Your garage door is one of the most used features in your home. You open and close it almost every day, sometimes more than once. But like anything that gets used often, it can start to wear out. Maybe you’ve noticed squeaky sounds, slow movement, or parts that don’t work like they used to.
The good news is that you can take a few simple steps to keep your garage door running smoothly for years to come. If you’re looking for easy and affordable ways to protect your garage door investment, then keep reading. These some tips will help you avoid problems and make sure your door stays in good shape longer.
Keep Your Garage Doors Clean and Lubricated
The garage doors are made of many moving parts, and all of them work together every time you open or close the door. Over time, dirt and dust can build up in the tracks and rollers. This buildup can make the door work harder, which causes parts to wear down faster.
A simple way to avoid this is by cleaning the tracks with a damp cloth and checking them regularly. Then, take time every few months to apply a garage door lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and springs. Don’t use thick grease—stick with something light, like a silicone-based spray.
Inspect Your Garage Door Repair Service Needs Early
Most people only think about garage door repair when something breaks. But catching small problems early can save you money and extend the life of your door. Listen to the sounds it makes. If it’s louder than usual or makes grinding noises, that could be a sign something’s wrong.
You should also check for loose bolts, shaky parts, or cables that look worn out. If you’re not sure how to inspect everything safely, consider calling a professional. A local garage door repair service can do a full inspection and fix anything small before it turns into a big problem.
Balance the Door Regularly
Your garage door opener does a lot of work, but it’s not supposed to carry all the weight. If your door isn’t balanced properly, the opener works harder than it should. That extra strain can make the motor wear out much faster.
To test the balance, pull the release handle to disconnect the opener, then try lifting the door by hand. If it stays halfway open, it’s likely balanced. But if it falls or shoots up, the springs might need to be adjusted. This is not something you should try to fix yourself, since it can be dangerous.
Replace Weatherstripping When Needed
That rubber seal at the bottom of your garage door isn’t just there for looks. It keeps out dirt, water, and cold air. Over time, the seal can crack or flatten, letting moisture into your garage. That can lead to rust on metal parts and even damage the floor.
Check the weatherstripping a few times a year. If it looks worn or you can feel a draft, it’s time to replace it. You can find replacement seals at most hardware stores, and installing one doesn’t take much time or skill. It’s a small update that helps protect your whole garage door system.
Avoid Slamming the Door Shut
Some people get in a hurry and let the door slam shut behind them. This might seem harmless, but it actually puts a lot of stress on the parts. Over time, the force can knock parts out of place, loosen bolts, and even crack panels.
Teach everyone in your home to treat the garage door gently. Use the opener instead of yanking it down manually. If it closes slowly and smoothly, you’re doing things right.