Why Spring is the Best Time for a Garage Door Check
As the weather warms up and we shake off the winter blues, it’s the perfect time to give your garage door a little TLC. Winter can be tough on your garage door, with cold temperatures causing metal parts to contract, leading to potential wear and tear. A spring maintenance check ensures your garage door is in top shape, preventing unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
Essential Garage Door Maintenance Tips
1. Inspect Your Garage Door Springs
Your garage door springs do a lot of work, lifting and lowering your heavy door multiple times a day. Over time, they wear out and can snap without warning. Look for:
- Gaps in the coils – A sign the spring is stretched and needs replacement.
- Rust or corrosion – Moisture can weaken the springs.
- Unusual noises – If you hear squeaks or creaks, it may be time for lubrication or replacement.
If you notice damage, don’t attempt to fix the springs yourself—garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous! Call a professional instead.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
A well-lubricated garage door moves smoothly and quietly. Use a silicone-based lubricant on:
- Springs
- Hinges
- Rollers
- Tracks
Avoid using grease or WD-40, as these can attract dirt and cause buildup.
3. Check the Balance of Your Door
An unbalanced garage door puts extra strain on the opener and can lead to premature wear. To check the balance:
- Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle.
- Manually lift the door halfway and let go.
- If the door stays in place, it’s balanced. If it falls or shoots up, your springs may need adjustment.
4. Test the Safety Features
Modern garage doors have built-in safety features to prevent accidents. Test them to ensure they’re working properly:
- Auto-reverse mechanism: Place an object (like a wooden block) under the door. If it doesn’t reverse upon contact, it needs repair.
- Photo-eye sensors: Wave your hand in front of the sensors as the door closes. If it doesn’t reverse, clean the sensors and check their alignment.
5. Tighten Nuts and Bolts
Garage doors vibrate during operation, which can loosen nuts and bolts over time. Inspect the brackets, roller mounts, and hinges, and tighten anything that seems loose.
6. Clean the Tracks
Dirt and debris in the tracks can cause your garage door to jam. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the tracks and ensure they’re free of obstructions.
When to Call a Professional
While basic maintenance can be a DIY job, certain tasks require a professional touch. Call a garage door expert if you notice:
- A broken spring
- Frayed cables
- Misaligned tracks
- A malfunctioning opener
At DD Garage Door Repair, we’re here to help with all your garage door needs in the Lower Mainland! From maintenance checks to emergency repairs, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t wait until your garage door breaks down—schedule a maintenance check today! Contact DD Garage Door Repair at (778) 655-3179 or visit our website: https://ddgaragedoorrepair.com/.
Spring is here—make sure your garage door is ready for it! 🌸🚪