Spring has finally begun to reach Brookfield. Before we know it we will all be out in our yards and gardens taking advantage of the beautiful, warm sunny weather.

We will also be knee-deep in spring maintenance chores like clearing the flower beds, planting the garden, and cleaning up the remnants of damage from the many winter storms that hit us here in the north. Today we’re going to add one more item to your to-do list, garage door maintenance.

Spring is the ideal time to perform some thorough garage door maintenance. Winter weather can do a number on your garage door and it is a good idea to start every spring by walking through some simple maintenance steps ensuring that your garage door stays functional all summer long.

Today, we’re going to walk through a series of simple steps you can take each spring and fall to maximize the lifespan of your garage door:

1) Inspect Your Rollers

Take a close look at your rollers. Any rollers that are damaged or broken should be replaced.

(Note: Do not remove your bottom rollers as they are connected to the spring via lift cables and are under a lot of tension.

If there is a problem with your bottom rollers give us a call at 262-783-4004 and a technician can safely help you replace these high tension rollers).

2) Examine Cables & Pulleys

Look for damage or wear to your cables and pulleys. Most commonly you will spot fraying of the wire cables.

If you find damage here, contact a professional to assist with replacing these elements as they’re typically under a lot of tension and can be dangerous if handled incorrectly).

3) Lubricate, Lubricate, Lubricate

You can greatly increase the lifespan of your door by lubricating all moving parts. Twice a year it is a good idea to apply a high-quality spray lubricant on the rollers and hinges.

4) Test Your Door

Once you have completed the maintenance steps make sure to test your door. Pay careful attention to its balance. A door that is out of balance will need to work harder.

Out of balance doors also put a great deal of stress on your hardware, tracks, and rollers and significantly shorten the lifespan of your garage door.

A good test of balance is to disconnect your door from your opener and open it halfway. If the door remains open and is level then your door is likely well balanced.

If your door closes itself, is very difficult to open, or sits crooked it would be a good idea to schedule a consultation with one of our garage door experts.

We hope these tips will keep your garage door functioning for years to come but if you need help or experience any problems along the way, please do not hesitate to reach out and request a free estimate. We are here to help.