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Diagnosing a garage door problem can seem daunting, but with a little patience and some basic troubleshooting skills, you can often fix the issue yourself without the need to call a professional. Here are a few steps you can take to diagnose and fix a garage door problem:

1. Check the power: Make sure that the power is on to the opener. If the opener has a cord, make sure it is plugged into a working outlet.
2. Check the remote: Make sure the batteries in the remote are good and that the remote is working properly. Try using the remote to open and close the door from a distance.
3. Check the sensors: Make sure the safety sensors on either side of the bottom of the door are aligned and free of debris. The sensors use infrared beams to detect any objects in the path of the door, so if they are blocked or misaligned, the door will not close.
4. Check the tracks: Make sure the tracks on which the door moves are clear of debris and properly aligned. The tracks should be parallel to each other and at the same height on both sides.
5. Check the springs: If your door is having trouble opening or closing, the problem may be with the springs. Extension springs are located above the top roller on each side of the door, while torsion springs are located above the header. Torsion springs will have a safety cable running through them, extension springs won’t. Both should be tight and working properly. NEVER try to fix the springs. They carry so much tension that they can be deadly and should only be handled by a trained professional.
6. Check the cables: Check that the cables that run from the drums to the bottom brackets are in good condition and securely attached. If cables are frayed, broken or detached, it is important to get it professionally repaired

If you’ve followed these steps and are still experiencing problems with your garage door, it may be necessary to call a professional for help.

It is important to always keep in mind that garage doors are heavy and the springs and cables are under a great deal of tension, so attempting to repair them without the proper knowledge and tools can be dangerous. If you are ever in doubt, it is best to call a professional to make the repairs. Repairing a garage door by yourself can be dangerous even if it looks like something simple.

If you are in the Houston area, we would love to help you. Give us a call or send us an email to schedule service!