How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, extends the life of your door, and ensures safe operation. During a maintenance visit, our technicians will inspect all components, lubricate moving parts, check the balance, test safety features, and make any necessary adjustments. If your door is used more frequently than average or is exposed to extreme weather conditions, semi-annual service may be beneficial. Between professional visits, you can perform basic maintenance like keeping the tracks clean, listening for unusual sounds, and visually inspecting the springs and cables for signs of wear.

What are the signs that I need garage door spring replacement?

There are several warning signs that indicate your garage door springs may need replacement. The most obvious is if your door won't open at all or feels extremely heavy when you try to lift it manually. You might also notice the door opening unevenly, with one side higher than the other, or the door may slam shut instead of closing smoothly. Visible signs include gaps in the torsion spring (it will look like it's in two pieces), rust or corrosion on the springs, or stretched-looking extension springs. Strange noises like loud banging, squeaking, or grinding when the door operates can also indicate spring problems. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to call a professional immediately—garage door springs are under extreme tension and can be dangerous to repair without proper training and tools.

Why should I choose fiberglass garage doors?

Fiberglass garage doors offer several advantages that make them an excellent choice for many homeowners. First, they're incredibly durable and resistant to denting, cracking, and warping, making them ideal for homes in areas with extreme weather conditions. Unlike wood doors, fiberglass won't rot, and unlike steel doors, they won't rust. Fiberglass doors are also highly customizable—they can be made to mimic the look of real wood grain without the maintenance requirements. They're lightweight, which puts less stress on your opener and springs, potentially extending their lifespan. In terms of energy efficiency, fiberglass doors can be filled with insulation to help regulate your garage's temperature. They require minimal maintenance, typically just occasional cleaning with soap and water. At Garage Door Cypress, we specialize in fiberglass door installation and back all our work with a complete peace of mind guarantee.

Essential Garage Door Maintenance: A Seasonal Checklist

7 min read Garage Door Cypress

Your garage door is one of the largest moving components of your home and one of the most frequently used entry points. The average garage door opens and closes over 1,500 times per year, putting significant stress on its mechanical components. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your door operating safely and extend its lifespan. This seasonal checklist will help you stay on top of essential maintenance tasks throughout the year.

Spring Maintenance Tasks

As temperatures warm up, spring is the perfect time to give your garage door a thorough inspection after the winter months.

Visual Inspection

Start with a careful visual inspection of all components. Look at your springs for signs of wear, rust, or gaps. Check the cables for fraying or damage. Inspect the tracks for bends, dents, or debris. Examine the rollers for wear, chips, or cracks. Look at the weatherstripping around the door for gaps or deterioration.

Clean and Lubricate

Spring is an ideal time for a thorough cleaning and lubrication. Use a mild detergent and soft brush to clean the door panels, both inside and out. Clear any debris from the tracks using a damp cloth. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks. Avoid using WD-40 or similar products on the springs, as these are not true lubricants and can actually attract dirt and grime.

Test the Balance

Disconnect your opener by pulling the release handle, then manually lift the door halfway. A properly balanced door should stay in place. If it falls or rises, your springs may need adjustment by a professional.

Check the Opener

Test your garage door opener's auto-reverse feature by placing a 2x4 board on the ground in the door's path. The door should reverse upon contact with the board. Also test the photo-eye sensors by waving an object in front of them while the door is closing. The door should immediately reverse direction.

Summer Maintenance Tasks

Summer's heat can be tough on garage door components, making it important to address any issues before they're exacerbated by extreme temperatures.

Inspect Weather Seals

The rubber weatherstripping at the bottom of your door and around the frame helps keep out heat, dust, and pests. Check for cracks, gaps, or hardening. Replace any weatherstripping that's no longer providing a tight seal.

Check for Heat Damage

Extreme heat can cause warping in some door materials and may affect the performance of springs. Inspect your door panels for any signs of warping or distortion. If you notice any issues, contact a professional for assessment.

Test the Lock

If your garage door has a manual lock, make sure it's working properly. This is especially important if you'll be away on vacation.

Clean the Photo-Eyes

Dust and debris can accumulate on your opener's photo-eye sensors, causing erratic operation. Gently clean the sensors with a soft, dry cloth.

Fall Maintenance Tasks

As temperatures begin to drop, it's time to prepare your garage door for the cooler months ahead.

Re-Lubricate Moving Parts

Apply another round of lubricant to springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks. This is especially important before cooler weather arrives, as cold temperatures can cause lubricants to thicken.

Check the Bottom Seal

The bottom seal is crucial for keeping out cold air, rain, and pests. Replace it if you notice any gaps or damage.

Inspect Exterior Paint or Finish

If your garage door is painted or stained, check for peeling, chipping, or fading. Addressing these issues now prevents moisture damage during the rainy season.

Test the Battery Backup

If your opener has a battery backup, test it to ensure it's working properly. Replace the battery if it's more than a few years old.

Winter Maintenance Tasks

Winter may be mild in Southern California, but your garage door still needs attention during this season.

Keep Tracks Clear

During rainy periods, check that your tracks are free of water and debris. Standing water can cause rust and interfere with door operation.

Listen for Unusual Sounds

Cold weather can make some mechanical issues more apparent. Listen for grinding, squeaking, or other unusual sounds that could indicate a problem.

Check Springs

Cold weather puts extra stress on springs. Visually inspect them regularly for any signs of wear or damage.

Test Auto-Reverse Monthly

Throughout the winter, continue to test your opener's auto-reverse features to ensure they're working properly.

When to Call a Professional

While regular maintenance can prevent many issues, some repairs should only be handled by professionals. Call a garage door technician if you notice broken or damaged springs, frayed or damaged cables, significant dents or damage to the door panels, the door won't stay open or closed, the opener is making grinding noises or not responding, or the door is off its tracks.

At Garage Door Cypress, we offer comprehensive maintenance services as well as repairs for all garage door issues. Our annual maintenance program includes a complete inspection of all components, lubrication of moving parts, adjustment of springs and tracks, testing of safety features, and cleaning of photo-eye sensors.

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