10 Garage Door Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid This Year

For a garage door to stay in top condition for years, much more is needed than simply carefully using it every day. If maintenance is neglected, parts can deteriorate over time, potentially leading to costly repairs or safety hazards.

In the sections that follow, we present ten pitfalls to avoid and how to avoid them. This information is based on more than 15 years of experience in serving garage doors of all types. This list helps you identify potential problems and shows you how to prevent them effectively. Let’s start!

1. Neglecting Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are essential because a garage door is subjected to extreme stress on a daily basis. However, if you think that this is not your case because you don’t use your door every day, you may be surprised to know that a door used occasionally faces similar risks, as unused mechanisms can also sustain damage over time.

Ignoring these inspections can lead to small problems like frayed wires, misaligned rails, or rusted parts developing into more expensive repairs. To ensure smooth functioning and safety, routine inspections also help in the early detection of possible garage door opener problems. If you skip this step, you may eventually have a bigger garage door issue that needs to be fixed right away.

Regular inspections are an easy yet efficient method of identifying and fixing minor problems before they become more serious. Proactive maintenance greatly increases the lifespan of your garage door system and helps to avoid unplanned malfunctions or even garage door replacement.

2. Overlooking Lubrication Needs

Your garage door's components must be lubricated for it to operate smoothly and with the least amount of friction possible. To keep them functioning and long-lasting, critical components like tracks, hinges, and rollers need to be maintained on a regular basis. If this phase is skipped, the system may experience jerky motions, grinding sounds, and greater mechanical strain. As time goes on, these problems may worsen, contributing to a persistent garage door problem opening and closing or even damaging the garage door opener itself. The secret to preventing these issues and maintaining the best possible condition for your garage door is to use a premium lubricant made especially for garage doors. Regular lubrication helps you minimize the need for urgent garage door repair services by reducing wear and preventing expensive failures.

3. Ignoring Weather Seal Damage

As the first line of protection, weather seals shield your garage from the elements, including water, filth, bugs, and very high or low temperatures. These seals may deteriorate, bend, or fracture over time, jeopardizing the insulation and exposing your garage to environmental harm. Ignoring deteriorated weather seals can result in unpleasant temperatures within the garage and increased energy costs, particularly during severe weather. It is crucial to routinely check these seals for gaps or fractures.

If you're unsure what is the best insulation for garage door weatherproofing, consult professionals like Up & Down Garage Doors for expert advice. In addition to providing a secure barrier, replacing broken seals also helps avoid garage door issues brought on by debris or misaligned tracks. Making this maintenance step a priority can improve the lifespan of your garage door while maintaining your home’s energy efficiency.

4. Forgetting to Tighten Loose Hardware

Bolts, brackets, and screws may progressively become loose due to vibrations from regular usage, which might pose a safety risk and result in inefficient operations. Ignoring these loose pieces can lead to uneven wear and tear or even the eventual detachment of parts, in addition to loud operations. If the structure is affected, this error might lead to the need for urgent garage door repair. Maintaining the smooth and secure operation of your garage door may be achieved simply and effectively by routinely checking and tightening all of the hardware. Because they are subjected to the most tension, pay close attention to the hinges, track brackets, and mounting hardware. By hiring experts like Up & Down Garage Doors, you can make sure that no detail is missed and avoid future issues like a garage door problem opening and closing.

5. Failing to Test the Garage Door Balance

Important parts like the springs, tracks, and opener are subjected to excessive strain when a garage door is unbalanced. This tension might eventually result in a recurring garage door opener problem, which will shorten the lifespan and general efficiency of the system. Disconnect the opener and physically raise the door halfway to verify balance. It is an obvious sign of a balancing problem if it moves unevenly or doesn't remain in position. Using an unbalanced door might lead to misaligned tracks, damaged springs, or trouble opening and shutting the garage door, all of which require expensive repairs. Promptly addressing balancing concerns guarantees safe functioning and stops more harm.

6. Mismanaging the Garage Door Opener

Ignoring regular garage door maintenance is frequently the cause of garage door opener problems. For smooth and effective functioning, parts like the belt or chain of the opener must be properly tensioned. In the same way, failing or forgetting to clean the opener or replace worn-out batteries on a regular basis might result in unforeseen problems.

Over time, dust and debris can build up and interfere with the sensors and mechanics of the opener. Proactive care, such as routine maintenance and inspections, not only prolongs the opener's lifespan but also stops a garage door opener issue from getting worse. Consult reputable companies like Up & Down Garage Doors for knowledgeable assistance and advice on how to maintain your garage door's opener or repair a damaged garage door.

7. Overlooking the Safety Reversal Mechanism

One important element that prevents damage or injury is the safety reversal system, which reverses the door when it senses an impediment. It can become harmful if this function is not tested on a regular basis, especially in homes with kids or pets. Place a small, solid object like a block of wood under the door to test the reversal system. If the door does not reverse right away, there may be a mechanical issue that has to be fixed right away or a garage door sensor problem. This problem is frequently associated with dirty or misaligned sensors, both of which jeopardize system dependability and safety. Resolving a garage door sensor issue as soon as possible guarantees that your door will continue to be secure and adhere to current safety regulations.

8. Using Incorrect Cleaning Products

Abrasive cleaning solutions or aggressive chemicals might do your garage door more harm than good. Over time, strong chemicals lead to corrosion, rust, or discoloration. The integrity and appearance of the door may be put at risk if the surface is scratched by abrasive items like steel wool or rough sponges. Use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild soap to clean your garage door to preserve its appearance and lifespan. This delicate method maintains the curb attractiveness of your house while also protecting the surface.

Proper cleaning is also essential to prevent residue buildup, which could contribute to garage door sensor problems or interfere with smooth operation.

9. Not Replacing Worn-Out Springs and Cables

Springs and cables are your garage door system's workhorses. They support the weight of the door each time it opens or closes. No wonder, these parts have the potential to deteriorate, fray, or break over time, which might be extremely dangerous. Attempting to repair them without the right equipment or, most importantly, knowledge may result in mishaps or additional harm.

While it might be tempting to fix a damaged garage door yourself, it’s better to leave springs and cables to experts. We at Up & Down Garage Doors can guarantee that these crucial parts are replaced in a timely and secure manner. In addition to endangering safety, ignoring worn-out springs and cables can cause a garage door issue that makes it difficult to open and close, which might trigger other issues to arise.

10. Delaying Professional Assistance

Delaying expert assistance frequently results in small annoyances becoming expensive fixes when persistent problems occur. For instance, a little issue with a garage door opener may put stress on other parts of the system, resulting in problems. Similar to this, neglecting a garage door issue that keeps opening and shutting might interfere with your daily schedule and jeopardize your safety. Businesses like Up & Down Garage Doors are experts in providing dependable and prompt garage door repair, making sure that every problem is handled carefully and precisely.

In addition to saving you time, getting expert help as soon as possible safeguards your investment by halting more harm. Professional knowledge is essential for long-term dependability, whether it's diagnosing how to replace a damaged garage door, fixing a garage door sensor problem, or switching to insulated solutions.

Summing Up

Taking care of your garage door is no easy task. There are so many nuances that you should know about in order to ensure every part of the mechanism is in top condition. However, it is much easier to call for professional help the moment you see or hear that something is wrong.

If one has the time and the understanding, there are many tips and tricks to use in order to do your own repairs or replacements. First of all, try to remember to always maintain your door by lubricating it using the correct solutions. Also clean it avoiding abrasive cleaning liquids and pay attention to how it operates. In case, you experience any trouble with your garage door, call Up & Down Garage Doors. Providing services for over 15 years, we have solutions to any garage door issue.