How to Fix a Broken Garage Door

When the weather gets cold, cars stop flowing out of garages and into driveways. Even though it might be a little chilly in general, your garage door is a valuable asset in keeping necessary vehicles out of the cold. It’s also a great way to protect valuables from theft. That being said, your garage door can malfunction for many different reasons — from broken hinges to faulty springs. To keep your home safe and secure this winter, here are some tips on how to fix a broken garage door:

Get to the source first.

When a garage door is busted, it’s usually due to a problem with the switches, motor or even the whole door. Before you try to fix it yourself, you should get in touch with the garage door company closest to your address. They’ll be able to tell you which parts are causing the problem and which can wait. If the problem is with the garage door itself, they might be able to fix it for you at no charge. Get their number in case you ever need to complain about their work. Most companies will give a reasonable estimate before performing any repairs. If the problem is with the switch, motor or door itself, you might be able to get it fixed for free. But, if the source of the problem is with the garage door itself, the garage door company can usually charge you to fix it.

Double check the cables

The cables that connect your garage door to the garage door opener or motor should be tight. If they’re not, the door could swing a little bit, causing objects like toys, coats and decorations to fall through. It’s easy to check for obvious problems like frayed or broken cables, but you should also check for smaller issues such as a loose wire or a disconnected ground wire. If you notice any of these problems, double-check the cables. If you’re not sure where to start, a good place to look is the back of the garage. If the back of the garage is messy or disorganized, the cables are likely to lose and in need of tightening. A repairman who specializes in garage door repairs can usually spot these problems during a routine checkup.

Inspect the springs

Broken springs are a common cause of garage door problems. Look for signs of damage such as broken springs, loose or rusty nuts and bolts, stripped screws and stripped washers. If the springs look okay, but the door itself is out of balance, it might be due to a stuck spring. If a spring is stuck, it can cause your door to stick open or close slowly. This could be a safety issue as it could lead to people walking into the garage or garage door and getting hurt. If you notice this problem, have your garage door checked out by a garage door repair expert.

Try a different cable

If the problem is with the garage door itself, you might be able to fix it with a new cable. But, if the source of the problem is with the switch, motor or door, you might want to try a different cable. Some garage doors use high-torque motors Based on the type of motor you have, you may be able to get a different cable that has a lower amp draw. But, if the new cable has a lower amp draw than the old gauge wire, it will attract less static electricity and cause the motor to work harder. So, if you change the cable but not the wire, the motor will work harder but less efficiently. In both cases, you run the risk of damaging your garage door. And, of course, you’ll need to replace your broken garage door cable.

Don’t hesitate to call a professional

If you’re not comfortable taking care of the problem on your own or don’t feel confident enough to fix the garage door by yourself, you should call a professional. Garage doors are heavy, and if you try to fix them by yourself, you may end up damaging your garage door or garage door opener. Garage door companies have lots of experience working on garage doors and can often save you a lot of hassle. They can also fix many problems that a homeowner could potentially repair themselves. Before calling a professional, check online reviews as some of them provide guides on how to hire a professional garage door repair service. garage door spring repair It’s also a good idea to choose a professional garage door repair company that has been in operation for at least a couple of years. Refrain from hiring a company that is just starting. A professional garage door company would have experience working on more expensive garage doors. This way, you know you’re getting good value for your money.

Conclusion

Broken garage doors are a hassle, but they don’t have to stop you from investing in a quality garage door that will keep your home safe and secure this winter. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your garage door working like new. And, with a little bit of luck, you might even be able to save a little bit of money in the process. To fix a broken garage door, you’ll need to know where the problem is. In this article, we’ve gone over some of the problems you may experience with a broken garage door and shown you how to fix them. If you’re still having issues, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a garage door repair professional. They’re the ones who’ll be able to help you fix your garage door.