Four Tips for DIY Garage Door Maintenance

Your garage door is extremely important for your home’s security, so it’s crucial to keep it in good condition. Normally, you want to hire a professional for garage door services, since garage doors are heavy and can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. However, not every garage door maintenance task requires a professional.

While problems with the garage door, motor, or springs should be left to an expert for repairs, you can learn how to do some basic garage door maintenance tasks yourself, such as the following:

1. Lubricate Moving Parts – Garage doors have many moving parts, such as springs, hinges, and rollers. For smooth, quiet operation, you will need to lubricate these moving parts from time to time. Once or twice a year is best. Use a silicone spray or lithium-based grease for the best results.
2. Clean the Tracks – Dirty tracks make it harder for your garage door to open and close. Luckily, you don’t need any special tools or products to clean them. Simply use a damp cloth to remove debris like dirt and cobwebs. When you’re finished, lubricate the tracks.
3. Tighten Hardware – Your garage door’s hardware—screws, bolts, hinges, etc.—can become loose over time. Use a screwdriver to tighten any screws if they are loose. You should also inspect the hardware thoroughly for rust.
4. Check the Sensors – Garage door sensors ensure safe operation. Your sensors should have a green light and a red light. If the red light is blinking, it means the sensors need to be realigned. Move each light slightly until the red one stops blinking.

If you prefer to leave garage door maintenance to professionals, or if you need help with more involved tasks, contact us at Aaron’s Garage Doors.