When it comes to home maintenance, one of the most essential—and often overlooked—parts of your home is the garage door. While it’s easy to assume that its easy to fix a garage door, the truth is that they can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly! In this blog, we’ll walk you through some common garage door issues, why DIY repairs can be risky, and how to stay safe. Plus, if you're located in Arizona, we'll touch on how to choose the right professional garage door repair company to help keep your door running smoothly.

Why DIY Garage Door Repairs Can Be Dangerous

Garage doors are heavy and operate under high tension. Even a small mistake during a DIY repair can lead to serious injury or costly damage. Here are some of the most common hazards associated with DIY garage door repairs:

1. High Tension Springs

Garage doors are equipped with torsion springs that are under high tension. These springs help lift the heavy door, and if they break or are handled improperly, they can snap with heavy force. This could result in serious injuries to your hands, face, or God forbid even your head.

2. Heavy Weight of the Door

Garage doors average weight is 400 pounds, and lifting or lowering them manually is difficult and can be dangerous. Trying to fix an off track garage door or broken garage door without proper tools can lead to strain, injury, or accidents.

3. Electricity and Wiring

Modern garage doors often come with automatic openers, which are powered by electricity. Attempting electrical repairs without the right knowledge can lead to electrical shocks or fires.

4. Lack of Proper Tools

Garage door repairs often require specialized tools. Without the proper equipment, you risk damaging the components of the garage door or making a mistake that leads to bigger issues down the road.

Common Garage Door Problems (And When to Call a Professional 101 garage doors technician)

Knowing when to call a professional garage door company can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. Here are some common problems that may arise:

1. Broken Springs

One of the most common issues with garage doors is broken torsion springs. While these can technically be replaced yourself, attempting to do so without experience can be dangerous. Professionals can safely replace broken garage door springs without risking injury.

2. Misaligned Tracks (off track garage door)

If your garage door isn’t moving properly, the garage door tracks might be misaligned. This problem can be caused by a lot of different factors, such as debris or wear and tear. It’s best to let a professional tech take a look since aligning the tracks requires precise adjustments.

3. Faulty Garage Door Opener

If your garage door opener stops working, the problem could be with the garage door motor or the sensors. This is a tricky issue to troubleshoot on your own, and it’s often safer and cheaper to hire an expert.

4. Worn-Out Garage Door Cables

The garage door cables that support the door’s movement can wear out over time. Broken garage door cables are another reason why DIY garage door repairs are a bad idea—they can be very dangerous when under tension.

5. Squeaking or Grinding Noises from your Garage Door

If your garage door is making strange noises, it could be a sign that your garage door is misaligned or that components are wearing down. A garage door technician can perform the necessary maintenance to keep the door working properly.

How to Stay Safe While Performing Basic Maintenance

While there are certain repairs you should always leave to the professionals, there are a few basic maintenance tasks you can perform yourself to keep your garage door in good condition:

1. Regular Lubrication

Keep the moving parts of your garage door—like the rollers, hinges, and springs—well-lubricated to prevent rust and reduce friction. Use a silicone-based lubricant and apply it every few months. If your'e unsure about how to do this, call 101 garage doors and our experts will be happy to assist you.

2. Check the Sensors

Garage doors with automatic openers have sensors that prevent the door from closing on obstacles- like your car or any equipment. Test the sensors periodically by placing an object in the door’s path. If it doesn’t reverse when the object is detected, it may be time to clean the sensors or call a professional.

3. Inspect the Door for Damage

Visually inspect the door for any signs of wear, such as dents or cracks. A well-maintained door will last longer and run more smoothly.

4. Tighten Loose Hardware

Over time, bolts and screws may loosen. Tighten any loose hardware to avoid further damage.

5. Test the Balance

A well-balanced garage door will stay open when you lift it halfway. If it doesn’t, the springs may need to be adjusted. This is a job for a professional, as improper adjustments can lead to dangerous situations.

When to Call a 101 Garage Doors Company in Arizona

If you're in Arizona, finding a reliable garage door repair company is crucial for your safety. Here’s why:

1. Expert Technicians

Our professional garage door technician has the training and experience to handle all types of garage door issues. Whether you're in Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, or anywhere else in Arizona, 101 garage doors company can safely and efficiently fix any problem.

2. Emergency Services

Sometimes, garage door problems occur at the most inconvenient times. 101 garage doors is an Arizona-based garage door company that offers 24/7 emergency repair services to ensure your door is back up and running quickly.

3. Preventative Maintenance

Regular maintenance can extend the life of your garage door and prevent major repairs. At 101 garage doors we offer maintenance packages that include routine inspections, lubrication, and adjustments to keep your door in top condition.

4. Affordable and Transparent Pricing

Our trusted 101 garage doors repair company in Arizona will provide honest pricing with no hidden fees. Whether you're in Glendale, Mesa, or Tempe, you can expect upfront quotes and fair rates for your repairs or replacements.