BLOG How to Extend the Life of Your Garage Door with Proper Care Mar 08, 2025

Extending the life of your garage door is not only cost-effective but also crucial for home safety and convenience. A well-maintained garage door can last for years, offering high performance and safety. Here are some essential tips from 603 Garage Door Services LLC to help you take care of your garage door and ensure it serves your home reliably.

The first step in maintaining a garage door is to conduct regular inspections. At least once every season, closely examine all the components—springs, cables, rollers, and tracks—checking for signs of wear or damage. Look for frayed cables or broken springs that could compromise the door's operation. If you detect any serious issues, it's wise to call a professional garage door technician to handle repairs, as doing so ensures safety and proper functioning.

An often-overlooked aspect of garage door care is lubrication. To prevent wear and tear, lubricate the moving parts of the garage door every six months. Use a high-quality lubricant on the door’s hinges, rollers, and tracks. This helps the parts move smoothly and reduces stress on the garage door opener. Remember, using the wrong lubricant or overusing it can cause more harm than good, so follow product instructions carefully.

Checking the balance of your garage door is crucial. A garage door out of balance can strain the opener, leading to premature failure. To test the balance, disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle when the door is closed. Manually raise the door halfway—if it stays in place, the door is balanced; if it does not, you need professional adjustment as this involves the spring mechanism which can be hazardous if handled improperly.

Weather stripping on the bottom of your garage door is vital for maintaining energy efficiency and keeping out debris. Inspect the weather stripping periodically for cracks or damage. If it’s worn, replace it to keep moisture and pesky pests out, ensuring your garage stays dry and clean.

Visually inspect the door itself for signs of damage such as rust spots on metal doors or flaking paint on wooden ones. Address these issues promptly to prevent worsening. For metal doors, sanding and painting can fend off rust, while wooden doors also benefit from a good sealant.

Lastly, be mindful of how you use your garage door. Avoid using it as the primary entryway to your house to reduce wear. It’s designed for occasional use, and frequent operation can accelerate wear and tear. Also, ensure the safety sensors of your automatic garage door opener function correctly by testing them monthly. Place an object in the door's path to ensure it reverses upon contact or signal disruption.

Incorporating these simple care tips not only extends the life of your garage door but also saves money on unnecessary repairs or replacements. Good practices make operational reliability the norm, not the exception. For any concerns beyond basic maintenance, trust the expertise of specialists like those at 603 Garage Door Services LLC to provide professional servicing and repair. By giving your garage door the attention it deserves, you ensure it serves your home faithfully for many years to come. Let our professional garage door technicians assist with keeping your door not just functional but also in its prime condition.