When Should You Do Garage Door Maintenance?

How Often Should You Do Garage Door Maintenance?

Put garage door maintenance at the top of your to-do list! Keeping your garage door in top shape may not be as front-of-mind as cleaning the kitchen or vacuuming the living room, but its upkeep is essential. Staying on top of garage door maintenance extends the lifespan of the system and prevents costly emergency repairs, not to mention keeps your home safer for everyone. Ready to prioritize this often-overlooked part of your home? Follow our garage door maintenance tips and seasonal schedule.

Try This Garage Door Maintenance Schedule

Garage door upkeep isn’t as difficult as you might think. In general, you only need to do a quick visual and auditory inspection once every few months. Listen for grinding, squeaking, or popping sounds as the door operates. Watch the door travel along the tracks to make sure it moves smoothly without jerking. In addition to an occasional inspection, use this garage door maintenance schedule for year-round peace of mind:

Spring and Fall Cleaning

During the spring and fall, take some time to clear dirt and debris from the tracks. Wipe them down with a damp cloth, but avoid using heavy lubricants on the tracks themselves, as this can attract grime and cause the rollers to slip. Wash the door panels with mild soap and water to protect the exterior finish.

Summer Lubrication

Heat can dry out moving parts quickly. Apply a high-quality silicone or lithium-based spray to the springs, hinges, and metal rollers. This simple step takes less than ten minutes and drastically reduces friction, which prevents premature wear on the motor.

Winter Weather Prep

Cold weather makes metal contract and weatherstripping brittle. With this in mind, it’s good practice to inspect the rubber seal at the bottom of the door before freezing temperatures arrive. If the seal is cracked or worn out, replace it. A fresh seal keeps cold drafts, pests, and moisture out of your garage.

Invest in an Annual Professional Inspection

While DIY maintenance is great for catching minor issues and keeping things clean, some tasks are too dangerous or complex for the average homeowner. Garage door springs hold lots of tension and can cause severe injuries if they’re mishandled. In the vast majority of cases, a professional garage door inspection service is your best bet. Trained technicians can perform comprehensive diagnostic checks and inspect all aspects of the system’s safety features. To keep your garage door in the best shape possible, we recommend combining regular seasonal upkeep with annual garage door tune-up service.

Keep Your Garage Door Running Smoothly

A little proactive care saves you from the frustration of a broken door on a busy morning. Mark your calendar for seasonal cleaning and lubrication, and schedule an annual checkup with the team at A1A Overhead Door. We’re proud to help Jacksonville, FL homeowners keep their homes safe and functional. Contact us today to learn more about our range of services.