When and How to Perform Garage Door Maintenance
It’s recommended to perform basic maintenance on your garage door once per season, especially before winter, to prevent rust caused by moisture. Here are some simple steps you can take on your own:
Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply a specialized garage door lubricant (formulated for dusty environments) to the tracks, hinges, and rollers. Avoid using WD-40, as it attracts dust and grime.
Test Door Balance: With the garage door fully closed, pull the red release handle to disconnect the door from the opener. Try lifting the door manually, it should lift easily and stay up on its own. If it feels heavy, the springs may be worn or improperly tensioned. In that case, contact a technician for a spring replacement or adjustment.
Inspect Cables: Check both sides of the door, especially near the bottom, for frayed or rusty cables. Damaged cables are likely to snap within a few months and can cause the door to fall suddenly during operation.
Listen for Unusual Noises: Pay attention to any grinding, squeaking, or scraping sounds when the door opens or closes. Also check that the opener chain or belt is properly tensioned, not too loose or too tight. If the door appears crooked or off-balance, it may indicate an issue with cable tension or alignment.
Clean and Align the Sensors: Gently wipe the photo-eye sensors and ensure they are facing each other with LED lights on. Misaligned or dirty sensors can prevent the door from closing properly.
Replace Batteries: During seasonal maintenance, it’s a good idea to replace the batteries in your remote controls and in the keypad (if installed) to avoid sudden failures.
By performing these basic garage door maintenance steps, you can extend the life of your garage door system and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
⚠️ When NOT to Perform Garage Door Maintenance Yourself
Garage doors are under high tension and can be dangerous to service without proper training.
❗ Do Not Attempt Repairs on Springs or Cables:
The springs and cables are tightly wound and can cause serious injury if they snap or are handled improperly.
🚫 Call a Professional if the Door Is Stuck or Off Track:
If your door is jammed halfway, off-balance, or if a spring or cable has broken, do not try to fix it yourself.
Always contact a certified garage door technician to inspect and repair the system safely.
Garage Door Maintenance Services in Chicago Illinois Area
Garage door maintenance and repair must be done with care, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety. Professional service by an experienced technician ensures your garage door remains quiet, reliable, and safe for years to come.
We proudly provide garage door maintenance and repair services across the Chicago metropolitan area, including the North, West, and South suburbs.
Our team is available 24/7 for both routine service and emergency repairs.
Our Maintenance Services Include:
🗸 Preventive maintenance and seasonal tune-ups
🗸 Emergency repair for stuck or malfunctioning doors
🗸 New garage door and opener installation
🗸 Replacement of broken springs or frayed cables
🗸 Opener and motor troubleshooting
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We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, dependable service that keeps your garage door running smoothly—and most importantly, safely.
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