Garage doors are essential for the security and convenience of your home or business. However, they can also malfunction or get damaged over time. When that happens, you need to know how to repair them or call a professional for help. Here are some tips and guidelines on how to diagnose and fix common problems.

Types of Garage Doors

There are two main types:

  • swing-up
  • roll-up

Swing-up doors are hinged at the top and open outward. Roll-up doors are made of horizontal sections that roll up on tracks along the ceiling. Both types operate on spring tension and use electric motors or manual handles to open and close.

Common Garage Door Problems

Some of the most common problems are:

• The garage door won’t open or close

• The garage door is noisy or jerky

• The garage door is off track or misaligned

• The garage door is sagging or uneven

• The garage door is damaged or dented

How to Repair a Garage Door

Depending on the type and severity of the problem, you may be able to repair your door yourself or you may need to call a professional garage door service. Here are some steps you can take for troubleshooting:

Check the power source:

Make sure the motor is plugged in and the circuit breaker is not tripped. If the power is fine, test the remote control and the keypad to see if they need new batteries or reprogramming.

Check the lock button:

Some door openers have a lock feature that prevents the door from opening or closing. Press and hold the lock button on your remote or keypad to see if it unlocks the door.

Check the sensors:

Most garage doors have safety sensors that stop the door from closing when something is in its way. These sensors are located at the base of the door near the floor and emit a laser beam across the opening. If the beam is interrupted or if the sensors are dirty or misaligned, the door will not close. Clean the sensors with a soft cloth and make sure they are facing each other. If they still don’t work, you may need to replace them.

Check the tracks:

The tracks are the metal rails that guide the door up and down. They should be clean, smooth, and level. If they are dirty, clogged, bent, or warped, they can cause the door to jam or derail. Use a broom or a vacuum to remove any debris from the tracks and use a level to check their alignment. If they are loose, tighten the screws or bolts that hold them to the wall. If they are damaged, you may need to replace them.

Check the springs:

The springs are the coiled metal wires that provide the tension and balance for the door. They are either located above the door (torsion springs) or on each side of the door (extension springs). They should be wound tightly and evenly. If they are loose, broken, or worn out, they can cause the door to be heavy, noisy, or unstable. Do not attempt to adjust or replace the springs yourself as they are under high pressure and can cause serious injury. Call a professional service instead.

Check the hinges and rollers:

The hinges are the metal brackets that connect the sections of a roll-up door. The rollers are the small wheels that allow the door to move along the tracks. They should be secure, lubricated, and free of rust and wear. If they are loose, tighten the screws or bolts that hold them to the door. If they are damaged, replace them with new ones.

When to Call a Professional

Some situations require a professional service. These include:

• Replacing broken or damaged springs

• Replacing broken or damaged cables

• Replacing broken or damaged panels

• Replacing broken or damaged motors

• Installing a new door opener

• Installing a new garage door

A professional garage door repair service can also provide regular maintenance and inspection to prevent future problems and ensure its optimal performance.

How to Find a Reliable Garage Door Service

If you need a professional service, you should look for one that has:

• Experience and expertise in repairing different types of garage doors

• Licensed and insured technicians who follow safety standards

• Quality parts and equipment that come with warranties

• Reasonable prices and transparent estimates

• Good reviews and references from previous customers

• Prompt and courteous service