Garage Door Safety Tips

June is Garage Door Safety Month, making it the perfect time to give your garage door the attention it deserves. Your garage door is one of the largest and most frequently used moving parts in your home. Regular maintenance not only ensures safe operation but also extends the lifespan of your door and opener. 

To help you stay safe and avoid costly repairs, here are seven practical tips from our experts at Lifetime Door Company to keep your garage door in peak condition. 

Regular cleaning isn’t just for curb appeal—it also extends the life of your garage door. Wipe down the exterior using warm water and a mild soap to remove built-up dirt and grime. Without routine cleaning, debris can degrade the door’s finish and accelerate wear and tear. To learn more about properly cleaning your door, check out our door cleaning video.

Over time, components like hinges, rollers, tracks, and springs experience friction that can lead to sticking or damaging. To ensure smooth operation, apply a high-quality silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts every few months. This simple task can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your opener. You can purchase a can of lubricant at our office in Brookfield. 

The weatherstrip seals the door’s perimeter, keeping moisture, dirt, and pests out. Periodically clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. If you notice it’s cracked, brittle, or detached, it’s time for a replacement. A properly sealed door protects your garage and boosts energy efficiency. Call Lifetime Door today if your weatherstrip needs to be replaced.  

Garage door springs are responsible for counterbalancing the door’s weight and typically last around 10,000 cycles. When they wear out or break, your garage door may slam shut or fail to open properly which poses a serious safety risk. 

Important: Never attempt to adjust or replace springs yourself. These components are under high tension and can cause severe injury if handled improperly. If your springs are worn or broken, call Lifetime Door Company for safe, professional service. 

Since 1993, all residential garage doors must include photo eye sensors that prevent the door from closing if something is in its path. To test your system: 

1. Place a roll of paper towels under the door. 
2. Attempt to close the door. 
3. If the sensors are working correctly, the door should automatically reverse. 

If the door doesn’t respond, your sensors may be misaligned. Contact our team to schedule a safety inspection or click here to watch how to realign your safety sensors.

Children and pets are especially vulnerable to garage door accidents. Make sure your kids understand that a garage door is not a toy and never walk or run under a moving door.  

The best way to avoid expensive repairs is by investing in preventative maintenance. Regular inspections can catch small issues before they become major problems. Sign up for our preventive maintenance program today by calling us 262-783-4004. To learn more about our PM Program click here.

Need Help with Maintenance or Repairs? 

Whether it’s a broken spring, misaligned sensor, or a tune-up, Lifetime Door Company has you covered. With over 60 years of experience serving Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, we’re your trusted partner in residential and commercial garage door service. 

📞 Contact us today to schedule your garage door maintenance or repair!