We use our garage doors every single day, but we often treat them poorly without realizing it. In our years of serving Springfield, VA, we’ve seen countless expensive repairs that could have been prevented with just a little care.
At AI Garage Door, we want to save you money and keep you safe. Here are the 10 most common mistakes homeowners make—and what you should do instead.
1. Using WD-40 on the Tracks
This is the #1 mistake! WD-40 is a cleaner, not a lubricant. It strips away existing grease and attracts dust, which turns into a sticky gunk that clogs your rollers.
- The Fix: Use a proper Lithium-based grease or silicone spray specifically designed for garage doors.
2. Ignoring Strange Noises
A garage door that grinds, squeaks, or bangs is crying for help. Ignoring these sounds usually leads to a total breakdown.
- The Fix: If lubrication doesn’t stop the noise, schedule a repair. It might be a sign of worn rollers or loose hardware.
3. Attempting DIY Spring Repair
We cannot stress this enough: Never try to repair or replace garage door springs yourself. Torsion springs are under immense tension and can cause severe injury or death if handled incorrectly.
- The Fix: Always call a professional for Garage Door Spring Repair.
4. Leaving the Remote in the Car
Leaving your remote clipped to your sun visor is like leaving your house keys on the hood of your car. If a thief breaks into your car, they have easy access to your home.
- The Fix: Switch to a keychain remote or use a Smart Garage Door Opener that you control with your phone.
5. Neglecting the Weatherstripping
The rubber seal at the bottom of your door keeps out rain, snow, and pests (common issues here in Virginia). If it’s cracked or brittle, your energy bills will go up.
- The Fix: Check the seal twice a year and replace it if you see light coming through the bottom.
6. Running the Door with a Broken Cable
If one cable snaps, the door might still open, but it will be crooked and put massive strain on the remaining cable and the tracks.
- The Fix: Stop using the door immediately and call us for Garage Door Cable Repair.
7. Misaligning the Safety Sensors
Knocking the photo-eye sensors near the floor is easy to do with a bike or a trash can. If they are misaligned, your door won’t close.
- The Fix: Check the indicator lights on the sensors. Both should be solid (not blinking). Gently adjust them by hand until they align.
8. Not Checking the Balance
If your springs are weakening, the opener has to work double-time to lift the heavy door. This burns out the motor quickly.
- The Fix: Perform a manual balance test (disconnect the opener and lift by hand) every 6 months.
9. Painting the Door Shut
If you decide to paint your wooden or steel door, be careful not to paint over the seams or hinges. When the paint dries, it can seal the sections together, causing them to rip apart when you open the door.
10. Waiting Too Long to Call a Pro
Small problems are cheap to fix. Big problems are expensive. Waiting until the door is completely stuck usually means replacing multiple parts instead of just one.
Avoid These Mistakes with AI Garage Door
Don’t let a small oversight turn into a major headache. Whether you need advice, maintenance, or a new installation, our team in Springfield is here to help.
Need a Tune-Up? We can inspect your door, lubricate the parts correctly, and catch issues early.
Visit us: 7800 Odell St, Springfield, VA 22153 Contact Us Today | Get a Free Estimate
