Garage Door Maintenance

Your garage door is one of the most frequently used entrances to your home. Given its constant use, regular garage door maintenance is essential for ensuring smooth operation and preventing costly repairs. Routine upkeep helps extend the lifespan of your door, increases safety, and keeps your garage door system operating efficiently. Whether you have a manual or automatic door, following a consistent maintenance routine is key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns.

In this blog, we'll share important garage door maintenance tips and the best practices for overhead garage door maintenance to keep your door functioning at its best.

1. Inspect and Tighten Hardware Regularly

The constant movement of a garage door can loosen its hardware over time. Checking for loose bolts, brackets, and fasteners should be part of your regular overhead garage door maintenance routine.

• What to do: Using a socket wrench, tighten all bolts and brackets on the door and track.
• Why it matters: Loose hardware can cause the garage door to become misaligned or noisy, potentially leading to bigger problems if left unattended.

2. Test the Door's Balance

An imbalanced garage door can put extra strain on the opener, causing it to work harder and wear out faster. Testing the balance of your garage door is a simple yet crucial part of garage door maintenance.

• What to do: Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle. Manually lift the garage door halfway and let go. If the door stays in place, it's balanced. If it moves, you may need to adjust the springs.
• Why it matters: A properly balanced door ensures that the opener doesn't have to overwork itself, which prolongs its lifespan and helps prevent breakdowns.

If you notice an issue with balance, contact a professional at Balanced Garage Doors for help adjusting the springs safely.

3. Lubricate Moving Parts

Proper lubrication is one of the simplest yet most effective garage door maintenance tips for keeping your door operating smoothly. Over time, moving parts such as rollers, hinges, and tracks can wear down if not lubricated regularly.

• What to do: Apply a high-quality lithium grease or silicon spray to the rollers, hinges, and tracks. Avoid using heavy oils, which can attract dust and dirt.
• Why it matters: Lubrication reduces friction and helps the garage door operate quietly while preventing wear on the moving parts.

4. Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping plays a vital role in keeping out the elements and maintaining the energy efficiency of your home. Over time, it can crack or wear out, allowing moisture, dirt, and drafts to enter your garage.

• What to do: Inspect the weatherstripping along the bottom of the door and the sides. If you see any cracks or signs of wear, replace it with new weatherstripping.
• Why it matters: Replacing worn weatherstripping helps protect your garage and home from the elements, preventing water damage and improving insulation.

5. Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature

The auto-reverse feature is a critical safety component of any automatic garage door. This feature ensures that the door reverses direction if it encounters an object while closing, preventing injuries and damage.

What to do: Place an object (like a block of wood) under the door and close it. The door should reverse upon contact with the object. If it doesn't, the auto-reverse feature may need adjustment or repair.

Why it matters: Ensuring the auto-reverse function works properly is key to keeping your family and property safe.

6. Clean and Inspect the Rollers

Rollers are essential for ensuring the smooth movement of your garage door. When they become worn or damaged, they can lead to increased noise and may cause the door to stick or struggle during operation.

What to do: Inspect the rollers for signs of wear, rust, or damage. Clean them regularly to remove any dirt or debris, and lubricate them to ensure smooth movement. If the rollers are worn or cracked, replace them.

Why it matters: Keeping the rollers in good condition helps prevent jerky movements and noisy operation, and a pricey repair.

7. Check the Cables for Wear and Tear

Cables are another important component of your garage door's lifting system. While it's best to leave cable repairs to professionals, regular inspections can help you catch signs of wear before they lead to a serious issue.

• What to do: Look for fraying or broken strands along the cables. If you notice any damage, call a garage door technician for immediate repairs.
• Why it matters: Faulty cables can lead to dangerous malfunctions, putting your safety at risk.

Keep Your Garage Door in Top Condition

It's time to extend the life of your garage door and guarantee it operates smoothly year-round. Regular overhead garage door maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts, inspecting the balance, and replacing worn components, helps prevent costly repairs and ensures your door's performance.

If you're unsure about performing any of these tasks or notice significant wear on your garage door, Balanced Garage Doors is here to help. Schedule a professional maintenance checkup today to keep your garage door in optimal condition.