Regular garage door maintenance is essential to protect your investment and ensure reliable home access. By performing routine upkeep, you can extend the lifespan of your garage doors and avoid expensive future repairs. Implement these simple maintenance tips to keep your overhead doors operating smoothly for years.
- Observe the Door
Carefully observe your garage door to identify any obvious issues. Operate the door both automatically and manually, watching and listening for smooth, quiet operation. Look for any signs of the door catching, jerking, or making unusual noises during use. Note if the door feels heavier than normal when opened manually. By carefully observing the door’s visual and auditory performance, you can detect early signs of problems that may need addressing. - Clear the Tracks
Keeping the garage door tracks clear of dirt and debris is a simple maintenance task. Over time, these tracks can accumulate grime that can interfere with the door’s smooth operation. Gently brush away any debris, then wipe the track surfaces clean with a damp rag. While you can safely perform this basic cleaning, any significant adjustments or repairs to the tracks should be left to professional technicians to ensure proper and safe servicing. - Tighten Hardware
With frequent daily use, the nuts, bolts, and roller brackets on your garage door can gradually loosen over time due to vibration. Using basic tools like a socket wrench and screwdriver, you can tighten these hardware components yourself. However, be cautious not to overtighten, as this can actually damage the door components. Avoid tightening any red-painted hardware or hardware on the bottom roller fixture, as these should only be adjusted by professionals to prevent safety issues. - Inspect Cables
Visually examine the cables that help operate your garage door, checking for any fraying, tears, or other damage. Damaged cables can put strain on other door parts and pose a safety risk. Do not attempt to adjust or repair the cables yourself, as they are under high tension and require proper training to handle safely. If you notice any cable issues, contact a qualified technician immediately. For your own safety, park outside and use alternate entrances until the cables are repaired. - Inspect Rollers
Properly functioning rollers are crucial for smooth, trouble-free garage door operation. Inspect the rollers for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or excessive wear. Damaged rollers can cause issues with the track and door movement, so replace any that are cracked or severely worn, as long as they are not directly attached to the cables or cable systems. Additionally, keep the rollers and tracks clear of debris to ensure optimal performance. - Lubricate Hardware
Regular lubrication of the moving parts in your garage door system is essential for long-term, reliable operation. Applying a garage door-specific lubricant to the springs, hinges, rollers, tracks, and opener chain can help reduce friction and wear, preventing common problems like slow, sticking door movement. This quick and easy maintenance task can go a long way in keeping your overhead door functioning smoothly for years to come. - Test Balance
An imbalance in your garage door places additional stress on the other components, causing the door to wear out faster and potentially leading to significant damage and costly repairs. To test your door’s balance, fully close it, then disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle. Next, manually lift the door until it is halfway open and let go. If the door remains in the half-open position, it is properly balanced.If the door fails to stay in place, you may have an issue with the cables or springs, which are under high tension. Avoid attempting to rebalance the door yourself, as these components can be dangerous. Instead, contact a professional technician for assistance. - Replace Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping at the bottom of your overhead door helps block water, air, and other elements from entering your garage. Replacing cracked or brittle weatherstripping can protect your garage from the elements and improve energy efficiency by preventing air leaks. Remember to check the weatherstripping regularly, especially during seasonal changes, to ensure optimal performance and energy savings. - Test Safety Features
When performing routine maintenance, always check the safety features of your garage door, including the photoelectric sensor and mechanical auto-reverse. To test the photoelectric sensor, wave an object, such as a broom, under the door as it’s closing. For the mechanical auto-reverse, place a wooden plank or brick under the door and start the closing process; the door should reverse when it makes contact with the object. If either feature fails to function properly, contact a professional to inspect and repair the safety mechanisms. Older garage doors may not have these modern safety features. If this is the case, it’s recommended to replace the door and opener with a system that includes these important safety measures, which help protect people and objects from potential harm. - Clean Door
Regularly inspect the garage door itself for signs of wear, such as rust spots on steel doors or warping on wood doors. These issues may require sanding, repainting, or other repairs to maintain the door’s appearance and functionality. To keep the door looking clean and new, use a mild soap and a damp cloth to remove any accumulated grime or debris on both sides of the door.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and request a free estimate or service call for your garage door. Whether you need a repair, replacement, or maintenance, Nahla Garage Doors has the expertise to address any garage door issue. We hope you choose us for all your garage door needs.