Whether you’ve had your garage door for years or just moved into a new home, issues that require garage door repair will inevitably arise. By addressing minor problems before they worsen, you can save money and keep your door functioning smoothly for longer. In this blog post, we’ll look at the top five most common garage door repair issues homeowners face and how to fix them yourself.
Table of Contents
Loose or Bent Tracks
The metal tracks that your garage door rolls on can become loose, bent, or bowed from regular use over time. If the tracks are not correctly aligned, it causes the door to get stuck. Track issues are one of the most frequent reasons for garage door repair.
To repair loose or misaligned tracks, you’ll need an adjustable wrench. First, check that all the bolts and screws connecting the tracks to the garage wall or ceiling are securely tightened. Any that are loose should be tightened. For minor bends in the track, carefully bend the metal back into proper position with the wrench. Don’t force sharp bends that could damage the track.
If a track is significantly bent or bowed, it’s best to replace it entirely rather than risk further problems down the line. Measure the length of the old track and purchase a new one cut to size from your local home and hardware store. Installation is the reverse of removal – bolt the new track securely in place. With tracks in good condition, your door will roll smoothly again.
Broken Springs
The extension springs located above the garage door help balance and lift the heavy door. They are placed under high tension and can snap with age or excessive pressure on the door. Broken springs should never be tampered with, as the remaining tension can cause serious injury.
If you hear a loud “ping” sound and your door becomes very difficult to open, it’s a sign the springs have likely broken. The best option is to call for professional garage door repair. Integrity Garage Door Repair in Franklin or their team can safely replace broken springs and adjust the new ones properly so your door operates efficiently again. It’s worth paying a pro for this repair rather than risking injury.
Loose or Worn Rollers
The plastic or metal wheels (rollers) that the sections of your garage door slide up and down on top of can loosen on their brackets or wear out over time. This causes the door to not glide smoothly during opening and closing.
You’ll need an adjustable or socket wrench to fix this common issue. First, check that the roller brackets along the sides of each door section are securely tightened to the metal. If any are loose, tighten the nuts or bolts. Examine each roller and spin it – if it’s cracked, flat, or doesn’t spin freely, it needs replacement. Measure the old rollers and buy identical new ones to keep alignment correct. Your door operation will improve with fresh, properly installed rollers turning smoothly.
Broken Cables
The steel lift cables that run above or behind your garage door sections are placed under high tension like the extension springs. With age and wear, they can eventually snap if not properly maintained. If a cable breaks, do not operate the door until both cables are replaced to avoid further damage.
Cables are best replaced by a professional garage door technician due to the precautions involved. Experts recommend annual cable inspections along with spring inspections during his garage door tune-ups. This allows any small issues to be caught and addressed before a cable fully fails. Replacing cables at the first sign of wear helps prevent more extensive repairs.
Loose Hinges or Bearings
The metal hinges and bearings connecting each section of your garage door are also subject to loosening and wear over time. Loose hinges can cause the door to develop a misalignment as it moves up and down the tracks. Worn bearings may cause squeaking and resistance in operation.
To repair, spray lubricant can help quiet squeaky bearings if they’re still intact. Loose hinge screws need to be tightened but don’t over-tighten. Replace any hinges that are cracked, cannot be securely tightened, or are excessively worn. New hinges and bearings from your local hardware store are inexpensive to install yourself with basic tools. Your door will run much smoother after this maintenance.
With regular inspection and minor repairs of these common issues, your garage door can function dependably for many years to come. I recommend scheduling annual tune-ups with a professional technician like Integrity Garage Door Repair to inspect components for signs of wear. Catching small problems early allows them to be addressed quickly and inexpensively. This prevents further damage and extends the life of your door.
