How to Repair Home Garage Doors

Garage doors take a beating on an almost daily basis. Problems arise due to years of use or lack of care. Here are a few tips to help you rectify some common home garage door problems.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Rubber mallet
• Hammer
• Grease or lubricants
• Cleaning solutions
• Level

Instructions

1. If the garage door doesn't close, check the infrared detector. It could be dirty or blocked by an object. Clean the lens or remove the object(s). If there is no dirt or objects blocking the detector, check the two lasersto see if they are aligned. Sometimes they are not pointed correctly, so re-adjust to the correct angle by tilting back and forth or up and down until you get it right.

2. Check the metal tracks. Sometimes, through years of use, the mounting brackets holding the tracks may become loose. Tighten the screws or bolts with the proper screw driver. Test for stability, then press the garage-door opener again to see if it will roll down or up. Use a level to make sure that the tracks are plumb.

3. Check for dents on the metal tracks and door, then use a rubber mallet to smoothen or flatten the dent(s). A hammer can be used in lieu of a rubber mallet. Be sure to use a block of wood before you start pounding.

4. Check the spring tracks to see if anything is loose or dislodged from the track. Then put them back into their proper location and ensure that they sit in place. Adjust the spring to the correct tension or tightness.

5. Sometimes, the spring or tracks maybe rusty or dirty. Use household cleaning solutions to clean these up, then add household lubricant to lessen the squeaks and afford smoother operation.

6. Check the garage door opener -- whether the one located on the wall or your remote controller. It is possible that the problem is with the opener. Replace the battery if needed. Also check the number coding, to determine if it still matches the main system. See if the opener on the wall is loose; if it is, try to tighten it with a screwdriver.

7. If the door is broken and beyond repair, you will need to replace it with a new one.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when handling the springs -- especially the one in the middle, which can cause injury if unbuckled incorrectly.