We live in the times of Joanna Gaines, Property Brothers, The Home Edit, and all things DIY. While home projects can be fun, garage door repairs are not a task to tackle on your own. It is one thing to take on white washing your home, or painting your front door, but one curb appeal aspect you should not try to do on your own is fix a garage door.
There is a running joke that garage door repair isn’t cheap, but it’s more expensive if you try to fix it yourself first and that could not be more true. Fixing your garage door may have many more complications than what YouTube is telling you and you won’t know unless you call in an expert. We’re aware that it feels really cool to Do something yourself, but you know what isn’t cool? Getting hurt, spending money on something that you didn’t mean to, or making a repair that just ends up falling apart weeks down the road.
How To Properly Inspect Your Garage Door
If you are hearing a strange noise or notice something seems off with your garage door, we encourage you to take a look around. You are home every day and therefore you are the one who will notice if something doesn’t seem to be working properly. Make sure that you are using common sense when inspecting this heavy machinery. What are a few things you can do to ensure your safety?
- Always make sure that your car is outside of the garage when you suspect that something is wrong.
- Check to see if the garage door closes all the way to the ground without light shining through.
- When it is open is it sitting where it needs to be?
- Check for any broken cables or springs.
Even with these steps, you won’t know the exact problem. That’s why professional garage door repairs are essential.
Why You Shouldn’t Attempt DIY Garage Door Repairs
It should go without saying that DIY garage door repair is just a bad idea in general. It is dangerous, you have had no training on the project, and it is a waste of time and money.
It Can Be Incredibly Dangerous
The amount of accidents that happen whenever people do home projects is very high. You may not think about it often, but thousands of people are hurt or killed from falling off of ladders every single year. On top of the fall risk, garage doors can weigh anywhere from 130 to 400 pounds. Whenever you are not really sure what you’re doing, that is a lot of weight to be messing around with. And even more so, the hydraulics and springs are strong enough to crush you or break a hand or foot.
To avoid getting yourself hurt or killed, The Garage Door Guys are never far off, ready to take over and get the job done correctly and safely for you. We go through vigorous training and safety is our number one priority.
If you do a repair on a garage door on your own, just keep in mind that the door can fall from the hinges and land on top of you. You are putting yourself at risk for all sorts of injuries including but not limited to
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- Broken bones
- Electrical shock
- Lacerations
- Bruising
Rely on a company that has the proper equipment and training necessary to save yourself money on medical bills and the frustrations that come with getting injured.
You Lack Proper Tools and Training
Most neighborhood stores don’t carry the specialized tools required for garage door repairs, such as cold-rolled steel winding bars, spring stocks, gauges, torches, and aircraft cables.
Even with the right tools, repair steps must follow a specific order. Doing it incorrectly may mean buying wrong parts, wasting money, and prolonging the repair.
DIY Can Cost More in the Long Run
Trying to save money with DIY often backfires. Missteps can cause additional damage, injuries, or repeated repair costs. Hiring professionals ensures the job is done right the first time, saving time, money, and frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Repairs
Q: Is it safe to repair a garage door yourself?
A: DIY garage door repairs can be extremely dangerous. Garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds, and springs and cables are under high tension. Attempting repairs without proper training and equipment can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, electrical shock, or crushing accidents. Always hire a professional for safe and effective repairs.
Q: What is the most common problem with garage doors?
A: The most frequent issues include broken springs, worn-out rollers, misaligned tracks, and malfunctioning openers. These problems can prevent the door from operating smoothly and safely, which is why regular inspections and professional maintenance are recommended.
Q: What is the average life expectancy of a garage door?
A: A well-maintained garage door typically lasts between 15 and 30 years, depending on the material, usage, and environmental conditions. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help maximize its lifespan.
Q: What is the average cost to replace a garage door?
A: Replacing a garage door can range from $600 to $3,700 depending on the size, material, style, and installation requirements. Professional installation ensures safety and longevity, making it a worthwhile investment compared to DIY attempts.
Leave Garage Door Repairs to the Professionals
We understand the appeal of doing it yourself projects. You have convinced yourself that you will save yourself money and time and will just be able to watch tutorials on YouTube. But trust us whenever we say that in the long run, you will save yourself time, money, and a lot of pain and frustration if you just don’t do it yourself and you let us do it for you.
We promise that you will have the opportunity to feel like Joanna Gaines when it comes to other parts of your house, but not on this.
If you noticed something wrong with your garage door or want us to come to check it out for you, give us a call at (501) 412-2475 or book a consultation with us here.