DIY Tips To Fixing Your Garage Door Like a Pro

The garage door is one of the most used and important parts of any home. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most likely parts of your house to suffer from wear and tear over time. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to fix your garage door like an expert. If you’re willing to put in a little bit of work, these three DIY tips can help you get your garage door working properly again in no time! 

Check the Tracks

One of the first things you should do when troubleshooting a malfunctioning garage door is to check the tracks for any blockages or damage. A good way to test for blockages is by opening and closing the door a few times with your hand; if it feels sluggish or jerky, then there could be something blocking its movement. If that’s the case, use a broom handle (or something similar) to move anything that might be obstructing its path carefully. Another common cause of track trouble is rust or corrosion from dirt and moisture buildup—so if you notice any rust on your tracks, spray them down with WD-40 and let them dry before attempting to use them again.

Check the Springs and Cables

If your garage door is not opening or closing properly, the culprit is likely to be faulty springs or cables. The springs are responsible for lifting the weight of the door, while the cables are what actually pull it open or closed. If these parts are damaged or worn out, it will affect the movement of your garage door and prevent it from opening and closing correctly. Before attempting any repairs, make sure to turn off all power sources leading to your garage and disconnect them from any electrical outlets. Then, check all springs and cables for signs of wear and tear. If they show any signs of damage, replace them immediately, as they can be dangerous if left in poor condition.  

Look at the Springs

The springs are an essential component of many garage doors; they counterbalance the weight of the entire structure so that it can open and close easily. If your springs look worn out or damaged, then they may need replacing—which is a job best left to professional technicians. However, if they just need some lubrication or tightening (which can happen over time due to regular use), then you should be able to take care of those tasks yourself with ease. To start off, spray all moving parts with WD-40 and wipe down any excess oil that has accumulated over time. Make sure not to overtighten anything, as this can cause further damage; instead, just make sure everything is snug but not too tight. 

Test The Balance

Manually open and close your garage door several times in order to make sure that it’s balanced properly. If it doesn’t stay open without needing additional support (e.g., propping it up with something), then chances are there could be an issue with its balance—which will require some readjustment in order for it to function correctly again. To do this, locate the tension rod (usually located near where the cables attach) and adjust its tension until you feel like the amount of force required for opening/closing has been reduced significantly⁠—but not so much so that it becomes unstable or unable to move freely anymore! 

These three tips are a great starting point when trying to fix any issues that arise with your garage door—whether they be minor adjustments or more serious repairs such as spring replacement or track cleaning/alignment jobs. By following these steps and doing some simple maintenance on a regular basis (such as lubricating hinges & rollers), you can keep your garage door functioning like new for years to come! With just a little bit of elbow grease & patience, anyone can learn how to do their own garage door repairs quickly & efficiently–like a pro!