A garage door is one of the most frequently used moving parts in a home. It protects your car and other valuables, provides convenient access to your home, and even adds to curb appeal. But like any mechanical system, it can wear down over time. If your garage door isn’t functioning properly—maybe it’s making strange noises, not closing all the way, or refusing to open—it may be time to consider some repairs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common issues homeowners face and how you can attempt basic fixes before calling a professional.
Understanding How Garage Doors Work
Before diving into repairs, it’s helpful to understand the components that make up your garage door system. A typical garage door is made up of panels, rollers, hinges, tracks, torsion or extension springs, and an opener. When you press the button to open or close your garage, all these components work together to move the door smoothly.
Over time, wear and tear or a sudden incident (like backing into the door) can cause one or more of these components to fail. That’s why proper maintenance and knowing how to address early warning signs are important.
Common Garage Door Problems and How to Fix Them
Garage Door Doesn’t Open or Close Completely
One of the most common complaints homeowners have is that their garage door doesn’t fully open or close. This issue can usually be traced to the photo-eye sensor. These small devices are located at the bottom of the door tracks and prevent the door from closing on objects or people. If the sensors are dirty or misaligned, the door may stop mid-way.
Try cleaning the lenses gently with a soft cloth and realigning them until the indicator lights are steady. If the problem continues, it may be an issue with the wiring or the sensor itself.
Noisy Garage Door Operation
Squeaking, grinding, or rattling noises can be caused by loose hardware, worn-out rollers, or a lack of lubrication. Start by tightening all bolts and nuts along the tracks and door. Then apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and springs.
If your rollers are made of metal and show signs of wear, consider upgrading to nylon rollers, which are quieter and more durable.
Garage Door Remote Not Working
If your remote control stops functioning, the issue could be as simple as a dead battery. Replace it first. If the problem continues, check if the opener’s antenna is hanging down and isn’t damaged. Reprogramming the remote or resetting the opener might also solve the issue.
If none of these solutions work, the remote or opener unit may need to be replaced.
When to Replace vs. Repair
Some garage door issues can be easily fixed by DIY methods, while others may require a full replacement of a component.
- Replace Springs: If your torsion or extension springs are broken, never attempt to fix them yourself. These springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury. Hire a professional immediately.
- Replace Panels: If only one or two door panels are damaged, they can often be replaced without needing a full new door.
- Replace Weather Seal: The rubber seal at the bottom of your garage door can wear out, letting in water, pests, and cold air. Replacing it is inexpensive and can be done in under an hour.
Additionally, if your garage door is more than 15-20 years old and has recurring problems, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit, especially if the opener is also outdated.
Safety Precautions When Repairing
Garage door repairs involve moving parts and, in some cases, electricity. Here are some essential safety tips:
- Disconnect the power to the opener before performing any work.
- Do not attempt to fix or adjust torsion springs or cables yourself.
- Keep children and pets away while working.
- Wear protective gloves and safety glasses.
Pro Tips: When in doubt, leave the repair to a professional. It’s not worth risking injury for a DIY attempt that may not work.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Issues
To extend the life of your garage door system and reduce the need for repairs, follow these maintenance tips:
- Inspect all parts monthly for signs of wear and tear.
- Lubricate metal moving parts every 6 months.
- Test the balance of the door by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting it—if it’s hard to lift, the springs may be worn out.
- Check the auto-reverse safety features to make sure they’re functioning properly.
Preventive maintenance is often much cheaper than emergency repairs. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your garage door is in good working condition.
Get Help From a Reliable Handyman in Singapore
While some minor issues like cleaning sensors or tightening screws can be done at home, many garage door problems require expert knowledge and tools. If you’re unsure about the root cause of the problem, or if you’ve attempted a fix with no luck, it’s a good idea to call a handyman who can inspect the entire system and provide a long-term solution.
Whether it’s a noisy door, broken roller, or unresponsive opener, Luce’s experienced handyman team in Singapore is ready to help. With affordable rates, quick response times, and expert solutions for homes, condos, and HDBs, you’ll get peace of mind knowing your repair is in good hands.
From minor adjustments to full repairs, Luce Handyman Services can tackle any problem and keep your garage door running smoothly. Contact us today to book your trusted handyman!
