A garage door is probably the largest moving part of your home, opened and closed hundreds of times a year. A little regular attention goes a long way towards avoiding breakdowns and extending its life.
Every few months
- Wipe down the door panels with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Clear dirt and debris from the tracks and the threshold.
- Look at the hinges, rollers, springs and cables. Look, do not touch the springs or cables.
- Wipe the safety sensors clean so they work reliably.
- Lubricate hinges and rollers with a suitable garage door lubricant. Check your manufacturer’s guidance on what to oil.
Test it works safely
Close the door and place a solid object, such as a block of wood, in its path. The door should reverse when it touches it. Also check that the door stops and reverses if you pass something through the sensor beam. If either test fails, stop using the automatic closing function and arrange a service.
Listen and look for warning signs
- New grinding, scraping or banging noises.
- Slow, jerky or uneven movement.
- A door that looks crooked or is hard to lift by hand.
Catching these early usually means a small repair rather than a large bill.
Book an annual service
A yearly service by a trained technician checks the parts you should not touch yourself, such as springs, cables and balance. It also keeps you on the right side of safety.