DIY Garage Door Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Most of the things we will discuss are simple enough to do yourself, requiring only a little bit of guidance and some simple supplies that you can pick up at almost any hardware store. Here are some DIY garage door maintenance tips for homeowners.

1. Lubricate moving parts. Your garage door has many moving parts, including springs, rollers, and hinges. These parts need to be lubricated regularly to ensure they operate smoothly. Use a high-quality silicone or lithium-based lubricant to lubricate all moving parts.
2. Check the weatherstripping - The weatherstripping on a garage door helps prevent drafts, dirt, and moisture from entering your garage, as well as rodents. It should be replaced if cracked, worn, or otherwise damaged.
3. Inspect the springs - The springs on your garage door are under a lot of tension and can be dangerous if they break. Check the springs regularly for signs of wear or damage and have them replaced if necessary.
4. Tighten hardware - The hardware on your garage door can loosen over time, causing the door to operate improperly. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws and tighten them if necessary.
5. Test the balance of the door - An unbalanced garage door can cause excessive wear and tear on the springs and other components. To test the garage door balance, disconnect the opener and manually open and close the door. It may be unbalanced and require adjustment if it doesn't stay in place when opened halfway.
6. Clean the tracks - The tracks on which your garage door operates can become dirty and obstructed, causing the door to operate improperly. Clean the tracks regularly with a cloth or brush to remove any debris or dirt.
7. Check the safety sensors - Your garage door opener should have safety sensors that prevent the door from closing if there's an obstruction in the way. Test the sensors regularly to ensure they're working properly, and clean them if necessary.
8. Replace worn or damaged parts - If you find parts of your garage door that are worn, damaged, or broken, contact a local garage door repair company as soon as possible. This includes springs, cables, rollers, hinges, and more.

Preventative maintenance is essential for garage doors because it can help ensure that the door operates efficiently and safely. A garage door is typically the largest and heaviest moving part in a home, and it's essential that it's in good working order to prevent accidents and injuries.

Here are some reasons why preventative maintenance is important for garage doors:

1. Safety: Garage doors can be dangerous if they're not maintained properly. A faulty spring or cable could break and cause the door to fall unexpectedly, potentially causing injury or damage to property.
2. Prolongs lifespan: Regular maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your garage door. By lubricating moving parts, tightening hardware, and replacing worn parts, you can help prevent costly repairs down the road.
3. Saves money: Regular maintenance can save you money by preventing costly repairs or replacement of the entire garage door. By catching problems early, you can address them before they become bigger issues.
4. Improves efficiency: A well-maintained garage door operates more efficiently, which can help reduce energy costs. Properly lubricated moving parts and a balanced door can help reduce strain on the opener, which can extend its lifespan.
5. Peace of mind: Knowing that your garage door is in good working order can provide peace of mind. You won't have to worry about unexpected breakdowns or safety issues.

While there are many garage door maintenance tasks that you can perform yourself, there are also some tasks that should be left to professionals. These tasks require specialized knowledge and tools, and attempting to do them yourself can be dangerous.

Here are some garage door maintenance tasks that you should not perform yourself:

1. Spring replacement: The springs on a garage door are under a lot of tension and can be dangerous if they break. Attempting to replace them yourself can be very dangerous and is best left to professionals.
2. Cable replacement: Garage door cables also come under a lot of tension and can be dangerous to replace if you don't have the necessary tools and expertise.
3. Track repair: Repairing the tracks that guide the garage door can be difficult and requires specialized knowledge and tools.
4. Opener installation or repair: Garage door openers are complex pieces of machinery that require specialized knowledge and tools to install or repair. Attempting to install or repair an opener yourself can be dangerous and can also cause damage to the door.
5. Electrical work: If your garage door opener or any other component of your garage door requires electrical work, it's best to hire a licensed electrician to perform the work.

If you're not sure whether a particular maintenance task is safe to perform yourself, it's best to err on the side of caution and hire a professional to do the work. 

This will vary depending on your climate, type of door, and other aspects; however, a good rule of thumb is to perform basic maintenance tasks such as lubrication and visual inspections at least once every six months. Annual, more detailed inspections should take place once a year and be performed by a professional garage door company.

Regular maintenance can help keep your garage door functioning properly and prevent costly repairs down the road. You can do some of these yourself or hire a garage door repair company to help. A well-maintained garage door can provide you with years of trouble-free operation. If you're in the Sacramento, California area, contact Leader Local Garage Door for your annual inspections and repairs. We offer professional, fast service from dedicated technicians with combined decades of experience.