Trying to fix your garage door might seem like a good way to save money or time, but it can be very dangerous and costly. Here’s why you should avoid doing residential garage door repair by yourself.
The Risks Are Too High
Garage doors are much heavier and more complicated than you might think. Most residential garage doors weigh between 150 and 400 pounds—that’s as heavy as a few big adults! If the door falls while you’re working on it, you could be seriously injured, or the door could damage your car or other belongings. Even if you’re careful, accidents can happen, and the results can be dangerous.
Garage Door Springs Are Dangerous
One of the most dangerous parts of a garage door is the spring system. Garage door springs are tightly wound and store a lot of energy. If a spring breaks or is handled incorrectly, it can release all that energy at once. This can cause the spring to snap or fly off at high speed, which can lead to serious injuries like cuts, broken bones, or even worse.
You Might Not Have the Right Tools
Garage door repairs often need special tools that most people don’t have at home. Using regular tools can damage the door or exacerbate the problem. If you try to use the wrong tool, you could end up needing even more repairs, which will cost you more money.
DIY Repairs Can Void Your Warranty
Most garage doors and openers come with a warranty. If you try to fix something yourself, you could accidentally void the warranty. This means that if something else goes wrong later, you’ll have to pay for all the repairs out of your pocket. It’s always better to let a professional handle repairs so your warranty stays valid.
You Could Make the Problem Worse
Even if you watch a video or read instructions online, garage door repairs are tricky. If you make a mistake, you could cause more damage to your door or opener. For example, if you misalign the tracks or adjust the springs incorrectly, your door might not work at all, or it could fall suddenly. Fixing these new problems could end up costing you a lot more than if you had called a professional in the first place.
It’s Hard to Find the Right Parts
Garage doors have many different parts, and not all of them are easy to find at your local hardware store. If you have an older door, it may be especially challenging to find the correct replacement parts. Professionals have access to a wide range of parts and can get what you need quickly.
Garage Door Repairs Take Time and Effort
Repairing a garage door is not a quick job. It can take a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re not used to working on them. You might end up spending a whole weekend trying to fix something that a professional could have done in just a few hours.
Electrical Hazards
Some garage door repairs involve working with electricity. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could get a nasty shock or even start a fire. Professionals are trained to handle electrical components safely, so you don’t have to worry about accidents.
Safety for Your Family
If you have kids or pets, working on your garage door can be even more dangerous. They might come into the garage while you’re working, putting them at risk for injury if something goes wrong. Professionals know how to keep everyone safe while they work.
The Bottom Line
While it might be tempting to try to fix your garage door yourself, it’s much safer and smarter to call a professional. They possess the necessary training, tools, and experience to complete the job efficiently and safely. Trying to do it yourself could lead to serious injury, more damage, or higher costs in the long run. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your garage door is working properly and your home is safe.
