Most American homeowners use their garages as the main entrance to their homes. Garages are no longer an optional addition — they have become an integral component of a home’s architecture.
This shift in dependence means you cannot afford a sudden garage door breakdown. Annual garage door maintenance is the best way to ensure the prolonged functionality of your garage. Explore the top reasons you need regular garage door maintenance and what you can expect from the service.
Why Is Regular Garage Door Maintenance Important?
The garage door is the largest moving part of your home — one you use multiple times daily. Its maintenance is your investment in continued comfort. Here are the top four reasons garage door maintenance is worth it:
1. Save Money and Avoid Hassles
Regular maintenance helps you catch problems before they become expensive and inconvenient. No homeowner wants to battle a garage door that refuses to open early on Monday morning or have to call for a repair service late on Saturday night.
The annual garage door tuneup service fee is not comparable to an emergency spring replacement, which can cost up to $350. Maintenance gets an expert’s eye on your system, helping you spot and handle issues early.
2. Improve Your Home’s Safety
An unmaintained garage door can be a safety hazard. When broken springs or worn cables fail to hold the door’s weight, it can derail from the tracks or even fall out. Although garage systems are equipped with safety features, prolonged use without regular garage door maintenance can cause them to malfunction. A professional service can help you test auto-reserve and photo-eye sensors to ensure they function accurately, keeping your family and property safe.
3. Enhance Energy Efficiency
A well-maintained garage door can be part of your energy-saving strategy. A properly sealed door can help keep drafts and the elements out, maintaining a cool temperature in the summer and warmth in the winter. During a tuneup service, your trained technician will examine and replace the weather stripping, ensuring energy efficiency.
4. Boost Home Security
You don’t want your garage to have gaps that intruders can use to enter your home. With time and continued use, your garage door may not close flush with the ground, leaving spaces. A maintenance service can ensure your garage door closes properly, leaving no room for manipulation.
Your Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
If you want a simple way to maintain your garage door, we suggest following a visual and auditory checklist. We don’t advise homeowners to use the tool to adjust any garage door component, especially those under extreme tension.
Watch and Listen
When running a DIY maintenance check, the first step is to operate your door and observe. Listen for any strange sounds, like scraping or grinding. Your garage’s noise can indicate many issues, such as worn rollers, track debris or spring issues.
Also, carefully watch your door’s movements. Do you notice any jerking or shaking? This unusual movement could indicate an underlying problem with the tracks or loose screws.
To check the function of your auto-reverse feature, place a two-by-four plank under your open garage door and close it. The door should automatically reverse upon contact with the plank. If it doesn’t, there could be a problem with the garage door’s safety system.
Inspect the Hardware
Next, inspect the garage door hardware components. Check the springs for rust or visible gaps. Any noticeable gaps may mean the spring is broken and needs to be replaced.
Then, examine the cables on either side of the door. Look for broken strands or signs of rust near the bottom brackets, where moisture often gathers. Ensure the rollers are within the tracks and the wheels are not wobbly, worn or cracked.
Check the Door and Seals
Examine the door panels for damage that can affect their integrity. Look for dents and corrosion on metal doors. On wood doors, search for signs of water damage, peeling and warping. If you notice any damage, a professional panel replacement may be a cost-effective solution. Remember to check the weather seal at the bottom of the door to ensure it is still intact and functional.
Lubricate and Clean
Finally, lubricate all the moving parts according to your owner’s manual. Your manual will detail which components to lubricate and the lubricant to use. Then, clean the tracks to ensure no dust or debris can keep the door from moving.
How Often Should Your Garage Door Be Maintained?
You can perform visual or DIY checks on your garage door seasonally to ensure you can catch issues as they arise. This proactive approach will put you ahead of repairs and your system in good condition between tuneups. However, get a professional maintenance service at least once a year. Suppose your garage doubles as the main entrance to your home and is operated multiple times a day. In that case, we recommend a semiannual maintenance service, ensuring your system is not exposed to excessive strain.
When to Call a Professional
We recommend calling a professional immediately if you notice any problem with the springs or cables. These components handle significant tension and can cause severe property damage and injury. It is also time to call a technician when you notice one of the following:
- A running opener, but the door is not opening
- A door that closes and immediately reverses
- A garage door that doesn’t close or open fully
- Strange noises when operating the garage door
- Panels hanging unevenly
- Sagging tracks or panels
What to Expect During a Preventive Garage Door Maintenance Service
What goes into a professional maintenance service may differ from one technician to another. However, most experts follow a five-step process to ensure your garage continues to protect you and your family:
- Inspection: The first task for professionals is to examine your entire system. From the panels to the garage door openers and sensors to the weather seal, the technician will review the level of wear on all your components before starting work.
- Cleaning: The technician will clean the tracks and other features of the system that easily accumulate dirt.
- Replacements: Are there any components that need replacement? Professional vans are usually stocked with elements required for minor replacements, like weather strips.
- Balance and realign: The technician will assess the door to ensure it is not uneven or misaligned. If there are signs of misalignment, your technician will rebalance and align the door.
- Lubrication: The last step is to oil all the moving parts, providing smooth operation.
Trust Your Local Experts for Garage Door Care
Regular maintenance of your garage door is key to its safe and reliable functionality. Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure it is done correctly.
At Liberty Door and Awning, we offer a robust garage door tuneup service. For over 20 years, we have been a trusted service provider for residents across New Jersey. Schedule an estimate today for year-round peace of mind.