Preventative Garage Door Maintenance Services in Mesa, AZ

Prevent issues before they start with regular garage door maintenance services. We offer inspections, lubrication, and adjustments in Mesa, AZ.

Regular garage door maintenance is key to running your door smoothly, reducing wear and tear, and avoiding costly repairs. Whether your garage door sees daily use or only opens occasionally, routine maintenance can make all the difference in extending its lifespan and reliability. This guide will take you through essential maintenance tasks you can handle yourself, helping you keep your garage door in shape year-round.

From inspecting springs and cables to lubricating moving parts, we’ll cover every aspect of garage door upkeep. You’ll learn practical tips on checking your door’s balance, cleaning the tracks, and tightening hardware—all simple tasks that make a big impact. Plus, we’ll discuss why testing safety features like the auto-reverse is crucial for ensuring the safety of everyone who uses the door.

By following these steps, you can keep your garage door maintenance routine efficient and effective. This guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to handle most tasks independently, with expert advice on when to call in a professional. Keep reading to ensure your garage door operates reliably and safely for years.

Reduce Daily Wear

Each time your garage door opens and closes, it goes through a cycle. Residential garage doors are typically designed for about 10,000 cycles, so using your door multiple times a day will wear out much faster. Reducing unnecessary cycles by limiting daily usage can help extend the life of your garage door system.

Ways to Reduce Daily Wear

• Use Alternate Entrances: If possible, use your home’s main entrance for day-to-day access rather than constantly opening and closing the garage door.
  
  
• Encourage Family Members to Use Other Doors: If you have children or other family members, ask them to use other entrances whenever possible.
  
  
• Combine Trips: If you’re running multiple errands, avoid using the garage door repeatedly—instead, group trips to minimize the number of cycles.
  
  

Reducing wear doesn’t mean you should avoid using your garage door, but it does mean using it thoughtfully to prevent premature wear on the opener, springs, and other components.

Plan Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are crucial to maintaining a safe and functional garage door. Setting aside time every few months for a thorough check allows you to catch issues early and address them before they become costly repairs. Inspections are essential before seasonal changes when your garage door is exposed to varying weather conditions.

Key Areas to Inspect

• Springs and Cables: Garage door springs, especially torsion springs, are under high tension and can wear out over time. Look for signs of rust, wear, or breakage. If you see any visible damage, it’s best to call a professional since spring replacement is hazardous for DIY repair.
  
  
• Rollers: The rollers on your garage door should move smoothly and quietly. Look for signs of wear, such as cracks or chips, and replace damaged rollers. If they’re made of metal, you might also want to keep them lubricated for smoother movement.
  
  
• Hinges and Tracks: Ensure the hinges are securely attached to each panel and that none are cracked or bent. Tracks should be appropriately aligned; if bent, call a professional to adjust them.
  

Scheduling Inspections

Make a schedule to inspect your garage door every three to six months. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, consider checking your door more frequently, especially during seasonal transitions.

Keep Tracks Clean and Hardware Tight

Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the tracks, affecting the smooth movement of your garage door. Similarly, the hardware, including screws, bolts, and nuts, can loosen from vibrations over time. Cleaning the tracks and tightening any loose hardware is a simple yet effective maintenance task that can prevent costly problems.

Steps to Maintain Tracks and Hardware

• Clear Debris: Use a vacuum or a damp cloth to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris from the tracks. Avoid using water directly on the tracks, which can encourage rusting over time.
  
  
• Check for Loose Bolts: Use a wrench to tighten any bolts, nuts, or screws that may have come loose. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can strip the threads or damage the hardware.
  
  
• Inspect for Rust: Rust can build up on metal parts, causing additional friction. Wipe away any visible rust and apply a silicone-based lubricant to prevent it from reoccurring.
  
  

Performing these small tasks regularly ensures that your garage door operates smoothly and reduces strain on the opener and other components.

Apply Lubrication Regularly

Lubrication is essential to reduce friction between moving parts, making your garage door run more quietly and efficiently. While it might be tempting to use grease or oil, these substances can attract dust and dirt, leading to sticky buildup over time. Instead, use a lithium-based or silicone-based spray lubricant specifically designed for garage doors.

Lubrication Tips

• Focus on Moving Parts: Pay attention to hinges, springs, rollers, and tracks. Applying lubricant to these areas will allow the parts to move more freely, reducing strain on the opener.
  
  
• Use the Right Product: Avoid WD-40, a solvent rather than a lubricant that can remove necessary oils. A silicone-based lubricant will adhere to the moving parts without attracting dust.
  
  
• Avoid Over-Lubricating: Excess lubricant can create a sticky mess that attracts more dirt. A thin, even coat is needed to keep parts moving smoothly.
  
  

Applying lubricant every six months can extend the life of your garage door’s moving components and help prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Check Door Balance

An imbalanced garage door puts extra strain on the opener and can lead to premature wear. Testing your door’s balance can help determine whether it’s time to adjust. A balanced door should stay in place when lifted halfway; if it falls, it’s likely off-balance and should be inspected by a professional.

How to Test Balance

• Disconnect the Opener: Pull the emergency release cord to disengage the garage door opener. This allows you to operate the door manually.
  
  
• Lift the Door Halfway: Raise the door halfway and observe its movement. If it stays in place, the balance is correct. The balance needs adjustment if it falls or lifts further on its own.
  
  
• Re-engage the Opener: Once you’ve tested the balance, reconnect the opener by pulling the cord back into position.
  
  

Testing balance every three months helps maintain even wear on the springs and keeps the door running smoothly.

Test the Safety Reverse Feature

The auto-reverse feature is an important safety measure to prevent injury or damage. When an object is in the path of a closing door, the feature should immediately reverse the door. Testing this function regularly ensures it’s working correctly.

Safety Test Steps

• Place an Object in the Door’s Path: Use a sturdy object like a wooden block or a cardboard box.
  
  
• Close the Door: Activate the door with the opener and ensure it reverses upon contact with the object. If it doesn’t, the auto-reverse feature may need recalibration, or the opener may need garage door repair.
  
  
• Use the Photoelectric Sensors: Many garage doors have photoelectric sensors near the base of the tracks. Test these by waving an object in front of the sensor while the door closes. The door should reverse immediately. Clean the sensors regularly to ensure they function correctly.
  
  

Checking the auto-reverse feature monthly ensures your garage door is safe for people and pets.

Replace Worn-Out Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping around your garage door seals against drafts, moisture, and pests. Over time, however, weatherstripping can wear down, crack, or pull away from the door frame. Replacing old or damaged weatherstripping can improve your garage’s insulation and help protect your door.

Steps to Replace Weatherstripping

• Remove the Old Weatherstripping: Peel off the old weatherstripping and use a putty knife to remove any adhesive residue.
  
  
• Measure and Cut New Strips: Measure the door frame and cut the new weatherstripping to size. Ensure that it aligns snugly against the door when closed.
  
  
• Install the New Weatherstripping: Attach the weatherstripping to the bottom or sides of the door, pressing firmly to secure it. When the door is closed, the weatherstripping should be in contact with the floor but not so tight that it causes resistance when opening or closing.
  
  

Replacing weatherstripping every year or two will help keep your garage insulated and protect your door from weather damage.

Clean and Repaint as Needed

Garage doors, especially those exposed to the elements, need regular cleaning to maintain their appearance and prevent damage. Painted metal doors may begin to show signs of rust, while wooden doors can become weathered over time. Cleaning and repainting your door as needed helps preserve its appearance and adds a layer of protection against the elements.

Cleaning and Painting Tips

• Clean the Door: Use a mild soap mixed with water and a soft cloth or sponge to clean the door. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can damage the finish.
  
  
• Inspect for Rust or Damage: Check metal doors for signs of rust. If you find any, sand the area and apply a rust-resistant primer before repainting.
  
  
• Paint or Stain Wooden Doors: For wooden doors, apply a fresh coat of paint or wood stain every few years. This helps protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and other elements that can lead to rot or warping.
  
  

Regularly cleaning and painting your door enhances curb appeal and helps prevent structural issues from developing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is garage door maintenance important?

Regular maintenance prolongs the life of your garage door, enhances safety, and prevents costly repairs. Lubricating parts reduces wear and tear, while periodic inspections help catch potential problems early. Maintaining your garage door also keeps it operating smoothly, which is particularly important for daily use.

How to maintain a garage roller door?

Maintaining a roller door involves lubricating the tracks, springs, and rollers with a silicone-based spray. The tracks should also be regularly cleaned and checked for dents or obstructions. The door should be tested for balance, and the cables and springs should be inspected for wear. Routine maintenance improves efficiency and extends the door’s lifespan.

How to maintain a steel garage door?

To maintain a steel garage door, clean it with mild detergent and water, checking for rust spots. Apply touch-up paint to any rust areas to prevent corrosion. Lubricate all moving parts and inspect weather stripping for wear. Regular cleaning and care help maintain the door’s appearance and functionality.

Should you clean your garage door?

Yes, cleaning your garage door removes dirt, debris, and buildup that can affect its appearance and operation. Use a mild soap and water solution and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and inspect for rust or damage. Regular cleaning about twice a year helps prolong the door’s life.

What is the best cleaner for garage doors?

A mild detergent mixed with water is ideal for cleaning garage doors. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage paint or finishes. For deeper cleaning, use a non-abrasive cleaner specific to the door material, whether metal, wood, or vinyl, to maintain a fresh, clean look.

Final Thoughts: Garage Door Maintenance

Garage door maintenance is an investment in your door’s longevity, efficiency, and safety. By performing regular checks, keeping the tracks clean, tightening hardware, lubricating moving parts, and testing safety features, you can keep your new garage door in excellent condition for years. Don’t forget to replace weatherstripping and clean or repaint your door as needed to protect it from the elements. 

While most of these tasks can be performed by homeowners, don’t hesitate to call a professional if you encounter major issues or need assistance. With a proactive maintenance approach, you’ll avoid unexpected repairs and extend the life of your garage door system, ensuring it serves you well into the future.

End Note

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your garage door in top shape, and here at JT’s Overhead Doors, we’re committed to making it easy. With our Garage Door Maintenance services, we’ll ensure your door operates smoothly, giving you peace of mind whether you’re in Mesa, Maricopa, or Gilbert. We use quality products from brands like Wayne Dalton and Clopay, and our expert technicians are always here to help with everything from keypads to spring replacements.

Interested in learning more? Visit our About Us page, or snag some savings on our coupons page. Booking a service is just a click away with our online scheduling option. Find all our services and details at jtsoverheaddoor.com or contact us directly. We’re ready to keep your garage door running smoothly!