Top Garage Door Service Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Garage door service is an important part of keeping your home safe, secure and energy efficient. The right garage door service provider can identify and address minor issues, before they become major problems that require expensive repair or replacement. Regular planned maintenance includes inspection, cleaning and lubricating mechanical systems, testing safety systems and addressing any issues found.

Planned maintenance should be done at least once a year, but depending on how much use your garage door gets, more frequent check-ups may be necessary. Before starting any planned maintenance, disconnect the automatic opener from the door. If you are doing any work with the garage door up, affix a clamp on the track or to the wall above the door to prevent it from falling down. Also, always wear safety glasses when working near the springs as they are under extreme pressure and can be hazardous if not handled properly.

Check the Torsion Springs

The torsion and extension springs counterbalance the weight of your garage door, tightening when the door closes and loosening when it opens. Check that the springs are not twisted or cracked and that they have sufficient slack to allow for full opening and closing of the door. If they do not, adjust the tension of the springs by raising or lowering the door by hand and then tightening or loosening the nuts on the adjustment bolts to take up slack.

Clean the Tracks

The tracks that guide your garage door can get dirty over time from dust, grease and dried leaves. To keep them in good shape, vacuum the tracks, spray them with a hose or cleaner and wipe them down with a rag. Also, make sure the photo eye sensors are clear and not obstructed, as they are responsible for stopping your garage door if something is in its path.

Inspect the Trolley and Carriage

The trolley is a rail that connects the chain, belt or screw to the carriage assembly that moves the door up and down. Check that the trolley rail is not warped or bent and that the chain or belt does not flex against it as it moves up and down. If the trolley flexes up and down, it can cause damage to the rollers and to other components.

Test the Wall Buttons and Remotes

Your garage door comes with a push button that you can mount near the pedestrian entrance to your home, as well as remotes that let you open or close your garage door from inside your car. Verify that these are working, as well as the keypad if you have one installed. If the garage opener is connected to the push button or remotes via wire, check that the cables are not frayed or broken and that all connections are securely fastened. You should also change the batteries in your remotes and test them to make sure they are still working.