7 Common Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them Yourself

Your garage door is a complex system that can experience a variety of problems. Some of these problems are simple enough to fix yourself, while others require the help of a professional.

We will discuss seven common garage door problems and how to fix them yourself.

1. Broken Springs

Broken springs are one of the most common garage door problems. Springs are what counterbalance the weight of the garage door and make it easy to open and close. If a spring is broken, the door will be difficult or impossible to open.

To fix a broken spring, you will need to replace it with a new one. This is a job that is best left to a professional, as springs are under a lot of tension and can be dangerous if not handled properly.

2. Misaligned Tracks

If your garage door is not opening or closing smoothly, it may be because the tracks are misaligned. Tracks are the metal guides that the door rollers run along. If the tracks are not aligned, the door can bind and become difficult to operate.

To fix misaligned tracks, you will need to loosen the bolts that hold the tracks in place and then realign them. You may also need to shim the tracks to make sure they are level.

3. Worn Rollers

Garage door rollers are the wheels that run along the tracks. They help to distribute the weight of the door and make it easy to open and close. Over time, rollers can wear out and need to be replaced.

To fix worn rollers, you will need to remove the old rollers and install new ones. This is a relatively simple job that can be done by most homeowners.

4. Off-Balance Door

An off-balance garage door is a door that is not evenly weighted. This can cause the door to sag or jerk when it is opened or closed. An off-balance door can also put extra strain on the springs and opener.

To fix an off-balance door, you will need to add or remove weight to the door. This can be done by adjusting the tension on the springs or by adding or removing weights to the door.

5. Loose Bolts

Over time, the bolts that hold your garage door together can become loose. This can cause the door to sag or make noise when it is opened or closed.

To fix loose bolts, you will need to tighten them. You may also need to replace any bolts that are broken or rusted.

6. Malfunctioning Sensors

Garage door sensors are safety devices that prevent the door from closing on people or objects. If a sensor is malfunctioning, the door may not close at all, or it may close prematurely.

To fix a malfunctioning sensor, you will need to clean the sensor or replace it.

7. Problems with the Opener

The opener is the motor that opens and closes your garage door. If the opener is not working, the door will not open or close.

There are a number of things that can go wrong with a garage door opener. Some common problems include:

A blown fuse
A tripped circuit breaker
A loose wire
A malfunctioning motor

If you are not comfortable troubleshooting electrical problems, you should call a professional to fix your garage door opener.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the common garage door problems that you may encounter. If you are experiencing a problem with your garage door that is not listed here, you should consult a professional.

With a little care and maintenance, you can help to keep your garage door in good working order for years to come.