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Your garage door is one of the hardest-working components of your home. It goes up, it goes down—and it does this hundreds, even thousands, of times a year. Yet, for most homeowners, garage door maintenance doesn’t often cross their minds—until something goes wrong. And when it does, the situation quickly escalates from being a small inconvenience to a costly repair.
To save yourself from unnecessary headaches (and expenses), it’s worth knowing what not to do. Here are the most common garage door maintenance mistakes homeowners make and how avoiding them can keep your door running smoothly.
Why Garage Door Maintenance Matters
Before we get into the mistakes, let’s talk about why maintaining your garage door is so important. First off, it extends the lifespan of your door and its components. Lubricating the parts, testing the balance, and tightening hardware may seem like minor tasks, but they go a long way in preventing wear and tear. More importantly, regular maintenance ensures your garage door operates safely. A malfunctioning door can pose serious risks, especially for households with children and pets.
By taking the time to perform simple upkeep (and avoiding the pitfalls below), you’ll ensure your garage door works hassle-free for years to come.
Garage Door Maintenance Mistakes You Should Steer Clear Of
1. Skipping Regular Inspections
Out of sight, out of mind, right? Wrong. Many homeowners overlook inspecting their garage doors for signs of wear or damage. This often leads to issues going undetected until they’ve compounded into full-blown malfunctions.
What to do instead:
Take a few minutes every couple of months to inspect your garage door. Look for:
Frayed cables
Dents or cracks in the panels
Loose or rusted hardware
Unusual noises during operation
Catch issues early, and you can resolve them before they escalate.
2. Forgetting to Lubricate Moving Parts
Think of lubrication as the lifeblood of your garage door. Without it, the moving parts—rollers, hinges, and tracks—can stiffen, wear out, or even seize entirely. Result? A noisy door (or worse, a broken one).
What to do instead:
Invest in a high-quality garage door lubricant (NOT WD-40—that stuff’s too harsh and more of a degreaser). Apply it to the hinges, tracks, rollers, and springs every six months. You’ll be surprised at how much quieter and smoother your garage door becomes.
3. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Here’s an easy one to overlook. Many homeowners use harsh detergents or power washers to clean their garage doors. While this might get rid of grime, it can also strip paint, damage the finish, or corrode metal parts.
What to do instead:
Stick to gentle cleaning! Use a mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth or sponge. Cleaning your garage door not only keeps it looking great but also prevents buildup that can interfere with its operation.
4. Ignoring the Safety Sensor
Your garage door’s safety sensors are a critical feature, preventing the door from closing on objects, kids, or pets. However, these sensors can become misaligned, obstructed, or even dirty, rendering them ineffective. Some homeowners don’t notice this until it’s too late.
What to do instead:
Test the sensors monthly by placing an object (like a box) in the path of the closing door. The door should stop and reverse immediately. If it doesn’t, you may need to clean, realign, or replace the sensors.
5. Neglecting Spring Tension
Ah, the springs—the unsung heroes of your garage door system. They handle the heavyweight lifting (literally) and are vital for smooth operation. A door that’s off-balance or closes unevenly is often a sign of worn-out or misaligned springs.
What to do instead:
Leave spring adjustments to the pros. Seriously. These high-tension components can be dangerous if mishandled. If you notice issues with your door’s balance or movement, call a qualified garage door technician ASAP.
6. Overlooking the Weather Seal
The weather seal—aka that strip at the bottom of your garage door—is vital for keeping out dirt, debris, and drafts. Many homeowners fail to check (or replace) it, which can result in higher energy bills and a chilly garage in winter.
What to do instead:
Inspect the weather seal regularly. If you notice cracks, gaps, or brittleness, replace it. It’s a quick and inexpensive fix that enhances your garage’s insulation and keeps pests out.
7. DIY Repairs Without Proper Knowledge
YouTube is great for learning how to bake sourdough or fix a squeaky hinge, but some garage door repairs simply aren’t safe to DIY. Tackling jobs like spring replacements or motor repairs without the right tools or expertise is not only risky but could also void your warranty.
What to do instead:
Know your limits. Small tasks like tightening screws or lubricating parts? Go for it. Anything involving electrical components or load-bearing parts? Call in a pro.
8. Neglecting the Tracks
Dust, debris, or even small dents in the tracks can affect your garage door’s operation. Neglecting these can make your door noisy or cause it to jerk during movement.
What to do instead:
Keep those tracks clear! Wipe them down with a damp cloth, and check for any bends or damage that may require repair.
Keeping Your Garage Door in Tip-Top Shape
Your garage door may not be the flashiest part of your home, but it’s definitely one of the most useful. Taking the time to perform regular maintenance—and avoiding the costly mistakes above—not only extends its lifespan but can also save you a fortune in repair bills.
Remember, while some tasks can be easily DIYed, don’t hesitate to call a professional when it comes to complicated repairs or adjustments. Your garage door is an investment in your home’s safety and convenience, so it’s worth giving it the care and attention it deserves.
