DIY vs Professional Garage Door Repair

As a home or business owner, you know that maintaining your property needs consistent effort. Whether you approach DIY projects head-on or engage professional help, house and property maintenance is probably always on your mind.

If you are experiencing issues with your garage door and aren’t sure how to handle it, let the experts at idcAutomatic assist you!

When Repairs Require a Professional

When considering repairs for your garage door, contacting a specialist for assistance is usually the best choice for a range of reasons, which include the following:

• If you’re not an industry professional, obtaining the parts needed for replacement may not be simple.
• A malfunctioning garage door opener can cause significant damage if it isn’t operating properly.
• The weight of a garage door will make it difficult to move on your own.
• Several garage door mechanisms work together as part of a whole system that will fail in some way if they are not reset.

Certain tasks require tools and industry knowledge to complete without causing injury or more damage. As for garage door tuneups, damage to some components may require the assistance of a trained garage door repair technician, including degradation of the springs, tracks, opener, cables, rollers and drums.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Before you have to call a professional or attempt some DIY garage door repairs, here are some preventive maintenance tips to keep your door in good condition for longer:

• Conduct regular inspections: Visual inspections of the springs, tracks and other visible components for signs of damage or rust are easy and will help you identify a potential issue before it worsens.
• Test safety mechanisms: The auto-reverse feature is a standard safety component in garage doors. Test it by placing a small item under the door and closing it. If the door doesn’t reverse when it makes contact, you can give us a call to have it looked at.
• Clean components: At least once a week, check the tracks, rollers, hinges and any other easy-to-reach components for any dirt or debris that might cause a jam. You can wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any obstructive dirt.

DIY Garage Door Repairs You Can Try

Whenever you attempt a DIY garage door repair, safety must come first. Components such as the springs and cables hold so much tension that if released without first unwinding them, they can cause serious injury to you or the person helping you. To be safe, always call a professional if you think a spring or cable is damaged. 

Garage doors are heavy, often weighing upward of 100 pounds. So, if your garage door malfunctions while opening, don’t stand under it, and always secure it with a door brace or by putting a sturdy ladder underneath it to stop it from falling. Remember to wear steel-toed boots, safety glasses and gloves when attempting DIY repairs.

However, if you want to adjust or repair your garage door, don’t fret — there are times when doing so may be the best option. A successful DIY solution can save money and provide a feeling of achievement. Here are some do-it-yourself garage door repairs you can accomplish:

• Change the remote batteries: If you find that your garage door won’t open or close, you can try a few simple tricks on your own. First, change the remote batteries and inspect the small sensors ,called photo eyes, at the bottom of your door. If the sensor lens seems dirty or unaligned, clear out the debris and straighten it.
• Replace the weather seal: You’ll know your garage door needs a weather seal replacement when you can see sunlight from under the door or have noticed small animals or water creeping in. A weather seal is a straightforward and cost-effective repair. It’s important to know the right type and size of seal — all types can likely be found at your local hardware store.
• Apply lubrication: Lubrication applied evenly will keep your door in good condition. Since there is constant friction between the moving components of the door, lubrication is critical to keeping it working correctly.
• Tighten door fittings: Temperature fluctuations can cause nuts, bolts and hinges to expand and contract. If this happens, grab your toolbox and a little grease to tighten the door hardware if small parts appear loose.

Call idcAutomatic for All Your Garage Door Repairs

Are you wondering whether your garage door needs a simple tuneup or a replacement? Perhaps you’ve tried a do-it-yourself garage door repair project at home and still notice that your garage door or automatic opener is faulty or damaged. If so, idcAutomatic is here to help.

For over four decades, we’ve been committed to putting our customers first in Minnesota communities such as St. Paul, Blaine, Minneapolis, Minnetonka and nearby areas.

For the largest selection and the best quality garage door repairs, installations or services in the Twin Cities area, contact idcAutomatic today.