# 19 Episode: The Biggest Garage Door Mistakes Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

From ignoring strange noises to becoming a YouTube engineer, some garage door mistakes are funny, some are expensive, and some can be genuinely dangerous. In this episode of the Garage Door Installers Podcast, James Williams shares the most common homeowner mistakes seen over decades in the industry, explains why they happen, and reveals how a few simple checks can prevent major repairs and unnecessary call-outs. Along the way, there are plenty of real-world stories from the trade, including DIY spring disasters, doors that were driven into, and the classic “it’s been making that noise for months” service call. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to protect your investment or an installer wanting a few stories to share with customers, this episode is packed with practical advice and a healthy dose of humour. In this episode: - Why garage doors rarely fail without warning - The danger of DIY spring adjustments - Why annual servicing matters more than most people realise - The truth about WD-40 and garage door maintenance - How often people drive into their own garage doors - Why cluttered garages cause more problems than you’d think - When to call a professional before a small fault becomes a big repair James’ Story of the Week: A “completely broken” garage door turned out to be nothing more than a ladder that had shifted against the mechanism inside an overfilled garage. A perfect reminder that the simplest explanation is often the right one. Installer’s Question of the Week: What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever seen a homeowner make with a garage door? Send us your stories through our social channels and we’ll feature some of the best responses in a future episode. Subscribe to the Garage Door Installers Podcast for weekly episodes covering garage door installation, repairs, servicing, manufacturing, business growth and real stories from the trade. Our Sponsors The Door Industry Journal The Door Industry Journal is the only trade magazine targeted towards the Garage Door Industry. To receive the magazine and weekly newsletter for no cost send your details to [pr@cvgroup.co.uk](mailto:pr@cvgroup.co.uk) to get added to the distribution list. ToolTrade For top branded products at competitive prices, speak to ToolTrade. A leading provider of tools, fixings and sealants. To open a trade account and have some customised pricing email your enquiry to info@tool-trade.co.uk