10 Preventive Maintenance Tips for Every Garage Door Owners

A lot of homeowners don’t think about their garage doors until they stop working. However, proper maintenance can help keep your garage door in good working order and prevent serious issues from developing. By regularly performing some simple preventive maintenance tips, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure that your door continues to operate smoothly for years to come.

The experts from Garage Door Repair Newtown have put together a list of the top 10 preventive maintenance tips for garage door owners:

1. Inspect the tracks and clean them as needed

The tracks your garage door runs on can become clogged with dirt and debris over time, which can impede the door’s movement and cause it to become stuck. To clean the tracks, use a damp cloth or rag to remove any buildup, then dry them thoroughly. You may also need a small brush to remove stubborn dirt or debris.

2. Lubricate the tracks and rollers

You must regularly lubricate the tracks and rollers on your garage door to maintain smooth operation. Use a lubricant designed specifically for garage doors, such as WD-40 or white lithium grease. Apply the lubricant to the tracks and rollers, then wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.

3. Inspect the cables and springs

The cables and springs of your garage door are under a lot of tension, so it’s important to inspect them regularly for signs of wear or damage. Look for fraying, rusting, or other damage, and replace any damaged parts as soon as possible. If you’re unsure how to properly inspect or replace these parts, contact a professional for assistance.

4. Test the balance of your door

If your garage door is unbalanced, it will put unnecessary strain on the opener and other components, which can cause premature wear and tear. To test the balance of your door, disconnect the opener and then open the door halfway. If it stays in place, it’s properly balanced. If not, you may need to adjust the springs.

5. Clean the photo eye sensor

The photo eye sensor helps prevent your door from closing if there’s something in its path. Unfortunately, dust and debris can accumulate on the sensor over time, preventing it from working properly. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe away any buildup to clean the sensor.

6. Test the door opener’s reversing mechanism

The reversing mechanism is a safety feature that causes the door to open back up if it senses something in its path when closing. Place a piece of wood or another object in front of the door to test this feature, then activate the opener. The door should reverse direction and reopen. If not, contact a professional for repair or replacement.

7. Replace worn out weather-stripping

The weather stripping on your garage door helps keep out moisture, wind, and debris. However, over time, it can become worn out and must be replaced. You can purchase new weather stripping at most hardware stores.

8. Check the door for proper alignment

If your door is not properly aligned, it can cause premature wear and tear on the tracks, rollers, and opener. To check the alignment, open the door and look at the gap between the door and the frame. The gap should be even all the way around. If not, use a wrench to loosen the door’s bolts, then tap the door until it’s properly aligned.

9. Tighten all loose hardware

Loose hardware can cause rattling and premature wear. Inspect all of the nuts, bolts, and screws on your garage door regularly and tighten them as needed.

10. Perform a monthly visual inspection

In addition to the above tips, it’s also a good idea to perform a monthly visual inspection of your garage door and its components. Look for any signs of wear or damage and address them as soon as possible.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your garage door in top condition and avoid costly repairs down the road.