Garage door maintenance is often overlooked until something goes wrong, leaving you stranded with a broken door. However, just like any other mechanical system, your garage door requires regular care to keep it functioning smoothly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through garage door maintenance tips for every season to ensure your door is always ready to protect your home and belongings.
Spring: Start Fresh with a Full Check-up
Spring is the perfect time to start your annual garage door upkeep. As the weather warms up, it’s important to ensure that your door operates smoothly before the heavy summer months.
Key Spring Maintenance Tasks:
- Inspect the springs: Garage door springs bear a heavy load and can wear out over time. Test the balance of your door by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting it halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, it’s time to adjust the springs or have them replaced.
- Clean the tracks: Dirt and debris can accumulate in the tracks, affecting the door’s ability to move smoothly. Use a damp cloth to wipe the tracks clean and remove any obstructions.
- Lubricate moving parts: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and tracks. This reduces friction and ensures quiet operation throughout the year.
Garage Door Maintenance Checklist (Spring):
- Check the springs for wear
- Clean the tracks and rollers
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Test the door’s balance
Summer: Keep Cool with Regular Adjustments
Summer heat can take a toll on your garage door, especially if it’s exposed to direct sunlight. The high temperatures can cause the materials to expand, making it harder for the door to operate efficiently.
Key Summer Maintenance Tasks:
- Inspect the seals: The rubber seals on the bottom of the door help keep out heat, humidity, and pests. Check for cracks or damage, and replace them if needed to maintain insulation.
- Check the opener: The heat can strain your opener, causing it to overheat. Make sure the opener is running smoothly, and clean any dust from the motor and components to ensure it’s not working harder than necessary.
- Test the auto-reverse function: Safety is always a priority, and the auto-reverse function should be working correctly. When an object obstructs the sensor eye (someone walking through the garage while it is closing) the door should stop attempting to close and revert back to the opening position. When the obstruction clears, so will the error code, then the door will operate as normal.
- Test the battery backup: Ensure that your garage door battery backup is functioning properly. This is crucial for power outages when you need to open or close your garage door. To test the backup, unplug the garage door opener from the power source and activate the door using the remote. If it operates smoothly, the backup is working as expected. If not, check the battery for corrosion or any signs of wear, and replace it if necessary. Regular testing can prevent unexpected issues during emergencies and keep your system reliable.
Garage Door Maintenance Checklist (Summer):
- Inspect and replace seals as needed
- Clean the opener motor and components
- Test the auto-reverse function
Fall: Prepare for the Cold
As the temperature drops, it’s crucial to ensure your garage door is ready for the chilly winter months. Fall is the ideal time for a preemptive check-up to avoid costly repairs when it’s too cold to fix things.
Key Fall Maintenance Tasks:
- Check insulation: If your garage door isn’t insulated, consider upgrading to one that is. Insulation helps maintain a stable temperature inside the garage and improves energy efficiency during the winter.
- Inspect the weatherstripping: Check for gaps or cracks in the weatherstripping that could let in cold air. Replacing damaged strips can help keep your garage warmer and prevent drafts from entering your home.
- Test the door’s balance: Just like in spring, check the balance of the door. Cold temperatures can cause materials to contract, affecting the door’s alignment.
Garage Door Maintenance Checklist (Fall):
- Inspect and upgrade insulation
- Replace weatherstripping if needed
- Test the balance of the door
Winter: Combat the Cold
Winter is when your garage door faces the most strain, especially if you live in an area that experiences heavy snow and freezing temperatures. Regular maintenance will help prevent jams and breakdowns during the coldest months.
Key Winter Maintenance Tasks:
- Keep the door clean: Salt and dirt from the outside can accumulate on the door, causing it to stick. Keep the door clean by wiping it down regularly and checking for any buildup around the tracks.
- Inspect the opener’s battery: If your garage door opener is battery-operated, ensure the battery is in good condition. Cold weather can drain batteries quickly, so replacing them ahead of time can prevent any issues.
- Maintain the springs and cables: Cold temperatures can cause the metal components of your garage door to contract, leading to possible breakage. Regularly inspect the springs, cables, and pulleys to ensure everything is in working order.
Garage Door Maintenance Checklist (Winter):
- Clean off salt and dirt
- Replace the opener battery if necessary
- Inspect springs, cables, and pulleys
Conclusion: Year-Round Care for a Smooth Ride
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your door operating smoothly through every season. By following this garage door maintenance checklist, you can ensure that your garage door is always in top shape, saving you time and money on unexpected repairs.
Garage door maintenance tips like checking the springs, cleaning the tracks, and testing the opener’s safety features are simple but effective ways to keep your door running smoothly. Remember, a little effort throughout the year goes a long way in extending the life of your garage door!
By staying on top of garage door upkeep, you’ll ensure that your garage door remains safe, reliable, and efficient no matter what the weather throws at it.
Does this sound like a lot of information? We are here to help! If you find that your garage door requires professional attention, a check-up, or if you’re in need of garage door maintenance; Archway Garage Doors is here to help. Our expert technicians can provide thorough inspections and maintenance to keep your garage door in peak condition year-round.