If you start noticing that your garage door has problems opening or closing, do not ignore it. It’s better to look into the issue before you happen to get locked inside your garage. It’s also quite unpleasant if your garage door is stuck half-open when you leave to work. You might not be able to close it manually, and it would jeopardize your schedule.
Luckily, here are some things you can do on your own before calling emergency garage door repair. Remember that the tips in this article would apply if your garage door has minor malfunctions. Otherwise, it is recommended to consult specialists.
Check the Tracks
The first thing you should do is examine the tracks. It is likely that the tracks are not on track (pun intended), and it would be a good idea to adjust them. You can use your hand to check the tracks, or you can use a level if there’s one in your garage. If you notice that they are uneven, simply balance them out.
Check the Springs
The next thing you should check is the springs. Spring problems mean that your door can be hard to open and close. First, you should check if the springs are loose. If this is the case, you will need to tighten them up. To do so, place the screwdriver on top of the spring and pull the spring towards you using the pliers. Then, tighten the screw by using the screwdriver and repeat until you get all of the springs tight enough.
Your springs may also break down. In that case, you will have to replace them before any other problems occur. Look for the instructions online or contact the professional.
Check the Rollers
Another problem that might be causing your door to jam is a problem with the rollers. You need to check if they are aligned correctly. You should also inspect them for any cracks or holes. If there is something wrong with the rollers, it would be better to replace them so they work correctly and help your door move smoothly.
Replacing the rollers is not too difficult as long as you have spare rollers at home or can visit a hardware store. The best tip for finding an appropriate roller is to remove your old one and take it to the hardware store, where someone can help you find the same part.
Clean Up Your Garage
If you find that there are items blocking your garage door when it’s supposed to close, then it might be best for you to clear up space around it. This way, nothing will stop your door from getting opened. Moreover, a clean garage would look neater and more spacious.
Oil the Parts That Need Oiling
You should also make sure that all of the moving parts in your garage have some oil on them so that they can move smoothly. That includes all the hinges and rollers – so make sure that you don’t forget about any part. If you can’t reach somewhere, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Check the Door Itself for Damage
If everything else seems fine, but your garage door still doesn’t work properly, then it’s possible that there’s something wrong with the door itself. You should check for any damage, including cracks in it, dents, rusts, etc. If there are issues with that, consider replacing the door entirely instead of just fixing it. This way, your garage door would be safe enough for everyone to use it. You’ll also avoid any potentially dangerous situations.
Check Your Remote Control Batteries
You should always make sure that your remote control is working correctly, as this could be one of the causes why your garage door is not opening. A lot of people tend to forget about their remote controls after using them for a long time. However, batteries tend to stop working after a few years – so look out for that.
Check Your Circuit Breaker/Fuse Box
Another thing you should do is make sure that your circuit breaker or fuse box is working properly. If not, then there might be something wrong with it. However, there’s a high chance that you won’t be able to deal with these issues yourself. Call someone specializing in circuit breaker/fuse box repairs – a professional will figure out what is wrong and fix the problem.
Check the Weather
Abnormally hot and cold temperatures can also influence the way your garage door works. Because of the extreme weather conditions, your garage door rails can expand or contract, which will lead to damage. If that is your case, you need a professional’s help. A technician will be able to adjust the door opener’s pressure to add extra force and make your garage door work smoothly.
Call an Expert if Needed
Finally, if everything else fails or if none of these tips work for you, consider calling a professional. Look for the garage door service in your area – however, remember to check the reviews and find the experts. Otherwise, if you come across an untrustworthy company, you may lose much money, time and have nothing repaired in the end.
Experts specialize in dealing with garage doors issues and have extensive knowledge and experience. They will be the first to know what has happened to your garage door and how to fix that. Professionals can guarantee you efficiency, expertise, and quality, and thanks to them, you can be sure that your garage door will work perfectly.
Conclusion
While a garage door may not seem like the most important thing in your life when it’s working correctly, in the other case, it can jeopardize your day. Just imagine walking out of your house on a cold winter morning only to see that your garage door is stuck half-open. Or that it doesn’t open at all when you’re in a rush.
If you experience any garage door issue, our tips may help. Check if no parts are damaged, oil the hinges, check your remote control batteries – and if nothing works, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist. Keep in mind that regular maintenance is a must – it will help you avoid unpleasant situations and unnecessary costs.
