If you have a garage door that is not working properly, you may be wondering how to fix it yourself or whether you need to call a professional. Garage doors are complex systems that involve springs, cables, rollers, tracks, sensors, and motors. A malfunctioning door can be dangerous, noisy, and inconvenient.

Here are some common garage door problems, the signs that they are occurring, and how they may be repaired.

Broken Springs

One of the most common garage door problems is a broken spring. The springs counterbalance the door's girth and allow it to close and open correctly. Once a garage door spring breaks, the door, which is quite heavy, becomes hard to lift. You may hear a loud bang when a spring snaps or see a gap in the spring coil.

To repair a broken spring, you need to replace it with a new one of the same size and type. This is not a do-it-yourself job, as springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly. The cost of replacing a garage door spring may vary depending on the size and type of your door.

Broken Cables

Another common garage door problem is a broken cable. Cables are attached to the springs and the bottom of the door to assist with the smooth lifting and lowering of the door. When a cable breaks, the door may become uneven, jammed, or even fall off the track. You may also see a frayed or loose cable hanging from the side of the door.

For a broken cable repair, you need a professional. The cables, like the garage door springs, are under high tension.

Bent Tracks

Bent tracks occur relatively frequently. The track is the metal rail that guides the rollers of the door along the ceiling and walls of the garage. When the track is bent, misaligned, or rusted, the door may not open or close properly. You may see gaps between the rollers and the track or hear grinding noises when the door moves.

To repair a bent track, you need to straighten or replace it. If you have some basic tools and skills, you may be able to handle this job yourself. However, you should be careful not to further damage the track or cause yourself injury. During the repair, be sure to check the alignment of the tracks, making sure they are level and parallel to each other.

For more information about garage door repairs, contact a garage door specialist in your area.