7 min read Mike Johnson
Regular maintenance is the key to a long-lasting, reliable garage door. While some tasks should be left to professionals, there's plenty homeowners can do to keep their doors operating smoothly. Follow this seasonal checklist to prevent problems and extend the life of your garage door system.
Take a few minutes each month to observe your garage door in operation. Watch for jerky movements, listen for unusual sounds, and look for visible wear. Early detection of problems can prevent costly repairs down the road.
Every three months, lubricate all moving parts using a garage door-specific lubricant (not WD-40, which is a solvent, not a lubricant). Apply to:
The constant motion of your garage door can loosen hardware over time. Check and tighten:
Before winter, inspect the weather stripping along the bottom and sides of your door. Cracked, torn, or compressed seals should be replaced to keep out cold air, rain, pests, and debris. This simple fix can significantly impact your energy bills.
Wipe down the tracks with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Don't lubricate the tracks.this can cause the rollers to slip. The tracks should be clean and dry for proper operation.
Modern garage doors include important safety features that should be tested regularly:
Even with diligent DIY maintenance, an annual professional inspection is highly recommended. A trained technician can:
Some repairs should never be attempted by homeowners. Always call a professional for:
At Garage Door Salem, we offer affordable annual maintenance packages that include thorough inspection, lubrication, adjustment, and a detailed report on your door's condition. Contact us to schedule your maintenance visit today.