Prevention is Key
Maintaining your garage door might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s the secret to saving time and money down the road. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential maintenance tasks, seasonal tips, and when to call for garage door maintenance near you.
Essential Garage Door Maintenance Tasks
- Lubricate Moving Parts Proper lubrication is one of the easiest ways to extend the lifespan of your garage door. The moving parts of a garage door system—tracks, rollers, hinges, and springs—experience significant wear and tear with daily use. Applying a silicone-based lubricant at least twice a year minimizes friction, reduces noise, and prevents rust. Start by cleaning the tracks and rollers with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris, then apply the lubricant in a controlled, even manner.Avoid over-lubricating, as excess lubricant can attract dirt and cause buildup. While this task is simple enough to handle on your own, scheduling professional maintenance ensures no part is overlooked. A trained garage door repairman can also identify signs of wear and recommend preemptive repairs, saving you from costly breakdowns later.
- Inspect Springs and Cables Garage door springs and cables are under high tension and play a crucial role in lifting and lowering the door. Over time, they can fray, weaken, or break. Regularly inspecting these components for visible wear or damage is essential for safe operation. Look for gaps in torsion springs, frayed cables, or rust.If you spot any issues, do not attempt to fix them yourself. Springs and cables can snap under tension, causing serious injury. Instead, call a professional garage door repair company to handle these repairs. Investing in routine inspections and timely repairs keeps your door functioning safely and efficiently.
- Test the Balance An imbalanced garage door puts unnecessary strain on the opener and can lead to premature wear. Testing the balance is simple: disconnect the opener by pulling the manual release cord, then lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, the springs are properly balanced. If it falls or rises, the tension needs adjustment. Adjusting spring tension is not a DIY task. It requires specialized tools and expertise. Schedule a professional garage door inspection to ensure your door remains balanced and safe to operate.
- Clean and Tighten Tracks Dirty or loose tracks can disrupt smooth operation. Regularly clean the tracks with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Tighten any loose bolts or screws, paying close attention to the brackets securing the tracks to the walls and ceiling. Misaligned tracks can cause the door to bind or become stuck, so use a level to ensure proper alignment.If you notice significant track damage or persistent issues, consult a garage door repair company. Professionals can realign or replace tracks as needed to restore optimal performance.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
- Spring: Inspect for winter damage, lubricate moving parts, and clean the tracks.
- Summer: Check for overheating issues with the opener and ensure smooth operation.
- Fall: Seal gaps, replace weatherstripping, and prepare for colder temperatures.
- Winter: Monitor for freezing-related issues, such as ice buildup on tracks, and ensure the door operates smoothly in low temperatures.
The Stateline Maintenance Plan
Let Stateline Door and Lift handle your garage door upkeep. Our proactive maintenance services catch small issues before they become big problems, keeping your garage door running smoothly year-round.
