Many homeowners take pride in their ability to handle various repairs around the house. While this can-do spirit is admirable for many projects, it can be hazardous when applied to garage door repairs. These systems are more complex and powerful than they appear, and a mistake can lead to severe injury or extensive damage. Good-intentioned but misguided DIY attempts on these intricate mechanisms can have serious consequences. Keep reading to learn more about common garage door repairs you shouldn’t DIY.

Understanding Garage Door Systems

A garage door is a heavy, intricate piece of machinery that moves on a balanced system of springs, cables, and tracks. The components work under extreme tension to lift and lower a door that can weigh hundreds of pounds. This high tension is precisely what makes DIY repairs so hazardous for anyone without specialized training and tools. Attempting to adjust or replace these parts without experience can lead to accidents.

The Risks of Garage Door Repairs

One of the most immediate dangers of a failed DIY repair is the potential for the garage door to fall without warning. If a spring or cable snaps while you are working, there is nothing to stop the door’s descent. The immense weight and force of a falling door can cause devastating injuries to anyone or anything in its path.

1. Replacing Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are responsible for counterbalancing the door’s weight and making it light enough to lift. These springs are wound under incredible tension, storing a massive amount of mechanical energy. A slight miscalculation or the use of improper tools during a replacement can cause the spring to release its energy violently. This can send metal parts flying across the garage with enough force to be lethal, making it the most dangerous repair to attempt yourself. Common Garage Door Repairs You Shouldn’t DIY

2. Fixing Extension Springs

Extension springs, which run alongside the horizontal tracks, also pose a threat when mishandled by an untrained individual. Although they operate differently from torsion springs, they remain under high tension and can be just as hazardous. If an extension spring breaks, it can whip around unpredictably, causing severe lacerations or other injuries to anyone nearby. Professionals use safety cables to contain these springs, which many DIY enthusiasts might install incorrectly or overlook altogether.

3. Swapping Out Garage Door Cables

Garage door cables work in tandem with the springs to lift the door, and they are also under considerable tension. Replacing a frayed or broken cable might seem straightforward, but it’s a delicate balancing act that is difficult to perform. If the wires are not installed with the correct tension, the door can become uneven, get stuck in the tracks, or fall. In some cases, an improperly installed cable could lead to more extensive damage to the entire system.

4. Realigning Tracks

Aligned tracks are essential for the smooth and safe operation of your garage door, as they guide the rollers as the door moves. Over time, tracks can become bent or misaligned due to impacts or wear and tear, causing the door to operate erratically. While adjusting a track may seem like a simple fix, it can be pretty tricky to get the alignment right. Incorrectly aligned tracks can cause the rollers to pop out, leading the door to become jammed or fall off its path entirely.

5. Balancing the Garage Door

A balanced garage door should remain in place when you lift it halfway and release it, indicating that the springs are functioning correctly. An unbalanced door puts excessive strain on the opener, causing it to wear out and fail prematurely. Attempting to balance the door yourself involves adjusting the springs, which is exceptionally dangerous. An expert can safely diagnose the issue and perform the necessary adjustments to restore balance without risking injury.

6. Repairing Garage Door Openers

Repairing a garage door opener involves working with electrical components, which presents its own set of dangers for the inexperienced DIYer. Faulty wiring or incorrect installation can lead to electrical shocks and short circuits or create a fire hazard in your home. It’s always safer to have a qualified technician handle opener repairs and secure all electrical connections. Professional garage door service and repair is the safest and most reliable way to address these complex issues without putting yourself at risk.

Avoiding Further Damage and Costly Mistakes

A common outcome of DIY garage door repairs is causing more extensive damage to the system, which ultimately leads to a more expensive professional repair. A simple mistake, such as installing a part incorrectly, can create a domino effect of problems throughout the door’s mechanism. Letting a professional handle it from the start saves you from this headache and additional expense in the long run. Common Garage Door Repairs You Shouldn’t DIY

The Importance of Working With Pros

Professional garage door technicians will arrive at your home equipped with specialized tools designed specifically for garage door repairs. Winding bars for torsion springs are essential for safely adjusting or replacing them without incident. Attempting these repairs with standard household tools is not only ineffective but also increases the risk of the tool slipping. If working on the tension springs, this can cause the spring to release its tension unexpectedly, resulting in a hazardous situation for the person performing the work.

When To Call a Professional for Garage Door Repairs

While routine maintenance tasks, such as lubricating moving parts or cleaning the tracks, are generally safe for homeowners to perform alone, major repairs should always be left to the experts. If you notice a broken spring, a frayed cable, misaligned tracks, or any issues with the opener, it is time to call for professional help. An experienced technician will complete repairs safely and correctly, preserving the longevity of your garage door system.

Your safety and peace of mind are worth the investment in professional service from the very beginning. Never attempt these common garage door repairs without the help of a professional! Schedule your garage door inspection today with Gerald Giel Garage Doors, Inc. to keep your system running smoothly.