Your garage door is a hardworking part of your home, providing security, insulation, and a convenient entry point. However, like any other mechanical system, it requires regular maintenance to perform at its best and avoid costly breakdowns. At Blue Chip Garage Doors, we believe that a small investment in routine service checks can save you from significant repair costs down the line and extend the lifespan of your garage door. In this blog post, we’ll cover the essentials of garage door maintenance and the signs that professional service might be required.
The Importance of Regular Service Checks
Garage doors are composed of many intricate parts working together. Over time, these components can wear out or become misaligned, which can lead to malfunctions if left unchecked. Regular service checks allow for early detection of potential issues, preventing minor problems from escalating into major repairs or even replacements.
Routine maintenance also extends your garage door’s life span. By ensuring each part is in good working condition, you allow the system to run more efficiently, reducing the strain on the motor and other components.
Home Garage Door Inspection Checklist
There are several basic checks and maintenance tasks that homeowners can perform themselves:
Visual Inspection:
Check for signs of wear and tear on all visible parts, including springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys. Look for any rust, fraying, or other damage.
Door Balance Test:
Disconnect the automatic opener and manually lift the door halfway. If the door stays in place, the springs are correctly balanced. If it falls, the springs could be worn out and may need replacing.
Reversing Mechanism Test:
Place a roll of paper towels on the garage floor where the door would close. Close the door using the automatic opener. The door should reverse upon touching the roll. If it doesn’t, the auto-reversing mechanism needs adjustment or repair.
Photo Eye Test:
Wave a broomstick or similar object in front of the photo eye sensors while the door is closing. The door should reverse. If not, the sensors may need to be realigned or replaced.
Lubrication:
Regularly lubricate the moving parts of your garage door (rollers, tracks, hinges, springs) with a garage door specific lubricant to reduce friction and wear.
Signs Professional Service Might Be Required
If during your regular checks you notice any of the following issues, it’s time to call in the professionals:
Persistent Noise:
While some noise is expected when your garage door operates, persistent or unusual sounds like grinding or squeaking can be a sign of a problem.
Slow Response Time:
If your garage door opener takes longer than a few seconds to respond to commands, or if the door opens and closes slower than usual, it may be a sign of a problem with the door or opener.
Door Won’t Open or Close:
If your garage door refuses to open or close correctly, there could be an issue with the opener, the springs, or the tracks.
At Blue Chip Garage Doors, we offer professional maintenance and repair services that can help keep your garage door in optimal condition. Remember, routine checks and timely repairs are essential for extending the lifespan of your garage door and preventing breakdowns. Reach out to us today to schedule a service appointment and let our experienced team ensure your garage door remains a reliable component of your home.
