How Often Should My Garage Door Be Serviced?

Many homeowners don’t think about their garage doors until something goes wrong, and trust me, I’ve been there too. You come home after a long day, click the remote, and nothing happens. It’s frustrating, especially when it could’ve been avoided with regular maintenance. So, how often should you service your garage door? The short answer: at least once a year.

Why Annual Maintenance Is Essential

Just like your car, your garage door is made up of many moving parts that experience wear and tear. Springs, cables, rollers, and hinges all need regular attention to ensure smooth operation. I remember one time when I neglected my own garage door—big mistake. I ended up with a broken spring, and the door wouldn't budge. That unexpected repair was not only inconvenient but also costly.

Extending the Lifespan of Your Garage Door

Annual maintenance can significantly extend the life of your garage door. By catching small issues early, such as worn rollers or misaligned tracks, you can prevent bigger, more expensive problems down the road. Imagine driving your car without ever changing the oil. Eventually, that engine's going to fail. Your garage door operates under similar principles: preventative care is key.

What Does Garage Door Maintenance Include?

When you schedule a professional garage door service, the technician will perform a series of checks to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Here's what a typical garage door tune-up includes:

1. Spring and Cable Inspection

The springs and cables do most of the heavy lifting, literally. Over time, they can weaken or fray, which could lead to dangerous failures. A technician will inspect them for any signs of wear and make adjustments as needed.

2. Roller and Track Alignment

The rollers allow your door to glide up and down smoothly. If they become worn or the tracks are misaligned, you’ll start noticing jerky movement or strange noises. This is something I’ve dealt with before, and let me tell you, a misaligned track can turn opening your garage door into a wrestling match.

3. Safety Sensor Check

Modern garage doors come with safety sensors to prevent accidents, like the door closing on someone or something. These sensors can become misaligned, so it’s important they’re checked and recalibrated during service.

4. Lubrication of Moving Parts

Lubricating the moving parts of your garage door, such as hinges, rollers, and tracks, helps reduce friction and prevents premature wear. It’s a small step that goes a long way toward keeping everything running smoothly.

5. Tightening Loose Bolts and Screws

Over time, the constant movement of your garage door can cause bolts and screws to loosen. Tightening them up is a quick task, but it’s vital for the long-term stability of your door.

How to Tell If Your Garage Door Needs More Frequent Servicing

While an annual checkup is a good rule of thumb, there are instances when you might need to service your garage door more frequently. Here are some signs that your door may need attention sooner rather than later:

1. Unusual Noises

Is your garage door starting to sound like a haunted house? Creaking, grinding, or squealing noises are often signs that something isn’t working right. I’ve had customers who ignored these sounds, only to end up with a complete system failure that could’ve been avoided.

2. Slow or Jerky Movement

If your door is moving slower than usual or jerking while it operates, it could be a sign of an underlying problem, such as worn-out springs or misaligned tracks. When I noticed my garage door slowing down, it was a red flag that my springs were on their last legs.

3. Difficulty Opening or Closing

If your garage door struggles to open or close, it might be time for service. This could be due to a range of issues, from sensor problems to mechanical failures. I once had a client whose door wouldn’t close all the way, and after a quick inspection, we found that the tracks were bent—a problem that regular maintenance would have caught earlier.

4. Visible Wear and Tear

Check your door’s cables, springs, and rollers for any visible damage. Fraying cables or rusty springs are clear signs that your door needs servicing. I’ve seen doors with rusted parts that could have been replaced easily during a routine checkup but instead led to a much bigger repair job.

Can You Perform DIY Maintenance?

There are a few things you can do to keep your garage door in good shape between professional services. For example, lubricating the rollers and hinges every few months can help keep everything running smoothly. However, more complex tasks like spring adjustments or cable repairs should always be left to professionals. Garage door springs are under a lot of tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly.

I once thought I could adjust a spring myself, but halfway through the process, I realized I was in over my head. Thankfully, I stopped and called a pro. Trust me, it's not worth the risk.

The Cost of Neglect

It’s easy to forget about garage door maintenance, but neglecting it can lead to costly repairs or even replacements. A malfunctioning garage door isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be a safety hazard. Imagine your door getting stuck halfway open during the middle of winter or a broken spring causing the door to come crashing down. These are scenarios I’ve seen far too many times, and they’re entirely avoidable with regular maintenance.

Conclusion: Prevent Problems Before They Start

In summary, your garage door should be serviced at least once a year. Not only does this help prevent costly repairs, but it also ensures your door continues operating safely and smoothly. Keep an eye out for signs that your door might need more frequent attention, such as unusual noises or jerky movements. And remember, while you can handle some light maintenance yourself, the more complicated tasks are best left to professionals.

Regular garage door maintenance is an investment in both safety and convenience. If you’ve been putting it off, consider this your reminder to schedule that annual checkup—before you find yourself stuck outside in the cold!

If you’re looking for professional garage door maintenance in the Twin Cities South Metro area, Garage Door Doctor is here to help! Whether you need a routine checkup or a more extensive repair, our expert technicians are ready to ensure your door operates smoothly and safely all year round. Don’t wait until something goes wrong—schedule your service today by calling (952) 461-4427. We're here to keep your garage door in top shape!