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When an issue arises with your garage door, your first thought probably is: Can I fix this myself? After all, a new garage door is quite an investment, and many people may not be prepared to shell out for an unexpected repair or replacement. So, can you fix your garage door yourself? It depends. 

When to fix your garage door yourself

Your transmitter won’t work

Did you use your “clicker” but the garage door just isn’t working? More often than not, it’s a simple issue with your transmitter or remote, like dead batteries or being out of range. Change your remote batteries and make sure nothing is obstructing the signal to see if that helps. If your remote and wall transmitter aren’t working, there may be a bigger issue at play that needs a diagnosis from a professional.

Your operator has no power

If your transmitter is working but your garage door still isn’t opening, it’s likely your operator isn’t getting power. One of the most common reasons? It’s simply unplugged. Check the power source of your operator to make sure everything looks to be normal. If it does, it could be a separate electrical issue that requires the help of a professional.

You can also test other devices in your outlets to see if there’s something wrong with the outlet.

Your garage door won’t close all the way

If you notice your garage door won’t close all the way and reverses direction, it’s likely a simple issue with your photo-eyes. These are the sensors on either side of your garage door that detect when something’s in the way. But if something isn’t in the way, your photo-eye might just be dirty or misaligned. First, wipe down your photo-eyes with a soft cloth and gentle surface cleaner to see if that resolves the issue. If it doesn’t, check to see that your photo eyes are aligned.

You hear squeaking noises

Over time, it’s normal to begin hearing squeaking or grinding noises when your garage door opens and closes. That’s because it opens and closes very frequently, causing a lot of friction. To fix it, simply put some lubrication directly on the noisy areas.

When to call a professional to fix your garage door

Your garage door has broken cables or springs

Garage door cables and springs help raise and lower your garage door. When they break, they can no longer prevent your door from forcibly slamming shut, increasing the risk of serious injury. While broken cables and springs are a common issue, they should be treated as a dangerous problem and should only be repaired by a professional.

Your door is unbalanced

When your garage door is unbalanced or off-track, it can put unnecessary strain on other components of your garage door — leading to even more complications. Unbalanced garage doors can also close unexpectedly, which is another reason to get immediate help. The easiest way to check for this? Manually open your garage door half-way. If it doesn’t stay, your springs are likely unbalanced.

Your emergency reversal system isn’t working

Since 1993, all garage doors have been required to have safety sensors to prevent them from closing on anyone or anything. As mentioned before, garage doors usually reverse course when your photo-eyes detect something. However, if you notice your garage door doesn’t reverse when something is in the way, it’s time to seek immediate help from a professional.

You have broken windows or panels

Accidents and severe weather are a part of life, but they can both cause major damage to your garage door. If one (or both) results in a garage door with multiple broken panels or windows, you may need an entire garage door replacement. Be sure to call your local garage door repair services to do a formal inspection and estimate.

Not sure what the problem is? Call American Garage Door

If you still can’t diagnose the issue with your Denver-area garage door (or determine whether you can fix it by yourself), call American Garage Door. From routine maintenance to 24/7 emergency repairs, our experienced technicians help diagnose and resolve any issues with your garage door. Explore all of our repair services, then request an estimate today!