Struggling to Open Your Garage Door? Common Problems and How to Repair Them
Published by Allan Cousins on
Whether it’s winter weather wreaking havoc or just normal wear and tear, garage doors don’t last forever without a bit of TLC. If you find yourself struggling to open or close your garage door, don’t panic – many problems have easy DIY fixes. In this post, we’ll cover some common garage door issues and how to repair them yourself.
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Broken Springs
Garage door springs are under a lot of tension to help lift the heavy door. Over time, they can snap. Broken springs are dangerous, so call a pro like Garage Door Repair in Yorktown for help. In the meantime, you can tie the door closed safely until they arrive. Don’t attempt spring repairs yourself – leave it to the experts.
Loose or Worn Cables
The steel cables that run from the springs to the door pulleys can loosen or rub threadbare along their path. With a cable that’s too loose, the door won’t close or open fully. Inspect cables yearly for wear and tighten those anchor bolts if needed. Frayed cables will need replacement for safety.
Bent Tracks
If your door is bumping along the tracks or dragging on one side, the tracks may be dented or out of alignment. Check that the tracks are level and square. Straightening bent metal tracks can often be done carefully with a claw hammer. Replace kinked tracks that can’t be reshaped.
Broken Door Panels
The pressed wood panels that make up your garage door can crack or splinter over time. Broken panels allow light and air leaks into your garage. You can patch smaller breaks with wood glue until ready for a full door replacement. Replace any severely damaged panels.
Faulty Opener
When the garage door opener stops working, don’t assume the motor is bad. Start with simpler fixes like replacing the batteries in the remote, realigning the safety sensors, or tightening loose connections. Dirty sensor lenses can also cause issues. Replace the opener motor if it makes concerning noises.
Proper Maintenance Prevents Problems
Lubricate all the moving parts of your tracks, rollers, hinges, and opener mechanics twice per year. Clean dirt and grime buildup. Inspect cables and springs annually for wear. Practice simple preventative maintenance to maximize your door’s lifespan. Don’t delay repairs – small issues often lead to more serious problems if ignored for too long.
Know Your Limits on Repairs
Most minor garage door fixes are simple enough for DIY. But it’s always safer to call in a pro for tasks involving heavy equipment, springs under high tension, or structural issues. Better safe than sorry. Contact a trusted company like Garage Door Repair in Yorktown for professional assessment and repair work when needed. With regular care and repairs when issues arise, your garage door can operate smoothly for many years to come.
I’m Allan Cousins! I blog about tech, how to use it, and what you should know. I love spending time with my family and sharing stories of the day with them.
