Why Fixing Your Garage Door Isn’t a DIY Job

You're the kind of person who likes to roll up your sleeves and take care of things yourself. Whether it's a leaky faucet or a squeaky door hinge, you've got the know-how to tackle most household repairs without breaking a sweat. But there's one area where doing it yourself might not be such a great idea—your garage door.

The Hidden Dangers of DIY Garage Door Repairs

At first glance, your garage door might seem like just another piece of equipment around the house. However, it’s actually one of the largest and heaviest moving parts in your home. Its sheer size and weight make it a potential hazard if mishandled. Combine that with the fact that most people don’t realize how complex these systems are, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

One of the main reasons people underestimate their garage door is the torsion spring. This component is what helps balance the weight of the door, making it feel light when you lift it. Without the spring, the door would be nearly impossible to move due to its immense weight. If the spring is out of balance or broken, it can lead to issues with opening and closing the door smoothly.

Unfortunately, fixing or replacing a torsion spring isn’t as simple as it seems. Each garage door requires specific adjustments based on its unique design and weight distribution. Using the wrong spring or improperly balancing it can lead to uneven operation, increased wear and tear, or even accidents. In some cases, if one spring fails, both will likely need replacement because they tend to degrade at similar rates.

Attempting to repair or install new springs involves working with heavy tools and components under high tension. A single mistake could result in serious injury or damage to your property. For instance, if the spring snaps during installation, it could whip back violently and cause severe harm. Additionally, improper handling can compromise the entire system, leading to costly repairs down the line.