Introduction
Your garage door is one of the most frequently used and often overlooked parts of your home. On average, homeowners open and close their garage doors over a thousand times a year — that’s a lot of wear and tear! Without proper care, you may face unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, or even a full replacement sooner than you’d like.
At MST Garage Door Inc., we believe in helping homeowners save time and money with simple, proactive maintenance. Here are our top 5 expert tips to extend the life of your garage door and keep it running like new for years to come.
Tip 1: Keep It Clean and Lubricated
Dirt, dust, and debris can build up on your garage door’s tracks and moving parts, causing unnecessary friction and wear. Regular cleaning and lubrication can dramatically improve performance and extend the lifespan of your door.
- Clean Tracks & Rollers: Wipe tracks and rollers with a damp cloth every few months to remove grime and prevent build-up that can cause jams.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Use a high-quality silicone-based garage door lubricant on springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks. Avoid using grease, which can attract dust and gum up the works.
- Check Weather Stripping: Clean and inspect the weather seal at the bottom of your door. Replace it if it’s cracked or worn out to protect against moisture and pests.
This simple routine keeps your door operating smoothly, reduces strain on the opener, and minimizes costly repairs.
Tip 2: Inspect and Tighten Hardware
A garage door moves up and down hundreds of times a month. Naturally, vibrations and motion can loosen bolts, nuts, and brackets over time.
- Visual Inspection: Every few months, take a few minutes to check the door’s hardware. Look for loose bolts, screws, or brackets on the tracks, hinges, and roller mounts.
- Tighten as Needed: Use a socket wrench to gently tighten loose hardware. Be careful not to overtighten — snug is enough.
- Check the Tracks: Ensure that the vertical and horizontal tracks are securely fastened to the wall and ceiling. If you see gaps, call a professional to realign them safely.
Regularly inspecting and securing your hardware helps prevent misalignment and noisy operation, extending the life of your entire garage door system.
Tip 3: Balance the Door
A balanced garage door ensures smooth opening and closing, which prevents excessive stress on your opener and cables.
- Manual Test: Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle (usually a red cord). Lift the door halfway and let go. A balanced door will stay in place or move slightly.
- If Unbalanced: If the door slams shut or shoots upward, it’s unbalanced and needs adjustment. Never attempt to adjust springs yourself — this is dangerous and should always be handled by trained technicians.
- Routine Checks: Test your garage door’s balance every 6 months. An unbalanced door forces the opener to work harder, shortening its lifespan and risking sudden failures.
A properly balanced door makes daily use easier and prevents accidents caused by sudden drops.
Tip 4: Test Safety Features
Modern garage doors come with critical safety features to protect your family, pets, and vehicles.
- Auto-Reverse: Place a roll of paper towels or a wooden block under the door. When you close it, the door should automatically reverse when it touches the object.
- Photo Eye Sensors: Wave your leg or an object in front of the door’s sensors while closing. The door should immediately stop and reverse.
- Regular Checks: Test these safety features monthly. If they fail, clean the sensors and remove any obstructions. If issues persist, call a professional immediately.
Functioning safety features aren’t just convenient — they’re legally required and can prevent serious injuries.
Tip 5: Schedule Professional Maintenance
While regular DIY care is essential, nothing replaces an annual professional inspection by certified technicians like the team at MST Garage Door Inc.
- Annual Tune-Up: A pro will check all springs, cables, rollers, hinges, tracks, and your opener to catch minor problems before they become expensive emergencies.
- Spring & Cable Replacement: Garage door springs and cables have a limited lifespan. A professional can safely replace worn components before they snap.
- Upgrades & Advice: A technician can also recommend upgrades for insulation, quieter operation, or enhanced security.
Investing in professional maintenance gives you peace of mind, saves you money long-term, and helps your door work smoothly through every season.
Additional Garage Door Care Tips
Besides these top 5, here are a few bonus ideas to get the most out of your garage door:
- Watch & Listen: Take a moment every month to watch your door open and close. Listen for grinding, scraping, or jerky movements — they’re early warning signs.
- Keep It Painted: If you have a wooden or metal door, repaint or reseal it every few years to prevent rust or rot.
- Protect Against Pests: Keep the area around your garage door clean and clear of debris to deter rodents and insects.
These little steps help you catch problems early and avoid surprise breakdowns.
All the Garage Door Services We Offer
At MST Garage Door Inc., we don’t just share helpful tips — we provide comprehensive services for all your garage door needs:
- Garage Door Installation: We install high-quality, durable garage doors to suit your style and budget, enhancing your home’s curb appeal and security.
- Garage Door Repair: From broken springs to off-track doors, our fast, reliable repairs fix problems quickly and safely.
- Garage Door Opener Repair & Replacement: Is your opener loud, slow, or unresponsive? We service all major brands for smooth, quiet operation.
- Garage Door Spring Replacement: Our technicians safely replace worn or broken springs, restoring safe and reliable door movement.
- Garage Door Cable Repair: Frayed or snapped cables? We replace them promptly to prevent further damage and ensure smooth operation.
- Garage Door Panel Replacement: Damaged panels ruin your home’s appearance and compromise security. We match and replace panels for a flawless finish.
- Garage Door Tune-Up & Maintenance: Regular tune-ups extend your door’s lifespan and reduce unexpected repairs.
- Emergency Garage Door Service: We’re available 24/7 for urgent repairs to secure your property day or night.
- Commercial Garage Door Services: We also install and repair roll-up doors and commercial garage doors for businesses big and small.
Schedule Your Free Estimate Today
Keeping your garage door in top condition doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. At MST Garage Door Inc., we pride ourselves on professional service, honest pricing, and unmatched expertise. Whether you need a quick fix, seasonal maintenance, or a brand-new door, we’re here to help.