Tips for Garage Door Maintenance

Your garage door is one of the biggest pieces of your home, and it’s also one of the most critical. A quality garage door is an investment, and most homeowners want to ensure they get the longest lifespan possible out of their door.

Performing basic maintenance a few times a year is an easy way to avoid any costly repairs or broken doors.

Garage Door Care

Clean the Garage Door Tracks

All garage door tracks collect dust and dirt over time. Properly cleaning your garage door’s tracks is relatively simple, but still important. Clean tracks will ward off rust and ensure that the system continues to run smoothly.

Wipe down tracks with a damp cloth and and dry with a towel. You can scrub down any buildup with an abrasive brush (even a basic toothbrush will work).
Keep Mechanics Running Smoothly

Make sure that all the different parts that allow your garage door to work are properly lubricated, especially if you notice the door getting stuck or making noise.

At least once a year (or as necessary), lubricate rails, hinges, rollers, and torsion springs with household oil or specialized spray lubricant. You can refer to your garage door’s “Owner’s Manual” for additional requirements and details.

Test and Realign Garage Door Sensors Often

If your garage door isn’t working, it isn’t necessarily broken. The garage door’s sensors may just have gotten knocked out of alignment and need to be adjusted. You may need to remeasure the height that each of the sensors is currently at and move them accordingly.

Some people run a string between the two sensors and then use a level to mark when the sensors are even. If you adjust the sensors and they still aren’t working, try cleaning them with a cotton swab. Sometimes fingerprints or dirt can cause blockage and prevent them from picking up signals accurately.

Reset the Garage Door Opener

In the event that your garage door isn’t opening or closing properly, you may need to reset the opener. Reset instructions will vary depending on the type of system you have, but generally you will need to shut off the power by unplugging the opener, waiting 3 to 5 minutes, and then plugging it back in before you can reset it. Sometimes you will also need to replace the batteries if the opener has been spotty or weakening.

Call a Technician for Larger Garage Door Repairs

For recurring glitches or more serious functionality issues, it is best to call a garage door technician for assistance. A professional will be able to safely assess the problem and provide you with a long-lasting solution. It can be dangerous to attempt certain repairs yourself, so it’s always best to call a professional.
If you need your garage door serviced or repaired, Hill Country Overhead Door can help. We offer free estimates for garage door repair or replacement. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.