Safety Tips for Garage Door Repair and Maintenance
Your garage door is one of your home’s largest and heaviest moving objects, weighing hundreds of pounds and operating under high tension. While the importance of garage door maintenance can’t be understated, garage door repair safety should always be your top priority.
As Southern California’s leading garage door installation and repair company with over 500,000 satisfied customers during our 35-year history, Mesa Garage Doors has plenty of experience and knowledge regarding garage door safety tips for repair, maintenance, and installation.
Common Garage Door Repair Mistakes To Avoid
Many homeowners across Orange County might attempt DIY repairs without fully understanding the risks. DIY repairs can cause serious injury or costly damage because the average person isn’t trained in how to safely repair a garage door. Here are some of the most common garage door repair mistakes to avoid.
Improper Spring Adjustments
Garage door springs operate under extreme tension and require precise adjustment to function safely. Proper spring adjustment requires specialized tools and knowledge of torque calculations based on the garage door’s weight and dimensions. Attempting to adjust or replace these components without professional training puts you at risk of severe injury from sudden spring release.
Ignoring Warning Signs
Overlooking minor issues often leads to major mechanical failures. Some of the biggest risks of putting off garage door repair involve compromising your door’s safety systems.
A quiet creak or mild stuttering action can quickly develop into complete system failure, potentially causing serious injury or property damage. Regular professional inspections help catch these warning signs early.
Using Incorrect Parts
Every garage door system is engineered with specific component requirements for safe operation. While you may be tempted to pick up generic or mismatched parts from the local hardware store because they’re cheaper, doing this may create weak points in the system, causing it to fail unexpectedly.
The professional technicians at Mesa Garage Doors understand the importance of using manufacturer-recommended replacement parts to maintain your door’s safety certification.
Broken or Frayed Cables
Garage door cables bear tremendous weight and stress during normal operation, making them extremely dangerous to handle when damaged. If you notice broken or frayed cables, stop using your garage door right away and contact us for a free repair estimate.
The main thing to remember about garage door repair is safety. Professional cable replacement includes a complete safety inspection to identify the underlying issue that may have caused the original damage. This way, we can help prevent the problem from returning and putting your loved ones in harm’s way again.
Noisy or Stuck Rollers
Attempting to force stuck rollers or ignoring grinding sounds can cause track damage and garage door misalignment. DIY roller repairs frequently lead to more problems that accelerate wear on other components. Our service includes track cleaning and alignment, along with professional roller replacement.
Off-track Garage Door
An off-track garage door poses immediate safety risks and requires precise realignment to prevent further damage. Knowing when to call a professional for garage door repair is important. Attempting to force a door back onto its tracks can cause permanent damage to panels, cables, and springs.
Rely on the specialized experience and equipment of Mesa Garage Doors to safely realign your garage door. Our technicians will check all related components for damage and present you with repair options.
How To Safely Maintain Your Garage Door
Many of the same precautions involved in safely repairing a garage door also apply to regular maintenance. Professional inspections help reveal potential safety issues before they become dangerous and prevent common garage door problems.
Monthly Visual Inspection
A thorough visual inspection can help catch developing problems. Perform these basic checks at least once a month to maintain the safe operation of your garage door:
- Check for frayed or damaged cables.
- Look for loose hardware or bent tracks.
- Test the door’s balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door.
- Verify that the safety sensors are aligned and working correctly.
Cleaning and Lubrication Tasks
Every three to six months, focus on key maintenance tasks to reduce wear and tear on moving parts and to help maintain smooth, safe operation. These tasks may include:
- Removing dirt and debris from garage door tracks
- Cleaning photo eye safety sensors
- Applying the appropriate lubricant to hinges, rollers, and springs
- Wiping down weather stripping
Essential Safety Precautions for DIY Garage Door Repair
The importance of garage door maintenance shouldn’t override the importance of staying safe. Follow these garage door safety tips to prevent possible injury and property damage:
- Disconnect the garage door opener before starting any work.
- Clear the work area of obstacles.
- Wear appropriate safety gear, like goggles and safety gloves.
- Keep children and pets away from areas of possible harm.
- Work with a partner who can assist when needed.
- Use proper tools designed for safe garage door repair.
- Maintain three points of contact at all times when using a ladder.
- Avoid wearing loose clothing that could get caught.
- Tie or secure loose hair to avoid getting caught.
When To Call a Professional for Garage Door Repair
A key element of garage door repair safety is knowing when to call a professional for help. While you can perform some basic maintenance tasks on your own, it’s best to contact Mesa Garage Doors when you notice:
- Visible signs of wear or damage on garage door springs
- Frayed or loose cables
- An unbalanced garage door
- The door falls faster than normal
- A malfunctioning automatic garage door opener
- Unusual noises during operation
- Significant damage or deterioration of garage door panels
Why Garage Door Springs Are the Most Dangerous Component
Garage door spring safety is especially important because of the heightened risk of causing serious injury. Garage door springs are designed to work under high tension, storing massive amounts of energy to counterbalance your door’s weight. Much like the springs on your car, this stored energy can be released suddenly if the spring breaks or it’s improperly handled during repairs.
Our technicians undergo extensive training in garage door repair safety, including working with garage door springs. They follow strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries during spring replacement or adjustment. If you notice gaps between spring coils, loud banging noises, or your door feels especially heavy when lifted manually, call us right away to take a look.
Your Trusted Garage Door Repair Team in Southern California
Proper garage door maintenance keeps your family safe and your door operating reliably. While homeowners can safely perform some basic maintenance, most repairs require professional attention.
Mesa Garage Doors provides comprehensive repair services and free safety inspections. Our experienced technicians offer service throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Ventura County. With an A+ BBB rating and over 1,000 five-star reviews, we’re Southern California’s trusted leader in garage door installation and repair.
Contact us today to schedule your professional garage door inspection.
Mr. Saunders serves as Mesa’s Vice President of Marketing, bringing with him a wealth of experience in strategic marketing and operations. In this role, Mr. Saunders is responsible for overseeing all marketing activities, utilizing a blend of traditional and digital strategies to enhance brand presence and profitability, managing a multi-million dollar marketing budget across various media platforms, and leading the continued implementation of CRM systems to streamline customer engagement and drive business growth.
