Your garage door is an essential part of your home’s security, convenience, and curb appeal. However, it’s easy to overlook regular garage door maintenance until something goes wrong. Sticking to a seasonal garage door maintenance routine can help extend the lifespan of your garage door, ensure it operates efficiently, and avoid costly repairs. In fact, according to Fortunebusinessinsights.com, the global garage and overhead doors market is projected to grow from $6.99 billion in 2022 to $9.94 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 5.2%. This growth underscores the increasing demand for reliable, well-maintained garage doors. By following a proper garage door maintenance plan, you can contribute to the durability and performance of your garage door, which in turn supports the overall demand for high-quality, dependable systems.

Spring Maintenance: Preparing for a New Beginning

Inspect and Tighten Hardware

Spring is the perfect time to inspect your garage door’s hardware. With all the movement and vibration from regular use, the nuts, bolts, and screws may have loosened over time. A quick check and tightening of these parts as part of your garage door maintenance routine will ensure smoother operation, reduce noise, and prevent the risk of parts becoming detached, which could lead to expensive repairs.

Balance the Garage Door

An imbalanced garage door can cause unnecessary strain on the opener, leading to premature failure. To check if your door is balanced, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, the door is balanced. If it falls or rises, the springs may need adjustment. Balancing your door reduces stress on the opener, keeping it functioning properly and quietly for longer. Balancing is an important step in garage door maintenance to ensure long-term efficiency.

Test Safety Features

Modern garage doors come with important safety features like auto-reverse functions and photoelectric sensors. To test the auto-reverse, place a small object in the door’s path and close it. The door should reverse upon contact. Check that the sensors are aligned and clean. Regular testing ensures that these features are working properly, preventing potential accidents. If these systems aren’t working correctly, it’s important to call a professional for garage door maintenance to repair them promptly.

Clean Door Surfaces

Spring is the perfect time for a little spring cleaning, and that includes your garage door! Washing away dirt, grime, and debris from the surface can help maintain its appearance. For steel and aluminum doors, apply a protective wax to shield against moisture and UV damage. Regular cleaning not only improves the look of your door but also extends its functional lifespan. Consistent cleaning is an important aspect of your overall garage door maintenance plan.

Summer Maintenance: Coping with Heat

Check for Warping or Cracking

Heat from the summer sun can warp or crack wooden garage doors, which can compromise their structural integrity. Be sure to inspect your wooden door for any signs of warping or cracking. If you notice any, resealing or repainting may be required to maintain its appearance and prevent further damage. Regular inspections are an essential part of garage door maintenance to catch these issues early.

Monitor Temperature Impact

Summer heat can also impact your garage door’s insulation, which affects the garage temperature and your home’s energy efficiency. Ensure that your door is properly insulated to prevent heat from entering your home. Insulated doors can also help reduce cooling costs, making them a smart investment in today’s energy-conscious market. If you notice temperature fluctuations or air leaks, garage door maintenance may include upgrading insulation to improve efficiency.

Inspect Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is essential for sealing the gaps around your garage door, keeping cool air inside and preventing drafts. If the weatherstripping is worn or damaged, it’s time for a replacement. A proper seal improves energy efficiency and keeps your garage cooler during hot summer months. Replacing damaged weatherstripping should be part of your regular garage door maintenance routine.

Examine Cable Integrity

The cables in your garage door are under constant tension, and over time, they can show signs of wear. Inspect the cables for fraying or damage, and replace them if needed. Since cable repairs can be dangerous, it’s best to leave this job to a professional to avoid the risk of injury or further damage to your system. Maintaining cable integrity is an important aspect of garage door maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Fall Maintenance: Prepping for Cold and Wet Weather

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Before the cold weather hits, check for any gaps or cracks in the door that could allow cold air and moisture to enter your garage. Use caulk to seal small cracks and gaps to improve insulation and prevent drafts. Sealing your garage door ensures your garage stays warmer in winter and prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to rust. Sealing is an easy but essential step in garage door maintenance that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Inspect and Clean Tracks

With falling leaves and the start of wetter weather, it’s important to regularly inspect and clean the tracks of your garage door. Ensure there are no obstructions, such as leaves or dirt, that could cause the door to jam. Cleaning tracks improves overall performance and reduces stress on the system. Track cleaning is a simple yet crucial part of garage door maintenance to keep everything operating smoothly.

Monitor Weather Seal Condition

Inspect the weather seal around the garage door for any signs of wear or damage. If the seal is cracked or brittle, replace it to prevent drafts, water, or pests from entering your garage during the colder months. Regular checks of the weather seal should be included in your garage door maintenance routine to ensure efficiency and comfort.

Winter Maintenance: Tackling Extreme Cold

Adjust Opener Settings

Cold air and additional resistance in winter may require adjustments to the garage door opener’s force and limits. Increase the opener’s force settings to ensure smooth operation despite the colder temperatures. Consult your opener’s manual or hire a professional to make these adjustments safely. Proper adjustments are an essential part of winter garage door maintenance to prevent strain on the system.

Maintain Battery Backup

Winter storms can lead to power outages, making it crucial to check your battery backup system. Test the backup to ensure it’s fully charged and operational, providing continued access to your garage during a power failure. Battery backup checks should be a part of your overall garage door maintenance plan, especially during winter.

Troubleshooting and Quick Fixes

Address Common Operational Issues

Common issues like excessive noise or misalignment can often be fixed with simple maintenance, such as lubricating parts or tightening hardware. Addressing these issues promptly prevents more significant problems down the road. If issues persist, it's time to call a professional for more thorough garage door maintenance.

Remote Control Problems

If your remote stops working, check the batteries and ensure the remote is within range. Reprogramming the remote may also resolve issues, but persistent problems may require professional service. For more complex issues, a professional can help with your garage door maintenance.

Resolve Sensor Malfunctions

Sensor issues can be resolved by cleaning the lenses and realigning them if necessary. Malfunctioning sensors can prevent the door from operating correctly, so prompt action is important for safety. Professional garage door maintenance can address these issues effectively.

Quick Fixes for Noisy Doors

Noisy doors are often the result of loose hardware or lack of lubrication. Tighten any loose parts and lubricate moving components to reduce noise and improve the door’s operation. If the noise persists, professional garage door maintenance can identify and resolve the issue.

Maintaining your garage door throughout the year is essential for ensuring smooth, reliable operation. By following this seasonal checklist, you can prevent costly repairs, enhance your door’s lifespan, and keep your home secure. Regular attention to your garage door not only preserves its functionality but also boosts your home’s curb appeal and value. If you encounter any problems or need help with any of these maintenance steps, don’t hesitate to contact a professional garage door service. We're here to keep your garage door working perfectly, no matter the season! Contact Superior Overhead Door today.