Some garage door issues are simple enough to handle on your own. Others? Not so much.
At Central Oregon Garage Door, we’ve seen plenty of well-meaning homeowners turn a small fix into a big repair bill. And in more than a few cases, the homeowner ends up needing fixing, too. (Garage door springs and fingers don’t mix, folks.)
To help you avoid the guesswork — and the potential stitches — here’s a breakdown of when you can DIY and when it’s best to call in the pros.
When DIY Might Be Okay
We get it — you’re handy, you’re proactive, and you’d rather not schedule a repair appointment for something simple. Totally fair. If you’re dealing with minor maintenance or cosmetic issues, there are a few things you can do safely on your own:
Keep It Clean
Keep your garage door and surrounding area free of clutter. Clear away any debris, leaves, or tools that might block the door’s path while it opens or closes.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Annual lubrication of rollers, hinges, and tracks can go a long way toward keeping your door running smoothly. Just make sure you’re using the right kind of garage door lubricant (not WD-40!) and avoid overdoing it.
Replace Weather Seals
If the bottom seal or side weather stripping is worn or cracked, replacing it can help improve energy efficiency and keep dust and moisture out. It’s a relatively simple project that many homeowners can tackle with basic tools.
When to Call the Pros
Here’s the thing: your garage door system is heavy, powerful, and under an incredible amount of tension. If something goes wrong and you’re not trained to handle it, it can lead to serious injury — or a more expensive fix than you started with.
If you’re dealing with any of the issues below, skip the DIY and give us a call:
Spring or Cable Replacement
Torsion springs and lift cables are tightly wound under extreme tension. One wrong move and they can snap, causing serious harm. These are not parts you want to experiment with.
Door Off Track
If your door has jumped its track, don’t try to force it back into place. You could bend the tracks or damage the rollers — not to mention the door itself.
Motor or Opener Failure
Garage door openers involve electrical components, sensors, and internal gears. If your opener isn’t working properly, we can diagnose the issue quickly and safely.
Loud Grinding or Banging Sounds
If your door makes a loud noise when opening or closing, that’s a sign something’s not right — and it could be dangerous to keep using it. Call us right away so we can inspect it before the problem gets worse.
DIY vs. Pro: A Quick Rule of Thumb
If the repair…
- Involves a part under tension (like springs or cables)
- Affects the door’s ability to open and close
- Could cause injury if handled incorrectly
Call the pros.
And even if it seems minor, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to walk you through what’s going on and let you know whether a service appointment is needed. (Curious what a service appointment with us looks like? Check out our blog post about it here.)
One Last Piece of Advice
We recommend scheduling a professional garage door service once a year — even if nothing seems wrong. It’s the best way to catch wear and tear early, avoid surprise breakdowns, and make sure everything is operating safely and efficiently.
At Central Oregon Garage Door, we’re here to help you protect your home, your time, and your fingers. Whether you need advice, annual maintenance, or emergency repair, we’ve got your back.
Schedule a service appointment online or call us today to keep your door in tip top shape.
