The garage doors are finicky. When the door works well, you don’t give it a second thought. However, when the door won’t raise fully, opens improperly, closes fast or you notice worn parts, it can lead to a lot of frustration.
Something as simple as a garage door spring replacement due to rust, worn, or broken springs can be a nightmare for a DIY homeowner.
There are some repairs better suited to the avid DIYer than others – garage door fixes aren’t one of them.
DIY Disasters: When Garage Door Repairs Backfire
Even if you find that you’re “handy” and can handle most home repairs on your own, garage door repairs can be your kryptonite. Some of the biggest disasters when door repairs backfire include:
When Things Go Wrong with Spring Replacement
A garage door spring replacement is one of the “easiest” repairs in a homeowner’s mind, but if you make a mistake, it can lead to:
- Door malfunction
- Injuries
- Broken doors
If the spring’s size is too large, it can cause garage door damage. Small springs may make the door open incorrectly. Garage door torsion springs need to match the original spring size from the manufacturer to:
- Allow for easy door opening
- Prevent door “bounce” when opening
- Avoid the door coming down prematurely (common with small springs)
Catastrophic Track Misalignments
Do you hear the sound of components rubbing together? If so, your door track may be misaligned. No one wants to deal with a malfunctioning door, and fixing it isn’t always easy.
Why?
You need to diagnose:
- Where the door is binding
- Loosen the rack
- Realign the door
Garage doors are heavy and often weigh 120+ pounds. If you make a mistake, the door can slam down, causing injury or damage.
Hilarious Remote Control Mishaps
Remotes make it simple for you to open the garage door without even getting out of the car. However, there are times when the remote malfunctions and simply won’t work properly. You’ll need to go down a long list of troubleshooting recommendations to make the remote work, such as:
- Checking for any source of interference between the 300 and 390 MHz frequency
- Resetting the code to see if the remote reconnects to the door properly
For many people, the culprit with their garage door remote is the batteries. Swap out the batteries to see if the remote works or not.
Learning from Mistakes: How to Avoid DIY Repair Failures
Importance of Following Manufacturer’s Instructions
Always refer back to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the door is properly installed, on track, and maintained. You can find these recommendations online for most models.
Recognizing Limitations and Hiring Professionals
Swapping out a remote battery or fixing a stuck wheel is a task most homeowners can handle. However, if you need to realign the door, change a chain or belt or there’s an issue with the spring or seal, it may be better to hire a professional.
Proper Tools and Safety Measures for DIY Repairs
If you decide to repair your garage doors yourself, make sure that you’re using the proper tools and taking the appropriate safety measures.
Ensure that you’re wearing the right safety gear when making repairs to avoid accidents or injuries.
Unconventional Garage Door Hacks: What NOT to Try
There are plenty of unconventional garage door hacks out there, but not all of them should be tried. In fact, some are downright dangerous or can cause more damage.
Bungee Cord Repairs: A Recipe for Disaster
Bungee cords are useful tools, but they’re the last thing you should be using for garage door repair.
A lot can go wrong when you use a bungee cord for repairs. For example, using one to secure a garage door opener to the ceiling could be dangerous. What if the cord comes loose?
Proper garage door repair Philadelphia in Philadelphia will ensure that your garage door opener works safely and properly.
Duct Tape Fixes That Don’t Stick Around
You can use duct tape to fix anything, right? Maybe not for your garage door. Using duct tape to fix holes or damage to your garage doors is only a temporary fix. There’s a good chance that the tape won’t stick around for long.
Duct tape is no match for a true repair, and over time, the damage may get progressively worse – not to mention the fact that duct tape is a bit of an eyesore.
Using Household Items as Replacement Parts
When you’re desperate to repair a garage door, you may resort to using household items as replacement parts. But this can lead to disaster.
Household items are not meant for garage door repairs, and at some point, you’re going to have to repair the issue properly.
In Conclusion
If you’re relying on garage door hacks to get by, it’s time to call in the professionals. Every year, people experience garage door repair nightmares after trying DIY fixes. Rather than relying on these half-fixes and delaying the inevitable, call in the experts to repair your garage doors.
