Why You Shouldn’t DIY Garage Door Repairs

Many handy homeowners take pride in tackling DIY projects and saving money on simple repairs. While this approach works for certain tasks, attempting to fix a malfunctioning garage door is never a good idea. Here’s why garage door repairs are best left to trained professionals.

The Rise of DIY – But Not for Garage Doors

DIY home repairs save homeowners money. They are sources of entertainment and, upon completion, provide the homeowner with a sense of accomplishment. While these reasons are valid, certain home repairs are too complex to be performed by amateurs. Garage door repairs are among them.

Garage door systems are not kitchen cabinets. Rather, they are complex systems, operating on an intricate interplay of electrical and mechanical components. Plus, garage doors are massive, weighing hundreds of pounds—one mistake, and the homeowner puts themselves in danger.

Without proper training and knowledge, a homeowner is at risk for injury when attempting to fix a garage door. From high tension springs that snap to the door closing unexpectedly, the things that can go wrong are numerous. Instead, hiring a professional is the safest, smartest option.

How Garage Doors Work (and Why They’re Dangerous to Fix Yourself)

Garage doors do not consist of a single piece of material. Rather, they operate on a series of interlinking components, such as tracks, rollers, cables, and springs. Tension-loaded parts, like torsion springs, can lose their tension and snap, causing pieces to dangerously fly out and injure people nearby.

An average steel overhead garage door weighs around 125 pounds, while a double car door weighs 200 pounds. Falling doors can cause extensive injury, like broken bones and lacerations. Crushing injuries are possible due to the massive weight of a garage door.

Mishandling a garage door during DIY repairs may lead to further damage to the door as well as personal injury. Improperly working with the opener or other electrical components can cause electrocution. Homeowners are at risk of pinched fingers when working with their moving parts.

5 Reasons You Should Never DIY Garage Door Repairs

1. Serious Safety Hazards

As mentioned, torsion spring tension is hazardous and can cause serious injury or death if the springs snap and fly out. If a mistake is made and the garage door collapses, it can crush the homeowner. Working on a ladder or misusing tools comes with their own set of risks.

2. You May Misdiagnose the Problem

A homeowner can easily misdiagnose the problem, assuming the issue is with the opener when it’s a broken spring. Furthermore, performing incomplete repairs can complicate the door’s condition, exacerbate problems, and lead to worse garage door failures down the road.

3. You Could Damage the Door or Opener System

It’s possible that a homeowner replaces the wrong parts or overtightens springs, damaging the door further. If the DIY repair causes balance or alignment issues, it could require the homeowner to purchase an entirely new door or risk damage to their vehicles due to sudden closure or collapse.

4. It Might Void Your Warranty

Garage door manufacturer warranties extend for a specified length of time and typically require that a certified technician perform repairs. Since these warranties are not intended for homeowners to make modifications after installation, attempting a DIY garage door repair can void the warranty.

5. You Won’t Save Money in the Long Run

DIY fixes are attractive because they’re cheap for homeowners to perform. However, failing to properly repair the garage door can lead to repeated problems. Upon a DIY repair, more damage may potentially result, causing any future repairs to come at a significantly higher cost.

Risk	Explanation
Serious Safety Hazards	Torsion springs are dangerous and can cause injury or death. Ladders and tools also pose risks, and a collapsing door can crush someone.
You May Misdiagnose the Problem	Homeowners often mistake the issue for an opener problem instead of a broken spring. Incorrect or incomplete repairs can make the problem worse.
You Could Damage the Door or Opener System	Replacing the wrong parts or overtightening springs can cause balance and alignment issues, potentially requiring a new door or causing vehicle damage.
It Might Void Your Warranty	Most garage door warranties require certified technicians for repairs. DIY attempts can void the warranty.
You Won’t Save Money in the Long Run	Improper DIY repairs can lead to repeated problems, making future repairs more expensive.

When It’s Safe to Do Minor Garage Door Maintenance Yourself

Certain minor garage door maintenance tasks can be managed by a homeowner. These include lubricating the rollers and hinges, tightening visible hardware, and replacing remote batteries. However, it’s critical to consult a garage door technician when uncertain about how to perform routine fixes, like these.

Why Hiring a Professional Is Worth It

Garage door technicians are equipped with the knowledge, training, and tools to perform a repair correctly the first time; their professional expertise allows for quick service, too. Insurance and warranties on workmanship, hardware, or door panels come with their services.

By hiring a garage door professional who is trained to correctly identify the issues interfering with performance and complete repairs, homeowners avoid costly mistakes later. Homeowners enjoy peace of mind knowing their garage door will not abruptly collapse and that their safety is assured.

What to Do If Your Garage Door Isn’t Working

If a garage door shows signs of failure, stop using it immediately to prevent further damage. Disconnect the opener, if necessary, by putting it in manual release mode. Consult a licensed garage door repair service, such as Aladdin Garage Doors. Our quality repairs restore the operability of your garage door. Our trained technicians are experienced in working on garage doors of all sizes, styles, and brands. We specialize in repairs of various types, whether they are minor, like broken springs and damaged rollers or cables, or major, such as panel replacements and bent or damaged tracks.

When you notice signs of wear and tear on your garage door, such as the door getting stuck or hanging awkwardly on the tracks, it’s time to bring in a professional for repairs. Our technicians prioritize safety during repairs to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Our professional garage door repairs are fast, with a qualified, uniformed technician arriving within a two-hour window. We understand your time is valuable, and you may need access to your garage right away, so we also offer a 24/7 emergency response at no additional cost.

Protect your safety and the condition of your vehicle by leaving the garage door repairs to the pros at Aladdin Garage Doors. We deliver efficient, quick repairs for residential and commercial properties in Schaumburg, IL, and the surrounding areas. Request an upfront cost estimate by contacting our dedicated customer service team today.

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FAQs About DIY Garage Door Repairs

Why is DIY garage door repair dangerous?
Garage doors have heavy springs and moving parts that can cause serious injury or even death if handled incorrectly.

Can I save money by repairing my garage door myself?
While DIY may seem cheaper at first, mistakes can cause more damage and higher repair costs later.

What happens if I misdiagnose a garage door problem?
You might replace the wrong part or miss the real issue, which can make the door less safe and lead to bigger repairs.

Will DIY repairs affect my garage door warranty?
Yes. Most warranties require a certified technician for repairs, so doing it yourself can void your coverage.

How can a professional garage door repair help?
A certified technician ensures the repair is safe, correct, and long-lasting, protecting both your home and your investment.