Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs and ensures your garage door operates safely and efficiently. Follow these expert maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your garage door and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

1. Inspect & Tighten Hardware 

Garage doors move up and down thousands of times a year, causing screws, bolts, and brackets to loosen over time.

• Check and tighten all hardware, including roller brackets and bolts.
• Use a socket wrench to secure any loose fasteners.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts

Proper lubrication keeps your garage door running smoothly and prevents noisy operation.

• Apply high-quality silicone-based lubricant to springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks.
• Avoid thick grease, as it can attract dust and clog components.

3. Test the Balance of Your Garage Door

An unbalanced door strains the opener and shortens its lifespan.

• Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway.
• If it stays in place, the balance is good. If it falls or rises, the springs may need adjustment.

4. Clean & Inspect Tracks

Dirty or misaligned tracks cause jerky movements and wear out rollers.

• Wipe down tracks with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.
• Use a level to ensure tracks are properly aligned.

5. Test Safety Features

Garage doors have built-in safety sensors and auto-reverse mechanisms to prevent accidents.

• Check sensors: Place an object (like a box) under the door—if it doesn’t reverse, clean the sensors and try again.
• Test auto-reverse: Place a block of wood under the door—if it doesn’t reverse, call a professional for adjustments.

6. Check & Replace Weather Seals

Damaged weather seals allow moisture, dust, and pests into your garage.

• Inspect bottom and side seals for cracks or gaps.
• Replace worn-out seals to improve insulation and keep your garage clean.

7. Keep Your Garage Door Clean

Dust, dirt, and rust can damage the finish and mechanical parts.

• Wash your garage door with mild soap and water every few months.
• For wooden doors, check for peeling paint and reapply a protective sealant.
• For steel doors, look for rust spots and touch up with paint to prevent corrosion.

8. Listen for Unusual Noises 

Strange noises like grinding, squeaking, or rattling indicate potential problems.

• If you hear squeaks, lubricate moving parts.
• If you hear grinding, there may be an issue with the opener or rollers—call a technician.

9. Schedule Professional Maintenance

Even with regular DIY maintenance, annual professional inspections are recommended.

• A technician will inspect springs, cables, and overall functionality.
• Preventative maintenance can catch small problems before they turn into major repairs.