Home Improvement

Garage Door Repair Nightmares – Tales of DIY Gone Wrong

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. If you are looking to get your garage doors fixed, you can reach Brisbane garage door repairs.

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.

Gracie Hart

Freelance Writer, Digital Marketer, and Content Writer

Recent Posts

Interval Funds: The Investment Strategy You Might Be Missing

Ever heard of interval funds but don’t know what they are? You might have encountered…

2 days ago

Pull Up vs Chin Up: Which Builds More Muscle?

Which workout do you think is better: pull-ups or chin ups? These two exercises might…

2 days ago

What Does Kava Taste Like? A Simple Guide to Its Unique Flavor

Kava is a traditional drink in the South Pacific made using the root of the…

2 days ago

How to Prevent Hernia: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Core Health

Hernia refers to the health condition where an internal organ or tissue bulges through the…

2 days ago

10 Days in Costa Rica: The Perfect Itinerary for Adventure, Nature, and Culture

When you spend 10 days in Costa Rica, it feels like you are experiencing a…

3 days ago

Discover Ulverston Cottages – A Cosy Retreat in the Heart of the Lake District

Enhanced by the Lake District, the twin town of Ulverston is one of the best-kept…

3 days ago