Garage doors, while robust and durable, can occasionally run into problems. From minor malfunctions to wear and tear, understanding basic garage door repairs can save you a significant amount of time and money. However, it's essential to remember that some tasks should be left to professionals to ensure safety and proper functioning. Here are some tips for tackling basic garage door repairs.
1. Regular Maintenance
To avoid major garage door issues, it is crucial to prioritize preventive maintenance. Take the time to regularly inspect your garage door for any signs of wear and tear. This includes checking the springs for rust, ensuring smooth operation of the rollers, examining the cables for fraying, and assessing the hinges for any damage. Lubricate moving parts with a high-quality silicone or lithium spray lubricant to keep them operating smoothly.
2. Replacing Weather Stripping
The stripping located at the bottom of your garage door plays a crucial role in preventing rain, snow, and pests from entering. If you notice any cracks or damage, it's important to replace them promptly. Simply purchase a new strip, cut it to the appropriate size, and insert it into the grooves at the bottom of the door.
3. Aligning the Photo Eye
If your garage door is not closing properly, the problem may lie with the photo eye. The photo eye sends an invisible beam across the garage door opening to check for any obstructions. If the photo eyes are misaligned, the door will not close. Take care to adjust the position of the eyes until they are both pointing in the same direction.
4. Replacing the Battery in the Garage Door Opener
If your garage door fails to respond to your remote or keypad, the issue might be as straightforward as a depleted battery. The majority of garage door openers have a battery compartment that can be effortlessly accessed for battery replacement.
5. Resetting Your Garage Door Opener
Sometimes, your garage door opener may need to be reset, especially after a power outage. This typically involves locating the reset button on the opener and pressing it, but refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.
6. Checking the Tracks
If your garage door is experiencing difficulty in opening or closing smoothly, the tracks may be the underlying issue. Take a close look for any signs of dents, bends, or other noticeable damages, and employ a level to verify their proper alignment.
With these tips, you can handle some of the most common garage door repairs. However, it's important to know when to call in a professional. Tasks like spring replacement, cable repair, and major track adjustments can be dangerous if not done correctly and should always be handled by a garage door repair specialist.
Although most people don't think that much about how their garage door is functioning, it can really be detrimental if your system isn't working properly. Issues with your garage door could make it hard to access your garage or store your items properly, which can make it difficult to use your space. However, by understanding and resolving garage door problems early, you can ward off problems before they begin. On this website, you will be able to learn more about what makes garage doors tick, and what you can do to resolve early issues. After all, staying on top of repairs can be helpful later.