How often do garage doors need Maintenance?

When was the last time you did maintenance on your garage door? If you’re like most people, probably not since the garage door started squeaking or (gulp) stopped working altogether. It’s okay, no judgment here. Garage doors don’t exactly scream for attention until something goes wrong.

But minor garage door maintenance goes a long way. Think of it like giving your car an oil change. Sure, it seems fine for now, but ignoring it could lead to a much bigger (and more expensive) problem down the road. Let’s break it down: Do garage doors need maintenance, what can you easily do yourself, and when is it worth

Why Do Garage Doors Need Maintenance?

Your garage door is the largest moving part of your home. It’s heavy, complicated, and used multiple times a day. Eventually, all that wear and tear catches up.

Here’s why maintenance is worth your time:

1. Prevents Annoying Breakdowns: being late for work because your garage door wouldn’t open is irritating. Regular garage door check-ups can catch minor issues before they ruin your day.
2. Saves You Money: Spotting a worn garage door spring or loose garage door cable early is much cheaper than replacing the whole system later.
3. Keeps Your Family Safe: Garage doors are heavy, and if something goes wrong, they can become dangerous. Maintenance ensures safety features (like sensors) are working correctly.
4. Quiet, Smooth Operation: Nobody likes a garage door that screeches like a haunted house. A little TLC keeps things running smoothly and quietly.
5. Lasts Longer: Garage doors aren’t cheap. Taking care of yours garage door means it’ll last longer, saving you from shelling out for a replacement.

How Often Should You Show Some Love to Your Garage Door?

It’s not a daily chore. A little attention here and there is all it takes:

• Monthly: Do a quick visual check—look for frayed cables, loose bolts, or anything unusual.
• Twice a Year: Dedicate 15–20 minutes in spring and fall to clean, lubricate, and test your garage door.
• Annually: Call in a professional to give your system a thorough inspection and tune-up.

Your Simple To-Do List

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered on the garage door maintenance list. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Give the garage door a Visual Check

Take a good look at the door. Are there dents, rust, or cracks in the panels? Are the cables worn or frayed? Spotting issues early can save you a lot of hassle later.

Test the garage door Balance

This one’s easy but important. Disconnect the door from the opener by pulling the emergency release cord, then lift it halfway by hand. It should stay in place. If it falls or feels too heavy, the springs might need adjusting.

Lubricate the garage door Moving Parts

A little lubricant works wonders for noisy rollers, hinges, and springs. Just make sure you use a silicone-based spray, not grease—it’ll keep things running smoothly without attracting gunk.

Clean the garage door Tracks

Over time, dirt and debris can clog the tracks, causing your door to jerk or stall. Wipe them down with a damp cloth to keep them clear.

Check garage door Safety Features

• Auto-Reverse Mechanism: Place a small object under the door while it’s closing. It should reverse immediately upon contact.
• Photo Sensors: Wave something in front of the sensors while the door is closing. If the door doesn’t stop and reverse, the sensors might need realigning or replacing.

Tighten Loose garage door Bolts

Garage doors vibrate a lot, and that can loosen screws and brackets over time. Grab a wrench and tighten things up—it only takes a minute.

Inspect garage door Weatherstripping

The rubber garage door seal at the bottom of the door helps keep out drafts, dirt, and critters. If it’s cracked or worn, replacing it is a quick and easy garage door fix.

When to Call in the Pros

Let’s be honest: some tasks are better left to the experts. Here’s when you should pick up the phone:

• The garage door springs or cables are damaged (these are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle).
• The garage door feels unbalanced, even after adjustments.
• The garage door tracks are bent or misaligned.
• You’ve done all the DIY maintenance, but the garage door still isn’t working properly.

A professional technician can not only do garage door spring maintenance but also fix other related issues and give your door a comprehensive tune-up.

A Few Extra Tips to Keep Your Garage Door Perfect

• You need regular washing of your garage door because dust together with grime and road salt accumulate especially in areas with precipitation. Regular quick garage door cleans will help maintain your garage door.
• Add paint touch-ups to your wooden or metal entrance door surfaces because this will stop both rusting and warping.

Conclusion

Your garage door maintenance needs not require complicated tasks nor consume much of your time. Spend a little time on maintenance of the garage door twice yearly to avoid the cost of future garage door repairs. Calling our garage door experts is completely acceptable when a problem exceeds your comfort level. They’re there to help!