DIY Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Look and Listen:

An essential step you can take is to observe your garage door in action every time you use it. Does it operate silently, or does it make grinding or scraping noises?

Tighten up the Hardware:

Examine and tighten all roller brackets and bolts with a socket wrench.

Door Balance:

Periodically test the balance of your door.

Begin with the door closed.

If you have a garage door opener, use the release mechanism to operate the door by hand when doing this test.

You should be able to lift the door smoothly, with little resistance. It should also stay open around three or four feet above the floor. If it does not, it is out of adjustment. Have it adjusted by a qualified service professional!

Reversal Test:

Check to make sure your opener has a reversing feature if it does not, replace it.

Federal law requires garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993, to have safety features that comply with the latest UL (Underwriters Laboratories) 325 standards. Contact your manufacturer or installer for additional information.

Lubricate the Moving Parts:

Lubricate all moving parts and coat torsion springs with regular-grade machine oil.

Check the Cables:

Check for broken strands and damage near the bottom roller bracket.

Replace the Weatherstripping:

Check the weather sealant at the bottom of the door. If it is cracked or broken, it needs to be replaced.

Inspect and Replace the Rollers:

Whether steel or nylon, the rollers need to be checked twice a year and replaced every seven years or so, and even more if you use your garage door many times daily. Worn, chipped, or cracked rollers need replacing as soon as possible.

Clear the Tracks:

Clean the inside of the tracks with an old toothbrush to dislodge any grease, grime, or dirt buildup. Spray disc brake cleaner into the tracks and then wipe it out with a clean rag to remove the debris.

Only a professional Garage Door Technician should make any significant adjustments to the garage door tracks.

Groom Your Garage Door:

Remember to examine the door itself. Wood doors need to be checked for water damage and warping, as well as chipped and peeling paint. Steel doors may have rust spots that need sanding, priming, and painting. Rust is a major enemy of any garage door. Yearly maintenance can help keep it away.

Periodic Cleaning:

Wash your door with a mild detergent; do not use abrasive cleansers. Check for scratches that need repairing. If the bare metal is exposed, treat with zinc-based primer. Avoid excessive touch-ups; post-applied painting will not match the original factory finish.