Part of homeownership is taking care of your home via regular maintenance and repairs. By keeping your home in great condition, you can preserve its value and get as much money as possible if you ever decide to sell your home.
One issue that homeowners may run into is a broken garage door. This can be very inconvenient as it can make your garage inaccessible until it is repaired.
So, what should you do when your garage door is broken? Should you fix it yourself? Should you hire a professional to do it for you?
Let’s take a look at what to do when your garage door breaks down.
Identify the Issue
What you should do when your garage door breaks depends on the specific issue. By identifying what’s wrong, you can determine how to proceed.
Some common issues include:
- Noisy garage door
- Broken glass
- Broken automatic door opener
- Broken spring
- Broken or compromised garage door panels
Certain issues, like a noisy door or broken glass, can quickly and easy be fixed. Often, you can fix issues like these by yourself to save on repair costs.
However, other issues, like a broken spring or door panel, may require professional maintenance. Fixing these issues can be dangerous and can cause serious injury. If your garage door is severely damaged, your best option is to hire a professional.
What to Do When Your Garage Door is Broken
So, what should you do to fix a broken garage door? Depending on the issue, you can either fix it yourself or hire a professional.
Fix it Yourself
Minor issues can often be resolved without professional help.
A noisy garage door, for example, can often be fixed by cleaning the rollers and tracks with a brush and replacing any non-functioning rollers. A broken glass pane can also be replaced just as you would replace the glass on a broken window.
If your garage door only has minor issues like these, you likely already have the tools to fix it yourself.
Hire a Professional
For more serious issues, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional.
As mentioned previously, certain issues can pose safety risks. Homeowners who aren’t trained to fix these kinds of problems should seek the help of a professional repair service.
When looking for a repairman in your area, be sure to read customer reviews to ensure that the company is quick, efficient, and qualified. By contacting a professional repair service, you can get your garage door up and running in no time.
Preventative Maintenance
Maintenance is almost always cheaper than repairs. By being proactive and performing regular preventative maintenance, you can prolong the life of your garage door.
To keep your garage door in good condition, be sure to:
- Limit how often you open and close your garage door
- Keep your garage door springs lubricated
- Schedule regular garage door maintenance
- Get an inspection at least once per year
By knowing what to do when your garage door is broken, you can get it fixed as quickly as possible and protect your home investment in case you ever decide to sell your property.