Among the many features of your home that might need repair, garage door components are often set aside as non-essential. However, for those who use their garage every day - for parking a car or otherwise - a faulty garage door can become an enormous inconvenience.
Luckily, many garage door issues can be handled on your own with some basic tools and supplies. For help with some of the most common problems you may encounter in the life of your garage door, here are some tips:
How to fix garage door panels
Garage door panels might need repairs if dented or damaged. If this happens, replacing individual panels is much simpler and cost-effective than replacing the entire door.
If the damage is minimal, try hammering out the dent with a rubber mallet. Fill small dents with body filler resin found at any automotive repair shop. These products are simple to use and come with step-by-step instructions for handling small dents with ease.
What to do with a squeaky garage door
Squeaking is an incredibly common issue for garage doors. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, it’s best to investigate the source of the squeak to make sure there isn’t a serious mechanical issue.
Most of the time, it’s the rollers causing the squeaking when the door opens and closes. To ease the squeak, you can apply an automotive door cleaner to the roller along its hinged surfaces. Other times, the hinges on the door are the cause of the squeak. In these cases, apply a basic garage door lubricant to the hinges for smooth operation.
How to repair garage door springs
Unfortunately, garage door springs can wear out quickly. When you start to notice your garage struggling to open or close completely, it’s time to investigate the springs. To replace garage door springs, note the size and type of the springs you have to make sure the new springs are a perfect fit.
While this job can be completed yourself, it does require some more specific DIY experience. If you’re unsure how to go about replacing or repairing the springs, it’s best to call a garage door professional for help.
These are just a few of the common garage door repair issues homeowners might encounter. While these issues are purely mechanical, other problems can be trickier to solve. For example, a faulty garage door opener could involve electrical wiring. For these issues, consult a garage door professional for the best course of action.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
