How often should I service my garage door?

Monthly visual inspections and lubrication every 6 months for DIY maintenance. Professional servicing annually is recommended, or every 6 months for high-use doors (4+ cycles daily). This catches problems before they become expensive repairs.

What lubricant should I use on my garage door?

Use a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant specifically designed for garage doors. Never use WD-40 on moving parts - it's a solvent that can actually attract dirt. Apply to rollers, hinges, springs (lightly), and the opener rail.

How do I test my garage door safety features?

Place a 50mm-thick object (like a piece of wood) on the ground in the door's path. Close the door - it should reverse immediately upon contact. Also check the sensor beam by waving your foot through - the door should stop and reverse.

Why is my garage door making squeaking noises?

Squeaking usually means parts need lubrication - rollers, hinges, and springs are common culprits. If lubrication doesn't help, rollers may be worn and need replacement. Metal-on-metal grinding is more serious and needs professional attention.

Can I adjust my garage door springs myself?

No - spring adjustment is dangerous and should only be done by professionals. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. If your door feels heavy or unbalanced, call a technician to adjust the tension safely.

How long do garage door rollers last?

Standard nylon rollers last 5-7 years or about 10,000 cycles. Steel rollers are more durable but noisier. If rollers look cracked, wobble on their stems, or your door sounds rough, it's time for replacement.

Should I balance-test my garage door?

Yes, annually. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. A properly balanced door should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment by a professional. An unbalanced door strains the opener and wears parts faster.

Garage Door Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Door Running for 20+ Years

Your garage door moves 1,500+ times a year - more than any other moving part in your home. A little maintenance prevents breakdowns and expensive repairs. Here's what you can safely do yourself, and when to book a professional service.

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Quick Answer: What to Do Right Now

✓ Try these safe checks first:

Visual inspection of springs, cables, and rollers
Wipe down tracks with a damp cloth
Test the auto-reverse safety feature
Listen for unusual noises during operation
Check weatherseals for damage

⚠ Call a professional immediately if:

Spring tension adjustment
Roller and hinge lubrication (not WD-40)
Track alignment check
Safety sensor calibration
Hardware tightening
Opener force settings check

Maintenance Areas & What to Check

Symptom	Likely Cause	Safe DIY Check	Call a Tech If...
Springs (above door)	Rust, gaps, or stretching visible	Visual inspection only - never touch	Any rust, gaps, or deformation visible
Rollers and hinges	Wear, cracks, or wobble	Lubricate every 6 months with silicone spray	Rollers are cracked or wobbling on stems
Tracks and guides	Debris buildup or misalignment	Wipe clean monthly with damp cloth	Tracks are bent, dented, or misaligned
Cables and drums	Fraying, rust, or loose winding	Visual inspection only from safe distance	Any fraying, rust, or loose cables
Weatherseals	Cracking, gaps, or detachment	Check for daylight gaps around door edges	Seals are cracked or letting in weather/pests
Opener and sensors	Safety feature degradation	Test auto-reverse monthly with obstacle	Auto-reverse fails to trigger

Springs (above door)

Likely cause: Rust, gaps, or stretching visible

Safe DIY check: Visual inspection only - never touch

Call a tech if: Any rust, gaps, or deformation visible

Rollers and hinges

Likely cause: Wear, cracks, or wobble

Safe DIY check: Lubricate every 6 months with silicone spray

Call a tech if: Rollers are cracked or wobbling on stems

Tracks and guides

Likely cause: Debris buildup or misalignment

Safe DIY check: Wipe clean monthly with damp cloth

Call a tech if: Tracks are bent, dented, or misaligned

Cables and drums

Likely cause: Fraying, rust, or loose winding

Safe DIY check: Visual inspection only from safe distance

Call a tech if: Any fraying, rust, or loose cables

Weatherseals

Likely cause: Cracking, gaps, or detachment

Safe DIY check: Check for daylight gaps around door edges

Call a tech if: Seals are cracked or letting in weather/pests

Opener and sensors

Likely cause: Safety feature degradation

Safe DIY check: Test auto-reverse monthly with obstacle

Call a tech if: Auto-reverse fails to trigger

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If you're seeing crooked movement, loose cables, or a heavy door, it's safer to stop using it. Call us for maintenance service in your area or request a callback in 2 minutes.

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