Without proper garage door maintenance, you may need to make expensive repairs or even replace the door or opener. Garage doors are the largest moving part of the home, potentially operating multiple times a day. Although the parts are designed to last, even with light use, periodic care and maintenance is required. If you perform regular maintenance on your garage door, keep up the good work and you’ll be rewarded with a long-lasting, dependable door. If you’re not doing garage door maintenance or repairing your overhead door, here are some tips to get you started.

DIY maintenance

Although some parts of your garage door need professional service, you can take care of some maintenance items yourself. Every three to six months, visually inspect all components inside and out, looking for rust, loose hardware, worn wires, and bent or broken parts. As you raise and lower the gate, watch the operation for any tug or pull. Spray WD-40 on all rails, rollers, hinges, springs, and latches. Wipe them clean and then apply a light household oil to lubricate. Clean the inside and outside of the door with a household detergent. Automotive wax applied to a metal garage door helps maintain the finish and helps keep the door clean (check the manufacturer’s recommendations first). If your door is made of wood, apply new paint or sealant every year. Finally, check the weather stripping around the door and replace any that have cracked or broken.

Professional Maintenance

Although a handy homeowner can do some garage door maintenance, a professional service company must perform some tasks. If your door is powered by a torsion spring, regular professional maintenance is essential to keep the spring free of rust and working properly. Failure to maintain the spring can result in breakage and possibly damage or injury as a result. Chain-operated gates also need a professional touch up to properly lubricate the opening mechanism.

Automatic lock release maintenance

Garage door openers require routine professional maintenance every year; however, you should also do some basic tests every month. The optical sensors and door reversing mechanism prevent accidents, and verifying that they are working properly takes only a moment. Use a long handled tool (broom, rake) and wave it between the sensors as the gate lowers. If the sensor works correctly, the door will reverse and reopen. To test the reversing mechanism, place a piece of wood on the ground where you will hit the door and close the door. If the reverser is working properly, it will reverse and reopen when hitting the wood. Pay attention to any unusual grinding or scraping sounds during operation. Finally, test all the remotes and keyboards to see if they work properly.

A professional garage door company has the tools and experience to test all critical aspects of your door, including balance and strength. A professional can tune up your garage door and repair any damaged or worn components at the same time. Experts recommend having a professional service at least once a year, just before extreme weather seasons. If possible, have your overhead door professionally serviced in both spring and fall. With just a little attention to garage door maintenance, you can be sure that your door will perform reliably and safely all year long.