How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Garage Door: Maintenance Tips from Experts
Your garage door is one of the hardest-working components of your home, opening and closing multiple times a day, in all kinds of weather. With regular care, your garage door can last for many years without major issues. However, neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs or even premature replacement.
At Elite Doors, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Alaska keep their garage doors running smoothly. Here are our expert tips to ensure your garage door stays in shape for years.
1. Inspect and Clean Your Garage Door Regularly
A little attention goes a long way. Start by visually inspecting your garage door every month for signs of wear and tear.
✔ Look for the following issues:
Cracks, dents, or rust on the door panels.
Fraying or slack in cables.
Misalignment in the tracks.
After inspection, clean your garage door to remove dirt, grime, and debris. Use a mild detergent, water, and a soft cloth to wash the door’s surface and hardware.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
Friction is the enemy of smooth garage door operation. Keeping all moving parts well-lubricated will prevent wear and tear, reduce noise, and extend the life of your door.
✔ What to lubricate:
Hinges
Rollers
Tracks
Springs
Garage door opener chain or screw
Use a silicone-based lubricant or garage door-specific spray and avoid using grease, as it can attract dirt and debris.
3. Tighten Hardware
With constant use, the hardware on your garage door—bolts, screws, and brackets—can become loose. Check these components every few months and tighten them with a wrench or screwdriver.
✔ Key areas to check:
Tracks and brackets that secure the door to the wall.
Bolts that connect the panels.
Hardware on the opener system.
4. Test the Balance of Your Garage Door
An unbalanced garage door puts unnecessary strain on the opener and springs, shortening their lifespan. To test the balance:
Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle.
Manually lift the door halfway and release it.
If the door stays in place, it’s balanced. If it falls or rises, the balance is off, and the springs may need adjustment.
⚠ Important: Adjusting springs can be dangerous. Contact a professional if your door is unbalanced.
5. Replace Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is essential for keeping out drafts, moisture, and pests. Over time, it can crack or wear out.
✔ Check and replace:
The bottom seal is along the base of the door.
Side seals along the edges of the door frame.
Replacing weatherstripping is inexpensive and can significantly improve your garage’s insulation and energy efficiency.
6. Keep Tracks Clean and Aligned
The tracks guide your garage door’s movement. Over time, they can accumulate debris or become misaligned, causing the door to jam or operate unevenly.
✔ How to maintain the tracks:
Clean them with a damp cloth and remove debris.
Use a level to check alignment and ensure they’re straight.
⚠ Do not attempt to adjust tracks if they’re severely misaligned—this should be handled by a professional.
7. Check the Garage Door Opener
Your garage door opener works hard every day. Regular maintenance can ensure its reliability:
✔ What to check:
Test the auto-reverse feature by placing a small object under the door. If it doesn’t reverse, it may need adjustment.
Replace the backup battery, if your opener has one.
Listen for unusual noises from the motor.
8. Schedule Professional Maintenance
While DIY maintenance is essential, some tasks are best left to the pros. Annual inspections from a garage door technician can catch issues early and save you money in the long run.
✔ What professionals can do:
Adjust spring tension.
Replace worn-out components like rollers and cables.
Perform a full safety inspection.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
By following these tips, you can:
Save Money: Prevent costly repairs and avoid premature replacement.
Enhance Safety: Keep your garage door operating smoothly and prevent accidents.
Improve Performance: Enjoy quieter and more reliable operation.
Increase Energy Efficiency: Minimize heat loss with proper insulation and weather seals.
Contact Elite Doors for Expert Garage Door Maintenance
At Elite Doors, we provide professional garage door maintenance and repair services tailored to Alaska’s unique climate. Whether you need a tune-up, replacement parts, or a full inspection, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us at (907) 802-3078
🌐 Visit us at: www.elitedoorsak.com
Don’t wait for problems to arise—schedule your garage door maintenance today and keep your door running smoothly for years to come!