Among the many features of your home that might need repair, garage door components are often set aside as non-essential. However, for those who use their garage every day - for parking a car or otherwise - a faulty garage door can become an enormous inconvenience.
Luckily, many garage door issues can be handled on your own with some basic tools and supplies. For help with some of the most common problems you may encounter in the life of your garage door, here are some tips:
Garage door panels might need repairs if dented or damaged. If this happens, replacing individual panels is much simpler and cost-effective than replacing the entire door.
If the damage is minimal, try hammering out the dent with a rubber mallet. Fill small dents with body filler resin found at any automotive repair shop. These products are simple to use and come with step-by-step instructions for handling small dents with ease.
Squeaking is an incredibly common issue for garage doors. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, it’s best to investigate the source of the squeak to make sure there isn’t a serious mechanical issue.
Most of the time, it’s the rollers causing the squeaking when the door opens and closes. To ease the squeak, you can apply an automotive door cleaner to the roller along its hinged surfaces. Other times, the hinges on the door are the cause of the squeak. In these cases, apply a basic garage door lubricant to the hinges for smooth operation.
Unfortunately, garage door springs can wear out quickly. When you start to notice your garage struggling to open or close completely, it’s time to investigate the springs. To replace garage door springs, note the size and type of the springs you have to make sure the new springs are a perfect fit.
While this job can be completed yourself, it does require some more specific DIY experience. If you’re unsure how to go about replacing or repairing the springs, it’s best to call a garage door professional for help.
These are just a few of the common garage door repair issues homeowners might encounter. While these issues are purely mechanical, other problems can be trickier to solve. For example, a faulty garage door opener could involve electrical wiring. For these issues, consult a garage door professional for the best course of action.
Kimberly Kelly decided to get her real estate license when she moved to South Orange with her family and fell in love with the classic, period homes of the area. Having worked in the city for many years for LexisNexis, Kim understands the appeal of an easy commute to NYC. That’s why she specializes in towns along the Mid-Town Direct train line, offering welcoming communities, good schools, and space to grow.
Very active in her children’s school PTA, Kim knows firsthand how important a school system is to parents looking to make the move to the ‘burbs. She volunteers with fairs, fundraising, and other activities that bolster support for education. Kim also believes involvement in the greater community enriches us all and has sat on various boards & associations throughout the years.
Kim Kelly has lived many places throughout her life, from Pennsylvania to Oregon, but has found New Jersey to be the ideal place to raise her family and put down roots. She loves nothing more than helping others discover their special place as well. Kim’s extensive knowledge of the area, combined with her sense of community, offers clients a personalized guide to finding the right house - and town - to call home.
