Maintenance Garage Door
Ultimate Guide to Garage Door Maintenance & Safety
At Browns Garage Door, we believe that a little prevention goes a long way. Regular maintenance garage door checks can save you hundreds of dollars in emergency repairs and extend the life of your system by years.
Whether you live in a new build in Visalia or a historic home in Exeter, these tips will help you keep your door running smoothly and safely.
DIY Safety Checks You Can Do Today
You don’t need to be a professional technician to spot trouble. Perform these simple checks every 3–6 months to ensure your system is safe.
1. The Balance Test
A properly balanced door is critical. If the door is out of balance, the opener has to work too hard, leading to premature burnout.
How to check: Disconnect the opener by pulling the red emergency release cord. Lift the door manually to about waist height.
The Result: The door should stay in place, supported entirely by the springs. If it slams down or shoots up, your springs are out of adjustment. Do not try to fix this yourself. Call us immediately.
2. The Auto-Reverse Safety Test
This is vital for families with children or pets.
How to check: Place a roll of paper towels or a block of wood flat on the floor in the center of the door opening. Push the button to close the door.
The Result: When the door touches the object, it should immediately reverse and go back up. If it crushes the object, your safety sensors or force settings are dangerous.
3. Visual Inspection of Hardware
Grab a flashlight and look at the metal tracks, rollers, and hinges.
Look for: Rust, loose bolts, or frayed cables.
Listen for: Grinding, scraping, or squealing noises. A quiet door is a healthy door.
4 Signs Your Door Needs Professional Repair
While you can lubricate rollers yourself, some issues require a trained expert. If you notice any of these, it’s time to call Browns Garage Door:
- Loud Bangs: If you hear a noise like a gunshot, a spring has likely snapped.
- Sagging Sections: If the door looks uneven or “smiles” when it opens, the structure is compromised.
- Slow Response: If the door takes longer than usual to open or hesitates, the motor may be failing.
- Jerky Movement: Smooth is safe. Jerky movement usually means track alignment issues or worn rollers.
Garage Door Safety Tips for Kids
Children are naturally curious, but a garage door is not a toy. Teach your kids these life-saving rules:
- Buttons are for Adults: Mount your wall button at least 5 feet high, out of reach of small children.
- Never Race the Door: Trying to run under a closing door is a leading cause of entrapment injuries.
- Watch Your Fingers: Teach kids never to put fingers between the door sections. As the door bends to roll up, those gaps close and can cause severe injury.
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Maintenance Garage Door
FAQ’s
How often should I have my garage door professionally serviced?
We recommend a professional “Lube & Tune” once a year. This ensures springs are tensioned correctly and all safety systems are verified.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
No. Springs are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury or death if handled incorrectly. Always hire a professional for spring replacement.
What is the best lubricant for my garage door?
Use a silicone-based spray or white lithium grease. Never use WD-40 on tracks or rollers; it acts as a solvent, stripping away existing grease and attracting dust that gums up the works.
Why does my door reverse when it hits the floor?
This usually means the “down limit” setting on your opener is set too far. The opener thinks the door has hit an obstruction (the floor) and reverses for safety. A technician can adjust this in minutes.
We model our professional services on the high standards for safety and ethics set forth by the International Door Association (IDA), ensuring our customers receive top-quality work.
Maintenance Garage Door & Safety Tips
Need a Safety Garage Door Inspection?
Don’t wait for a breakdown. If you are unsure about your door’s condition, let our family help yours.
Call Browns Garage Door: (559) 786-0189 Service Areas: Visalia, Tulare, Hanford, Lemoore, Porterville, Clovis, Fresno, Exeter, Three Rivers.
