5 Common Garage Door Issues and How to Fix Them Yourself

garage door insulation

Garage doors take a lot of abuse from frequent opening and closing. It’s common for them to develop problems that require repair over time. As the homeowner, you may be able to fix some basic garage door issues yourself to save money on repair costs. Let’s take a look at 5 common garage door problems and how to fix them without calling a professional.

Squeaky or Noisy Garage Door

A squeaky or noisy garage door is one of the most common complaints. The squeaking is usually caused by rusty or worn out hinges, rollers, or tracks.

To fix a squeaky garage door:

  1. Inspect all hinges, rollers, and tracks for signs of rust or wear.
  2. Clean and lubricate all moving parts with a dry silicone spray lubricant. Avoid petroleum-based lubricants as they can damage garage door components.
  3. Check that tracks are clean and clear of debris. Remove any built-up dirt or grime.
  4. Tighten any loose screws or bolts in the hinges, rollers, and tracks.
  5. Replace any severely rusted or worn out parts like hinges or rollers. Hardware stores in Petersburg carry replacement parts that are easy to install yourself.

With regular lubrication and maintenance, you can eliminate a squeaky garage door and keep it running smoothly.

Sticks or Binds During Operation

A garage door that sticks or binds intermittently is often caused by misalignment or obstructions in the tracks.

To fix a sticking or binding garage door:

  1. Inspect tracks for dirt, cobwebs, or other debris that could cause the door to get stuck. Clean tracks thoroughly.
  2. Check that rollers are aligned properly in the tracks and rolling smoothly without obstruction. Adjust if needed.
  3. Inspect tracks for dents, kinks, or damage that could cause binding. Replace bent or damaged track sections if found.
  4. Check springs and cables for tension. Cables that are too loose or tight can cause binding. Adjust spring tension if needed.
  5. Lubricate all moving parts as described above to ensure smooth operation.

With some minor adjustments, you may be able to eliminate a sticking or binding garage door issue. Replace damaged parts as needed.

Failure to Open or Close Completely

A garage door that fails to open or close fully is commonly due to out of adjustment sensors, springs, or cables.

To fix a door that doesn’t open/close completely:

  1. Check photo eyes (sensors) are aligned properly and beams are not obstructed. Clean lenses and realign if needed.
  2. Inspect springs for signs of wear, fatigue or broken coils. Replace worn springs.
  3. Check cables are not frayed or stretched. Tighten or replace cables that are loose.
  4. Adjust limit switches that control the open and close points. Reprogram switches according to manufacturer instructions.
  5. Test door balance using the lift handle. Adjust spring tension with an extension spring or torsion spring adjustment if needed.

With some adjustments to the limit switches, springs, or cables, you may be able to restore full operation of a garage door. Replace worn parts for long-term reliability.

Damaged Panels or Sections

Over time, garage door panels can develop dents, cracks or other damage from impacts. Minor panel damage is repairable at home.

To repair damaged garage door panels:

  1. Remove the damaged panel by detaching mounting brackets or hinges.
  2. Use a hammer and dolly to gently pound out minor dents from the back side.
  3. For hairline cracks, apply a bead of clear silicone caulk along the crack edges on the inside of the panel.
  4. For larger holes or damage, cut a replacement piece of exterior grade plywood to fit inside the panel. Secure it with construction adhesive.
  5. Reinstall the repaired panel and check for proper alignment and operation.

With basic tools, you can repair cosmetic panel damage and avoid full door replacement costs. Replace severely damaged panels if needed.

Failure to Remotely Operate

A garage door that stops responding to the remote is usually due to dead batteries, remote programming issues, or motor/receiver problems.

To fix a remote control garage door:

  1. Replace batteries in both the remote and garage door receiver/control panel. Use high quality alkaline batteries.
  2. Check that remote ID code matches the receiver code. Reprogram receiver if needed by following manufacturer instructions.
  3. Test door operation using the wall-mounted control button. If it works, the motor and receiver are likely fine.
  4. Inspect motor, belt, and gears for signs of wear. Tighten or replace worn components.
  5. As a last resort, replace the receiver or motor if remote operation cannot be restored.

With some testing and adjustments, you may be able to restore remote functionality and avoid a full system replacement. Consider a repair pro for persistent issues.

As the homeowner, you can handle many common garage door repairs yourself and save significantly on repair costs. Always practice safety, follow manufacturer instructions, and consider calling a garage door pro in Petersburg for specialized repairs or installations. Regular maintenance will also help prevent more serious issues down the road.

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