Why You Should Hire Professionals for Your Overhead Garage Door Repair

Posted on April 15, 2024March 19, 2024

Click once and you can find hundreds of DIY articles and videos on garage door repair. DIY influencers have a knack for making even the most complex repairs look simple. It’s tempting to watch – but should you follow their instructions? Overhead garage door repair isn’t a task for the weak of heart. It’s not even a task for the homeowner who has some mean DIY skills. Before you attempt to fix a broken garage door on your own, learn why those DIY repairs could end up causing more harm than good. We’ll also cover why you should hire a professional to fix most garage door problems.

Dangers of DIY Overhead Garage Door Repair

Many homeowners love the challenge of DIY home maintenance projects. Some home improvement buffs even have specialized tools and skills needed to take care of most home repairs. Regardless of where you fit on the home improvement skill spectrum, safety should always come first. Safety is the number one priority when dealing with garage doors. Garage doors can weigh between 155 and 225 pounds. Imagine what it feels like to have that weight fall on you. Weight isn’t the only concern. What many homeowners don’t realize is these doors operate under high tension. The springs, cables, and other components of the door system are under significant pressure, and mishandling them can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. Here’s just one example of the danger of DIY garage door repairs. The torsion spring – responsible for lifting the door’s weight – is tightly wound and can release a tremendous amount of force. This force is more than enough to cause serious injuries, including cuts, bruises, and even broken bones.  The cables and tracks of the door system are also prone to wear and tear. Attempting repairs without the necessary expertise can result in accidents or further damage to the door. Without the proper training and expertise, attempting to repair your garage door yourself is like playing with fire. One wrong move could lead to disastrous consequences. It’s not worth risking your well-being for the sake of saving a few bucks. Instead, trust the job to professionals who have the knowledge, experience, and tools to handle it safely. Your health and safety are invaluable – don’t take unnecessary risks by trying to DIY overhead garage door repairs.

Garage Doors and Their Complex Mechanisms

Garage doors may seem deceptively simple. Not understanding how they work causes many DIYers to make the problem worse instead of fixing it. Consider the intricate working of components. The springs, cables, rollers, tracks, and opener all work together in a balancing act. Any disruption can result in malfunctions.  For example, a common issue with garage doors is a misaligned track. While it may seem like a simple fix, adjusting the track requires precise measurements and adjustments. Attempting to realign the track yourself can lead to further damage to the door.  Professional garage door repair techs know these complex mechanisms inside and out. They’ll diagnose the problem accurately and, ensure your garage door operates smoothly and safely for years to come.

Warranty and Insurance Implications

Did you know attempting DIY repairs on your garage door could void its warranty? Many manufacturers specify they only cover professional repairs under warranty. You could be left footing the bill for future repairs if something goes wrong. Insurance companies may not cover damages resulting from DIY repairs. If your attempts cause further damage or lead to accidents, you could find yourself facing hefty repair costs without any financial assistance. By hiring professionals to handle your garage door replacement or repairs, you guarantee the job is done right the first time.  You also protect yourself from voiding warranties and insurance coverage.  It’s a small investment that can save you money and future headaches.

Time and Cost Considerations

One of the most common reasons people attempt DIY garage door repairs is to save money. What they often don’t realize is that these projects can end up costing them more in the long run. Garage door repair is a time-consuming process requiring specialized tools and expertise. Without them, you could spend hours trying to diagnose the problem and make repairs, only to find yourself back at square one when the issue persists. DIY repairs can lead to unexpected costs. If you make a mistake or fail to fix the problem correctly, you may end up needing to hire professionals to undo the damage and make proper repairs. In the end, you’ll spend more time and money than if you had just hired professionals from the start. Consider the example of replacing a broken garage door spring. While it may seem like a straightforward task, attempting to replace the spring yourself can cause personal injury if the spring snaps during installation.

Importance of Professional Expertise    

Whether you’re dealing with the door itself, or the automatic garage door opener, there’s no substitute for professional expertise. These professionals undergo extensive training. They have years of experience working with all types of garage door systems. Speaking of garage door openers, like the other door components, you need to understand how they work. Malfunctions may include the motor, gears, or sensors. You may also need to troubleshoot electrical issues.  Attempting to diagnose and repair the opener yourself could render the opener inoperable. A professional will not only address the repairs, but they can also take care of installation if you need a garage door replacement.

Need to Schedule Garage Door Service?

Overhead garage door repair requires precision, expertise, and safety precautions. Attempting to DIY can lead to serious injuries, further damage, and surprise costs. Look no further than R&S Doors. As the leading garage door repair business in the San Leandro, Oakland, San Jose, Hayward, and Palo Alto areas, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Our team of experienced technicians is available 24/7 to address any garage door issues you may encounter. Reach out today for a complimentary quote. We don’t just handle garage repair doors, we can also help with garage upgrades!