If your overhead garage door isn’t working right, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Overhead garage door repair is one of the most common home fixes, and it doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether your door is stuck, making strange noises, or just isn’t closing like it used to, we’re here to help you understand what might be going wrong and what you can do about it.
What Is an Overhead Garage Door?
An overhead garage door is the type that rolls or lifts up above your head when it opens. Most homes have them because they save space, look good, and are easy to use. They usually run on a track with rollers and are powered by a motor. Overhead doors come in various materials like steel, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass, and they can be insulated or non-insulated depending on your needs.
These doors are popular for both residential and commercial buildings. They offer a great combination of security, efficiency, and convenience. When they operate smoothly, you barely notice them. But when something goes wrong, it becomes clear just how important these doors really are.
Common Overhead Garage Door Problems
Here are some of the most common issues that lead to overhead garage door repair:
- Broken Springs: Springs do the heavy lifting. If one breaks, your door might not open at all.
- Worn or Frayed Cables: These keep everything in balance. If a cable snaps, your door could hang unevenly or get stuck.
- Sensor Issues: The sensors stop the door if something is in the way. If they’re dirty, blocked, or misaligned, your door might not close.
- Track Misalignment: If the tracks are bent or out of place, the door can get stuck. This can also put stress on the rollers and cause them to wear out faster.
- Roller Problems: Rollers allow the door to move up and down smoothly. When they wear out or fall off the track, the door can become noisy or jammed.
- Hinges and Hardware: Loose or broken hardware can cause the panels to shift, creating extra stress on the system.
Remote Control or Opener Malfunctions: Sometimes it’s not the door itself—it’s the control system or the opener that needs attention.
Signs You Need to Repair Your Overhead Garage Door
Not sure if it’s time for a repair? Watch out for these signs:
- Loud grinding, squeaking, or banging sounds
- The door opens or closes unevenly
- The door doesn’t move at all
- The remote control or wall switch doesn’t respond
- The door reverses before touching the ground
- Gaps appear between sections or the floor
- You notice shaking or jerking during movement
- Visible wear or rust on parts
These red flags could mean something simple, like lubrication is needed, or something serious, like a spring is on its last leg.
Why Fast Repairs Matter
Waiting too long to fix a garage door can make the problem worse. A small issue like a squeaky hinge could turn into a big problem if it affects the motor, alignment, or safety features. Quick repairs help:
- Keep your home safe from intruders
- Prevent injury from falling doors or snapped cables
- Protect your garage contents from weather
- Avoid costly replacements
Prompt service also reduces wear on other door components and helps your entire system last longer.
Can You Repair It Yourself?
Some overhead garage door repair jobs are simple, like tightening a screw, lubricating parts, or cleaning a sensor. But others, like replacing a broken spring or realigning the track, are dangerous and should be left to the pros.
Here’s what you might safely do yourself:
- Clean the photo-eye sensors
- Replace remote batteries
- Lubricate metal parts
- Tighten visible screws or bolts
Do not attempt to:
- Replace or adjust torsion springs
- Fix or reattach a snapped cable
- Remove or reinstall the door panels
- Service the garage door opener motor
Trying to DIY a major fix can lead to injury, more damage, or costly repairs. Always prioritize safety and call a professional when needed.
Professional Overhead Garage Door Repair
When you call a pro, they’ll inspect the door, figure out what’s wrong, and get it fixed safely and quickly. At Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound, we’ve seen it all and fixed it all. We handle everything from small repairs to complete system overhauls.
What Makes Us Different?
We take pride in doing the job right the first time. With years of experience, friendly service, and top-quality parts, we make garage door repair simple. Whether your problem is big or small, we’re here to help.
Here’s what you get when you choose us:
- Same-day service in many areas
- Fully trained technicians with hands-on experience
- Fair and upfront pricing with no hidden fees
- Emergency repairs for urgent issues
- High-quality replacement parts that last
Excellent customer service every step of the way
How to Keep Your Garage Door in Great Shape
Want to avoid repairs in the future? Try these easy tips:
- Lubricate moving parts: Use a garage door lubricant on hinges, rollers, and springs every few months.
- Check the balance: Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. If it stays, it’s balanced. If it drops or rises, call for service.
- Inspect the weather seal: Replace worn seals to keep out water, wind, and bugs.
- Test the safety sensors: Place an object in the door’s path while closing. It should reverse immediately.
- Look for rust or wear: Catching problems early saves time and money.
- Listen closely: New or loud noises can be early warning signs.
Schedule regular tune-ups: Annual inspections from professionals help catch hidden issues.
Replacement vs. Repair: What Should You Do?
Sometimes, it might make more sense to replace your overhead garage door instead of fixing it. Here are a few times when replacement is the better option:
- Your door is more than 20 years old
- You’ve had repeated problems over the last few years
- The panels are badly dented, cracked, or warped
- You want better energy efficiency or insulation
- You’re upgrading your home’s curb appeal
Not sure what’s right for you? We’ll give you honest advice based on your door’s condition and your budget.
Did your door suddenly stop working? We offer emergency garage door repair for when time is critical. Whether your car is trapped inside, the door won’t close, or there’s a loud snap and now nothing works—we’ve got your back.
Just call (253) 400-3880 and we’ll be there ASAP.
Why Choose Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound?
Here’s what our customers love about us:
- Fast response times
- Clear communication
- Affordable prices
- Trusted, local service
- Friendly technicians who care
We’re proud to be the go-to choice for repairing overhead garage doors in the Puget Sound area. We work hard to earn your trust and make the process easy from start to finish.
How much does it cost to repair a garage door?
Garage door repairs usually cost between $150 and $500, depending on the issue. Minor fixes like sensor cleaning cost less, while spring or cable replacements may be higher.
What is the common problem of a garage door?
The most common garage door problem is broken springs. They carry most of the door’s weight and wear out over time, especially with frequent use.
How much to replace the springs on a garage door?
Spring replacement typically costs between $200 and $500. The price varies based on the door type, number of springs, and labor involved.
What is the most common garage door repair?
The most common repair is fixing or replacing garage door springs. Other frequent repairs include track alignment, cable issues, and sensor problems.
Don’t let a broken door ruin your day. Whether you need a quick fix or a full repair, our team is ready to help. For fast and friendly overhead garage door repair, call Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound at (253) 400-3880.
Contact us today and get your garage door working like new!
We’re here when you need us—just one call away!
