Why Consider Garage Door Inspection and Maintenance During Spring

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, spring presents the perfect opportunity to tackle home maintenance projects—starting with your garage door. A well-maintained garage door enhances your home’s curb appeal and ensures safety, security, and efficiency. Since garage doors endure heavy use and exposure to harsh weather, a seasonal inspection can prevent costly repairs.

Here’s why spring is the ideal time for garage door maintenance and what steps you can take to keep your door in shape.

Why Spring Is the Best Time for Garage Door Maintenance

Spring offers mild temperatures, making inspecting and working on your garage door easier. The winter months can be harsh on garage door components, leading to rust, warping, and other damage. Addressing any issues early can avoid unexpected breakdowns when you need your garage door.

Regular spring inspections also help prepare your garage door for summer storms and increased use. Whether you use your garage for parking, storage, or as a workspace, a well-functioning door improves convenience and security.

Essential Garage Door Inspection and Maintenance Steps

1. Visual Inspection

Start by examining your garage door and its components for any visible signs of wear and tear:

• Check the panels for dents, cracks, or warping.
• Inspect the tracks for debris or misalignment.
• Look for rust on hinges, springs, and other metal parts.
• Examine the weather stripping at the bottom of the door to ensure a proper seal.

2. Test the Balance and Alignment

A garage door that is properly balanced runs smoothly and spares the opener from needless strain. To check the equilibrium:

• Lift the door halfway by hand after disconnecting the opener.
• The balance is good if it remains in place.
• It could be necessary to adjust the springs if it rises or falls.

If your garage door is uneven, it is recommended that you call a professional rather than try to fix it yourself.

3. Lubricate Moving Parts

Lubrication is key to preventing noisy, stiff, or sluggish operation. Apply a high-quality garage door lubricant to:

• Rollers
• Hinges
• Springs
• Tracks
• Bearings

WD-40 should not be used since it will eventually draw dust and filth.

4. Inspect the Cables and Springs

Garage door springs and cables hold high tension and are essential for smooth operation. Check for:

• Frayed or broken cables
• Rust or gaps in the springs
• Loose or damaged pulleys

Since these components are under high tension, never attempt to repair them yourself—always call a garage door professional.

5. Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature

Modern garage doors have safety sensors that prevent them from closing on objects or people. To test this feature:

• Place an object (such as a wooden block) in the door’s path and close the door.
• The sensors may be dirty or misaligned if the door does not reverse.
• Clean the sensors with a soft cloth and realign them if necessary.

6. Check and Tighten Hardware

Garage doors move multiple times a day, which can loosen nuts, bolts, and brackets over time. Use a wrench to tighten any loose hardware, ensuring smooth operation.

7. Clean and Paint the Door

Spring is also a great time to wash your garage door with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grime. If your garage door looks worn or faded, consider repainting or refinishing it for a fresh look.

Schedule Your Garage Door Inspection with Sam’s Garage Doors Today!

Don’t wait until problems arise—ensure your garage door is in peak condition this spring! Sam’s Garage Doors provides expert garage door and commercial door repairs and installations. Contact us today for a professional inspection and keep your garage door running smoothly for years to come!