Garage Door Troubleshooting

Like most mechanical objects, garage doors need regular maintenance and attention to keep them in peak operating condition and prevent unexpected breakdowns. In some cases, you might be able to correct an issue yourself, but in other situations, you should seek professional assistance. We’ve compiled some common garage door issues to help you know which repairs you can do and which ones you should leave to an expert.

Common Garage Door Problems That Homeowners Can Troubleshoot

Examples of basic garage door maintenance you can consider handling yourself include:

• Inspecting the door: Check the door periodically to look for minor damage like cracks, dents and improper sealing.
• Changing the batteries: If you discover that your garage door isn’t working at all, replacing the battery in the remote control unit can sometimes resolve the issue.
• Inspecting the tracks and hardware: Verify that the metal tracks aren’t bent or misaligned and the hardware doesn’t have rust or other damage.
• Lubricating moving parts: Brush and lubricate the rollers and tracks to minimize wear and tear from repeated use.
• Resetting the opener: Reset the opener to regain garage door function after events such as power outages. 

Garage Door Safety Tips

These four tips can keep you and your family safe during the garage door troubleshooting process:

1. Keep small children and pets away from the opening.
2. Don’t walk under the door when it’s opening or closing.
3. Keep your fingers away from the springs and other mechanisms.
4. Don’t leave the door partially open if you step away for a minute.

DIY vs. Professional Repairs

Contact a professional garage door company if you’re experiencing more complex issues, such as:

• Your door not opening or closing.
• Broken springs or cables, which can cause substantial safety hazards.
• Damaged or missing door panels.
• The opener not functioning with new batteries.
• Extensive hardware replacements.
• A door that is unbalanced or off the tracks.
• Significant damage from a mishap like a vehicle collision.

Contact Us for Any Garage Door Issue

If you need help with garage door troubleshooting or repairs in northwestern North Carolina, the experienced professionals at Marvin’s Garage Doors are available to assist you. Contact us to set up a service appointment today. If you’re experiencing an emergency, you can reach us around the clock at 336-813-2601.