Garage Repair Questions

• Can you figure out the problem?
• Does the door need repair or replacement?
• Is it a do-it-yourself job?
• Does it require a professional?

When it comes to a big job like this, any mistake could make the problem worse and cost more than expected. Garage repair for Winnetka residents is easy when the right professional is on the job.

Garage Door Problems

Knowing the garage door is not working right is not the same as knowing why it’s not working. Here are some common garage door problems.

Door won’t open or close

• The electronic keypad may be stuck or damaged due to repeated use over time.
• Moisture may be getting into the keypad.
• The keypad could be worn out and ineffective from age.
• There may be a broken motor or motor receiver.

Door Jams

• It could be a mechanical problem
• Check for broken rollers or ones that have come off the tracks
• Check for anything blocking rollers
• Check for rust buildup on the tracks

Door Leaks

• A wet garage after it rains could indicate a faulty garage door seal
• Some new doors just need a new seal
• Some older doors need a seal and additional repairs
• Without repairs, moisture could get inside the house

Door Slides Up or Down by Itself

• Faulty extension springs could be the problem
• Worn out or weak springs allow doors to slide down
• Springs that are too strong make doors rise
• The correct tension level must be found to fix the problem
• Tension levels are connected to the door’s height and weight
• Closing on its own could damage anything in its path

Door Movement is Uneven

• An obstruction may be blocking the door
• The spring mechanism may be too loose or too tight
• Tracks may be bent or warped

Door Makes Loud Noises

• Grinding, screeching and squealing noises are not normal for a garage door
• Dirt and debris buildup on the tracks may be the problem
• A lack of lubrication on the tracks may be the problem
• Tracks can be cleaned with mild cleaners
• Lubricants made for garage doors may solve the problem

Ask

• Do you understand how the garage door works well enough to fix it yourself?
• Do you want to invest the time, energy and money on a project you may not be able to fix?
• How will you know if the problem is fixable, or if it’s time to replace the door?

Consider

• Unless the problem is located in the middle to lower part of the garage door, you will be climbing a ladder to get up high. Trying to make repairs while on a ladder is a safety risk.
• Unless you know the inner workings of garage doors, you may not properly diagnose the problem.
• Your repairs may not solve the problem, causing you to spend more time trying to find and fix the problem.