Garage door repair may often be done by the homeowner themselves. There are at least 5 simple things to check, before calling a professional. Some repairs are extremely easy. For example, a stiff or a squeaky door will merely require a good cleaning and lubrication. Other types of garage door repair, such as repairing a torsion spring, are extremely dangerous and require help from a professional.

Safety always comes first. Before doing any sort of work on your garage door, make sure you’ve disconnected your garage door opener so that you minimize the risk of getting electrocuted. Most probably, you’ll be using a ladder; a fall from which can add to the injury. Most importantly, safety goggles are a must when working with electric tools.

Before calling in a professional for repair help, make sure you go through the following check list:

1. Check Metal Tracks for Damages

This easy garage door repair tip may often solve the problem very fast. The metal tracks often may have dents or bumps. If you find any such damages, strike the damaged part of the track with a wood block and a hammer to straighten the track.

2. Check alignment of tracks

Your garage door might not be working simply because of the misalignment of tracks. First, unscrew the tracks. Then, gently tap the track into the right position by using a level. Once the alignment is corrected, your garage door will be working as good as new.

3. Clean and Dry the Tracks

Dirt stuck in the movable parts of your garage door may be the obvious cause of improper functioning. Old lubricants can add to the problem too. To get rid of this trouble, use a regular cleaner to clean out hardened dirt and old lubricant in the tracks. After having cleaned them, let everything dry out completely.

4. Lubricate the Tracks and the Rollers

Lubrication often solves most garage door problems instantly. Do this mostly after you’ve cleaned the garage door: use a silicon spray or a lubricant spray to lubricate all movable parts of the garage door. This will help facilitate easier movement.

5. Ensure Tightened Bolts and Screws

Bolts and screws tend to become loose with time. Try to check all of the screws and bolts involved in the opening/closing mechanism of your door. Sometimes, merely tightening them may solve the whole problem. If you cannot tighten the screws, because the holes themselves have become loose, then you can use a “wood filler” or pieces of normal wood to fill the holes.

What Not To Do:

If all of the above check points fail to help fix your garage door, the problem might lie in the door spring. For your own safety, it is advised not attempt to fix the spring, because it can result in serious injury; or in some cases as seen, death. Usually, people get critically injured in the head, which results in chronic damage to the brain.

If you have doubts your garage repair, by no means should you attempt it. It generally will not cost too much. However, a professional will save you from any injuries.