Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Many people neglect garage door maintenance until something goes wrong. Yet, regular care is important for its smooth functionality. It also extends the door’s lifespan and ensures safety.

Keep reading and learn about the top 7 maintenance tips to include in your routine!

1.Visual Inspection

The first step in maintaining your garage door is a visual inspection of all parts.

Here are some of the most important aspects to check:

• Rust on metal components
• Cracks in door panels
• Frayed cables
• Worn-out weatherstripping

Examine the torsion and extension springs for any gaps or deformation. These parts are under high tension. So, don’t try to repair them yourself if you spot issues.

Next, inspect the rollers to avoid the noise and difficulties with opening. Also, verify the correct positioning of your brackets and hinges.

2. Lubricate and Tighten Hardware

You use your garage door a lot during the week. These constant vibrations loosen up the bolts and brackets. You need to take care of these components regularly.

How do you handle it?

You can use a wrench to tighten all fasteners. Next, find a quality silicone spray or a lubricant for

• Rollers
• Hinges
• Springs

These steps help you reduce grinding noises and avoid wear and tear.

3. Test Balance

The next critical step is to test the balance. An unbalanced door can damage the opener and complicate lifting.

First, disconnect the opener by pulling the emergency release cord. Then, manually lift the door halfway and release it carefully. If it stays in place, the springs are still balanced.

The tension is off if it falls shut or shoots upward. Your springs may be worn or improperly adjusted. However, as we’ve noted above, don’t try to fix them on your own, as they can snap and cause injury.

Always call a specialist if you notice balance problems. They will replace or rebalance your springs safely.

4. Clear the Tracks

Clear tracks are essential for smooth door movement. Dust and small debris that collect along them can cause friction. So, regular cleaning is critical.

Wipe all the tracks with a wet cloth or mild household cleaner. Next, look for any bends or dents. Even a small dent can lead to slips.

You can tap out any small damage with a rubber mallet. However, we strongly recommend calling a professional if the problem is more serious.

5. Test Auto-Reverse and Safety Sensors

Another garage maintenance tip is to check the safety features. The auto-reverse function and sensors are important elements that protect vehicles and people.

How do you test these functionalities?

To check auto-reverse, place a solid object on the floor in the door’s path. Close the door using the opener. It should automatically reverse direction when it contacts the object. Consult your owner’s manual to adjust the force sensitivity settings if you notice issues.

Put the photo-eyes near the floor on each side of the door frame to assess the safety sensors. Clean the lenses with a soft material and align them properly.

6. Check the Garage Door Opener

Your opener is another foundational element of the system. It requires regular attention and inspections.

You need to check the main drive mechanism, including

• Chain
• Belt
• Screw

Next, listen while the door operates. If you hear strange sounds, lubricate the components.

Also, test the remote controls and wall switches from time to time. Replace remote batteries at least once a year to avoid unexpected failures. If your opener has a backup battery, check its status indicator as well.

7. Keep It Clean

The last tip we want to give you is not to neglect regular cleaning.

Wash both sides of the door panels at least twice a year. Rinse them completely to avoid dirt accumulation.

If you have a wooden door, check it for peeling or water damage. Change the seal on the panels to preserve their protective coating.

If you have a steel alternative, clear all the rust spots and debris from the weatherstripping. Also, try to keep out moisture and pests.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance of your garage door and preventative actions are much better than fixing serious problems. Regular care helps you ensure safety, smooth operations, and the long life of all components.

The main steps to keep your garage door functional are

• Visual inspection
• Lubrication and tightening
• Balance tests
• Track cleaning
• Safety features testing
• Opener care
• General cleaning

We hope that you found our tips useful!