Monthly Maintenance Tips for Your Garage Door

Garage doors look simple, but they're heavy machines with springs under high tension. A few minutes of attention each month keeps yours running safely and helps you spot problems before they turn into breakdowns.

Your Monthly Checklist

1. Look and listen: run the door through a full cycle and watch for jerky movement, sagging sections or a door that sits unevenly. Listen for grinding, scraping or new squeaks.
2. Inspect the hardware: look at the springs, cables, rollers and pulleys for rust, fraying or gaps (without touching them).
3. Test the auto-reverse: place a roll of paper towels or a piece of wood where the door closes. It should stop and reverse when it touches. Then pass something through the photo-eye beam while the door closes; it should reverse.
4. Clean the photo-eyes and the tracks: wipe the sensor lenses and clear dirt and leaves from the tracks.
5. Check the weatherstripping: look for cracks, tears or daylight under the door.

Every Few Months: Lubricate

Built-in factory lubricant dries out over time. Every three to six months, spray a silicone- or lithium-based garage door lubricant on the hinges, roller bearings, springs and opener chain or screw, then wipe off the excess. Don't use WD-40 as a lubricant, and don't grease the tracks.

Twice a Year: Check the Balance

1. Close the door, make sure nobody is near it, and pull the red emergency release to disconnect the opener.
2. Lift the door by hand to about waist height and let go carefully, keeping your hands and feet clear.
3. A balanced door stays put. If it drops or shoots up, the springs need adjusting; reconnect the opener, stop using the door if it's badly out of balance, and call a technician.

Never adjust springs or cables yourself.

Add Safety Handles

Lift handles on the inside and outside of the door give you a safe place to hold it, so fingers stay away from the joints between sections. They're inexpensive and easy to install.

DIY Safety Rules

• Unplug the opener before doing any maintenance.
• Wear gloves and eye protection and use the right tools.
• Leave springs, cables, bottom brackets and electrical repairs to a trained technician.
• Keep remotes away from children, and never walk under a moving door.

When to Call a Professional

Book a professional inspection once a year, and call right away if something breaks. If a spring or cable snaps, keep the door closed or secured and keep everyone clear. Our 26-point safety inspection covers every part of the door and opener. Call 604.398.4009.