5 Garage Door Problems you Should never DIY

Your garage door is a surprisingly complex and heavy piece of machinery.  While some minor maintenance tasks are safe for the average homeowner, there are specific problems that absolutely require the expertise of a professional. Attempting to DIY these issues can not only lead to further damage but put you and others at risk of serious injury.

1. Broken Springs

Garage door springs (particularly torsion springs) are under immense tension. They are designed to counterbalance the heavy weight of your garage door. If a spring breaks, it can snap with enough force to severely injure anyone in its path or cause significant property damage. The broken spring can whip around like a metal weapon, potentially launching through walls, damaging cars, or causing lacerations and broken bones. Replacing springs requires specialized tools and knowledge about proper tensioning – this is not a job for the inexperienced.

Dangers of DIY Spring Replacement

Lack of proper tools: Specialized winding bars and safety equipment are needed to handle springs safely. Using makeshift tools increases the risk of the spring slipping and causing injury.

Incorrect tensioning: If the new springs aren’t tensioned correctly, it creates an imbalance that can cause the door to slam shut or become impossible to open, leading to potential further damage.

Unforeseen complications: Old springs often signal other worn components in the system. A DIYer might replace the spring but miss underlying issues that lead to future problems requiring even more work.

2. Damaged Cables

The cables that lift your garage door are also under significant tension. If a cable breaks or frays, the door can come crashing down unexpectedly, posing a crushing hazard. Even a frayed cable is a serious problem – it can snap at any moment, sending the heavy garage door plummeting. Cable replacement requires careful handling and understanding of the door’s balancing system. It’s best to leave this task to the professionals with the right expertise.

Dangers of DIY Cable Replacement

Sudden door drop: If you try to replace a cable and the door isn’t properly secured, it can fall suddenly, potentially crushing anything or anyone beneath it.

Incorrect installation: If the new cable isn’t installed with the correct tension or alignment, it places additional stress on the whole system, which can lead to further damage down the line.

Missing other problems: A frayed or broken cable is often an indication of other wear and tear on the door system. A professional can identify and address any underlying issues to prevent future failures.

3. Garage Door Off Track

A garage door that has jumped its tracks is both unstable and extremely heavy. Trying to wrestle it back into place not only risks the door falling on you but also increases the chances of further damaging the tracks and rollers. A technician can safely diagnose why the door came off track and realign it correctly, preventing future issues.

Dangers of DIY Track Realignment

Crushing hazard: An off-track door is no longer properly supported. If you try to force it back into place, the entire weight of the door could shift and fall, causing severe injury.

Track and roller damage: Attempting to realign the door without the right knowledge can lead to bending the tracks or damaging the rollers, making the problem worse and requiring more expensive repairs.

Strain and injury: Garage doors are incredibly heavy. Even if you don’t get crushed by the door, trying to lift and reposition it can cause back injuries, muscle strains, and other physical harm.

4. Malfunctioning Opener

While some basic troubleshooting with your garage door opener is fine (like checking the power supply or the alignment of the sensors), problems beyond that should be handled by a technician. Openers contain electrical and mechanical components that can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. There’s a risk of electric shock, plus you could make the problem worse and end up needing more costly repairs.

Dangers of DIY Opener Repair

Electrical shock: The power running to your opener and the wiring within it carry a significant electrical current. If you don’t have experience working with electrical components, there’s a high risk of accidental shock or electrocution.

Worsening the issue: Tampering with the opener’s mechanisms without proper knowledge could lead to further damage to the motor, gears, or circuit board. This can turn a minor issue into a major repair or even necessitate replacing the entire opener.

Incorrect diagnosis: Often, the problem is not in the opener unit itself but elsewhere in the system. A DIYer might fixate on the opener, missing underlying issues with the springs, cables, or the door itself.

5. Electrical Issues

Any problem with your garage door that seems related to the electrical wiring or the power supply should be immediately referred to a qualified electrician or a garage door specialist with electrical experience. Tampering with electrical wiring can result in fire hazards or serious injury, even for people with some basic electrical knowledge.

Dangers of DIY Electrical Repairs

Electrocution: Electrical wiring in your garage carries a current strong enough to cause severe injury or even death. Incorrectly manipulating wires, outlets, or circuit breakers can lead to an electrical shock with serious consequences.

Fire hazards: Faulty wiring or improper connections can create sparks or overheating, potentially starting an electrical fire. This risk is extremely high if you don’t have proper training in electrical work.

Further damage: Attempting a DIY fix often worsens the problem. You could short-circuit components, damage the opener, or create hidden electrical hazards that are less obvious but still dangerous.

Important: If you suspect an electrical issue with your garage door system, cut the power to the opener immediately and call in a professional.

Garage Door Emergency Safety Checklist

When you encounter one of the serious garage door problems that require professional help, your first priority is to secure the area and prevent accidents. Follow this checklist while waiting for the technician to arrive:

1. Contain the Hazard

• Door Off Track, Broken Spring, Damaged Cable: If the door is partially open or visibly damaged, do not operate it further.
• Malfunctioning Opener: Unplug the opener to prevent unexpected operation while someone is working on it.

1. Clear the Area

• Make sure no one is under or near the garage door. Keep children and pets safely away from the area.
• Remove Potential Obstacles: Clear any vehicles, bikes, or other objects that could be in the path of the door if it were to fall unexpectedly.
• Block Off the Garage: If possible, use sawhorses, traffic cones, or other barriers to prevent anyone from accidentally entering the garage.

1. Don’t Touch the Problem

• Resist the urge to try and “fix” anything. You could worsen the damage or put yourself in harm’s way.
• Don’t touch broken springs or cables. These components can still be dangerous even if the door isn’t moving.

1. Call a Professional ASAP

• Explain the situation clearly when calling for a garage door repair repairman. Mention if the door is stuck open, closed, or partially open.
• Ask how to secure the door. Some repair companies might provide emergency instructions over the phone to help you temporarily secure the door until they arrive.

Additional Tips

Document the Damage: If it’s safe to do so, take photos or videos of the issue to show the repair technician.

Be Prepared: Have the model number and any information about your garage door system handy for when the technician arrives.

FAQ

Q: How do I know if my garage door needs professional help?

A: If the problem involves springs, cables, electrical wiring, an off-track door, or the issue can’t be diagnosed easily, call a technician.

Q: Can I fix a problem temporarily? 

A: Never attempt temporary fixes on dangerous components. Prioritize safety and call for help.
Q: How do I find a reputable garage door technician? 

A: Look for a licensed and insured specialist, check reviews, and get quotes from multiple companies.

Conclusion

Your garage door is a large, complex, and potentially dangerous piece of equipment. While tempting to tackle issues yourself to save money, understanding the risks and your own limitations is crucial.  When it comes to broken springs, faulty cables, electrical problems, off-track doors, or difficult-to-diagnose opener issues, the safest and most efficient solution is to call in a qualified garage door repair company such as 247 Superior Garage Door. Their technicians stand ready to assist you with their team of skilled professionals. With years of experience and specialized knowledge, they possess the expertise to diagnose and resolve a wide range of garage door issues swiftly and effectively.

By investing in professional repair, you gain:

Peace of mind: Knowing the problem is fixed correctly eliminates safety hazards and worries about future malfunctions.

Protection of your investment: A garage door is expensive. DIY mistakes can lead to further damage, negating any financial savings.

Time saved: Professionals have the tools and experience to quickly diagnose issues and make the necessary repairs, saving you from frustration and wasted hours.

Remember, a functioning garage door is essential for your home’s security and convenience. Prioritize safety, and don’t hesitate to call on the experts when it comes to these complex repairs. Your well-being and your garage door will thank you.