Top 10 Seasonal Garage Door Maintenance Tips For Homeowners
Hey there, Atlanta homeowners! Ever heard that creak or groan from your garage door and thought, “Is that normal?” Spoiler alert: It’s probably not. Garage doors are the unsung heroes of our homes—working overtime in summer heat, winter chills, and everything in between. But just like your car (or your favorite pair of jeans), they need a little TLC to keep them running smoothly. Lucky for you, we’ve spent years at Atlanta Garage Doors learning the ins and outs of garage door repair, installation, and seasonal care. Let’s break down our top 10 tips to keep your door in tip-top shape—no robotic jargon, just real talk.
1. Inspect the Weatherstripping (Because Nobody Wants a Drafty Garage)
Let’s start with the simplest fix: weatherstripping. That rubber seal along the bottom of your door isn’t just for show. Cracked or worn-out stripping lets in drafts, rain, and even critters (looking at you, Alpharetta squirrels).
Here’s what to do:
- Check for gaps or tears by closing the door and looking for daylight sneaking through.
- Replace damaged stripping with a matching type—vinyl or rubber. Pro tip: Measure twice, cut once.
- Clean the track while you’re at it. Dirt buildup can warp the seal over time.
Not a fan of DIY? We get it. Our team at Atlanta Garage Doors handles residential garage door services faster than you can say “Marietta monsoon.”
2. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature (Safety First, Y’all)
Your garage door’s auto-reverse feature is like a seatbelt—it’s there to save lives. If it’s not working, you’re risking a serious accident.
How to test it:
- Place a wooden board or brick under the door.
- Close the door. If it doesn’t reverse immediately upon hitting the object, stop using it and call for emergency garage door service.
FYI, this isn’t just for residential doors. Commercial garage doors need love too, especially in high-traffic areas like Dunwoody office parks.
3. Tighten Those Loose Bolts and Screws
Garage doors vibrate a lot. Over time, bolts and screws can loosen, leading to misalignment or even a full-on breakdown.
Grab your toolbox and:
- Check all hardware—hinges, rollers, brackets.
- Use a socket wrench to tighten anything loose.
- Replace rusty parts ASAP. Rust spreads faster than bad reviews for a soggy pizza.
If you spot frayed cables, though, back away slowly. Garage door cable replacement requires pros (like us) to avoid injury.
4. Lubricate Moving Parts (But Not With WD-40, Please)
WD-40 is great for squeaky hinges, but it’s not a long-term fix. For garage doors, you need a silicone-based lubricant.
Focus on:
- Rollers
- Hinges
- Springs
- Track grooves
Avoid using too much—it’ll just attract dirt. And hey, if you’re tired of playing mechanic, Atlanta Garage Doors offers automatic garage door repair that’ll have your door quieter than a library.
5. Check the Balance (No, This Isn’t a Yoga Pose)
An unbalanced garage door strains the opener and wears out parts faster. Here’s a quick test:
- Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle.
- Manually lift the door halfway.
If it doesn’t stay put, the springs are likely out of whack.
Why this matters:
- Unbalanced doors are a safety hazard.
- They reduce the lifespan of your opener.
Balancing springs isn’t a DIY project unless you’re trained. Trust us—springs are under insane tension. One wrong move, and you’ll wish you’d called a garage door company (cough like us cough).
6. Clean the Tracks Like Your Mother-in-Law Is Visiting
Dirty tracks cause jerky movements and extra wear. Grab a damp cloth and:
- Wipe down the tracks thoroughly.
- Remove stubborn grime with a mild detergent.
- Check for dents or bends. If you find any, it’s time for professional garage door repair near me (or in Atlanta’s case, near you).
7. Test the Door Manually (Channel Your Inner Hulk)
Your garage door opener is handy, but you should still be able to lift the door manually without feeling like you’re bench-pressing a Buick.
If it’s too heavy:
- The springs might need adjusting.
- The rollers could be stuck.
Pro tip: Schedule a seasonal tune-up with Atlanta Garage Doors. We’ll handle the heavy lifting—literally.
8. Inspect the Cables (AKA the Unsung Heroes)
Cables do the heavy work of lifting your door. Frayed or worn cables are a disaster waiting to happen.
What to look for:
- Fraying or “birdcaging” (twisted strands).
- Rust or corrosion.
If you spot damage: Turn off the opener and call us immediately. Garage door cable replacement isn’t a YouTube tutorial moment.
9. Upgrade Your Opener (It’s 2024, Not 1994)
Still using an opener that sounds like a chainsaw? Modern openers are quieter, smarter, and safer.
Why upgrade?
- Smartphone control (because who carries remotes anymore?).
- Battery backup for power outages.
- Improved security features.
We’ve installed openers all over Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Marietta—happy to help you join the 21st century.
10. Schedule a Professional Inspection (We’ll Bring the Coffee)
Look, we get it. Life’s busy. But an annual inspection by a pro can catch issues you’d never spot.
What we check:
- Spring tension
- Opener settings
- Track alignment
- Safety features
Bonus: We’ll even show you how to maintain it between visits. Consider it a cheat code for garage door longevity.
Seasonal Maintenance Checklist (Because We’re Nice Like That)
| Season | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Spring | Clean tracks, test auto-reverse, inspect weatherstripping |
| Summer | Lubricate parts, check balance, tighten hardware |
| Fall | Test opener battery, inspect cables, clear debris |
| Winter | Check weatherstripping (again), test manual operation |
FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered
Q: How often should I lubricate my garage door?
A: Twice a year—spring and fall. Use silicone-based lubricant, not WD-40.
Q: Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
A: Only if you enjoy living dangerously. Springs are under extreme tension. Let a pro handle it.
Q: What’s the average lifespan of a garage door?
A: 15–30 years, depending on maintenance. Neglect it, and you’ll be shopping for garage door installation way sooner.
Final Thoughts (And a Shameless Plug)
Garage doors might not be glamorous, but they’re kinda a big deal. A little maintenance goes a long way in avoiding “oh crap” moments. And hey, if you’re in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, or Dunwoody, Atlanta Garage Doors has your back. Whether it’s emergency garage door service, a new residential or commercial garage door, or just a friendly chat about weatherstripping (we’re fun at parties), give us a call.
Stay proactive, y’all. Your garage door will thank you—and so will your wallet. 😉
