In this economy, you have to watch every dime that goes out the door. There are lots of things that can go wrong with a garage door and it’s important to know what is just poor maintenance and what really needs professional attention. In many cases, knowing the difference can save you time, money, or possibly keep your family safe.
Here are some common myths about garage door repair:
1) Garage Doors Don’t Require Maintenance
One of the biggest myths is that garage doors don’t require any maintenance. They are metal and they can get cold, expand, and pull away from their tracks during the seasons, which can affect their function over time. Garage doors actually need the same maintenance as the rest of your home does: a yearly inspection for loose bolts or hardware, a yearly lubrication with grease to keep them operating smoothly and quietly, and a yearly cleaning.
2) All Door Problems Can Be Fixed By My Husband/Wife/Son/Daughter
It’s true that some problems can be fixed by people who have basic DIY skills – but there are some things you should always leave to the professionals. That includes springs which pose a major safety hazard if they break, and which need to be replaced with the same type of coil in order for your door to continue working correctly. Also, repairs that affect the cables present a high safety risk and should also be left to an expert.
3) I Can Diagnose The Price Of Repair Before I Call Anyone
It can be hard to know whether you need a simple repair or a more expensive service call. Garage door companies typically charge by the job, not by how long it takes them to do it. They will give you an estimate on parts and labor before they make any repairs; however, this price cannot be used as an accurate depiction of what is wrong or how much it will cost. Most garages doors are very heavy machinery and can require a longer time with the motor turned off to make repairs. They also may need an additional part that wasn’t originally expected and can add to the price of labor and parts. If you want an accurate idea of what your garage door repair will cost, ask for a quote before they begin any work on your garage door.
4) All I Have To Do Is Cut The Power To The Garage Door
If you’re trying to diagnose garage door repair issues, know that there are things that can go wrong with your garage door opener that don’t require cutting the power. You should always keep in mind that your garage door is connected to a system of pulleys and springs, so if something goes wrong with it, you could risk injuring yourself by reaching around the manual release handle. If you need to reprogram or replace your opener, call an expert.
5) I Don’t Need To Worry About Wires
Most newer homes do not have exposed wires near garages because they’ve been buried inside the wall for safety measures. However, almost every home has exposed wire where their garage door opener is connected. If a wire were to come loose or get damaged, it could cause your garage door to open while you’re trying to close it, causing serious injury. It’s best to have the wires checked by a professional before you try to connect your garage door opener yourself.
If you follow these tips and understand the importance of letting professionals handle repairs on your garage door, then you can avoid accidents and save money in the long run. After all, the more knowledge you have about your garage door, the better equipped you are when dealing with it!