You, as a homeowner, desire nothing less than a house in pristine condition. Thus, it is an annoyance if there is an issue in the garage. Assuming you’re typical when issues arise in the garage, the problem revolves around the garage door. A repair is necessary if the garage door makes noises like clattering or rattling, gets jammed, or lets water seep underneath.
We generally advocate for homeowners to be self-sufficient in terms of knowledge, resources, and tools, including garage doors. That’s why we created this tutorial!
Although you may always hire a service provider, you’ll probably save more money and time if you do it yourself! You might be able to resolve the issue in under half an hour, given your degree of expertise and the seriousness of the problem.
Keep in mind that you should contact an expert if you experience any kind of discomfort. Garage door cables and springs are under a lot of tension, and they can be very dangerous if not handled properly.
Ways to Fix Garage Doors on Your Own
If you want to fix your garage door but don’t want to call a contractor, try these tips:
1. Switch Batteries and Clean The Sensors.
First things first: Check the batteries in your garage door opener to see if it still won’t open or close. In many cases, this is where the issue begins.
The electric eye sensors located at the door’s base should be cleaned if that fails. Get rid of any filth by using a gentle microfiber cloth.
Lastly, make sure the sensors are not misaligned. If they’re not facing each other, make sure they’re facing the right way.
2. Tighten Nuts, Hinges, Bolts To Fix Rattling & Clattering
The hardware on your garage door might become loose from use and temperature changes, so if you hear clattering or rattles, you might have to tighten it. The next step is this:
- Secure your rails to the mounting brackets by tightening the bolts.
- Make sure the roller brackets are in good repair.
- Get a pro to fix your bottom roller bracket if you see any signs of wear. Inexperienced people can get hurt since the lower bracket has a high-tension cable.
3. Put Lubricant Between the Moving Parts
Your garage door’s ability to glide up and down regularly depends on well-lubricated parts. A tune-up is in order if your garage door makes a lot of noise while operating, such as squeaking, screeching, or loud squealing.
The correct way to grease a garage door is as follows:
- The garage door hinges should be sprayed with a spray can of lithium-based garage door lubricant when they touch the track curve.
- For metal rollers, you can reach the ball bearings by spraying the lubricant inside them using the spray can’s narrow hose attachment. Caution: Nylon rollers do not require lubrication.
- Be sure to lubricate the garage door’s upper springs well. Spray all around the springs before spraying inside the bearing plates.
- To distribute the grease, open and close the door several times.
A word of caution: if you ever experience problems locking or unlocking your garage door, spray some lubricant into the keyhole.
4. Clean The Tracks
After you’ve tried everything else and your garage door still won’t open, you should inspect the tracks. They become less effective when they accumulate dirt, debris, and filth.
The correct way to clear your tracks is as follows:
- Turn off the garage door.
- Spoon brake cleaner for automobiles onto a moist, absorbent cloth.
- After applying brake cleaner, use the rag to wipe the tracks if needed.
Take note: Before you clean the tracks, ensure your garage door is locked with a C-clamp so it doesn’t move.
5. Change Out The Weather Seal
The purpose of the weather seal is to prevent water, debris, and wind from seeping under your door’s base. If you notice water dripping or leaves sticking out from beneath the door, you should change the weather seal.
Although changing the seal is not difficult, you should be aware of the following: Most garage doors utilize a U-shaped astragal, which is typically sized according to the width when the door is closed and squeezed flat.
Repairing Garage Doors: Points You Must Know
You can maintain your garage door in excellent shape in many ways besides doing repairs yourself. If you want to keep your garage door in good repair, follow these guidelines:
1. Make Regular Checks of Your Door
You should check for damage to your garage door regularly. Make sure everything is in good functioning condition and replace any worn-out components.
2. Secure Fasteners
Make sure to tighten any loose hardware or make a squeaking sound regularly. Your garage door will open and close more easily if you do this. Seek prompt assistance from a garage door repair Orange County company if the issue continues.
3. Wipe Off Your Sensors
You should clean your sensors often to keep them in top operating condition. One option is to use compressed air, while another is to use a moist towel.
4. Check Safety Sensors
Your garage door system would be incomplete without safety sensors. Check on them from time to time and clean them if needed. If the sensors are malfunctioning, seek the help of a garage door repair expert.
5. Maintain a Level Door Base
In order to operate safely, a garage door must be well-balanced. If the door is not balanced, you can find that it moves unevenly when you open and close it. Inspect it often and make adjustments as needed.
6. Inspect Weatherstripping
To keep the elements out of your garage, weatherstripping is a must-have. Replace it if needed; inspect it every several months.
In the end!
These easy DIY repairs and maintenance ideas can extend the life of your garage door. Ultimately, if you inspect and maintain it regularly, your door can last longer with less wear and tear.
