3 Garage Door Repair Tips

Nothing’s built to last forever, and garage doors aren’t an exception. After years of constant use, they’re bound to show signs of aging, whether it be rust, refusal to obey your command, or creaking so loud you wouldn’t want them obeying your command.

The question is “What should you do when garage doors malfunction?” Should you try to repair it on your own or entrust that job to a reputable garage door repair company in Encinitas? Let’s find out!

Can I repair my garage door myself?

While garage door repair isn’t exactly rocket science, it certainly isn’t something that should be taken lightly. There are many nuances to the job, many of which leave ample room for mistakes. Therefore, before you rush into DIY-ing, consider a few facts:

• First, garage door repair is intricate work. It takes a lot of skills and specialized tools, as well as finesse to not only be able to get the job done well but at all.
• Second, garage doors, while sturdy, aren’t indestructible. It doesn’t take a lot to “fix” them up so well, that you’ll need a new one in a blink. And, let’s face it, garage door replacement isn’t exactly something you want to do often.
• Third, some components comprising the garage door mechanism aren’t safe for work. They can damage your garage walls, windows, and anything inside if handled improperly.
• Lastly, and most importantly, there are real health risks involved with this type of work. It only takes a misstep, a mishandling of a component, or looking the wrong way at the wrong time to end up with a serious injury.

Therefore, the answer to the title question is a resounding “no”. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, you’ve done it before, and have all the necessary tools it is best not to risk it. Leave garage door repair and replacement to professionals who will certainly do a good job without risking your well-being or that of your property.

Things you can and cannot DIY

From everything said, you may be under the impression that you shouldn’t even get close to your garage doors if they’re broken. Don’t worry, you don’t have to call a garage repair specialist for every minor thing. There are some (relatively) safe repairs that you could do yourself:

• Tightening loose nuts and bolts;
• Replacing damaged water seals and panels;
• Lubricating your garage door mechanism.

However, you should never ever attempt to repair broken drums, cables, or springs. All of them are under incredible tension and mishandling can result in severe injury.

Can I repair only one section of the garage door?

Absolutely! If only one section of your garage door is damaged, there’s no need to replace them all. However, before you start working on it, it is highly recommended to do a thorough inspection of every panel and the garage door as a whole to make sure it still meets the relevant safety standards. If the rest is in good condition, you may proceed.

That said, if you notice significant damage or signs of rusting on other sections or door mechanisms, it is best to have a professional do the assessment. Sometimes, salvaging some of it is possible. But, if the damage is extensive, it would be much more cost-effective to replace the entire door.

Where to find experts in garage door repair in Encinitas?

Whether you’re looking to repair your garage door or replace them entirely, there’s no one east of Moonlight State Beach to entrust the job to than Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego. We are a client-centered company with a track record of excellence spanning over 80 years.

With our expertise-based approach and the hard work of our trained professionals, we can give your garage doors a makeover that will stand the test of time. Contact us today to learn more about us and how you can benefit from our services in Encinitas and beyond.