It is a major inconvenience when you have a problem with your garage door in Telford, PA. You may be tempted to attempt a DIY repair because of the interruption to your daily routine or to save money. However, garage door repairs can be dangerous and complex, requiring specialized tools and knowledge. Here are four reasons a professional should handle this task.
1. Safety Risk
Attempting to repair a garage door alone can pose significant safety hazards. Garage doors rely on high-tension cables and springs, which store tremendous energy. For instance, the torsion cable, wound tightly around a drum, helps lift and lower the door by counterbalancing its weight. These cables can hold hundreds of pounds of tension, and if one snaps, it can release that energy with extreme force, potentially causing severe injury or damage to the interior of your garage. Alternatively, torsion springs are designed to lift doors weighing 200 to 400 pounds. If one of these springs is improperly handled, it could lead to broken bones or deep lacerations, requiring a visit to the emergency room. Only a trained professional has the expertise to handle these dangerous components safely and prevent accidents.
2. Tools
You must have specialized tools to properly repair a garage door. Using tools not made for the job can lead to improper repairs or further damage to the door, its components, or even your home.
Professionals, on the other hand, arrive with everything they need to fix your garage door. For example, they rely on winding bars, or a mechanical spring winding tool called a surewinder to safely and accurately adjust torsion springs. Not only that, but they arrive with the proper training and knowledge on exactly how your spring system works. Not all are treated equally. Using the correct tools and having been properly trained, professionals can make repairs quickly and safely.
3. Warranties
Attempting DIY repairs on your garage door can easily void its warranty. Most garage door manufacturers and installation companies stipulate that only certified professionals should perform repairs and maintenance in their warranties. If you try to fix the door yourself, you could unknowingly violate these terms, leaving you without coverage for future issues.
Without the protection of a warranty, you’ll be responsible for the full cost of any subsequent repairs or even a complete door replacement. These expenses can add up quickly, especially when dealing with damaged springs, cables, or other crucial components. Professional garage door repair services not only ensure that the repairs are performed safely and correctly, but they also provide the necessary documentation to keep your warranty intact. This proof is invaluable when filing a claim for future issues, allowing you to avoid hefty out-of-pocket expenses.
4. Additional Damage
When considering a DIY garage door repair, you may not think about the possible damage you may cause to its components or the door itself. Garage doors are heavy and unwieldy. Despite your efforts to be careful, you may drop the door, break one of its windows, or scratch its surface if you have to remove it to work on a track.
In addition, there is knowledge that professionals have that you may lack.
For instance, a professional knows how to balance your garage door to avoid unnecessary strain on the door’s lifting system. An unbalanced door can cause the opener to overwork, leading to premature failure of both the motor and the door’s structural components. Additionally, an imbalance resulting from a DIY repair can lead to costly door damage, like warping or bending the panels. Finally, it could even damage the tracks and rollers. Attempting a DIY fix could end up costing you much more than a visit from a professional would have.
Your Local Garage Door Experts
At KJ Doors, we have been serving the residents of Telford and the surrounding areas since 1983. We install, maintain, and repair garage doors. Additionally, we can help our commercial customers with all their loading dock or fire door needs and install partitions for multi-stall bathrooms. Our professionals will show up on time in a company vehicle with everything they need to complete your project. Contact us today to schedule a residential garage door appointment with one of our experienced team members.
