How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your garage door system by 5-10 years, prevent costly emergency repairs, and ensure safe operation. Our technicians will lubricate all moving parts, check spring tension, inspect cables and rollers, test safety features, and make any necessary adjustments.

What are the signs that my garage door springs need replacement?

Common signs that your garage door springs need replacement include: the door feels unusually heavy when lifting manually, the door doesn't open evenly or appears crooked, you hear loud banging or snapping sounds, visible gaps or stretching in the springs, or the door won't stay open when raised. Garage door springs typically last 10,000-15,000 cycles (about 7-10 years with normal use). If you notice any of these signs, call us immediately as broken springs can be dangerous.

Do you offer emergency garage door repair services?

Yes! We provide 24/7 emergency garage door repair services throughout Monroe and surrounding areas. Our emergency response team typically arrives within 30 minutes of your call. We understand that a malfunctioning garage door can be a security risk and major inconvenience, which is why we're available around the clock, including weekends and holidays, with no extra charges for emergency calls.

Essential Garage Door Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

6 min read Garage Door Monroe Team

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your garage door operating safely and efficiently for years to come. While some repairs should be left to professionals, there are several maintenance tasks homeowners can perform to extend their garage door's lifespan and prevent costly repairs.

Monthly Visual Inspection

Set aside a few minutes each month to observe your garage door in operation. Watch and listen for:

- Jerky movements or hesitation, Unusual sounds (grinding, scraping, squeaking) - Uneven movement from side to side, Difficulty opening or closing completely

If you notice any issues, address them promptly before they become bigger problems.

Lubrication: The Key to Smooth Operation

Every three to six months, lubricate all moving parts of your garage door system. Use a silicone-based lubricant or a product specifically designed for garage doors. Apply to:

Hinges

Spray lubricant on each hinge where it bends. Open and close the door a few times to work the lubricant into the joint.

Rollers

Apply lubricant to the roller bearings, but avoid getting it on the track. Nylon rollers with unsealed bearings and all metal rollers benefit from regular lubrication.

Springs

Lightly coat the springs with lubricant to prevent rust and reduce friction. Never attempt to adjust or repair springs yourself.this is dangerous work for professionals only.

Tracks

While you shouldn't lubricate the tracks (this can cause the door to slip), you should keep them clean. Wipe down the inside of the tracks with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.

Bearing Plates and Arm Bar

Don't forget these components where the springs attach. A light application of lubricant keeps everything moving smoothly.

Test the Balance

An unbalanced garage door puts extra strain on the opener and can wear out components faster. To test:

1. Close the garage door 2. Disconnect the opener (usually by pulling the emergency release cord) 3. Manually lift the door to about waist height 4. Let go carefully

A properly balanced door should stay in place or move only slightly. If it falls quickly or rises, the springs may need adjustment.call a professional for this repair.

Check and Replace Weatherstripping

The weatherstripping along the bottom of your garage door and around the frame keeps out rain, snow, dirt, and pests while improving energy efficiency.

Inspect the weatherstripping regularly for:

- Cracks or brittleness, Gaps when the door is closed, Missing sections

Replacing bottom weatherstripping is a DIY-friendly project. Side and top weatherstripping may require more expertise.

Clean and Inspect the Tracks

The tracks guide your garage door as it opens and closes. Inspect them for:

- Dents or bends that could impede the door, Loose mounting brackets, Debris buildup

Clean the inside of the tracks with a damp cloth. If you notice damage, call a professional.attempting to repair tracks yourself can be dangerous.

Test Safety Features

Modern garage doors have safety features that should be tested monthly:

Photo-Eye Sensors

These sensors near the floor stop the door from closing if something breaks the beam.

1. Close the door using the wall button or remote 2. While the door is closing, wave a broomstick across the sensor beam 3. The door should immediately reverse

Auto-Reverse Mechanism

This feature reverses the door if it contacts an object.

1. Place a 2x4 flat on the ground where the door would close 2. Close the door 3. The door should reverse immediately upon contact

If either test fails, don't use the garage door until a professional can repair it.

Inspect Hardware

Over time, the vibration of the door can loosen hardware. Check and tighten:

- Track mounting brackets, Hinge screws, Roller brackets, Opener mounting hardware

Care for Your Garage Door Panels

The panels themselves need attention too:

- Steel doors: Wash with mild detergent and water. Touch up scratches to prevent rust. - Wood doors: Inspect for peeling paint, rot, or warping. Refinish as needed. - Aluminum doors: Clean with water and mild detergent. Check for dents.

When to Call a Professional

While these maintenance tasks are safe for homeowners, some repairs require professional expertise:

- Spring replacement or adjustment, Cable repair, Track realignment, Opener motor issues, Panel replacement

At Garage Door Monroe, we offer comprehensive maintenance services and can handle any repair your garage door needs. Call us at (541) 293-5962 to schedule a professional inspection.

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