Your garage door is one of the most frequently used parts of your home, and just like your HVAC system or car, it requires regular maintenance to stay in top shape. Changes in seasons bring varying weather conditions that can affect your garage door’s performance, making seasonal maintenance essential to prevent costly repairs and ensure smooth operation year-round. AAA Action Garage Doors would like to cover why seasonal garage door maintenance is important, what tasks to perform each season, and tips to keep your garage door working efficiently.
Why Seasonal Garage Door Maintenance is Important
Neglecting your garage door can lead to unexpected breakdowns, safety hazards, and costly repairs. Regular maintenance helps:
• Prevent Wear and Tear: Reduces strain on mechanical parts, extending the door’s lifespan.
• Enhance Safety: Ensures that auto-reverse mechanisms and sensors function properly.
• Avoid Costly Repairs: Catching small issues early prevents expensive emergency repairs.
• Ensure Year-Round Performance: Prevents seasonal issues like freezing in winter or expansion in summer.
Spring Garage Door Maintenance
Spring is the perfect time to inspect your garage door after winter’s harsh conditions. Cold temperatures may have caused contraction in metal parts, leading to wear and tear.
Spring Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
• Inspect and Tighten Hardware: Check hinges, bolts, and brackets to see if they are loose.
• Test the Balance of the Door: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door. If it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may need adjustment.
• Clean Tracks and Rollers: Remove dirt and debris for smooth operation.
• Test Safety Features: Ensure the auto-reverse function and photo-eye sensors are working properly.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply a high-quality garage door lubricant to springs, rollers, and hinges.
Schedule a professional tune-up in spring to catch any damage left behind by winter.
Summer Maintenance: Heat and humidity can cause metal parts to expand, affecting the door’s alignment and movement. Pests are also more active in summer, so checking for cracks or gaps is important.
Summer Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
• Inspect Weather Stripping: Look for cracks or gaps that allow hot air or pests inside.
• Check Door Alignment: Ensure the door moves smoothly without sticking.
• Inspect the Cables: Look for signs of fraying or wear.
• Clean and Paint the Door: Helps prevent rust and sun damage.
• Test the Opener’s Battery: Hot weather can drain batteries faster, so replace if necessary.
If your garage gets excessively hot, consider installing an insulated garage door to improve energy efficiency.
Fall Garage Door Maintenance
Fall is the best time to prepare your garage door for the cold months ahead. Dropping temperatures can cause metal components to contract, increasing stress on springs and cables.
Fall Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
• Inspect and Replace Weather Seals: Keeps cold air, moisture, and pests out.
• Check the Springs: Look for gaps or signs of wear before they break in winter.
• Lubricate Tracks and Moving Parts: Helps prevent metal components from stiffening.
• Check Exterior Lighting: With shorter days, make sure your garage entry is well-lit for safety.
If your garage door is old or inefficient, fall is the best time to replace it before winter arrives.
Winter Garage Door Maintenance
Cold temperatures can freeze components, make the door harder to open, and cause springs to snap. Proper winter maintenance prevents weather-related issues.
Winter Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
• Inspect and Lubricate Springs and Hinges: Prevents them from stiffening in the cold.
• Keep Tracks Clear of Ice and Snow: Prevents the door from getting stuck.
• Check for Air Leaks: Replace worn-out weatherstripping to prevent heat loss.
• Avoid Slamming the Door Shut: In freezing temperatures, forceful movement can cause cracks in the panels or damage the opener.
If your garage door is sticking or freezing shut, use silicone-based lubricant instead of water-based products that freeze.
Garage Door Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your garage door running smoothly, no matter the season. For professional garage door maintenance, contact AAA Action Garage Doors and schedule an inspection and garage door tune-up today.
