Garage doors are a vital security feature in our homes. Unfortunately, they are exposed to wear and tear, which becomes evident over several years of use. Whether it is a broken torsion spring or a dysfunctional garage door opener, you’ll find yourself conducting repairs to keep your overhead door in tip-top shape. The big question is should you hire a contractor to fix the issues or carry out DIY garage door repair?
What Are the Typical Garage Door Issues?
- A broken garage door spring
- Noisy operation of the old garage doors and opener
- Inability to open or close your overhead door
- Problems with the remote control system that lets you operate your home’s entrance from a distance.
If any one of these problems occurs, then you’re looking at garage door repairs.
Should I Perform Garage Door Repairs on My Own?
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer enthusiast, you’d naturally want to save money by repairing your overhead door on your own. However, if you have no experience in garage door restoration, it is best to leave the job for a trained and certified professional. Garage door replacement and repair is not only a technical job but can also be a safety hazard.
Why Is DIY Overhead Door Repair a Bad Idea?
Repairing your new garage door could be a bad idea if you’re not 100% sure of what you are doing. You may end up making the situation worse by adding more problems to it. The following reasons are why you should think twice about solo garage door restoration:
You Could Easily Hurt Yourself
Working on your own garage door can be dangerous, especially if you have no clue what exactly needs to get done and how it’s supposed to get done. Firstly, the garage door is a heavy structure that weighs several hundred pounds. If it slips off the tracks or comes crashing down, you could sustain serious injuries. Secondly, replacing the tension spring poses a higher risk of injury as it requires you to stand close to the garage door while someone else pulls down on a spring at high speeds.
You Could Damage The Entire System
DIY repairs may also result in damaged parts that affect how well the garage door operates. For example, if you don’t realign the cables properly, it could snap and mess up the entire system. This means you risk dealing with the same problem again down the line and may end up with more problems than you started with.
You May Not Have The Right Tools
Sometimes, you may not have adequate tools to do the job correctly. Some fixtures require specific equipment and can be extremely difficult if you don’t have them in your toolbox. You may end up making a mess of your garage door and opener, which means you’ll have to spend even more on repair services. The only way out is to invest in new equipment, which is an expense you may not be able to afford.
You Could Lose Your Warranty
Garage door contractors have a standard minimum warranty, which is extended to the homeowner if they perform self-repair. However, this may not be possible if you do it yourself and end up damaging parts of your garage door or opener. It could also void your home insurance policy since most companies consider DIY repairs as damage due to misuse.
Why Should I Hire a Professional Garage Door Repairer?
If you’re not familiar with overhead door repairs, your best bet is to hire a professional. The following are reasons why you should go for this option:
- A certified garage door professional will know how to do the job properly and safely without causing any damage to the overhead system or hurting yourself in the process.
- Your warranty may be lost if you do the job yourself, but a professional garage door technician will ensure that the warranty covers any repairs.
- You may not have all of the tools needed to fix specific problems with your new garage door, which means it’s best to hire someone who has everything they need in their toolbox.
- Any home insurance policy covers repairs by a certified garage door professional, but not when you do it yourself.
- You can expect an accurate diagnosis of the garage door problem and a solution that best fits your needs.
How Often Should My Garage Door Be Repaired?
The answer to this will depend on several factors, including the manufacturer’s warranty and how old your garage door is. Companies typically offer at least a one-year warranty for certain parts of their products, which means you can have them fixed within that time frame without having to worry about the cost. If your overhead door has an older design or is poorly made, it may require more frequent repairs. You’ll also need to look for signs of wear and tear that can affect the overall performance of your door, such as faulty garage door springs or hinges.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Garage Door?
The cost of quality garage door repair varies, depending on the problem you’re dealing with. The average price for a broken spring is around $150 to $200, while it can be as much as $500 or more if something else goes wrong. A new opener costs at least $100 to install and could go up by an additional $50 each time you replace your garage door sections. Ultimately, this will all come down to the type of service provider you’re contracting.
Professional Garage Door Solutions!
Legacy Garage Doors has a solution for every garage door restoration need. Our trained technicians can accurately diagnose and fix any garage door system failures, including broken springs, faulty wiring, or a malfunctioning opener. Give us a call when you’re looking for a garage door company!
