For your safety, there are specific components of your residential garage door that require a trained hand and the right tools, such as repairing cables, springs, and bolts. While we advise against maintaining these yourself, there are simple actions that you can take for preventive care in-between maintenance appointments.
The following will help you inspect if your residential garage door opener is working correctly and will help lengthen the life of the garage door.
Observe parts and listen to noises
Take some time to check your garage door for any general wear and tear. You want to look and listen for:
- Loose parts or components that seem out of place
- Cracked or lopsided rollers
- Jerky movements while in motion
- Grinding and scraping noises
- Springs, pulleys, and cables that look unbalanced
- Worn or broken strands in the cables
- Excessive rust or deterioration
Be sure to call your professional garage door technician if you notice any abnormalities to repair these parts right away.
Perform simple maintenance checks
There are a few simple and easy inspections that you can do to check for any issues with your garage door. If you notice any failures with the following, we advise against attempting to fix the problem yourself. Your garage door service technician can safely and efficiently repair the following:
- Garage door balance – First, disconnect the garage door from the opener to operate it manually. Lift the door halfway up and release it. If the door fails to remain in place and slips down, this indicates that the door isn’t balanced.
- Mechanical reverse feature – Place a piece of wood, brick, or stopper on the garage floor in the path of the door and activate the door to close. The garage door should automatically reverse direction when it comes into contact with the block. If not, the mechanical reverse feature needs a repair.
- Door sensors – Activate the garage door and wave an object across the sensor path. If the door does not immediately reverse, the door sensors need a repair.
Clean the door surface and clear the tracks
Built-up dirt and grime can affect the operation of your garage door. Take some time to brush down any cobwebs on the inside of the garage door and clear the tracks of any debris. In warmer months, rinse the door with a hose, use an appropriate cleaner, and dry with a soft microfibre cloth.
Final thoughts
Along with the above preventive care, having a regular maintenance plan with a professional technician ensures that your residential garage door operates at peak performance. As an essential component of your home that provides security and functionality, taking the time to maintain your garage door is worth the time and financial investment.
