2024-01-05 5 min read Mike Johnson
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your garage door operating safely and efficiently for years to come. While some tasks require professional attention, there are many things homeowners can do to extend the life of their garage door and prevent costly repairs. Here's your comprehensive guide to garage door maintenance.
Take a few minutes each month to look at your garage door while it operates. Watch for: - Jerky movements or hesitation, Unusual sounds, Uneven movement between sides, Visible damage to panels, springs, cables, and rollers
A properly balanced door should stay in place when opened halfway and released manually (after disconnecting the opener). If it falls or rises, the springs may need adjustment by a professional.
Place a 2x4 board flat on the ground in the door's path. When the door touches the board while closing, it should immediately reverse. This safety feature protects children, pets, and objects from being crushed.
Wave an object in front of the sensors while the door is closing. The door should immediately stop and reverse. Clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth if they seem dirty.
Proper lubrication keeps your door operating quietly and smoothly. Use a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant (not WD-40) on: - Hinges, Rollers (except nylon rollers) - Springs, Bearing plates, Lock mechanisms
Avoid over-lubricating, and wipe off any excess.
The vibration from daily operation can loosen hardware over time. Check and tighten: - Hinge screws, Roller brackets, Track mounting brackets, Opener mounting hardware
Use a socket wrench to tighten any loose bolts, but don't over-tighten.
Wipe down the inside of the tracks with a damp cloth to remove debris and buildup. Don't lubricate the tracks, this can cause the rollers to slip and create uneven operation.
Check the weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of your door. Replace it if it's cracked, brittle, or no longer sealing properly. Good weatherstripping keeps out moisture, pests, and drafts.
For wooden doors, inspect the paint or stain for peeling, cracking, or fading. Touch up or refinish as needed to protect the wood from moisture damage.
Have a qualified technician inspect your door annually. They can: - Check spring tension and balance, Inspect cables for wear, Evaluate opener function, Identify potential problems before they become emergencies
Some garage door tasks are dangerous and should only be performed by trained technicians:
Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Attempting to repair or replace them yourself can result in serious injury or death. Always call a professional for spring work.
Cables work in conjunction with springs and are also under tension. Damaged or frayed cables should be replaced by professionals.
While you can tighten track hardware, adjusting the tracks themselves requires expertise to ensure proper door alignment and operation.
Beyond changing batteries in your remote, opener repairs should be handled by professionals who understand the electrical and mechanical components.
Contact a professional if you notice: - The door won't open or close completely, Unusual noises that don't improve with lubrication, Visible spring or cable damage, The door feels heavy or difficult to lift manually, The opener struggles or strains, Visible damage to panels, tracks, or hardware
Regular maintenance saves money by preventing costly repairs and extending the life of your garage door system. A few minutes of attention each month can keep your door operating safely for 15-30 years.
At Garage Door Perris, we offer maintenance plans that take the guesswork out of keeping your door in top condition. Our technicians perform comprehensive inspections and tune-ups that keep your door running smoothly year after year. Call (951) 720-3965 to learn more about our maintenance programs.