Your garage door probably opens and closes thousands of times each year. Yet, most of us only think about garage door upkeep when something goes wrong. When was the last time you inspected your garage door? For many homeowners, it is “out of sight, out of mind.” Not until it refuses to budge on a rainy Monday morning when you are already running late for work.

Let us walk through a simple garage door upkeep checklist that will help you avoid similar situations. These Titan Garage Doors Des Moines tips will keep your garage door in good shape all year, whether you just moved into a new home or have been putting off repair. So, let us get started.

Monthly Inspection Checklist for Garage Door Upkeep

One of the easiest ways to keep your garage door in great shape is to have it checked every month. Let us dive into what you need to inspect each month to stay ahead of any issues.

Safety Reversal Test

Do you know whether your garage door will stop if something comes in its path? Test your garage door’s auto-reverse feature every month to ensure safety. Place a small object in its path and close it. If it does not reverse, adjust the opener settings or consult a garage door technician.

A professional technician performs a routine garage door upkeep inspection.

 

Visual Inspection of Door and Hardware

Take a few minutes to look over the entire door. Are there any loose screws or rusted parts? Check the springs, cables, and rollers for signs of wear. Did you notice anything unusual, like frayed cables or rusty bolts? Thus, taking care of these minor issues now will save you a lot of hassle later.

Balance Test

When your door feels heavy or does not open, the balance may be off. To test this, disconnect the automatic opener and lift the door halfway by hand. Does it stay in place, or does it start to fall? A balanced door is key to smooth, hassle-free garage door upkeep.

Garage Door Upkeep Checklist Every Three Months

Here are a few simple tasks you can do quarterly to ensure your door stays in great shape:

Lubricate Moving Parts

Have you noticed any squeaking or grinding noise? That is your garage door asking for a bit of TLC. Grab a garage door lubricant and apply it to the springs, rollers, hinges, and bearings. But remember: do not overdo it. Too much lubricant can attract dust and grime, so a light spray is all you need.

Inspect and Tighten Garage Door Hardware

At the same time, garage door hardware can loosen over time, causing shifting. So check bolts, screws, brackets, and hinges from time to time; tighten if loose. This small step can prevent bigger problems down the road.

Test the Door’s Alignment

Is your door moving a little rougher than usual? Or does it look slightly off-center in the tracks? These could be signs that your door is out of alignment. Check for jerks or noises during opening and closing. Misaligned garage doors can wear down parts faster.

Biannual Deep Garage Door Maintenance

Are you curious about the nature of this twice-monthly “deep maintenance”? Let us break it down.

Test the Door Opener Settings

Does your garage door sometimes feel like it is slamming shut? Perhaps it closes too gently, leaving you wondering if it will close all the way. To avoid this, check your opener’s settings at least twice a year. That means adjusting the force settings to keep the door closing at the right speed and force.

Clean Tracks and Remove Debris

Ever noticed grime or dirt building up in the tracks? This accumulation can increase door noise or even block the rollers. Get rid of dust and dirt on the garage door tracks by wiping them down with a damp cloth. There is no need to scrub hard or use any fancy cleaner—just a quick wipe does the trick.

Inspect Weatherstripping

When was the last time you checked the weatherstripping at the bottom of your garage door? Often overlooked, yet essential, is this part of garage door upkeep. Take a quick look for cracks or worn spots. If you spot any, replacing the weatherstripping is an easy fix that will keep your garage insulated and protected.

Annual Garage Door Inspection and Tune-Up

Are you uncertain about your annual priorities? Here are a few important things to look at to keep your garage door running smoothly, safe, and looking its best.

Have a Pro Check the Springs and Cables

Checking the garage door springs and cables is essential, but it is best to leave it to a professional. Why? Handling worn-out or damaged springs and cables can pose a significant risk. A pro can safely inspect them, make adjustments, and catch signs of wear—like gaps in the springs or uneven tension—before they lead to bigger issues.

Look Over the Garage Door Panels and Paint

When was the last time you took a good look at your garage door panels? Every year, take a minute to walk around and check for cracks, dents, or warping. Also, now is a great time to think about giving your wooden garage door a new coat of paint or finish.

Test the Emergency Release Mechanism

Do you know how to open your garage door manually if there is a power outage? It is best to test the emergency release once a year to make sure it is working properly. Simply pull the red cord that hangs from the opener rail to see if it disconnects easily. Getting familiar with this feature now can help you avoid a stressful moment later if you need to open the door by hand.

Seasonal Tips for Garage Door Upkeep

Just like other parts of your home, your garage door needs a little extra care when the weather changes. Here is how you can keep it running smoothly, no matter the season:

Keep unwanted insects out of your home's entryway with a garage door upkeep.

 

Winter and Summer Adjustments

Does your Des Moines, IA, garage door act up in the cold? Winter can stiffen springs, while summer heat can cause parts to expand. Adjust the opener’s force settings for each season, and add a bit of lubricant in winter and spring to keep everything moving with ease.

Spring and Fall Pest Checks

Season changes can invite pests into your garage. Check the weatherstripping for gaps or cracks that critters might squeeze through. Replacing damaged seals can keep pests out and improve insulation.

A few quick seasonal checks go a long way for easy garage door upkeep. If something does not seem right, it might be time to call a garage door Des Moines professional.

Garage Door Maintenance Near Me

Is your garage door making those weird noises again? Do not wait for your garage door to break down just when you need it most. Keep your garage door running smoothly with Titan Garage Doors Des Moines’ professional tune-up service. Let our skilled Des Moines technicians lubricate, tighten, and inspect every part to prevent costly repairs. Plus, you do not have to worry about paying for everything at once. Use our flexible payment plans to your benefit and get your garage door serviced today. Call us now for a worry-free garage door tune-up.