Troubleshooting 101: 5 Common Garage Door Repairs

Have you ever been wrestling with a garage door that won’t behave? Whether refusing to open, making ominous noises or becoming noticeably unbalanced, garage door troubles can pose safety risks. Fortunately, many common issues have straightforward fixes. This guide will walk you through five typical garage door problems, offering DIY garage repair solutions and advice on when it might be time to call the professionals. 

A door that won’t open or close smoothly can be caused by obstructions in the tracks or issues with the rollers. First, inspect the tracks for any debris or accumulation of dirt that could be causing the obstruction. Cleaning the tracks and lubricating the rollers often solves the problem. However, if the door remains stuck, the issue could be more severe, like bent tracks or worn-out rollers, which might require professional attention. If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue or you notice bent tracks or severely worn rollers, it’s time to call in a professional. 

Loud noises coming from your garage door are annoying and could indicate underlying problems. Common culprits include loose hardware, worn rollers or dry hinges. Tightening all screws and bolts and lubricating the rollers and hinges usually quietens things down. If the noise persists, it may be due to something more serious, such as a problem with the garage door opener or its motor, necessitating expert intervention. 

If your garage door opens a little but then reverses, the problem might be with the safety sensors. These sensors can sometimes get misaligned or accumulate dirt, preventing them from functioning correctly. Ensure nothing is blocking the sensors and clean them with a soft cloth. If aligning and cleaning the sensors doesn’t fix the issue, the problem could be with the wiring or the opener, which a professional best handles. If the problem persists even after these steps, consulting a professional specialising in garage door repairs can be helpful to avoid further damage or safety hazards.

When your garage door remote control stops working, start with the simplest solution: replace the batteries. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to reprogram the remote or the opener’s settings. After replacing the batteries, if the remote control still fails to operate correctly, attempt to reprogram it. If reprogramming does not fix the issue, ask for an expert’s intervention to restore its full functionality. 

Over time, your garage door can begin to sag, especially if it’s wooden. This sagging can interfere with the door’s operation. To fix this, you can use a tension rod to straighten the door. Place the rods diagonally from the top to the bottom corners of the back of the door and gradually tighten them until the door is level. If the sagging is severe, this might only be a temporary solution before more comprehensive repairs are needed. You can temporarily fix minor sagging with tension rods to realign the door. However, if the door continues to sag or the issue quickly recurs, this is a sign of structural weakness. Professional repairs are crucial at this point to prevent potential failures and ensure the door operates safely and efficiently.

Garage door issues can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and tools, many common garage door problems can be resolved through simple troubleshooting steps. However, when these issues persist or you need clarification on your DIY repair skills, seeking professional help is the safest and most effective way to ensure your garage door is repaired correctly and safely. At LT Doors, we understand the frustrations of garage door problems. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing high-quality service in garage door repairs, installations and maintenance. Don’t let a faulty garage door disrupt your day. Contact us for an expert assessment and experience of the benefits of professional maintenance and repair.