A garage door is one of the largest moving components on any property. Routine maintenance is a crucial practice that prevents expensive and unexpected breakdowns and significantly extends the door’s operational lifespan. Use this detailed seasonal garage door care checklist to protect your investment.
Spring is the perfect time for a thorough garage door tuneup, as the door system has just endured the stress and moisture of winter.
Carefully inspect all components, including springs, cables, rollers and pulleys, for signs of rust, excessive wear or damage that may have occurred during winter’s cold and wet conditions.
Look for frayed cables or visible gaps in a torsion spring. Use a vacuum or a dry rag to remove lingering salt residue, dirt and trapped debris left over from the winter. You can also wash the door exterior with a mild detergent and water when spring cleaning to remove accumulated winter grime and salt, which can damage the finish over time.
Apply a high-quality, lithium-based garage door lubricant to the torsion spring coils, rollers, hinges and bearings. This application reduces friction and prevents corrosion.
Using a wrench, check all nuts and bolts on the door panels, hinges and track brackets. Vibration from regular use can cause the nuts and bolts to loosen over time.
Test photo-eye sensors by putting a two-by-four flat on the floor in the door’s path. The door should immediately stop and reverse when you break its electric eye beam.
You can also test the auto-reverse mechanism by placing an object like a roll of paper towels or a block of wood on the floor. When the door contacts the object, it should immediately reverse direction. If it doesn’t, call a professional, as it is a sign of a critical safety failure.
The focus in summer shifts to managing the stress of high temperatures on the opener and sealing.
First, check opener tension. Chains should not droop excessively. Refer to your opener’s manual for exact tension specifications, as improper tension can lead to premature wear. Also, ensure the opener motor unit’s ventilation slots are clear of dust, spiderwebs and debris. Good airflow prevents the unit from overheating during periods of frequent use in high temperatures.
High summer heat can cause rubber and vinyl weatherstripping around the door’s perimeter to become brittle, cracked or deformed. Check for cracks or damage. Damaged stripping compromises your garage’s temperature and security, letting in hot air, moisture and pests. Replace it as needed.
Inspect the door panels and seals, especially those facing direct sunlight, for signs of sun damage, such as warping, bubbling or fading.
Preventive maintenance for your garage door in the fall is essential to ensure your garage door is ready to handle the cold, moisture and potential ice of the coming winter.
Just as in the spring, secure loose nuts, bolts and brackets on door panels and tracks. Loose components can become a major headache once temperatures drop.
Clear leaves, dirt and other debris from the garage door tracks and around the safety sensors. Blocked sensors are a common cause of doors not closing in the fall.
Check the perimeter and bottom weatherstripping again and replace any cracked or brittle strips to effectively block cold drafts, moisture and pests from entering the garage during winter.
Winter brings unique challenges, requiring proper garage door preparation to ensure reliable operation.
Use a high-quality lubricant specifically rated for cold climates. Standard lubricants can thicken and become sticky at low temperatures, hindering performance.
Inspect the door panel insulation and seals, especially if you have a heated garage. Good insulation prevents heat loss, preserves energy efficiency and reduces strain on the opener.
Keep the immediate area of the garage door, particularly the ground beneath it, free of ice and snow. Even a thin layer of ice can cause the door to freeze shut or trigger the safety reverse mechanism.
Understanding what tasks you can safely handle and when to call an expert is essential for responsible maintenance.
The following tasks are generally safe for homeowners and on-site managers to complete quarterly or semi-annually:
Always opt for professional garage door services for these tasks:
Here are some region-specific adjustments for homeowners and facility managers in Northern California and Denver.
The high humidity and coastal salt in areas like the Bay Area accelerate corrosion. Focus heavily on the spring, cables and hinges. Use a rust-inhibiting lubricant monthly.
You should also pay close attention to the rollers. Constant dampness can affect bearing integrity. Schedule an immediate replacement if you hear squealing or grinding,.
Denver’s frequent temperature fluctuations cause expansion and contraction that severely stress metal components and crack concrete. Schedule a professional garage door tuneup every fall to have all hardware perfectly tightened before the cold weather sets in.
Use only low-temperature, specialized lubricant to ensure the door operates smoothly even in sub-zero conditions. Furthermore, cold temperatures can cause springs to lose tension. If your door feels heavier or struggles to open in the winter, call a professional for a tension adjustment.
Here are some answers to typical garage door maintenance questions.
Broken torsion or extension springs are the prevailing reasons behind most garage door breakdowns. Springs snap due to repetitive use, rust, temperature changes or excessive force. They require immediate professional replacement to prevent damage to other components.
You should have your garage door professionally serviced at least once annually. Older doors or those that experience heavy usage, coastal or salty environments might need attention every six months.
Seasonal maintenance is an invaluable practice that protects your property investment and ensures the safety of everyone who uses the space. Professional service addresses the system’s most complex components, ensuring long-term reliability and safety.
Door Pros is the trusted garage door partner for homeowners and property managers throughout Northern California and Denver. We offer expert garage door maintenance services for commercial facilities and safe, reliable repairs. Request an estimate today or schedule a service to keep your garage door functional through different seasons.
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