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) Clean & Paint Your Garage Door

This may seem like a silly one to some but your door will last much longer if it has a proper finish. Depending on the type of door you own, a good coat of paint or stain can help deter rust or rot, extending the lifespan of your door. You’ll be amazed what a good power wash can do, too! Even older doors can look new with the right care and cleaning regimen.

2) Clean the Tracks

Make sure that your tracks are free of rust or debris of any type. You will want your door to be able to move freely without resistance of any kind, and it is not uncommon for dust and grime to build up in your tracks. Keeping the garage door tracks and surrounding area free of debris will also help protect your door’s delicate sensors (or “garage door safety eyes”).

Click here to learn more about garage door maintenance tips.

3) Clean or Replace the Weatherstripping

The weatherstripping helps keep wind, water, dust, and debris from finding its way into your garage. Harsh winter weather can cause your weatherstripping to loosen or fail.

4) Tighten Your Hardware

Examine your hinges, connectors, and tracks to make sure that everything is tight. With all of the movement and abuse a garage door takes it is not uncommon for these items to loosen over time, putting a strain on your garage door and potentially causing damage to your door, opener, hardware, rollers, cables, or pulleys.

5) 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).

6) 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).

7) 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.

8) 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.