Did you know that only 7% of new homes built in 2019 were constructed without a garage or carport?
A garage is one of the most valuable and convenient features a home can have. It protects your car from the elements, adds storage space, and even serves as a workshop for DIY enthusiasts.
To keep your garage functional and safe, regular garage door maintenance tips can help prevent costly repairs. At least twice a year, set aside time to inspect, clean, and test your garage door. Preventative maintenance not only extends the life of your door but also helps you avoid costly repairs down the road.
Here are six garage door maintenance tips every homeowner should remember.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip #1: Watch Your Garage Door During Operation
Most people open or close their garage door from inside their car, never taking a close look at how it moves. The next time you operate your garage door, take a moment to watch and listen carefully.
Notice if the door moves smoothly or if it shakes, jerks, or grinds. Uneven movement – such as one side rising higher than the other – may signal a cable or spring problem. Any scraping or unusual noises should be inspected right away to prevent further damage.
Tip: Regularly observing your garage door’s performance is the easiest way to catch issues early. Contact OGD if you notice any kind of unusual noises.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip #2: Check and Tighten All Fasteners
Your garage door opens and closes hundreds of times per year. This repetitive motion causes vibrations that can loosen nuts, bolts, and brackets over time.
Use a socket wrench to tighten all visible fasteners, including the brackets securing the tracks to the wall and ceiling. Don’t over tighten them, and replace any hardware that looks stripped, worn, or corroded. If you are unsure how to do this give OGD a call for assistance!
A few minutes spent tightening components can help prevent costly repairs later.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip #3: Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts
The moving components of your garage door – rollers, tracks, springs, and pulleys – need occasional cleaning and lubrication to keep things running smoothly.
Start by clearing debris such as dust, cobwebs, and leaves from the tracks with a damp cloth or brush. Then, apply a garage door lubricant spray to the rollers and pulleys. If you don’t have one, a general lubricant like WD-40 works in a pinch.
Note: Avoid lubricating belt drives, as it can interfere with operation.
Regular cleaning and lubrication can dramatically extend the life of your garage door system.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip #4: Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature
Modern garage doors are equipped with an auto-reverse function designed to prevent injury or damage. To test it, place a piece of wood (like a 2×4 board) on the ground under the door. When the door closes and touches the board, it should automatically stop and reverse.
You can also test the photo-eye sensor by starting to close the door and then passing your foot through the beam. The door should immediately reverse direction.
If it doesn’t, disconnect the opener and schedule a professional garage door inspection immediately.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip #5: Replace the Weather Sealant Regularly
The rubber weather sealant at the bottom of your garage door keeps out rain, dirt, and pests. Over time, this seal can crack, compress, or peel away from the door.
Inspect it for gaps or damage, and replace it if necessary. Weather seals are easy to find at hardware stores and can be cut to size. Depending on your door material, they may be attached with nails or flanges.
Also, check for sealant on the sides and top of your door for a complete barrier against the elements.
Garage Door Maintenance Tip #6: Schedule a Professional Inspection
Finally, if you have any concerns about your garage door, or even if you just don’t want to miss anything, hire a professional. If you neglect caring for a garage door, it can eventually lead to a costly repair.
A home garage door professional will be able to spot problems that you might miss. Once or twice a year, it’s a good idea to have a technician look over your door, which often costs less than an oil change for a car.
Garage Door Maintenance Made Easy
Even with regular maintenance, some issues are best handled by professionals. A trained garage door technician can spot problems early – from frayed cables to weakened springs – before they lead to major failures.
These garage door maintenance tips are designed to keep your system safe and reliable all year long.
Scheduling a yearly inspection is affordable and helps keep your system running safely and efficiently.
According to the International Door Association (IDA), regular garage door maintenance can help prevent serious safety issues and extend the life of your system.
Keep Your Garage Door in Peak Condition with OGD®
Maintaining your garage door doesn’t have to be complicated – and you don’t have to do it alone.
At OGD® Overhead Garage Door, we’ve spent more than a decade helping homeowners keep their garage doors in top condition.
Whether you need a quick tune-up, garage door repair, or a full garage door installation, our certified technicians are here to help.📞 Contact us today to schedule your professional inspection and keep your garage door running smoothly year-round.
