garage door maintenance

The hardware of your garage door should be kept in good conditions, namely the springs - the most critical element in sectional roll-up garage doors – the hinges, the rollers and the weatherstrips. Some regular tests and basic cleaning (and annual or bi-annual repainting and staining in the case of wood doors) are also part of garage door maintenance.

Garage doors are complex structures subject to wear. The better you maintain and clean your garage door the better it will operate and the longer it will last. When you notice a relevant problem you don't know how to solve, call a trained service professional…

Maintenance & Cleaning

Cleaning regularly your garage door is important. Just use a mild detergent and a soft car brush three or four times a year. That will reduce build up of corrosive elements….

Do not forget to keep the area under the door free of obstructions. Dirt, leaves, ice, or other element will prevent the door from creating a solid seal, affecting its efficiency and eventually its alignment and weight distribution…

Wood vs. steel and other type of doors

Maintaining a wood garage door is a much harder task than maintaining steel and other types of doors. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations. The wood door exterior has to be repainted every year or two for a longer lifespan and good look...

Preventive simple DIY lubrication

Simple preventative maintenance involves roller and hinge lubrication. Do it according to the manufacturer instructions, often once or two times a year. Lubricate all pivot points. Apply spray oil to the moving parts of the garage door.

Garage door springs should also be oiled at least once a year. The oil should drip down and coat the cables.

Checking the hardware

While lubricating, also check the garage door hardware for signs of wear: springs, pulleys, rollers, cables... Some parts tend to loosen with use, and since they hold the weight of the door, loose nuts, screws and bolts should be tighten…

But there are other elements you should inspect. And you should also carry on some basic tests involving the operation of the door (see: Garage Door Safety).

Do-it-yourself vs. professional repairs

Be careful with the repairs. Take into account the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not try to repair what’s not easy (even if sometimes it seems to be, as it is the case of adjustments and the replacement of door springs and tracks).

You can and should carry on regular lubrication and inspections, or other basic maintenance jobs, but - unless you are skilful and expert enough - have a qualified technician to make the major adjustments and repairs.

Torsion and extension springs

Take special care with door springs. Torsion springs and extension springs and the hardware attached to them - cables, brackets … - are under high tension, and should be handled properly to avoid serious injuries.

Torsion springs lubrication is important to reduce the friction (extension springs don't need lubrication). Lubrication prevents premature breakage and contributes to their longer lifespan.

Lubricate the springs one/two times a year by spraying a gel lubricant or proper oil across them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When using oil, apply it across the top of the springs.

Pay special care to the anti-drop devices of your sectional garage door (a restraining cable or other similar device installed on the extension spring of the door).

Safety tests

Testing the balance of your sectional door, and its reversing operation is also part of the maintenance tasks.

See:
Garage Door Safety
DASMA/IDA garage door inspection guide, Part 1
DASMA/IDA garage door inspection guide, Part 2