How to maintain your garage door in perfect working order

We usually do not think about our garage doors, but it is very important to make certain that they are always in perfect working order. These tips from Garaga should help you maintain your garage door so that you can depend on it for its entire lifespan.

How to check your garage door

• Listen to your door when it opens. Doors will make noises when it operation, but you should never hear a thump or bang. This usually means that something has broken or is about to break.
• After listening, do a quick visual inspection of the torsion springs (are they intact?) and extension springs (are they stretched out or hanging down?). Also check the roller (are they worn down?) and the chain or belt of your door opener (is it loose or hanging abnormally low?).
• Finally, check the spring system with this simple test. If you have an electric garage door opener, disengage the trolley. You can do this by pulling on the emergency cord. Then, try to open the door with just one hand, using the lift handle. You should be able to do this without much effort. If you cannot, a spring may be broken and you may need to call a mechanic.

Do these basic maintenance tasks two times each year

Perform the following task two times a year: once in the autumn and then again after the winter. What type of “maintenance” are we talking about?

• Lubrication. When we refer to lubrication, we are talking about all the components that move. This includes metal items like the hinges, rollers and springs. You should use a petroleum-based lubricant. However, for parts made of PVC, like the exterior weatherstripping, you should opt for a silicone-based lubricant. Don’t forget to apply this to the bottom weatherstripping and gaps between the door sections.
• Tightening bolts. First, you should make sure that all hinges are secured and the horizontal tracks are aligned. Then, tighten the bolts holding the perforated angle irons that support the horizontal tracks and the electric garage door opener. If you have a 3-piece trolley on your door opener, tighten the bolts there as well. These may become loose because of vibrations from the motor.

Inspect the automatic reversal system

This is an important twice-yearly safety measure, so you should check out your automatic reversal systems at least twice per year. If your opener is from any time after 1993, you have two systems. One is mechanical and the other is photoelectric. For the mechanical, you need to put a piece of lumber flat on the threshold of the door. Then close your door. When the bottom of the door touches the wood, it should reverse immediately.

The photoelectric safety system is made up of two units. One is on each side of the door, and they beam light to one another. To see if they are working correctly, simply press the button to close the door and then pass your hand in front of one of the two units. When you do this, you are blocking the beam and the door should reverse automatically.

Can i hire a professional?

If you would like an expert to handle the maintenance, you can contact us at 1-877-828-5279. We provide a 28‑point tune‑up program that includes inspection, adjustment and lubrication.

What if you want a new door? We can send you a detailed quotation via email or we can visit your home. You will receive advice on the best choice to make to suit your needs. To start designing your dream garage, use our design center or browse our image gallery.