Your garage door opens early in the morning and closes late at night. It keeps your car safe and protects tools, bikes, and storage bins from the weather.
But like anything performing an important job, it wears out over time. Squeaking, slow movement, or strange noises are signs of wear. If left alone, they can lead to bigger garage door repairs—or worse, safety issues.
You don’t want to wake up to a broken garage door when running late or find out your garage door opener won’t work during a storm in Sioux Falls or Watertown. That’s why routine maintenance matters.
In this guide, you’ll learn how often to check your garage door, which tasks you can do yourself, and when to bring in a garage door technician for help. It’s simple upkeep, but it keeps your door in working order and your day moving.
Importance of Regular Garage Door Maintenance
Your garage door moves up and down hundreds of times a year. Torsion springs, rollers, and cables work together each time it lifts. It’s easy to forget how much is happening until something breaks.
Regular garage door maintenance keeps these moving parts working as they should. A little lubrication, a few checkups, and yearly maintenance checks help you avoid bigger problems and bills.
Safety matters. A door that slips, sticks, or reverses too late can hurt someone. If the photo eye fails or the reverse feature stops working, you won’t know until it’s too late. Preventative maintenance helps you catch safety hazards early.
It also saves money. A small fix costs less than a full garage door repair or a new garage door installation. Spotting signs of wear early, like squeaking, unusual noises, or slow movement, can reduce repair costs and downtime.
Then, there’s time. When your garage door opener stops working, so does your routine. Inconveniences pile up. You may end up calling a garage door company in a rush, waiting for a service technician, and paying more than expected.
Routine care protects your investment, keeps your garage door system in working order, and gives your residential garage door a longer lifespan.
Recommended Frequency for Garage Door Maintenance
Most garage door professionals recommend a full tune-up once a year. That includes checking torsion springs, door rollers, and all other garage door parts. For homes in places like Sioux Falls, Watertown, or Brown County, where snow and cold are common, once may not be enough.
Harsh winters can be tough on your door. Weatherstripping cracks. Lubrication thickens or wears off. Moisture causes malfunctions or rust. Cold makes garage door springs brittle. If your garage door opener struggles in winter, it might be time for a mid-year check.
If your door opens several times a day, consider a garage door service every six months. Frequent use wears out moving parts faster. Preventative maintenance helps you avoid breakdowns.
Don’t wait for unusual noises or a broken garage door. Set a schedule and mark it on your calendar. Regular care extends the lifespan of your door and cuts down on repair costs.
When in doubt, ask a local garage door technician. They’ll know what your garage door system needs based on your use, door, and weather.
DIY Maintenance Checks Homeowners Can Perform
You don’t need to be a pro to keep your garage door system in shape. A few small tasks can go a long way. These steps help prevent problems and keep things running smoothly.
- Start with a visual check. Look for signs of wear, such as rust, dents, or loose parts. Check the weather stripping along the bottom. If it’s cracked or missing, replace it. It helps seal out cold, dust, and pests.
- Open and close the door. Listen for squeaking or grinding. These are early clues that something needs attention.
- Test the door balance. Pull the release cord on the garage door opener and lift the door by hand. Stop halfway. If it doesn’t stay, the springs may be under stress. That’s a job for a garage door technician, not a DIY fix.
- Lubricate all moving parts. Use silicone spray on rollers, hinges, and tracks. Don’t use grease, as it attracts dirt.
- Check the photo eye sensors. Wipe them clean and make sure they’re aligned. Then test the reverse feature by placing something under the door. If it doesn’t stop, call a garage door company. That’s a safety hazard.
When to Call a Professional?
Some garage door problems are not safe to handle alone.
If the garage door spring breaks or the cables snap, stay clear. These parts are under high tension, and one wrong move can cause harm. A trained garage door technician knows how to fix them safely.
If your garage door opener stops working, you’ve already tried maintenance checks. The issue may be deeper—inside the system.
Torsion springs, door rollers, and garage door parts wear out over time. But spotting what’s worn and what’s still good takes trained eyes. If you’re unsure, bring in a service technician. It’s better than guessing.
Watch for signs. Unusual noises, jerky movement, or a door that won’t close all the way are red flags. Safety issues, like a failed reverse feature or a misaligned photo eye, are also red flags.
DIY has limits. When something feels off or when your door stops working altogether, it’s time to call the pros. Protect your garage door system, your safety, and your time.
Contact Us About Maintenance Plans
A little garage door maintenance now saves you time, stress, and money later. It keeps your day safe, helps all the moving parts work as they should, and adds years to the lifespan of your system.
Skip the guesswork. Set a reminder for a yearly tune-up with a trusted garage door company. You may need checkups twice a year in colder places like Sioux Falls or Watertown. A trained garage door technician will spot signs of wear, check the door balance, and keep your safety features working.
Have a question? Thinking about a maintenance plan? Want to avoid a broken garage door at the worst time?
Reach out to Overhead Door Company™ of Sioux Falls, Watertown, or Brown County. Get peace of mind with a system that works when you need it to.