Garage Door Maintenance: Keeping Your Door in Top Condition

Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity and proper functioning of your garage door openers. By performing routine checks and simple tasks, you can prevent potential problems and extend the lifespan of your door and its components. 

Here’s how to properly maintain your garage door:

1. Visual Inspection

   – Check the overhead door panels for any signs of damage, such as dents, cracks, or rust.

   – Inspect the weather seals and replace them if they are worn or damaged.

   – Examine the rollers and pulleys for any signs of wear or damage.

2. Lubrication

   – Lubricate all moving parts, including hinges, rollers, and pulleys, with a garage door lubricant or light oil.

   – Avoid using regular household oils or greases, as they can attract dirt and debris.

3. Tighten Hardware

   – Check and tighten any loose bolts, screws, or nuts on the door panels, hinges, and brackets.

   – Loose hardware can cause misalignment and additional wear on other components.

4. Test Safety Features

   – Test the auto-reverse mechanism by placing an object in the door’s path while closing. The door should reverse direction upon contact.

   – Check the photo-eye sensors for proper alignment and functionality.

5. Balance Test

   – With the door disconnected from the opener, manually move the door to check its balance.

   – A properly balanced door should stay in place when released at any point along its travel.

6. Opener Maintenance

   – Check the opener’s backup battery (if applicable) and replace it as needed.

   – Clean the opener’s sensors and lenses to ensure proper operation.

   – Lubricate the opener’s moving parts according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

7. Spring Inspection

   – Visually inspect the torsion or extension springs for any signs of wear, rust, or damage.

   – Springs have a limited lifespan and should be replaced by a professional if they show signs of wear.

8. Professional Service

   – Schedule annual professional maintenance for a thorough inspection and any necessary adjustments or repairs.

   – Professionals have the expertise and tools to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.

By following these maintenance steps, you can help ensure the smooth operation, safety, and longevity of your garage door system. 

Regular maintenance not only protects your investment but also provides peace of mind knowing that your garage door is functioning correctly and safely.

How do you know if you need a Garage Door Repair Service?

Here are some signs that you may need a garage door repairs service:

1. The door is not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or moving unevenly.
2. You hear loud grinding, screeching, or other unusual noises when operating the door.
3. The door opener is not responding to the remote control or wall switch.
4. The door appears crooked, sagging, or off-track.
5. There are visible signs of damage, such as dents, cracks, or rusted components.
6. The door is not closing tightly, leaving gaps that can compromise security and energy efficiency.
7. The opener’s safety sensors or auto-reverse mechanisms are not working correctly.
8. The door springs are broken or worn out, causing the door to feel heavy or difficult to operate manually.
9. Regular maintenance has been neglected, leading to potential problems with the rollers, pulleys, or other moving parts.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to have a professional garage door repair service inspect and address the problem promptly to ensure safe and proper operation.