A malfunctioning garage door is a serious inconvenience, but it can also pose a safety hazard. This guide covers some basic DIY fixes as well as repair issues that are unsafe for homeowners to attempt and must be addressed by a professional service technician.   

Common Issues with Overhead Garage Doors

All overhead doors operate on the principle of spring tension, whether they are made of sections or a single panel. They move along metal tracks on your garage walls, with the heavy lifting done by powerful springs. Some typical garage door malfunctions are often caused by:

• Misaligned tracks or rollers: This can cause the door to become stuck, making it difficult to open and close the garage door properly.
• Broken springs: These are essential for the smooth operation of a garage door. When they break, the door may only partially open or not open at all.
• Damaged cables: Cables work with the springs to lift and lower the door. If they become damaged, it can cause the door to become unbalanced and potentially collapse.
• Worn-out hardware: Over time, hinges, bolts, and other hardware can wear out or break, causing issues with the functioning of the garage door.

DIY Fixes for Common Issues

Before calling a professional service technician, there are a few DIY fixes you can try for common issues with overhead garage doors.

• Lubricate moving parts: Apply lubricant to the tracks, rollers, and hinges to help prevent them from becoming stuck or noisy
• Tighten loose hardware: Check all bolts and screws on the door and tighten any that may have become loose over time.
• Replace weather stripping: Over time, weather stripping can become cracked or worn, causing air leaks and potential damage to the door. Replace it regularly to maintain a proper seal.
• Check the sensors: Make sure that there are no objects blocking the sensors.

When to Call a Professional

While some issues with overhead garage doors can be fixed by homeowners, there are certain repairs that should only be attempted by a trained professional for safety reasons. Issues that require professional repair include:

• Broken tension springs: These can be incredibly dangerous to handle without proper training and equipment.
• Damaged panels or tracks: Dents, cracks, or warping in your door panels or tracks will require specialized tools and expertise to repair.
• Issues with the opener: Whether it's a malfunctioning motor or faulty wiring, opener issues require technical knowledge and experience to fix.

Contact a professional to learn more about residential overhead garage door repair.