DIY garage door repairs

[edit] Common Garage Door Repairs

Garage doors are the largest moving object in your home and, as such, are subject to a lot of wear and tear. You may notice over time that your garage door isn't working as smoothly or efficiently as it used to.

Below is a breakdown of the most common garage door repairs and how long they are likely to take:

• Replacing garage door springs: One of the most common repairs is broken garage door springs; usually, it takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
• Replacing garage door panels: Replacing panels on your garage door can take anywhere from 1-2 hours; of course, this depends on the severity of the damage.
• Replacing garage door opener: When a not working garage door opener is, you will need to replace it. This repair usually takes between 1-2 hours.
• Tightening loose hardware: Over time, your garage door hardware can become loose. Tightening all of the bolts and nuts on your garage door should only take a few minutes.

It is always most beneficial to consult a professional before attempting any repairs yourself if you are undergoing any problems with your garage door. They will quickly diagnose the problem and provide you with the best solution.

A few things that you must know before attempting to fix your garage door:

• Garage doors are heavy, and you might seriously injure yourself if you are not careful.
• Garage doors are very complex, and even a tiny mistake can cause big problems.
• Garage doors work under a lot of tension, and if you do not release that tension carefully, the door could spring open and cause severe damage or injury.

[edit] 5 Steps How To Repair A Garage Door

[edit] Step 1 Check the Tracks

Before you go any further, look at the mounting brackets holding your tracks to the walls. If they're loose or bent, tighten them.

Work inside the garage with the door closed and directly below where it meets flooring (or wall), and examine everything closely for dents.

[edit] Step 2 Check the Rollers

One common problem is that the rollers can become worn out, making it difficult for the door to open and close smoothly. Fortunately, this is a problem you can often fix with little time and effort:

• First, you will need to purchase replacement rollers. To buy the correct size, ensure to measure the width and length of your existing rollers. You may also want to buy a few extras if you make a mistake during installation.
• Once you have your new rollers, remove the old ones by loosening the screws that hold them in place. If you have screw-removing difficulty, you may need to use a drill or an impact driver.
• Instal the new rollers by screwing them into place. Again, use the proper size screws to stay securely in place. Garage door repair is now complete!

[edit] Step 3 Clean the Tracks

If your tracks are not clean, it can cause the door to become stuck or malfunction. You will need a concentrated household cleaner and a cloth to clean your ways.

• Remove any dirt from the tracks with a cloth.
• Then, apply the cleaner to the tracks and scrub gently to remove any hardened grease or dirt.
• Finally, wipe the tracks and rollers dry.

[edit] Step 4 Check for loose hardware

If a screw comes loose, it could fall out and become lost, leaving a gap that could allow moisture or pests to enter.

Additionally, loose hardware can cause the door to come off its tracks or malfunction in other ways. Therefore, it's essential to regularly check all of the hardware on your garage door and tighten the bolts or screws that have come loose.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• External doors.
• Garage doors and security.
• How to build a garage.
• Incorporating a concrete garage into the landscape.
• Self-closing device for doors
• Tension springs v torsion springs.