Your garage door is a key player in your home’s daily routine, protecting your car and enhancing security. When it’s not working properly, it can disrupt your day and lead to costly repairs. Regular maintenance prevents issues and extends your door’s life. Here are our garage door maintenance tips to help you ensure your door stays in top condition.
The first step in maintaining your garage door is a thorough visual inspection. Examine the door panels, tracks, and hardware closely. Are there any dents, cracks, or loose screws? These might seem minor, but they could be early signs of wear and tear that, if left unchecked, could lead to more serious issues. Inspect for rust spots on metal parts, as they can weaken your door’s structure.
Check the door’s movement as well—does it seem smooth, or does it jerk or make unusual noises? A quick inspection every few months can help you catch these minor problems before they require expensive garage door repairs.
Your garage door’s tracks guide its movement and need to be clean and properly aligned for smooth operation. Dirt, leaves, and debris can collect in the tracks, making your door operate unevenly or create grinding noises. Also, use a clean cloth to wipe away any buildup. Pay attention to the alignment of the tracks as well. They should be perfectly vertical and parallel to each other.
If the door seems to struggle while moving or if you hear unusual noises, the tracks could be the issue. Addressing these problems through garage door maintenance early can prevent the need for more extensive repairs.
Lubrication is crucial for keeping your garage door’s moving parts in good shape. Focus on the rollers, hinges, springs, and the opener. A silicone-based lubricant is ideal as it reduces friction and wear, ensuring your door operates smoothly and quietly. Be sure to avoid general-purpose lubricants like WD-40, as they aren’t designed for long-lasting protection.
Regular lubrication can extend the life of your door’s components and keep everything running efficiently. Make it a habit to lubricate these parts every six months or so or more frequently if you notice increased noise or resistance.
Your springs are under a lot of tension and do most of the heavy lifting, making their garage door spring maintenance critical. Check the springs for any rust, gaps, or wear. These are indications that the garage door springs may be weakening, which could lead to sudden breakage. Given the high tension they are under, a broken spring can cause your door to malfunction abruptly, posing safety risks.
If you notice any spring issues, get professional help. Attempting to adjust or replace them on your own can be dangerous, so this is one area where professional garage door spring maintenance is strongly recommended.
The auto-reverse feature is a crucial safety component of your garage door opener. It ensures that the door will reverse if it detects an object in its path, preventing injury or damage. To test this feature, place a small object, such as a block of wood, under the door as it’s closing.
If the door doesn’t reverse upon contact, it’s a sign that the auto-reverse mechanism may need adjustment. This is a safety feature you don’t want to fail, so make it a point to check it regularly. Ensuring that the auto-reverse works correctly is essential for keeping your garage a safe space for everyone.
Weatherstripping on your garage door plays an important role in keeping out the elements and insulating your garage. Over time, weatherstripping can wear out, crack, or even tear, compromising your garage’s protection against rain, dust, and pests.
Inspect the bottom edge of your door and the sides for any damage or gaps. If you notice any issues, replace the weatherstripping to maintain energy efficiency and protect your garage from weather-related issues. This is a relatively simple task that can have a big impact on your garage’s comfort and your home’s energy bills.
Garage door opener maintenance is important for smooth operation. Dust and debris can accumulate on the motor, potentially causing it to overheat or malfunction. Clean the opener’s motor periodically and check for any signs of wear or damage. Test the opener by using the remote control and the wall-mounted panel to ensure it responds correctly.
If you notice delays or unusual noises, or if the door doesn’t close properly, consult the opener’s manual or contact a professional for garage door opener maintenance and troubleshooting.
Loose hardware often causes garage door problems. With regular use, nuts, bolts, and screws can become loose. Regularly check and tighten all hardware on your door and opener to keep everything functioning smoothly. Additionally, check the cables that help lift and lower the door. Watch for fraying, corrosion, or damage.
Maintaining secure hardware and intact cables is essential for smooth and safe door operation. If you find any damaged cables, it’s best to call in a professional for repair, as working with tension-loaded cables can be dangerous.
An unbalanced garage door can put unnecessary strain on the opener and springs, leading to potential damage and higher repair costs. To check if your door is balanced, pull the release handle to disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway by hand. If the door stays put, it’s balanced. If it moves up or down, it may be unbalanced and require adjustment.
Balancing a garage door is not a simple task. It should be handled by a professional if you’re unsure how to proceed. A balanced door operates more efficiently and reduces wear on all mechanical parts.
While DIY maintenance is a great start, some issues require a professional touch. Scheduling professional preventative maintenance on garage doors at least once a year can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure that these continue to function safely and efficiently.
Tension springs and the auto-reverse mechanism are parts that can be tricky and even dangerous to handle without the right expertise. A professional garage or technician has the experience to spot problems you might miss and can make precise adjustments or repairs that ensure your door operates smoothly and safely.
Regular garage door tune-ups are essential for preventing problems and extending your door’s lifespan. Use these ten tips to keep your garage door running smoothly and avoid expensive repairs. Consistent upkeep helps ensure your door stays reliable and keeps your home secure.
For thorough inspections and expert preventative maintenance on garage doors, don’t hesitate to contact us at Arizona Garage Doors & Repair today.
