We use our garage doors more often than we think. After a while wear and tear starts taking its toll on the garage door mechanisms, requiring some maintenance. A best practice is to service your garage door on a monthly basis, checking for loose bolts, safety control malfunctions, and more. Our maintenance team share tips that’ll help you maintain your garage door and keep it functioning properly for years to come.
What you’ll need:
- Broom
- Wood board or sturdy item
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Ladder
- Wrench set
- Screwdriver
- Carburetor cleaner
- Light bulbs
- Spray lubricant
- Safety glasses
Test the Safety Contact
Open the garage door, place a wood board or sturdy item under the opening, then close the door. When the door contacts the board, it should reverse and open back up. If it does not, the force control limit needs to be adjusted. You can do this by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Once completed, check again. If this situation continues to happen, call a specialist to address the issue.
Run a Test on the Sensor
Sensors are located on the bottom of your garage door. These prevent the door from closing if something is in within its sight. First, make sure the sensors on both sides of the door are aligned. Most sensors have lights that shine to show they are aligned. Adjust as needed. Next, close the door. Before it fully meets the ground, wave a broom between the sensors. The door should stop and reverse directions. If this does not happen, use a damp microfiber cloth to clean off the sensor and try again. If the door continues to close even after these steps, contact a specialist.
Examine and Adjust Hardware
Examine all the door hinges. If you see any loose hardware, tighten using the wrench or screwdriver. Use the spray lubricant, based on the manufacturer’s guidelines, to lubricate the hinges on the door. Using a damp microfiber cloth and ladder, clean the tracks above your car. Never use lubricant on the track, instead use a carburetor cleaner to allow the door to open and close smoothly without slipping. Lightly spray on the track and wipe the excess chemicals off with a clean cloth.
Check Springs for Visible Wear
There are two different types of garage door springs, tension and extension. If your garage door has tension springs, you can find them on the wall above the garage door. Extension springs are typically located on the sides of the door or above the horizontal tracks that have the cable and pulley system. Inspect these areas for visible wear, separation, or loss of tension. If you find any issues, detach the automatic opener, which can be found at the top of the door and disconnected by pulling down on the red tab. Then, lift the garage door manually. If it is difficult to lift up or won’t stay open, there may be an issue with the springs. If you notice that this is happening or if you find any visible wear on your springs, contact a specialist to repair.
Replace Light Bulbs & Batteries
Make sure your remote batteries and light bulbs are functioning properly. If they are not, this is the opportune time to replace them.
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