Keeping your garage door in top shape doesn’t just improve safety—it also extends its lifespan and saves you from costly repairs. Here’s a simple, step-by-step maintenance checklist that you can follow. Give us a call at 815-788-1100 if you have any questions!
Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
- Inspect Hardware
- Check hinges, brackets, and rollers for wear.
- Tighten any loose bolts and screws.
- Lubricate Moving Parts
- Apply garage door lubricant to rollers, hinges, and springs. Garage door lubricant can be purchased at a hardware store – these generally are made from white lithium or silicone.
- Avoid grease—it attracts dirt.
- Test Balance & Alignment
- Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway.
- A properly balanced door should stay in place.
- Check Bottom Rubber and Weatherstripping
- Inspect the rubber seal along the bottom of the door, as well as the weather stripping along the sides of the door.
- Replace it if it is cracked, brittle, or missing. This will keep water and weather elements out of the garage, as well as critters.
- Clean the Tracks
- Remove dirt and debris from the tracks.
- Wipe with a damp cloth or mineral spirits —never use heavy grease.
- Test Safety Features
- Place an object under the door and close it—the door should reverse.
- Wave your hand in front of the photo-eye sensors to confirm auto-reverse.
- Listen for Unusual Sounds
- Grinding, scraping, or squeaking noises may indicate worn parts.
- Schedule professional service if you notice persistent noise.
- Check the Opener
- Test remote and keypad function.
- Replace batteries in your remote and keypad yearly.
- Examine Springs & Cables
- Look for rust, fraying, or stretching.
- Never attempt DIY spring repair—call a professional.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance
- Have a technician inspect your door annually.
- Professional tune-ups catch small issues before they become big repairs.
Why Regular Garage Door Maintenance Matters
- Enhances home safety & security
- Reduces costly emergency repairs
- Extends the lifespan of your garage door system
- Keeps your door quiet, smooth, and reliable
A little attention once or twice a year keeps your garage door safe, and prolongs lifespan of the components.