Garage Door Maintenance | Local Garage Doors

Regular garage door maintenance is important for several reasons:

• Safety: A well-maintained garage door ensures the safety of you, your family, and your belongings. Regular maintenance can help identify and address potential safety hazards.
• Functionality: Proper maintenance keeps your garage door operating smoothly, preventing unexpected breakdowns and ensuring it opens and closes correctly.
• Longevity: Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your garage door, saving you money on premature replacements.
• Cost savings: Detecting and addressing minor issues during maintenance can prevent major repairs down the line, saving you from expensive repairs or replacements.

It’s recommended to perform garage door maintenance at least once every six months. However, the frequency may vary depending on factors such as usage, climate conditions, and the age of the garage door. If you use your garage door frequently or notice any unusual behavior, it’s a good idea to perform maintenance more frequently.

A comprehensive garage door maintenance service generally includes the following steps:

• Visual inspection: A technician will visually examine the door, checking for any signs of wear and tear, misalignment, or damage.
• Lubrication: Moving parts such as hinges, rollers, and springs will be lubricated to ensure smooth operation and prevent premature wear.
• Tightening and adjustments: Bolts, screws, and other hardware will be inspected and tightened as necessary. Tracks, cables, and springs may also be adjusted to ensure proper tension and alignment.
• Balance and alignment check: The balance of the door will be tested to ensure it opens and closes evenly. If necessary, the technician will adjust the spring tension to achieve the correct balance.
• Safety testing: Safety features, such as the photoelectric sensors and auto-reverse mechanism, will be tested to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Cleaning: The door, tracks, and other components may be cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and built-up grime.

While there are some maintenance tasks you can do yourself, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional for a thorough inspection and maintenance service. Garage doors involve complex mechanisms and high-tension springs, which can be dangerous to handle without proper training and equipment. Professionals have the knowledge and expertise to identify potential issues and make precise adjustments to ensure safe and optimal operation.

When choosing a garage door maintenance service provider, consider the following factors:

• Experience and reputation: Look for a company with a proven track record and positive customer reviews.
• Licensing: Ensure the company is licensed to protect yourself from any liabilities.
• Professionalism: A reliable provider should have well-trained technicians, proper equipment, and excellent customer service.
• Warranty: Inquire about warranties or guarantees on their maintenance services.
• Price: While price is a factor, don’t base your decision solely on cost. Focus on finding a reputable provider that offers value for your money.

Look out for the following signs that indicate your garage door may need maintenance:

• Unusual noises: If your garage door is making grinding, squeaking, or rattling sounds, it could be a sign of worn-out components.
• Slow or uneven operation: If your garage door takes longer to open or close or appears to be off-balance, it may require adjustments.
• Lack of responsiveness: If your garage door doesn’t respond promptly to the remote or wall switch, there could be an issue with the logic board.

During garage door maintenance, various problems can be detected, including:

• Misaligned tracks: Tracks that are out of alignment can cause the door to operate unevenly or get stuck.
• Worn-out rollers: Worn or damaged rollers can lead to jerky movements, noise, and increased strain on the door opener.
• Loose or broken hardware: Bolts, screws, and other hardware can become loose or break over time, affecting the door’s stability and operation.
• Damaged cables: Frayed or broken cables can compromise the door’s balance and safety.
• Malfunctioning safety features: Faulty photoelectric sensors or auto-reverse mechanisms may not detect objects or people, posing a safety hazard.
• Spring issues: Broken or worn-out springs can cause the door to become imbalanced or fail to open or close properly.

Regular garage door maintenance significantly reduces the likelihood of sudden emergencies. By addressing minor issues during maintenance, you can prevent them from escalating into major problems that may result in door malfunctions, accidents, or property damage. Routine maintenance helps catch potential hazards or weaknesses in the system, allowing for timely repairs and ensuring the door operates reliably.

While professional maintenance is crucial, you can also take some steps to maintain your garage door between service visits:

• Keep the door and tracks clean: Regularly remove dirt, debris, and cobwebs from the door and tracks using a soft brush or cloth.
• Lubricate moving parts: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to hinges, rollers, springs, and tracks to reduce friction and keep them operating smoothly.
• Check the door’s balance: Test the door’s balance by disconnecting the opener and manually opening it halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, it may require adjustment.
• Inspect and tighten hardware: Regularly inspect and tighten any loose bolts, screws, or hinges to ensure the door remains stable.
• Test safety features: Periodically test the photoelectric sensors and auto-reverse mechanism to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Avoid DIY repairs: If you encounter any major issues or complex repairs, it’s best to leave them to the professionals to avoid potential hazards.

Yes, garage door openers require maintenance as well. Here are a few tasks specific to garage door opener maintenance:

• Lubricate the opener chain or drive screw: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the chain or drive screw to reduce friction and noise.
• Check the safety sensors: Ensure the photoelectric sensors are properly aligned and free of obstructions that may prevent them from detecting objects or people.
• Test the auto-reverse mechanism: Place a sturdy object, like a block of wood, in the door’s path and check if it reverses upon contact.
• Inspect the opener’s wiring: Look for any frayed or damaged wires and address them promptly to avoid electrical issues.
• Check the backup battery: If your opener has a backup battery, test it periodically to ensure it holds a charge and can operate during a power outage.