From leaving for work in the morning to coming home after an afternoon of errands, you count on your garage door many times throughout the day to help you get from one place to another and make life easier. Like any other mechanical system that is frequently used, regular maintenance is essential to keep things functioning safely, smoothly and reliably.
The good news is that many garage door maintenance tasks are simple and can be incorporated into your regular home maintenance checklist. By taking just a few minutes each month to inspect and care for your garage door, you can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your garage door system for years to come.
Perform a Visual Inspection
One of the easiest ways to maintain your garage door is by simply paying attention to how it looks and operates. Take a few minutes each month to inspect the door, tracks, rollers, cables, springs, opener, and other hardware. Open and close the door and pay attention to how things look when your garage door is in motion.
Some signs to watch out for:
- Rust or corrosion
- Frayed cables
- Bent tracks
- Loose bolts
- Cracked weather seals
- Damaged panels
Listen for Unusual Noises
Unlike issues that affect appearance, loud grinding, squeaking, and rattling every time you use your garage door is hard to ignore. A properly functioning door should operate relatively quietly, so weird sounds can indicate issues like misaligned tracks, loose hardware, lack of lubrication, or failing springs. Pay attention to these early warning signs, as addressing them as soon as possible will safeguard you against further damage to your door and home.
Keep Moving Parts Lubricated
Lubrication is one of the most important preventative maintenance tasks a garage door owner can perform. By applying a garage door-specific lubricant to all moving components, you’ll reduce friction and wear and increase the lifespan of your garage door.
Follow your garage door’s manufacturer recommendations for lubricating your door and focus on rollers, hinges, springs, bearings, and pivot points.
Test the Door’s Balance
An unbalanced garage door puts unnecessary strain on your garage door opener and other components. Test the balance by:
- Disconnecting the automatic opener
- Manually lifting the door halfway
- Carefully releasing the door
If your door is properly balanced, it will remain in place. If it rises or falls on its own, the springs may need adjusting. Since garage door springs are under extreme tension, spring adjustments should always be handled by a professional to prevent damage or injury.
Inspect and Clean the Tracks
Garage door tracks can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris over time, which may cause your garage door to not run as smoothly. While you’re performing your visual inspection, make sure to remove any build-up from the tracks and check for dents or damage.
Check the Weather Stripping
The weather seals along the bottom and sides of your garage door keeps moisture, dirt, wind, and pests out, making it an important component of your door as it helps with energy efficiency and protecting the inside of your garage. However, our area’s harsh weather can be tough on weather stripping and cause it to crack and deteriorate over time. During your monthly inspection, take a good look at your door’s seals and watch out for cracking, gaps, and brittleness.
Test Safety Features
Modern garage doors are equipped with important safety features designed to protect people, pets, and property. At least once a month, test the auto-reverse function of your garage door by placing an object in the door’s path, verify that sensors are clean and aligned, and ensure all other safety features specific to your door are working properly.
Keep the Door Clean
Routine cleaning not only improves curb appeal but also helps preserve the finish and materials of your garage door. Wash your garage door regularly using mild soap and water. For wood doors, inspect for signs of moisture damage or peeling paint and address these issues immediately.
Leave It To The Professionals
While the average person can handle many basic maintenance steps, some repairs and adjustments require the experts. Garage door springs, cables, openers, and track alignment systems can be dangerous to work on without proper training and equipment.
The experienced team at South Dakota Overhead Doors installs, services, and repairs garage doors in Rapid City, SD, and throughout the Black Hills region, helping homeowners and businesses keep their doors operating safely and efficiently year-round.
Contact us today to schedule maintenance service and keep your garage door performing its best!