Home repair: Garage door problems & how to solve them

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.