Imagine a wall that moves using a complex system of springs, bearings, cables, and rollers. That is exactly how a garage door operates. When one component starts to fail, attempting a DIY repair can be dangerous without the proper tools or experience.
Many reports estimate that 20,000 to 30,000 people are injured each year in garage door related accidents, often when homeowners attempt to repair springs, cables, or heavy door panels on their own. Knowing when to step back and call trained professionals can help prevent serious injury and further damage.
Too Much Tension
Beware of springs! Look out for anything that has tension or holds the weight of the door. One wrong move and the whole door can come down causing more damage or worse, injuring someone. Most people know to avoid working on springs, but did you know simply adjusting the bottom brackets or replacing the bottom seal is also an accident waiting to happen? Although those parts are small, they can hold tension from the door’s weight.
When it comes to DIY, your best bet is to stick to preventative maintenance. This includes checking the door’s balance, lubricating the hinges or high contact points, or cleaning the door’s sensors.
Improper Tools
The big box stores won’t cut it for your DIY garage door repair. Many stores don’t carry many garage door repair products due to liability, nor do they carry quality products professional companies use. Whatever they do stock is usually a cheap product that could lead to more work later down the road. It’s also typical that they don’t carry exactly what you need, causing you to jerry-rig spliced pieces to make it work.
For example, most stores will only carry 8-foot sections of weather-stripping. That’ll work if you have a single car garage, but what about a two-car garage door? Now, you’re left with two 8-foot sections and more work on your hands. Save yourself the headache by calling the professionals at Precision who are equipped with quality tools and products.
Falls
Can you confidently repair your garage door? Do you know how to check if the door is properly balanced? If you answered no to either of those questions, contact garage door repair professionals. When a garage door is repaired incorrectly, it’s coming down, and coming down hard! Don’t catch yourself under the door when that happens. Sometimes people find themselves trying to catch a falling garage door. Don’t! It’s not worth losing your finger! Instead, wait until the garage door is fully open or closed before entering or exiting.
Trust the Experts
We are the safest and most reliable long term partner for your garage door system. When an issue comes up, our trained professionals have the experience and equipment needed to repair it correctly the first time. Garage doors involve heavy components and high tension parts that require careful handling. Repeated DIY attempts often lead to added damage, higher costs, and safety risks. By trusting our team, you protect your home, your investment, and everyone who relies on your garage door each day.
