Do's and Don'ts of DIY Garage Door Repair

You discover a dent in your garage door, and before anyone can ask how it got there you’d like to get it fixed. In these situations, some people don’t hesitate to pick up the phone for professional help, while others prefer to do everything themselves. The DIY approach can save some money, or it can create brand new headaches. Before you decide what approach you’re going to take to repair or maintain your garage door, consult our guide of dos-and-don’ts.

The Safety Eye

This little laser beam near the base of your door detects obstructions and prevents door closure when something crosses its path. If your door isn’t closing properly, it may be due to a breakage in the beam.

DO: With a cloth, clean the eye of the beam to clear it of dust, debris, and cobwebs. Check along the path of the beam for any other obstacles, then test the door again. If the beam is still malfunctioning, call a professional. Whatever you do…
DON’T: ...remove the beam. A garage door without a safety eye is unsafe to operate.

Dents and Scratches

DO: For small dents to aluminum or steel doors, follow our handy guide to make the repairs on your own. These are easily fixed on your own, but more significant damage requires a call to the pros.
DON’T: Major dents or cracks may require the entire panel to be replaced, which means the whole door will have to come down. This is difficult and dangerous work for a DIYer, and should not be attempted without an experienced serviceman.

Weather Stripping

That little rubber seal on the bottom of your door helps keep the elements at bay, keeping utilities low with a little extra insulation. The first sign that your weatherstripping needs to be replaced is typically a pool of water sneaking in during the rainy season. Here’s what to do when you spot trouble.

DO: Follow our guide to find your next weatherstripping. There are many options from Overhead Door Company. Before purchasing a replacement, be sure to measure the seal that’s in place. With a little patience, the old stripping can be removed - but be careful not to damage the door frame. Using a miter saw, cut the replacement to size and slide it into place.
DON’T: Do not disengage the metal tension cables at both sides of your garage door. If you cannot replace your weather stripping without decoupling one of these tension cables, it may be time to consult a professional. These cables can be extremely dangerous when handled improperly.

Rollers, Tracks, and Springs

These are essential components to keep your garage door running properly. If any of these are damaged, the door may not open and close reliably or safely. Repairs to these components are not DIY jobs.

DO: Call a professional.
DON’T: Attempt repairs yourself. Without professional experience, these types of repairs can result in injury or make your door inoperable. Trust your local Overhead Door Company service technicians to get your door back up and running as good as ever - if not better.

When in Doubt