Maintaining garage doors keeps your overhead door safe and operational. Garage doors experience wear and tear over time and require regular maintenance to function properly. By taking proactive steps, you can ensure your garage door operates smoothly and safely for as long as possible.
Safety First
A malfunctioning garage door can be hazardous due to its weight and the tension springs involved. If your garage door has been impacted, such as by a vehicle, it’s crucial to have a professional inspect it to ensure it’s safe to use. Accidents are beyond routine maintenance and should always be handled by professionals.
Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance can prevent your garage door from sticking, derailing, or locking, extending its lifespan.
- Unplug the Opener: Always unplug your garage door opener before starting any maintenance to prevent accidental activation.
- Secure the Door: Clamp locking pliers onto the roller tracks below the roller to prevent the door from moving unexpectedly. Release the tension from the door springs when removing lift cables to avoid accidents. Never touch the torsion springs—only professionals should handle these components.
- Visual Inspection: Begin with a thorough visual inspection. Look for signs of rust, looseness, unevenness, or broken parts in the hinges, cables, tracks, roller wheels, or springs. Replace any excessively rusted or broken components. If you’re unsure how to do this or lack the proper tools, call a professional.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Lubricate the opener screw or chain, as well as the torsion and extension springs, to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion.
- Check the Weather Seal: Inspect the weather seal at the bottom of your door for brittleness or wear. A good seal protects your garage’s contents and helps the door operate correctly.
- Test the Auto-Reversal System: Ensure the auto-reversal system on your garage door is functioning properly. Make sure the doorway is clear and that any infrared sensors are operating correctly.
- Force Test: Test the door’s force by holding the bottom as it closes. It should stop and reverse quickly. If it doesn’t, it needs adjusting.
Regular Maintenance
Performing these checks and maintenance tasks required for maintaining garage doors annually will help keep your garage door in good working order, ensuring its longevity and safety. Read more on what we do here.