Why You Should Avoid DIY Garage Door Repairs: The Dangers of Doing It Yourself
Your garage door is likely a daily workhorse, opening and closing so you and your car can come and go several times a day, and you probably don’t think much of it. When it breaks, it can become a very frustrating inconvenience. Garage doors are very heavy, typically weighing between 100 and 108 pounds. These doors come with many moving parts that wear down and are bound to break at some point. While regular maintenance can extend the life of your door, it’s important to remember that repairing it yourself can be dangerous.
Here at A1 Garage Door Service, we’ve seen and fixed just about everything that can go wrong with a garage door. While some people may feel the urge to handle their garage door fixes on their own, repairs are best left to professionals who have experience with these fixes, actively avoiding unnecessary injury.
How Does a Garage Door Work?
To understand why doing garage door repairs yourself is so risky, the best place to start is by understanding how it works. Garage doors use a counterbalance system to operate, and it’s typically done with two main types of springs.
Torsion Springs
The most common of the two counterbalance systems uses torsion springs. Torsion springs are horizontally attached to a rotating shaft that sits above the garage door opening. When the garage door is closing, the springs wind up generating stored energy, and when opened, the springs unwind, allowing the stored energy to lift the door. Torsion springs are much more durable and longer-lasting, but because of how much energy they store, they are extremely dangerous if mishandled.
Extension Springs
Extension springs are attached to the garage door’s bottom with a lift cable that runs through a pulley system. When the garage door is closed, the springs stretch and, when opened, retract. Extension springs are much weaker and more prone to breaking; they are also considered extremely dangerous if not handled properly.
Common Garage Door Issues: Why DIY Is Dangerous
Why Is My Garage Door Opening on Its Own?
If your garage door opens unexpectedly, it might be due to a malfunction in the opener, misaligned sensors, or faulty wiring. While you may be tempted to troubleshoot these problems yourself, dealing with the electrical components or sensors can be risky. A small mistake can lead to more significant damage or even personal injury.
Why Won’t My Garage Door Close?
A door that won’t close properly can pose a security risk. Many DIYers may try to fix misaligned sensors or damaged tracks, but these tasks can be dangerous if the parts are under tension. A broken torsion spring, for example, can prevent the door from closing and should never be handled without the proper tools and experience.
Why Won’t My Garage Door Open?
If your garage door is stuck and won’t open, it can be frustrating. Attempting to fix the issue by manually lifting the door or attempting to fix the opener can lead to injuries, particularly if the torsion springs are involved. A broken spring can release energy unpredictably, causing serious harm.
How to Make Your Garage Door Quieter
Trying to eliminate the noise from your garage door by lubricating its parts or tightening bolts might seem simple enough, but improper handling of these components could lead to more damage. Loose or misaligned parts can result in additional issues down the road.
Common Causes of Injuries During Garage Door Installation and Repair
Installing or repairing a garage door can be dangerous, especially for those without the proper tools or experience. The most common causes of injury during garage door work include:
- Spring Tension: Torsion springs, in particular, store a lot of energy, and if they break or are improperly adjusted, they can cause serious injury. A sudden release of this tension can result in flying parts, which can lead to cuts, bruises, or worse.
- Heavy Lifting: Garage doors are heavy, typically weighing between 100 and 180 pounds. Improper lifting techniques can lead to back strains, sprains, or other injuries.
- Pinched Fingers or Hands: When installing or adjusting parts of the garage door, especially the tracks or springs, fingers or hands can easily become pinched or crushed.
- Falling from Heights: Many installation or repair tasks involve working at height (e.g., on ladders). A fall from even a few feet can lead to serious injury, particularly if you’re not wearing proper safety gear.
According to Las Vegas contingency lawyers at Sandoval & James, “Improperly installed springs can create a serious liability for homeowners—if they break, they can cause injury to anyone using your garage. This can lead to potential legal consequences and financial responsibility if an accident occurs. Ensuring your garage door is installed and maintained by a professional, like A1, significantly reduces the risk of such incidents. By hiring an expert to handle the installation, you’re not only protecting your home and family but also minimizing the potential for costly liabilities that could arise from improperly installed or malfunctioning equipment.”
When to Call a Professional
Rather than attempting a DIY repair, it’s always safer to call in a professional garage door service. The team at A1 Garage Door Service has the proper tools, experience, and safety protocols to ensure repairs are completed correctly and without risk to you.
DIY Garage Door Installation – Not Worth the Risk
While it may seem like a cost-saving idea, installing or repairing your garage door without the proper experience is not worth the risk. Garage door repairs require a high level of expertise, and even small mistakes can lead to dangerous accidents. If you’re facing a garage door issue, it’s always best to call in the experts. The professionals at A1 Garage Door Service are trained to handle all types of repairs safely, ensuring your garage door works properly without putting you at risk.
If you’ve tried everything to fix the issue and still can’t find a solution, or if you’re not comfortable attempting the repair, call a professional. Our team will get your garage door back in top condition quickly and safely.