Simple Steps to Prevent Costly Breakdowns and Ensure Safe Operation
Your garage door is likely the largest and heaviest moving object in your home. Here in Las Vegas, the combination of intense summer heat and fine desert dust can take a serious toll on its moving parts, leading to noisy operation and unexpected, costly breakdowns.
Preventative maintenance is the key to ensuring your garage door operates safely, quietly, and reliably for years to come. This ultimate checklist will walk you through simple monthly and quarterly checks you can perform yourself, and help you understand when it’s time to call in a professional for a comprehensive tune-up.
Simple Monthly DIY Checks (5-10 Minutes)
Perform these quick checks once a month to catch small issues before they become big problems.
1. Visual Inspection
Stand inside your garage with the door closed and look over the entire system. Check the springs, cables, rollers, pulleys, and mounting hardware. Look for any signs of fraying on the cables, rust on the springs, or worn-out, cracked rollers. If you see something that looks broken or worn, do not attempt to fix it yourself—especially the cables and springs.
2. The Safety Sensor Test
Your garage door’s photo-eye safety sensors are crucial for protecting your family and property. To test them, simply place a broom or a roll of paper towels on the ground in the path of the door. Press the close button on your wall-mounted remote. The door should touch the object and immediately reverse. If it does not, the sensors need to be realigned or serviced by a professional right away.
3. Clear the Tracks
Visually inspect the vertical and horizontal tracks on both sides of your door. Make sure they are free of any debris, leaves, or dirt that could obstruct the rollers and cause the door to jam.
Quarterly DIY Tasks (15-20 Minutes)
These tasks, performed every three months, will keep your door running smoothly and quietly.
1. Lubricate All Moving Parts
Proper lubrication reduces friction and extends the life of your door’s components. Using a high-quality lithium grease or silicone-based spray (never use WD-40, as it attracts dust), apply a light coat to the door’s hinges, rollers, and springs. This is one of the best ways to eliminate squeaking and grinding noises.
2. Perform a Door Balance Test
An unbalanced garage door puts immense strain on your garage door opener, leading to premature failure. To test the balance:
- Close the garage door.
- Pull the red emergency release cord to disconnect the opener.
- Manually lift the door until it is about halfway open.
- Carefully let go. If the door stays in place, it is properly balanced. If it immediately slams shut or flies open, it is unbalanced and the spring tension needs to be adjusted by a professional.
Why You Need an Annual Professional Tune-Up
While the DIY checks above are fantastic for preventative care, some tasks are too dangerous for an untrained homeowner and require specialized tools. Never attempt to adjust or replace your garage door springs yourself. They are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.
An annual professional tune-up from a Martin Garage Door technician is a comprehensive health check for your entire system. Our experts will perform all the maintenance listed above, plus check and adjust spring tension, tighten all hardware, and identify any potential issues that could lead to a future breakdown.
Don’t Wait for a Breakdown—Schedule Your Tune-Up Today!
Regular maintenance is the most effective way to ensure a safe, quiet, and long-lasting garage door. If you’ve noticed any issues during your inspection or you’re ready for a complete professional tune-up, the experts at Martin Garage Door of Nevada are here to help.
Call us today at 702-795-1000 or schedule your service online!
