One of, if not the most used feature in a home or space, is its entrance—this includes our garages! From loading bays in commercial properties and storage warehouses to driveways attached to your house, garages are often the primary entry point for residents, visitors, and guests. That’s why they need some TLC to stay in good shape, prevent malfunctions, and, ultimately, avoid costly repairs.
In this blog, we give you our expert rundown of garage door maintenance to keep it working like new.
How to Maintain Your Garage Door
1. Keep Your Eyes & Ears Open for Any Issues
Hear a weird clicking sound or does your residential garage door stall before sliding open? Whatever it is—the signs are usually pretty clear when something’s wrong.
Our top garage door maintenance tip is to listen for unusual noises such as grinding, squeaking, or banding sounds, as that’s a warning signal for worn-out parts. Your doors should also open and close evenly—jerky movements or getting stuck are red flags of a track alignment problem. We also recommend testing the manual operation monthly. If your door feels heavier than usual, it might be time to replace the springs.
Noticed a problem? That’s your cue to get things sorted with garage door repairs on the Sunshine Coast before a breakdown.
2. Clear Your Tracks
Dirt and debris can cause garage doors to stick, making them harder to open and close, so make sure your tracks aren’t jammed by buildup. Every so often, use a brush or cloth to remove dust and debris from the tracks, then gently wipe them down with a damp rag for a velvety glide.
Expert Tip: Avoid using lubricants on the tracks as they can attract dirt and make things worse.
If you need a professional hand for major fixes, contact a residential or commercial garage door repair service.
3. Tighten the Hardware
Just like any hinge or joint, everyday use on your garage doors can loosen nuts, bolts, and brackets (and if we’re being honest, garage doors are opened multiple times a day). This is caused by the vibrations for constant movement, which is why a quick tightening can make a massive difference.
To do this, simply inspect the hardware on your track and tighten it with a socket wrench or screwdriver. Be cautious about overtightening, as one wrong move can lead to damage or wear these components out quickly. For red-painted bolts, any parts connected to high-tension cables or hardware found on bottom roller fixtures, leave them to the professionals.
4. Check the Cables for Wear
Cables are essential for lifting and lowering your garage door, and over time, they can fray or snap—so be on the hunt for frayed edges, tears, rust, or loose strands.
Damaged cables are a huge safety hazard and need immediate repair. However, you should never attempt to repair or replace cables yourself because they’re under high tension, which makes them dangerous to handle without proper training. While waiting for your technician to arrive, park your car outside to prevent accidental lock-ins and avoid door collapse.
5. Inspect and Replace Rollers
Rollers help guide the door along the tracks, keeping them moving day in and day out. If they’re cracked, chipped, or worn out, this can cause uneven movement or extra strain on the motor. If you’re wondering how to maintain garage doors, checking your rollers every six months is a big deal.
Found a damaged roller? You can easily replace it if it’s not directly connected to the cables. For rollers attached to cables or full replacements, get a technician for a safe install.
6. Test Your Door Balance
If your garage door isn’t balanced properly, the motor has to work harder, which can cause it to wear out faster. Testing its balance is a fundamental part of garage door maintenance.
How? Start by closing the door and disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle—it’s usually red in colour. Next, lift the door manually about halfway and let go.
Expert Tip: Have someone do this with you as an extra pair of hands always comes in handy, especially with heavy lifting.
If it stays in place, the balance is good but if it drops or shoots up, the springs or cables may need adjusting. Leave the rebalancing to the pros and get in touch with your technician, these are high-tension components and aren’t a DIY job.
7. Replace Weatherstripping
Your garage door should have a rubber seal at the bottom that blocks off dust, rain, and pests—that’s weatherstripping. Over time, it can become cracked or brittle, letting in drafts and water, so check for gaps or signs of wear. If needed, replace the weatherstripping to keep the outside from getting in.
A tight seal also helps improve energy efficiency, which is particularly beneficial for attached garages, ensuring your garage stays at a comfy temperature all year round.
Need Garage Door Repairs?
Now that you know how to maintain your garage door, knowing when to call in the experts is also key to preventing expensive breakdowns. If you have a bigger issue or aren’t too sure what the cause is, get in touch with OPS Services—we’ll get your door working as good as new.
