expensive repair bills down the road.
However, if you’re handy enough to do basic diagnostics, there are a few simple fixes you can try before calling in the pros. These include replacing batteries in the remote and buying new rollers, which are often the cause of a door that moves unevenly.
Garage Door Won’t Open at All Fix: Replace the Main Gear Drive
If your opener makes a grinding sound but doesn’t move the door, it’s time to replace the main drive gear. This plastic gear comes in direct contact with the worm drive gear, and it’s the most common cause of opener failure. Replacing it is a bit more complicated than other opener repairs, but it’s well within the skill set of many DIYers.
Garage Door Opener Won’t Close All the Way Fix: Replace the Rollers
The small wheels that guide the Garage Door Fix Okotoks on its tracks are called rollers, and they can be worn out after years of use. A bad pair of rollers can make the door difficult to maneuver or get stuck, so replacing them is a fairly quick and inexpensive garage-door repair.
Garage Door Panels Are Dented
Whether your garage doors are made of wood or metal, they can become damaged due to storms or just regular wear and tear. If the damage is severe, you may be better off hiring a professional to replace them, but less serious damages can be fixed easily with paint and filler.
Garage Door Spring Is Broken Fix: Replace the Springs
Your garage door uses one or more springs to lift it, and they can break if they’re not properly maintained. Both extension and torsion springs are prone to breaking, and a snapped one can fly off and cause damage or injury. Replacing them is a messy job, but it’s worth the effort to avoid costly accidents and repairs down the line.
As with any major home improvement project, it’s important to vet potential contractors before handing over your hard-earned money. Ask friends for recommendations, read online reviews, and learn whether or not they’re licensed in your area. You can also check with your local government or industry trade group to see whether they’re a member. If a company seems pushy or unprofessional, it’s best to find another contractor.