Garage doors are essential for protecting your home and vehicles, but they can encounter issues over time. So, what is the most common garage door repair?

Understanding the most frequent problems can save you time, money, and frustration when your garage door doesn’t function as expected.

Let’s explore the most common repairs, their causes, and how to address them effectively.

The Most Common Garage Door Repair: Broken Springs

1. What Are Garage Door Springs?

Garage door springs bear the weight of the door, helping it open and close smoothly.

There are two main types

• Torsion Springs- Located above the door, designed for durability.
• Extension Springs - Found on either side of the door, often used in older systems.

2. Why Do Springs Break?

• Wear and Tear - Springs have a lifespan of 10,000 cycles (approximately 7–10 years with regular use).
• Rust and Corrosion - These weaken the springs over time.
• Improper Maintenance - Lack of lubrication or misalignment accelerates wear.

3. Symptoms of Broken Springs

• The door doesn’t open or closes unevenly.
• You hear a loud snapping noise.
• The door feels unusually heavy when lifting manually.

Other Common Garage Door Repairs

1. Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener

• Problem - The motor or remote fails to operate the door.
• Cause - Electrical issues, dead batteries, or sensor misalignment.
• Solution - Replace batteries, check the power supply, or reset the system.

2. Misaligned Tracks

• Problem - The door moves unevenly or gets stuck.
• Cause - Tracks become bent, loose, or dirty.
• Solution - Clean and realign the tracks or replace damaged sections.

3. Broken Cables

• Problem - The door hangs crookedly or doesn’t move.
• Cause - Frayed or snapped cables.
• Solution - Replace the cables to restore balance and functionality.

4. Worn Rollers and Hinges

• Problem - Noisy operation or jerky movement.
• Cause - Worn-out components due to age or lack of lubrication.
• Solution - Replace worn rollers and hinges, and apply lubricant regularly.

Case Studies: Real-Life Garage Door Repairs

Case Study 1 - Broken Spring Replacement in Auckland

An Auckland homeowner heard a loud snap and found their garage door stuck halfway. A technician replaced the torsion springs for $350, restoring smooth operation within an hour.

Case Study 2 - Misaligned Tracks in Christchurch

A Christchurch family noticed their garage door wasn’t closing properly. The issue was traced to bent tracks caused by accidental impact. Repairs cost $250 and included realigning and securing the tracks.

Case Study 3 - Noisy Rollers in Wellington

In Wellington, a homeowner dealt with squeaky garage door rollers. A simple replacement and lubrication for $150 resolved the noise and improved the door’s functionality.

How to Prevent Common Garage Door Repairs

1. Perform Regular Maintenance

• Lubricate Moving Parts - Apply silicone-based lubricant to springs, rollers, and tracks every six months.
• Inspect Components - Check for wear, rust, and misalignment.

2. Avoid Overloading the Door

• Keep the weight balanced by avoiding unnecessary attachments like insulation or heavy decorations.

3. Schedule Professional Inspections

• Annual inspections by a certified technician can catch issues early, preventing costly repairs.

When to Call a Professional

1. Safety Concerns

• Broken springs or cables are dangerous to handle without the right tools and expertise.

2. Complex Repairs

• Electrical or structural issues require specialised knowledge.

3. Persistent Problems

• If DIY fixes don’t resolve the issue, consult a professional to avoid further damage.

Conclusion - What Is the Most Common Garage Door Repair?

The most common garage door repair in New Zealand is replacing broken springs.

Other frequent issues include malfunctioning openers, misaligned tracks, and worn rollers.

Regular maintenance and prompt attention to problems can extend your garage door’s lifespan and reduce repair costs.

Experiencing garage door troubles?

Contact a trusted local technician today for a free inspection and reliable repairs!