Garage Door Repairs Do It Yourself

Garage doors are a convenient feature of many homes, but they can also be a source of headaches when they break down. If you're handy and have some basic tools, you can often fix garage door problems yourself and save money on the cost of a professional repairman.

Here are some common garage door repairs that you can do yourself:

Broken springs: Springs are what lift and lower the garage door, so if they break, the door will be stuck. Replacing springs can be dangerous, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. You'll need a special tool called a spring compressor to do this job.
Misaligned tracks: If the garage door is not opening or closing smoothly, it may be because the tracks are misaligned. You can adjust the tracks by loosening the bolts that hold them in place and then moving them until the door is aligned. Be sure to tighten the bolts securely when you're finished.
Worn rollers: Rollers are what guide the garage door along the tracks. If they're worn out, the door may not open or close smoothly. Replacing rollers is a relatively easy job. Simply detach the old rollers from the door and replace them with new ones.
Broken cables: Cables are what lift and lower the garage door. If they break, the door will be stuck. Replacing cables can be a bit challenging, but it's not impossible. You'll need to remove the old cables and then feed the new cables through the pulleys. Be sure to tighten the cables securely when you're finished.
Bad sensors: Sensors are what detect when something is in the way of the garage door. If they're not working properly, the door may not open or close all the way. Replacing sensors is a relatively easy job. Simply unscrew the old sensors and replace them with new ones.

If you're not comfortable doing any of these repairs yourself, you can always call a professional. However, if you're handy and have some basic tools, you can often save money by doing the repairs yourself.