Garage Door Repair – When to Leave it to the Pros

A broken garage door repair can be a real hassle for homeowners. It can allow rodents and other pests into your home, it can let heating and cooling escape, and it can be a major safety hazard for children and pets. While there are some issues with the door that can be fixed by a homeowner, many of them are better left to professionals to repair.

Why garage door repair?

Some minor damage:

A squeaky, shaking or unsteady garage door may just be in need of a new set of rollers or hinges. A few dents or chipped paint can usually be repaired with a sander.

If the photo-eye sensors aren’t working, or if the circuit breaker keeps tripping the opener, you may have to call a professional. The best way to test if the opener is working is to disconnect it and manually open the garage door. If it is sagging on one side, you can usually correct that by loosening the plates on the hinges where they meet and tightening them.

Extension springs are the most dangerous for homeowners to fix themselves, but if they’re close to breaking, it’s time to get a pro involved. Make sure to have the garage door professionally installed so that it’s the correct size for your door and has double-life springs, which are stronger and more durable than standard springs. These can be purchased at most home improvement stores for an extra $50 or so. Make sure the quote includes a trip charge, parts and labor.