Garage doors are essential components of many homes, providing security, convenience, and curb appeal. However, like any mechanical system, they require regular maintenance to function properly. Guardian Doors will explain why maintenance is worth it and how often you should do it. 

Garage Door Maintenance Matters 

Understanding why and how often you should check and maintain your garage door is crucial for prolonging its lifespan and ensuring it operates smoothly. Whether you have a residential or commercial property, you want to ensure you’re not inconvenienced, and your belongings remain safe. This article explores the importance of garage door maintenance and offers guidelines on how frequently it should be performed.

Why Garage Door Maintenance is Important

• Safety: A malfunctioning garage door can pose serious safety hazards. Regular maintenance helps identify and rectify issues before they lead to accidents. This is particularly important for families with children, as a heavy, unbalanced door can cause significant injuries.
• Security: Garage doors are often an entry point to a home or business. Ensuring they are in good working order prevents unauthorised access and enhances the overall security of your property.
• Longevity: Routine maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your garage door. By addressing minor issues promptly, you can avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line.
• Efficiency: A well-maintained garage door operates more smoothly and quietly. Regular checks and lubrication reduce the wear and tear on moving parts, ensuring efficient performance.
• Weather Resistance: Perth’s weather can be harsh, with extreme temperatures, high winds, and salty coastal air in some regions. Regular maintenance helps protect your garage door from these elements, preventing rust and other damage.

How Often Should You Check Your Garage Door?

The frequency of garage door maintenance depends on several factors, including the age of the door, usage frequency, and environmental conditions. Here are some general guidelines for your property:

• Monthly Visual Inspections: Perform a basic visual inspection of your garage door and its components every month. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, rusted springs, or loose bolts. Check the door’s alignment and balance and ensure it opens and closes smoothly.
• Quarterly Lubrication: Lubricate the moving parts of your garage door, including hinges, rollers, tracks, and springs, every three months. Use a high-quality, non-greasy lubricant designed for garage doors to ensure optimal performance.
• Biannual Professional Service: Schedule a professional garage door service at least twice a year. Qualified technicians like Guardian Doors will perform a thorough inspection, test the safety features, adjust the tension of the springs, and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
• Seasonal Checks: Given the local climate, it’s wise to perform additional checks at the start of each season. For instance, coastal residents should inspect for rust and salt damage, while those in areas prone to storms should check for wind resistance and proper sealing.

Key Maintenance Tasks

• Tighten Hardware: Vibrations from daily use can loosen hardware. Regularly check and tighten bolts and screws to keep the door secure.
• Inspect and Replace Rollers: Rollers can wear out over time. Inspect them during your monthly checks and replace any that show signs of wear or damage.
• Test Balance: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, it’s balanced correctly. If it falls, the springs might need adjustment, which a professional should handle.
• Check the Weather Seal: The rubber weather seal at the bottom of the door helps keep out dust, pests, and weather. Inspect it for cracks or gaps and replace it if necessary.
• Test Safety Features: Regularly test the auto-reverse safety feature by placing an object in the door’s path. If the door doesn’t reverse upon contact, this needs immediate attention from a professional.

Understanding The Signs

Regular maintenance of your garage door is essential to ensure it operates smoothly and safely. Here are some signs that indicate your garage door needs maintenance:

• Unusual Noises: Grinding, squeaking, or rattling noises during operation can indicate problems with the rollers, springs, or other components.
• Slow Response Time: If your garage door takes longer than usual to open or close, it may need lubrication or adjustment.
• Sagging Sections: Over time, the door can sag or become uneven, which might indicate issues with the springs or tracks.
• Difficulty Opening or Closing: If the door doesn’t open or close smoothly, there could be an obstruction, misalignment, or problem with the opener.
• Door Doesn’t Stay Open or Closed: A door that doesn’t remain in the open or closed position might have spring or balance issues.
• Excessive Vibration: If the door shakes or vibrates excessively when moving, it might be due to loose hardware or misaligned tracks.
• Damaged or Worn-Out Parts: Visible signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, rusted springs, or cracked panels, indicate the need for maintenance or replacement.
• Inconsistent Movement: If the door jerks or stops intermittently while moving, it may be due to issues with the tracks, rollers, or opener.
• High Energy Bills: A poorly maintained garage door can lead to increased energy costs due to poor insulation and sealing.
• Remote Control Issues: If the remote control or wall switch doesn’t consistently operate the door, it may indicate a problem with the opener or electrical components.
• Weather Seal Damage: The weather seal at the bottom of the door can wear out over time, leading to drafts, water leakage, and pest intrusion.
• Auto-Reverse Feature Not Working: The auto-reverse safety feature should stop and reverse the door if an obstruction is detected. If this feature fails, it’s a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention.

The Guardians of Your Garage Door

If your garage door needs maintenance and repairs, Guardian Doors offers an expert, reliable, and efficient service. Our skilled technicians are equipped to handle any issue, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs, ensuring your garage door operates smoothly. With a focus on quality and safety, we provide practical solutions tailored to your needs. Get in touch today and we’ll keep your garage door functioning properly and securely.