Garage Door Repairs: Some Common Problems and How To Check Them

Even with the best installation process, garage door repairs are likely to be a necessity at some point in your home ownership. As with everything else you own, things simply don't last forever. With some of the more egregious problems, you might have to call out a service company and have them take a look. Not always, however. Some of the smaller issues you're likely to have can easily be checked and fixed by the homeowner themselves. Here are some of the most common problems and how you can check them on your own.

First, a note before you get started: If you have an electric system, turn the power off to the system before you do any checking for damage or things you can fix. This will go a long way towards preventing an accident.

The Tracks

Even with a smooth system, many common garage door repairs are centered around the tracks these doors use to move up and down. Just a slight bend in the metal here or there can cause the system to get stuck. Take a close look at the tracks and see if there is anything that might be obstructing the pathway. Check for any dents that can be pulled out. This is usually an easy fix and can be done with nothing more than a hammer and a small block of wood.

Cleaning

If you aren't cleaning your tracks on a semi-regular basis, you are being derelict in your maintenance duties! Seriously, keeping your tracks clean is one of the most important aspects of keeping your doors working properly. If you're having problems and are considering what garage door repairs you might need, make sure you get some cleanser and take it to the tracks. It could save you the embarrassment of paying a service technician to come out and do the same.

Oil

In order to smoothly run up and down the tracks, the door needs lubrication. There are many oils that will do the trick, but try to use something that won't be likely to leave a lot of buildup and crud, which can have the opposite effect. Of course, if you're cleaning your tracks every so often, it shouldn't much matter.

Know When To Stop

If some of the simple solutions don't bring you any closer to fixing your problem, know when it is time to step away. For instance, if the problem is any of the springs, you will probably want to entrust the garage door repairs to a specialist. It's better to spend a little money than to risk the serious injury that can come with digging too deeply into the problem without the proper tools and expertise.