Essential Tasks for Proper Garage Door Maintenance

Garage doors have a lifespan of 15 to 30 years, often lasting an average of 20. With proper maintenance, you can avoid needing regular repairs and having to replace your garage door well before the end of its lifespan. If you're unsure of where to start with yearly garage door maintenance, having a checklist prepared can help guide you through the process!

1. Regularly Inspect and Clean the Door and Tracks: Routine cleaning is important to prevent blockages due to debris. such as wet leaves and stray pebbles. However, over the years, the metal may warp and rust and the door panels may crack. Inspecting the door and tracks on a yearly basis helps to spot smaller issues that can be easily fixed before they become problems that require repair services. Remember to also check the weather strips and replace if necessary to prevent drafts and moisture from seeping through the cracks.
   
   
2. Lubricate Moving Parts: When any other door begins to squeak, a bit of lubricant is a quick and easy solution. Garage doors have additional mechanical parts that require proper lubrication to operate smoothly. Wipe down the tracks and rollers occasionally and use a light amount of garage-door specific lubricant for the hinges, springs, and rollers.
   
   
3. Test the Balance: Unbalanced garage doors will jerk and move slower than normal, may not stay in place when open, and slam shut upon closing. An unbalanced garage door not only utilizes more energy to compensate the state of disrepair, but also poses as a safety hazard. You can test the balance of your garage door by manually opening and closing the door fully, then leave the door partially open to see if it stays in place. If you notice bouncing before it settles, or if the door opens or closes fully on its own, then the springs may need to be adjusted.
   
   
4. Test the Safety Features: Modern garage doors have safety features to prevent injury, and regularly testing these features ensure that these parts are operating properly. You can test auto-reverse features by placing an object under the door and attempt to close it. Cleaning the sensors regularly also helps to prevent accidents due to dirt and dust blocking the sensors. You can also occasionally wave your hand in front of the sensors to test them.
   
   
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance: Professional technicians are trained to work on all internal parts of garage doors, including adjusting the springs and cables. At least once a year, you should schedule professional maintenance appointments, especially if your garage door is over 10 years old.