Spring Checklist: 5 Steps to Garage Door Maintenance

Garage door track


Does your spring cleaning regime include a garage door tune-up? It should. After months of exposure to ice and snow, a little bit of maintenance can go a long way in repairing winter damage.

Follow this five-step checklist for regular maintenance to keep your garage door in prime working condition all season long.

Disclaimer: The safest and easiest solution to any garage door problem is to call Creative Door and book a service call with our trained and professional technicians. The tips and procedures shared below should be done at your own risk and should not be attempted without the proper tools and safety attire.

1. Give Your Garage Door a Once-Over

Stand inside your garage with the doors closed. Then, carefully look at the springs, cables, and rollers for signs of damage, which includes fraying cables, broken springs and loose hardware.

Depending on the material of your garage door, you'll also want to check for wear throughout the surface of the door. If your door is made of wood, check for water damage around the two areas that are most vulnerable to moisture: the trim work and the bottom of the door. For steel garage doors, keep an eye out for rust spots.

If you do notice wear or damage to your garage door system, contact a Creative Door professional to schedule an inspection.

2. Check and Replace Seals

While still inside your garage with the doors closed, check to see if there are any gaps between the door's rubber seals and the floor of your garage. If you notice any light peeking through, the seal may be allowing water, cold air, and debris inside.

If you suspect a gap or break in the seal, contact the experts at Creative Door to help decide the proper course of action.

3. Tighten the Nuts and Bolts

Garage door hardware can loosen over time, causing the door to rattle, open unevenly, or fail to open altogether. Using a socket wrench, retighten all of the door and track hardware to keep your garage door operating smoothly.

4. Lubricate the Moving Parts

Keeping all of the moving parts of your garage door lubricated, such as the hinges, rollers, and springs, will not only improve the day-to-day function of your garage door but will also prolong the life of your system. Evenly coat the parts with a silicone spray or white lithium grease, wiping away any excess lubricant to keep it from dripping onto your car or the garage floor.

5. Check and Clear the Track

Garage door tracks that are filled with dirt or debris can impact the door's performance by blocking its path. If the rollers are unable to travel along the track, the door won't be able to open or close. Use a rag and soapy water to wipe out the tracks, carefully removing larger debris. Be sure to thoroughly dry the system to minimize the accumulation of dust and apply lubricant along the length of the track.

These simple maintenance tasks will help your garage door last longer and operate more efficiently. Contact the experts at Creative Door for more tips on how to maintain your garage door.


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