When it comes to home improvements, general maintenance, or DIY repair, it’s not surprising that millions of people have a good go themselves at achieving the task at hand. Often they’re trying to save money, other times they may believe that it’s an easy job, cheaper and quicker to do by themselves.
Whilst it can be incredibly tempting to attempt your own garage door repair, make sure you know what you’re dealing with. There are a wealth of videos and tutorials on the internet which may prove handy for the smaller job here and there but remember, the whole DIY task could end up costing more time and even more money than what it would have done had it been repaired by a professional in the first place.
Additionally, you will never know if the people starring in those videos have edited them or if they actually are professionals pretending not to be. Things can always look much easier than they actually are.
Common garage door problems
Here you will find some common garage door problems and understand when you should be pulling the professionals in and when you’re good to do-it-yourself.
New Sounds
New sounds coming from your garage doors? It’s indicating that something could be amiss. Check the tracks for any debris that could be causing a screeching or squeaking sound. Rollers may need replacing, or moving parts may require lubricating.
Roller replacement can be tricky given the garage door’s weight, so seek advice if you’re not confident. Whilst lubrication is a simple task, if you spot any rusting or corrosion of any kind, it is usually a sign of a more advanced repair being required, so be prepared to call in the pros.
Motion Sensor Concerns
Has your auto-reverse motion sensor test failed? Is the door failing to stop when coming into contact with something that it shouldn’t be? Or, is it not moving thanks to sensing something that may not be there at all?
This is a serious and critical safety issue. Instruct a professional to assist in this as soon as possible for the very best outcome.
Wall Control and Remote Control Mishaps
Have you noticed that the wall control works but the remote doesn’t? This is the right time to start with checking the batteries!
Should you be in a position where the wall control is also failing, or working intermittently, check for a blown fuse or whether the plug has become loose from the outlet. If all appears OK, then it’s time to pass this one over to the professional garage door repair team because it could be an internal issue with the motor.
Door Movement Issues
Have you noticed that your door appears to open lopsided? You may have a door balance issue, which is a common occurrence over time.
However, if there seems to be a jerking or a strained movement, it could be much more dangerous than a cable or spring issue. If a spring were to fail, the whole door could potentially drop in an instant, leading to serious injury or even death thanks to its sheer weight. In this instance, you should definitely consider a professional.
DIY vs Professional Service
Even the most seasoned DIY lover will be taking a chance when it comes to garage door repair. Safety is paramount when working with one of the largest moving parts in your entire home. Fingers can get caught in hinges or pulleys, unqualified messing around with electrical issues can cause electrocution, and the weight of garage doors can be deceiving – incredibly heavy indeed. Professionals will ensure injuries are avoided and that your garage door repair is undertaken safely.
The problem with your garage door is likely something your professional has seen countless times. What may appear complex to a DIY-er will be something straightforward to your professional. Where DIY requires time, effort, and trial and error, your professional will know your required replacement part, have it correctly ordered, speedily delivered, and installed to a high standard, ensuring your repair is safe and as cost-effective as possible.
Always check if your current warranty will be deemed void should you attempt a fix yourself. This can often be the case when it comes to doors through whole systems.
Reasons why you should hire a professional
Whilst DIY is admirable, it’s clear to see that hiring a professional for garage door repairs really is a no-brainer.
- Save valuable time and money.
- Ensure warranties are not voided.
- Avoid serious injuries or death.
- Highest standard of finish by a certified and trusted professional.
- Safety is a top priority.
- Correct and quicker replacement parts.
- Avoid costly mistakes by trying them yourself.
- No hassle!
To discuss a potential garage door repair, get in touch with Ascend Doors today. You can be sure of a committed, professional, and speedy service resulting in a painless, safe fix.