Your garage door is one of the hardest-working parts of your home, yet it’s often overlooked—until something goes wrong. Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs, improve safety, and extend the life of your door. Here are five simple steps to keep it running smoothly.
1. Keep Moving Parts Well-Lubricated
Your garage door relies on springs, rollers, and hinges to function properly. Over time, these parts can wear down or make that dreaded squeaking noise. ✅ Apply a high-quality silicone-based lubricant to rollers, hinges, and springs every six months. 🚫 Avoid WD-40—it’s a degreaser, not a proper lubricant for garage doors.
2. Inspect and Tighten Hardware
A typical garage door opens and closes thousands of times per year, meaning nuts, bolts, and brackets can loosen over time. ✔ Use a socket wrench to tighten any loose fasteners to prevent rattling or misalignment.
3. Test the Balance & Safety Sensors
An unbalanced door forces the opener to work harder, reducing its lifespan. 📌 Disconnect the automatic opener and manually lift the door—if it doesn’t stay halfway open, the springs may need adjustment. 🛑 Test the safety sensors by waving an object in front of them while the door is closing—if it doesn’t reverse, it’s time for a checkup.
4. Clean & Inspect Weather Stripping
Weather stripping along the bottom of your garage door keeps out dirt, debris, and cold air, improving energy efficiency. 🔄 Check for cracks or brittleness—if damaged, replace it to prevent unwanted drafts. 🧽 Wipe down the strip with mild soap and water every few months.
5. Listen for Unusual Noises
A well-maintained garage door should operate smoothly and quietly. 👂 If you hear grinding, squeaking, or sudden thuds, it could be a sign of worn-out rollers, misaligned tracks, or loose parts. 🛠 If tightening and lubrication don’t fix the issue, consider calling a professional before minor problems turn into major ones.
Let NuLift Handle the Hard Stuff
Routine maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, but sometimes, a professional touch is needed. At NuLift Garage Doors, we specialize in expert garage door repair, installation, and maintenance—so you can focus on what matters most.
