5 Simple Garage Door Repair Solutions to Try Before Calling a Pro

Have you found your garage door acting up lately – sticking, not shutting all the way, or acting noisy? Before scheduling an expensive service call, it’s worth trying some basic troubleshooting and DIY repairs first. Small issues like a loose part or needing lubrication are often easy for a homeowner to fix. 

In this blog, we will cover 5 simple solutions you can try at home to identify and remedy minor garage door problems. With just some basic tools and maintenance, you may be able to resolve the issue and avoid a service fee. Let’s dive into some tips for fixing common garage door issues yourself.

Check the Door’s Balance

One of the most common issues with garage doors is an imbalance that causes it to not run smoothly or stay up on its own. Start by making sure the door is balanced correctly. Lift the door about halfway and release – it should stay in place, not drop or swing up. If it’s unbalanced, you may need to adjust or replace the garage door springs.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Over time, the rollers, hinges, and other moving metal parts on your garage door can become dirty and gritty which causes sticking and squeaking. Take some light machine oil or lubricant spray and lubricate all visible moving metal parts like rollers, hinges, and tracks. This basic maintenance can resolve many minor issues like sticking or noise.

Tighten or Replace Loose Hardware

Check that all the hardware holding the door tracks, rollers, hinges, and springs are tight and not loose. Loose hardware is a common cause of garage door issues like shaking, sagging, or not running smoothly. Tighten any nuts or bolts you find loose with an adjustable wrench. If hardware looks worn, replace it with identical replacements from your local home improvement store.

Adjust or Align the Door and Tracks

Misaligned tracks or a door that’s no longer square can cause binding or rubbing. Inspect the tracks for any bowing outward or inward that may cause the door rollers to rub. Also make sure the door panels are still square and tracking properly in the rails. Adjust the tracks or square up the door as needed with a tape measure and wrenches.

Try Garage Door Repair in Smithfield for Additional Help

If none of the above solutions help resolve your garage door issues, it may be time to call in a professional. Look up ratings and reviews for garage door companies like Garage Door Repair in Smithfield to find someone experienced who can properly diagnose and fix more complex problems. A pro can also perform full tune-ups and safety inspections of your entire system.

When to Call a Pro

While many minor issues can be fixed yourself, it’s important to know when a problem is beyond a DIY repair. Seek professional help if:

• The door is severely misaligned and won’t roll smoothly on tracks
• There is significant damage to tracks, rollers, cables or other structural parts
• Springs are broken or seem likely to break soon
• The door won’t open or close completely
• Motors or other electronic components are malfunctioning
• Safeties or sensors aren’t working properly

With some basic maintenance and troubleshooting, many garage door problems can be addressed at home. But for more complex cases or safety concerns, trust the job to an experienced garage door technician. Taking the time to diagnose and solve minor issues yourself can save money and get your door running smoothly again.