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Garage doors are one of the best upgrades you can make to increase your home’s value and get an incredible return on investment. As a result, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth by making it last for years to come. 

Take time to run through the preventative maintenance checklist below for ways you can keep your garage door running smoothly.

Watch and listen for issues

Because we mostly open and close garage doors when we’re inside our vehicles, it can be hard to detect when something’s not right. Make a habit at least once a week to open and close your garage door while you’re inside. Pay attention to any squeaking, grinding, or scraping noises. Also, watch to make sure your door doesn’t get caught in certain places or go off track. If you notice any of the above, call a technician to inspect the issue.

Test the reversal system

The emergency reversal system is in place to prevent your garage door from closing down on objects or seriously injuring someone. Once a month, place a large, heavy item in the door’s way, like a brick. When you close your garage door, make sure it detects the object and reverses right away. If it doesn’t, call a technician for emergency maintenance, as it poses a safety risk to you and your family.

Tighten bolts and brackets

Garage doors move up and down hundreds, if not thousands, of times a year. As a result, it’s natural for bolts and brackets to loosen up a bit. Check them at least twice a year to make sure they’re still tight. If you notice they’re a bit loose, you can simply get them back into place with a socket wrench. 

Use a lubricant

Lots of movement also means lots of friction. Keep your garage door operating smoothly by lubricating moving parts like your opener chain and overhead springs. We recommend using lithium grease at least once a year to reduce friction that could lead to other potential issues.

Check that it’s balanced

An unbalanced door can cause extra strain on your opener and potentially affect other working parts. To check your door’s balance, open it manually halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, it means your springs aren’t balanced. In this instance, you’ll want to call a professional to fix it as soon as possible.

Inspect your rollers

Your rollers are crucial to a fully functional garage door. Twice a year, check for any cracks, chips, or general wear and tear. If you notice any of these things, call an expert to get a second opinion, as they may need replacing.

Check or replace weatherstripping

Weatherstripping can help keep drafts and debris from getting in (or out) of your garage. Twice a year, ideally before summer and winter, check the weatherstripping for any cracks or tears. If you notice it needs replacing, you can typically find new materials at a local hardware store and quickly install new weatherstripping.

Look for signs of damage to your door

Garage doors endure a lot from the elements—wind, rain, sun, and anything else that might damage it. Make it a habit to regularly inspect your door for internal or external damage. Look for signs of:

• Warping
• Water damage
• Termites (wood door)
• Rust spots (steel doors)
• Chipped or peeling paint

While some of these are superficial and easily fixed, other signs of damage like warping will need to be inspected by a garage door technician.

Wash it regularly

Your garage door can take up as much as 30% of your home’s exterior. To keep it looking as nice as the rest of your house, take care of it! Find the right cleaners and solutions for your door type, and wash it just like you would your car—and do it often.

Call the experts at American Garage Door 

Regular upkeep of your garage is crucial to extending its life and value, and American Garage Door can help if you’re in the Denver area. With our 10-point garage door maintenance check, we’ll ensure everything is running as it should and make any necessary adjustments. If you find yourself in need of a major repair, we also offer 24-hour emergency service. Schedule your preventative maintenance check today!