Maintaining your garage door is crucial for ensuring its longevity, smooth operation, and safety. Garage door repair can often be quite costly, so regular maintenance can save you money by extending the life of your garage door. In this article, we will discuss several steps to keep your garage door in top shape.

Visual Inspection

Of course, the first step in maintaining your garage door is to perform a thorough visual inspection. Look for visible signs of wear and tear, such as rust, dents, and any other deformities on the door and its components. Pay extra attention to the springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys. If you see anything wrong, it needs to be fixed promptly to prevent further damage.

Lubrication

Lubrication is important for keeping your garage door operating smoothly. All moving parts, including rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs, should be lubricated on a regular basis. Use a silicone or lithium-based lubricant that’s specifically designed for garage doors. Avoid using WD-40, since it can attract dirt and grime.

Ideally, you should lubricate the moving parts every six months to keep them functioning smoothly. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and tracks, and wipe off any excess. For the springs, spray liberally but do not wipe off the excess. This will help reduce friction and wear and tear on these components, lowering your risk of needing costly garage door repair.

Balance and Alignment

A well-balanced garage door opens evenly, reducing strain on the opener. You can test the balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway. If the door stays in place, it’s balanced properly. If it moves up or down, the balance needs to be adjusted.

An unbalanced door puts unnecessary strain on the opener, which can cause premature wear. If you notice that your door isn’t balanced, call a garage door repair professional to make the necessary adjustments. DO NOT attempt to adjust the springs yourself, as this is incredibly dangerous​.

Weather Stripping

Weather stripping plays a large part in keeping your garage insulated and protected from the elements. Over time, weather stripping can wear out from all the exposure to the elements and frequent use over the years. Inspect the weather stripping on a regular basis for cracks, gaps, or other signs of damage.

To inspect your weather stripping, close the garage door and examine the seal between the door and the frame. If you notice any damage, get a weather stripping replacement done as soon as possible. Proper weather stripping keeps your garage energy-efficient and protects it from weather damage.

Safety Features

You should also conduct garage door safety feature testing. Testing features like the auto-reverse mechanism and photo eye sensors are essential for preventing costly and potentially life-threatening accidents. For example, you can test the auto-reverse feature by placing an inanimate object, like a broomstick, in the path of the door as it closes. The door should reverse direction upon contact with the object.

Additionally, clean and align the photo eye sensors placed on either side of the door. Wipe the sensors with a clean cloth and make sure they’re properly aligned. Safety feature testing like this is important to keep your garage door operating safely and prevent accidents.

Hardware Tightening

The bolts and screws on your garage door need to be checked and tightened regularly as part of DIY garage door care. The door’s constant movement can loosen components like this over time. Inspect the brackets holding the door tracks to the wall and ceiling and tighten any loose bolts or screws you find.

That being said, steer clear of the high-tension parts, like the torsion springs when performing garage door maintenance by yourself. These parts are incredibly dangerous for a layperson to handle, so you need to contact a garage door repair professional if you notice any issues with them.

Garage Door Opener Maintenance

Regular garage door opener maintenance is required to keep it functioning effectively. Start by checking and replacing the batteries in the remote controls and keypads. Test the opener’s force settings and adjust them if necessary. Lubricate the chain or belt drive to ensure smooth operation.

If your opener uses a chain drive, apply lubricant to the chain. For belt drives, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the lubricant they recommend. Regular opener maintenance prevents malfunctions and keeps your garage door system operating for longer.

Cleaning

Cleaning is an often overlooked, but still essential, part of garage door maintenance. It’s also one of the easiest aspects of DIY garage door care to perform. Use a soft cloth and appropriate cleaner to wash the surface of the door. For wooden doors, wipe them down with a clean, dry cloth and inspect for signs of insect damage. Vinyl or synthetic doors can be washed with a soft cloth and cleaner, followed by a thorough rinse with a hose. Remove any cobwebs and debris from the tracks and moving parts. Keeping the tracks clean helps prevent obstruction and ensures smooth operation.

Professional Garage Door Inspection

While regular DIY garage door maintenance is important, periodic professional inspections are also important. Professional technicians have the knowledge they need to identify and address issues that untrained eyes might miss. Additionally, many manufacturers require professional maintenance to keep the warranty valid.

A professional garage door inspection can catch potential problems early, preventing major repairs and ensuring your garage door operates safely and efficiently. Ideally, you should schedule a professional maintenance check at least once a year.

The Impact of Garage Door Maintenance

Regular garage door maintenance is key to keeping it operating smoothly, efficiently, and safely. By following these maintenance tips, you can identify and address potential issues early on, preventing major problems and avoiding costly repairs. Establish a routine that includes visual inspections, lubrication, balance checks, and opener maintenance. Keep in mind that some tasks are best left to the professionals, especially when dealing with high-tension components like springs. By prioritizing garage door maintenance, you can keep your door functioning at its best for years to come.