Your garage door is likely the largest and heaviest moving object in your home. Because it serves as a primary entrance for many families, keeping it in peak condition is about more than just convenience. It’s about safety.
Having your garage door serviced regularly extends the life of both the door and the operator. While quality manufacturers provide robust warranties, proactive care ensures you never have to deal with a mid-winter breakdown.
If you’re wondering how to handle your garage door’s upkeep, here are the Five Ws of garage door maintenance answered.
When Should I Have My Garage Door Serviced?
As a general rule, you should have your garage door professionally serviced at least once a year. However, in climates like Calgary, Lethbridge, and Cranbrook—where extreme temperature swings are common—twice a year (spring and fall) is ideal.
The older the door is, the more frequently it should be maintained. If you notice any safety concerns or unusual sounds, don’t wait for your annual check-up. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that a small adjustment will turn into an expensive repair.
Why Professional Maintenance is Critical
Many homeowners overlook the garage door until it stops moving. However, regular professional inspections are vital for three main reasons:
- Safety First: A door that isn’t balanced properly can crash down unexpectedly. This is dangerous for obvious reasons, posing a significant risk to children, pets, and vehicles.
- Protecting Your Investment: Garage doors are made of various components—springs, cables, and rollers. By catching wear early, you can prevent a single broken part from damaging the entire system or the operator.
- Reliability in Cold Weather: Alberta and BC winters are unforgiving. Maintenance ensures your lubricants don’t seize up and your seals stay intact, preventing you from getting stuck in a snowstorm.
What Does a Professional Maintenance Visit Include?
When you hire a technician for a tune-up, they’ll perform a comprehensive inspection that includes:
- Tightening Hardware: Constant vibration can loosen the bolts on the tracks and brackets.
- Testing Balance: The technician will disconnect the opener to ensure the door can be lifted easily by hand. If it’s hard to lift, the springs are under too much tension or have lost their elasticity.
- Inspecting Rollers & Cables: Checking for chips, cracks, or frayed high-tension cables that are nearing the end of their life.
- Lubrication: Applying specialist lubricants to all moving parts, including the screw or chain drive, hinges, and rollers.
- Safety Sensor Alignment: Ensuring the photo-eye sensors are clean and aligned so the door reverses properly if an object is in the path.
- Weatherstripping Check: Inspecting the bottom seal to ensure it’s keeping out the cold and pests.
What Signs Should I Look Out For?
Your door will often tell you when it needs help. Listen for grinding, squeaking, or banging. Other red flags include:
- The door only opens halfway or reverses immediately
- The motor runs, but the door doesn’t move
- Visible gaps between the door and the frame
- Broken glass or cracked panels (which can affect the door’s balance)
Who Should I Call for Repairs?
Never attempt to fix garage door springs or cables yourself. These components are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury.
Always hire an experienced and qualified technician. Professional providers are insured, have the specialized tools required for the job, and carry the necessary parts to fix most problems on the spot.
Partner with the Pros for Your Garage Door Maintenance
At Overhead Door Company of Calgary™, Lethbridge™ & Cranbrook™, we understand the unique demands the local climate puts on your home. Whether you are looking for a new installation or need to breathe new life into an aging system, our team is here to help.
Regular maintenance is the most cost-effective way to ensure your home remains secure, energy-efficient, and safe for your family. Don’t wait for a breakdown to have your garage door serviced. Call in the pros today.
Contact Overhead Door Company of Calgary™, Lethbridge™ & Cranbrook™ today to request a quote or schedule your garage door service.
