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 repairs, such as repairing a torsion spring, are extremely dangerous and require help from a professional.

Before proceeding to the repair, make sure to unplug your garage door opener, so that you do not get an electric shock while you are repairing your garage door. You will most likely be standing on a ladder, which is a very bad place to get an electric shock, since you may also fall off the ladder. Also, remember to wear safety glasses when working with power tools.

Here is a list of things to check before calling for a professional for your garage door repair:

1. Check the 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 the Alignment of the Tracks

If the tracks are not aligned well, they may be causing the door not to work. It’s not always necessary to unscrew the tracks; you can just try to loosen the bolts or screws and to tap the tracks slightly into position. Use a level to check the alignment of the tracks. Aligned tracks will let you be done with your garage door repair in no time.

3. Clean and Dry the Tracks

Even though it may sound obvious, but hardened dirt and old lubricant may be the cause of the garage door sticking. In this case, your garage door repair may consist of merely cleaning the tracks and then drying them. You can use regular cleaners to clean the tracks.

4. Lubricate the Tracks and the Rollers

Merely lubricating both, the tracks and the rollers, can fix the problem and conclude your garage door repair in no time. For lubrication, you may use a lubricant spray or a silicon spray. It is probably better to lubricate the tracks after cleaning them. Actually, any movable part will benefit from lubrication.

5. Tightening the Loose 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 you have tried every one of the above solutions, and none of them have worked, the problem may be the door spring. However, it is advised not to perform your garage door repair if the problem seems to be the spring, especially if it’s a torsion spring. Unfortunately, there have been numerous cases, where people have gotten injured or even killed by the garage door springs. One of the most common injuries is a hit in the head, resulting in serious trauma 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.

Homebuilder Adam Stranton has done extensive garage door repairs during his career. He also has a solid guide for new garage door prices.