DIY Garage door Repairs: How to stay away from danger
May 25, 2022
Your garage door is one of those things you probably don’t think about too often—until it decides to act up. And in Arizona, where the weather can be tough on just about everything, garage doors face their own set of challenges. Between the scorching heat, dust storms, and everyday wear and tear, it’s no wonder some issues are more common here than in other places. But don’t worry! We’re here to walk you through the most common garage door problems in Arizona and how 101 Garage Doors can help you fix them quickly and safely.
Let’s start with one of the most common (and frustrating) issues: broken garage door springs. These springs work hard to lift and lower your door, and the extreme Arizona heat can make them wear out faster than you’d expect. When a spring breaks, your garage door won’t open or close properly, and that’s a big problem.
Why It Happens:The intense heat in Arizona puts extra stress on your door’s springs, causing them to weaken and eventually snap.
What You Can Do:Spring replacement isn’t a DIY job—it's dangerous! If your spring breaks, call the pros at 101 Garage Doors. We’ll replace it safely and get your door back in action fast.
Have you ever tried to open your garage door, only to notice that it’s suddenly off track or making weird sounds? It’s more common than you think, and it usually happens because of a misalignment or dirt buildup in the tracks. When your door is off track, it can get stuck halfway or fail to open at all.
Why It Happens:Over time, tracks can get misaligned or dirty, especially if you’re in a dusty area. If you’ve ever bumped the door with your car (whoops!), that can also knock it off track.
What You Can Do:Don’t try to force it back into place. That could cause further damage. Instead, call 101 Garage Doors to realign the tracks and make sure everything’s running smoothly.
Your garage door opener is like the brain of the system, and when it stops working, you’ll definitely notice. Whether it’s the remote that won’t connect or the opener motor that’s gone on strike, opener issues can be a real pain.
Why It Happens:The Arizona sun can dry out electrical components over time, and dust can clog up sensors and motors. Plus, old wiring or a faulty remote can cause trouble.
What You Can Do:First, try replacing the remote battery. If the problem persists, it could be a motor or electrical issue. Call 101 Garage Doors to inspect your opener and get it working again.
Is your garage door squeaking, grinding, or rattling like it’s about to fall apart? Don’t worry—it’s a common problem, especially in Arizona where the combination of heat and dust can cause parts to wear down faster.
Why It Happens:Dry hinges, rusty rollers, and dirty tracks can make your garage door sound like a haunted house. Dust and debris buildup are also common culprits.
What You Can Do:Lubricating the moving parts usually fixes the noise, but if it keeps happening, it’s time for a professional inspection. We can clean and lubricate the parts at 101 Garage Doors to make sure your door runs quietly and smoothly.
If your garage door won’t open all the way or gets stuck halfway, it could be due to a few things: misaligned sensors, worn-out rollers, or even a door that’s out of balance. This problem can be especially common in Arizona, where extreme temperatures affect the door’s components.
Why It Happens:The heat can cause parts like sensors to shift out of alignment. And if your door is out of balance, it might struggle to open and close properly.
What You Can Do:Start by checking the sensors for dirt or misalignment. If that doesn’t solve it, the issue could be more complex, and you’ll need a professional to balance the door and fix the tracks. 101 Garage Doors can handle it all, getting your door working like new again.
If you notice cracks or gaps in the rubber seals around your garage door, it’s time to replace them. Arizona’s harsh sun can cause the rubber to dry out and crack, letting in dust, dirt, and even hot air. That’s not ideal, especially in the middle of a desert summer.
Why It Happens:The Arizona sun is intense, and it can dry out the rubber seals around your garage door. This means dust and air can sneak in, making your garage hotter and dirtier.
What You Can Do:Replacing weather seals is an easy fix, but it’s one that’s often overlooked. 101 Garage Doors can replace the seals quickly, helping you keep your garage cooler and cleaner.
Living in Arizona means dealing with dust storms and dry conditions. Over time, all that dust can build up on your garage door tracks, rollers, and sensors, making the door harder to open or causing it to get stuck.
Why It Happens:Dust storms, dry air, and the lack of humidity all contribute to dirt buildup around your door. And if you don’t clean it regularly, that dust can interfere with the smooth operation of your garage door.
What You Can Do:Regular cleaning and lubrication can go a long way in preventing dust from building up. If it’s been a while since your last maintenance check, call 101 Garage Doors to get your door cleaned and serviced.
If your garage door isn’t opening evenly or seems to sag to one side, it could be out of balance. This can happen when the springs or cables wear out, and it can make your door work harder than it should, possibly causing further damage.
Why It Happens:Over time, springs and cables can lose their strength, especially in Arizona’s extreme temperatures. If the door isn’t balanced, it can cause stress on the motor, leading to bigger problems.
What You Can Do:A door that’s out of balance should be fixed by a professional. 101 Garage Doors can inspect and adjust the balance to prevent damage and ensure smooth operation.
At 101 Garage Doors, we understand that garage doors are an essential part of your home, and we’re here to help you keep them in tip-top shape. Whether you’re dealing with a broken spring, noisy rollers, or a door that won’t open, our team of experts can handle it all. We’re committed to providing fast, reliable service to homeowners throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Tucson.
